OUR THERAPISTS
Jessica Zambito, M.S. OTR/L, Owner & Director
Jessica created BLOOM sensory gym after 13+ years of passionate work as a n occupational therapist specialized in pediatrics.Jessica utilizes an evidence-based, holistic, neuro & sensory integrative approach in working with children. Jessica is the sole owner of 3 established private therapy practices including Bloom OT & Spring Ahead OT.
Jessica holds a dual B.S. in Psychology & Biology & Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy. She will be pursuing her PHD In 2024-2025. Jessica has practiced in a variety of pediatric settings with ages 0-18. She has worked in public, charter & private schools, early intervention, sensory integration clinics, outpatient hospital settings & volunteer work throughout the world.
Jessica has extensive experience in providing evaluations & treatment for children with neurological, sensory integration & neurodevelopmental differences. Jessica specializes in sensory integration & floor-time. She is trained in a variety of specialized programs such as Astronaut Training, Therapeutic Listening, Denver STAR,Alert Program, DIR/FLOORTIME, Brain Gym, Children’s Yoga, DPPT/Willbarger protocol, Reflex Integration, NDT & Handwriting Without Tears.
Jessica enjoys working with children and families. She utilizes an affirming, holistic & whole child approach,. She believes in a joyful & meaningful engagement with children throughout their therapy and enjoys collaborating with all members of a child’s life to help support a child’s independence & success.
Sandy Song M.A. OTR/L Senior Occupational Therapist
Sandy has graduated with a M.A. in Occupational therapy at the University of Southern California in 2008 and has been working in pediatrics in NYC since. She has worked in various settings including schools, clinics, early intervention, as well as specialized work-readiness programs for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Sandy has a wealth of knowledge in childhood development and understands the complex building block that lay the foundation for success and independence in daily lives.
Sandy has developed training and specialty skills in NDT facilitation, Myofascial Release, DIR/Floortime, Kinesiotaping, Therapeutic Listening, Astronaut Training, Handwriting Without Tears, Visual/ Perceptual Skill rehabilitation, Solisten/Tomatis, Nutrition, SOS Feeding, and the CAN-EAT approach. Sandy has excellent therapeutic handling skills and is confident working with children with physical and neurological complexities. She is extremely skilled and talented working with infants with developmentall concerns such as torticollis or delayed crawling. Throughout the years, she has grown in her passion to help her clients claim their right to play, learn and grow within their communities. Sandy has special interests in Sensory Processing Disorder, Neurodevelopmental Treatment, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and early childhood development. While grounded in sensory-motor integration principles, Sandy’s treatment approach is engaging and unique to each child, embedded in the powerful medium of ‘play’ and a relationship grounded in trust and respect.
Sandy joined Bloom in 2020 when first opening its door alongside Jess. Her work and passion has been instrumental in helping families and Bloom community thrive. Sandy works at our Greenpoint location full time as a senior therapist. She provides supervision and consults with therapists and families.
Nicole Gravalis OTD, OTR/L CASI
Nicole is a pediatric occupational therapist who graduated with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and a clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from The Ohio State University. Upon graduating, she has worked with children in sensory gyms in Hawaii and Nashville for the last seven years. While in Nashville, she additionally combined her love of gymnastics with occupational therapy by providing adaptive gymnastics classes for children of all abilities.
Nicole is passionate about providing child-centered care emphasizing children's strengths and interests within sessions. She has completed a variety of training including her Certification in Ayres Sensory Integration, SOS Approach to Feeding, DIR/FloorTime, Integrated Listening Systems, and Safe and Sound as well as functional vision. Nicole has experience working with children with PDA, SPD, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental diagnosis.
Nicole has centered her practice on neurodivergent affirming care to ensure that children feel valued, respected, and comfortable embracing their authentic selves. She works to ensure that children and their families have the knowledge and tools to advocate and succeed across their natural environments. Nicole joined our team as a full time therapist providing services at our Williamsburg, and Greenpoint locations.
Regan Bolding MS OTR/L
Regan is a pediatric occupational therapist who graduated with a B.S. in Health Studies and a Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Oklahoma. Upon graduating, she has worked with children in sensory gym, home and school-based settings for several years. Regan is passionate about emphasizing the value of play, while providing holistic, family-centered care.
Regan has experience working with children with a multitude of strengths, interests, and goals. She utilizes a variety of programs such as QuickShifts, the Alert Program, Zones of Regulation, and Learning/Handwriting Without Tears to support her therapeutic practice. Regan’s goal is for each child she meets to feel respected, valued, and capable, while also ensuring the family has the knowledge and tools needed to be empowered at home. Regans gentle, patient and creative nature works extremely well for neurodiverse children and family guidance in the therapeutic process. Regan joined Bloom OT in 2020 and transitioned her career to a full time therapist in 2023. She is a full time therapist at our Williamsburg office & surrounding community.
Lindsey Britt MS OTR/L
Lindsey is a pediatric occupational therapist who graduated with a dual B.S. in Early Childhood Education/Special Education from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and a M.S. in Occupational Therapy from Salus University. Lindsey was a preschool special education for two years in Delaware prior to returning to school to pursue her dream job as an occupational therapist. Lindsey has worked in various settings with children of all ages including sensory integration clinics, outpatient, pediatric long term care unit, medical day care, schools, early intervention, home-based services, community based services, and telehealth.
In the past, Lindsey has merged her 16 years of competitive gymnastics experience and passion for working with children with special needs to create “Gymbilities”, a tailored gymnastics class for children with varying abilities. Lindsey’s community efforts also extend globally. She has volunteered with Autism on the Seas, supporting children and families on a cruise vacation and traveled to Morocco with Therapy Missions to provide therapy services to an underserved special education school.
Lindsey values ongoing education to best serve the children she works with and has additional certifications in pediatric Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation, pediatric orthotic fabrication, The Listening Program, Integrated Listening Systems (ILS), and Safe and Sound Protocol. Lindsey has additional training and experience in the use of Handwriting Without Tears, Size Matters, feeding therapy for children with sensory and/or medical disorders, primitive reflex integration, Astronaut Training, NDT strategies, Zones of Regulation, The ALERT Program, and more.
Through her creative and play-based interventions, and emphasis on parent education, Lindsey is passionate about building children’s positive self-esteem through their achievement of important milestones, paving the way for each child to become the best versions of themselves. Lindey has joined our practice as a full time therapist. She is excited to bring her 10 years of experience in pediatrics and OT passion to Bloom.
Erin Kuntz MS OTR/L
Erin is a pediatric occupational therapist who graduated with a B.S. in Public Health from College of Charleston and an M.S. in Occupational Therapy from Hofstra University. Erin has worked with children of all ages and stages of development in schools, sensory gyms, and home care through NYS early intervention for several years. Prior to joining our team Erin worked at the QUAD school in Manhattan. Erin has experience working with children on sensory processing, motor coordination and strength, executive functioning, and daily living skills. She has training in primitive reflex integration, sensory processing, polyvagal theory, emotional regulation, and handwriting through Learning without Tears. Erin is certified in the Safe and Sound Protocol, an integrative listening program which helps to improve nervous system regulation. She combines her knowledge in these practice areas with client interests to guide intervention sessions, and values building strong therapeutic relationships with clients and families. Erin is passionate about the power that occupational therapy has to help facilitate growth and development in a fun and engaging way.
Dr. Tovy Aube PT, DPT Physical Therapist
Tovy is an exceptional pediatric physical therapist who has been practicing for 14+ years. Tovy is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and graduated from University of Southern California in 2007. Tovy has extensive experience with early intervention, preschool, school & tween populations. Tovy is confident and comfortable in working with children in our sensory gym, schools, community & homes. She has extensive experience in outpatient facilitates, home based services and school based settings. She is skilled in evaluating & treating children with neurological, motor & sensory integration differences including ASD, Down syndrome, Hypotonia, Cerebral Palsy, Dyspraxia & global developmental delays. She draws from a variety of techniques including biomechanics, NDT, sensory- motor & kinesiotaping. She is skilled in gait training, ambulation & orthotic management. She utilizes an effective and dynamic approach in working with children and families to help them achieve gross motor skill goals independently. Tovy works with families in our Williamsburg & Manhattan offices & home/school by appointment.
Katelyn Dobranski MS OT, OTR/L
Katelyn is a passionate pediatric occupational therapist dedicated to helping all children ages birth to eighteen. Katelyn received a bachelors degree in health sciences and a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University. Since graduation, she has gained extensive experience in outpatient hospital, rehabilitation center, private practice, and home care settings. Before entering a full time position at Bloom, Katelyn worked at NYU outpatient in the sensory intensive program and outpatient pediatric program. Katelyn believes in utilizing a holistic approach, considering the physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects of each child. She uses various treatment techniques including sensory integration, DIR/Floortime, NDT approaches, learning without tears, astronaut training, therapeutic listening, and play-based interventions to tailor treatment plans to each individual client. Her dedication and expertise have helped numerous children overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable progress.
Samantha Hughes MS OTR/L
Sam graduated with a B.S. in Health Science and a Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida. She has been working as a pediatric occupational therapist for 10 years in a variety of settings, including hospital-based inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient clinics, private practice, and home care. She has a strong background providing evaluations and treatment for children and infants with neurological diagnoses, orthopedic conditions, developmental delays, genetic conditions, and sensory integration and neurodevelopmental differences. She is certified in Aquatic Therapy and is skilled in Kinesiotaping, Handwriting Without Tears, and the Alert Program. She has undergone specialized training in the care of children and infants with brachial plexus injuries, as well as treatment for premature and medically complex infants.Sam is working towards her board certification in pediatrics through the American Occupational Therapy Association. Prior to working with Bloom, Sam was a Senior Occupational Therapist at NYU’s Rusk Rehabilitation. She is passionate about providing child-centered, evidence-based treatment and empowering families and caregivers to help their child reach their goals.
Candice Healy MS OTR/L
Candice has worked in schools, hospitals, daycares, homes, and sensory gyms since graduating from New York University with her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree. Candice’s clinical experience has provided her with a unique foundation and interpersonal skill-set for working with individuals of all abilities and ages. She utilizes a holistic approach with an emphasis on sensory regulation to drive sessions to a client-centered root. She has completed continuing education in Therapeutic Listening, QuickShifts, Astronaut Training, Sensory Integration, Primitive Reflexes, Handwriting Without Tears, Oral Motor & Mealtimes, Behavioral Regulation, and DIR-Floortime. In a pediatric setting, Candice emphasizes the importance of effective communication with families to ensure carryover at home, a vital key to each child’s success. Candice is motivated to help clients reach their full potential while having fun! Candice works at our facility part time and in a school for children with special needs during the day.
Tiffany Huynh M.A. OTR/L
Tiffany is a licensed occupational therapist who graduated with a B.A in Behavior and Health from Boston University and a M.A. in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University. She is experienced in working with children in various school, home, and gym-based settings within NYC. She is currently serving the North Brooklyn community at a preschool for children with special needs, in addition to BLOOM. Tiffany emphasizes the incorporation of sensory integrative and child/family-centered approaches into evidence-based interventions to not only enhance occupational engagement in the classroom and home, but in social settings and the community as well. She has formal training in Primitive Reflex Integration Training, DIR/Floortime, Therapeutic Listening, Astronaut Training, and the S’cool Moves for Learning Program. Ultimately focusing on promoting well-rounded development, Tiffany aims to support all aspects of children’s physical, social and emotional well-being through her practice of occupational therapy. Tiffany's treatment approach is rooted in her belief in the power of independence, confidence, self-advocacy, and most importantly, play in shaping children's success throughout all stages of their development. Tiffany practices at Children’s Academy school full time and our Greenpoint facility part time.
Emily Katz M.S. OTR/L
Emily graduated with a MS in Occupational Therapy from Stony Brook University. Previously, she graduated from Binghamton University with a major in psychology and minor in health and wellness. Emily has extensive experience providing services in the Ayers Sensory Integration and DIR/Floor-time frameworks. She works as an occupational therapist full time at the Rebecca School and part time at our Williamsburg facility. She combines neuroscience and play as her foundation to facilitate engaging, fun, and productive therapy sessions. She has completed continuing education in DIR/Floortime, Therapeutic Listening, Safe and Sound Protocol, and the SpIRIt clinical reasoning tool. In addition to seeing clients at Bloom, she works full time in an independent special education private school. She is passionate about providing respect- based, developmentally appropriate services for all clients and creating a strong therapeutic relationship based using her client’s interests.
Erika Scalfadini MS OTR/L
Erika graduated with a MS in Occupational Therapy from Hofstra University. Previously, she graduated from The College of Charleston with a major in Public Health. Erika has extensive experience providing services in the DIR/Floor-time frameworks. She works as an occupational therapist full time at the Rebecca School and part time at our Williamsburg and Greenpoint facility. Her goal is to form meaningful connections with children by engaging in play based therapy combining both neuroscience based principles and their unique passions and interests. She has completed continuing education in DIR/Floortime, Interoception, Sensory Integration, STEP-SI, the SpIRIt clinical reasoning tool. In addition to seeing clients at Bloom, she works full time in an independent special education private school. She is passionate about developing therapeutic relationships and empowering children to reach their full potential.
Alyssa Burdge MOT, OTR/L, CLT
Alyssa has worked in the pediatric population for several years in school-based, early intervention and homecare settings. She received her Masters Degree from Quinnipiac University in 2018, and has experience working with adults in oncology and neurology prior to her time in pediatrics. She values play-based practice with heavy incorporation of sensory techniques. She utilizes a treatment approach that works on children's physical, social and emotional wellbeing to improve their independence in each stage of their life. Alyssa believes in holistic, meaningful engagement with the children that she works with in a way that will spark joy and excitement each time they come to OT! She is very interested in gaining more experience in pediatric NDT and hopes to receive the specialized NDT certification in the near future. Alyssa works full-time at Kennedy Children's Center and part time at our Williamsburg facility.
Jen Axman MS OTR/L
Jen is a licensed occupational therapist who received a M.S. in Occupational Therapy from Long Island University, Brooklyn in 2018. Prior to that, Jen received a B.S. in Art Education from SUNY New Paltz in 2012. Jen has been working as a pediatric occupational therapist for five years in clinical, school, and home settings. She has extensive experience working with children ages 3-21 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and other developmental disabilities. Jen strongly believes in an individualized child centered approach. She enjoys meeting each child on their level, learning about their special interests, and using those interests to inspire participation and growth in all areas of occupation. She is trained in the Zones of Regulation, ALERT Program, Learning/Handwriting Without Tears, Rhythmic Movement Training, Therapeutic Listening, and Astronaut Training. Jen also enjoys incorporating art making into her therapeutic practice while working on areas such as fine motor skills, emotional regulation, and executive functioning skills.
Lauraine Mann - Office Assistant
Lauraine is British and recently moved to Brooklyn NY. Lauraine works as a psychosomatic therapist alongside her position as an office assistant at Bloom. You will find her answering your phone calls, emailing you in response to your questions and working behind the scenes, so that all the OTs and PTs can give their undivided attention to your child! Email: office@bloomoccupationaltherapy.com