Founders:

Nicole Kolenda, M.S., CCC-SLP, P.C., is a Speech Language Pathologist in private practice (pediatrics) on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and an Adjunct Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University and New York University where she teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in articulation/phonological disorders, therapeutic planning and intervention strategies. Nicole also holds a position as a Clinical Supervisor at NYU where she supervises graduate students during their first on-campus practicum and is a member of the PROMPT New York advisory board. Nicole recently accepted a position with Dr. Marilyn Agin, a neuro-developmental pediatrician, assessing children with developmental delays/disorders. Nicole specializes in the assessment and treatment of articulation/phonological delay(s)/disorder(s) and has dedicated much of her time and skill to helping children with developmental disabilities become better communicators. Her caseload consists of children diagnosed with global delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Sensory Integration Dysfunction, and Central Auditory Processing Disorder. (Nicole@therapyscoop.com)

Nicole received her undergraduate degree in Speech Language Pathology from New York University and went on to pursue a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Columbia University , Teachers College. She holds a permanent certificate as a Teacher of Speech and Hearing Handicapped, a Certificate of Clinical Competency from ASHA, and is licensed in New York State. Nicole is trained in the PROMPT technique and oral-motor therapy (Sarah-Rosenfeld Johnson). She has also participated in sensory integration training(s) and integrates those techniques within her therapy sessions.

Lisa D'Arpino, OTR/L, is an Occupational Therapist who specializes in pediatrics and works with children in her Sensory Integration Gym on Manhattan 's Upper East Side . She received her Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Hartford, Connecticut, is licensed in New York State , and certified in Therapeutic Listening and Brain Gym . Additionally, Lisa is trained in sensory integration, Handwriting Without Tears , pediatric yoga, and oral motor techniques. Along with a play therapist, she developed and continues to lead socialization groups in the sensory gym setting. Most recently, Lisa has forged a relationship with the graduate occupational therapy program at Columbia University , supervising students at her gym as a part of their off-campus practicum.

Lisa has extensive experience evaluating and treating children with diagnoses including: Sensory Processing Disorder, developmental delays, auditory processing difficulties, children who present with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and other special needs. Lisa utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach. Her private practice incorporates Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Play Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Counseling services. (Lisa@therapyscoop.com)

Contributing Writers:

Marcie Beigel is a Behavioral Therapist and Special Educator with over 10 years of experience. She specializes in behavioral interventions and technique across a variety of settings and populations. Over the past decade, Marcie has worked with children with a large range of special needs, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Auditory processing, Down Syndrome and typical children with behavioral difficulties. Marcie is currently working with children and families providing home services and parent training on the Upper West Side of Manhattan .

Marcie received her undergraduate degree from The George Washington University in Speech and Hearing and Psychology. She received her masters in Behavior Disorders-Applied Behavior Analysis form Columbia University . She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She holds permanent certification as a Special Education teacher, School Administrator and Supervisor and a School District Administrator in New York State . Currently, Marcie is pursuing a Ed.D. at Columbia University , in Administration for Special Education programs. Ultimately, she will use this degree to open a school for children with special needs.

Shirley Aninias , M.A., TSHH received her Master's degree from Teacher's College Columbia University and received her undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders from Kean University. Her career began in the New York City public school system teaching learning disabled elementary students. She later accepted a position as a Special Education Intinerant Teacher (SEIT) for developmentally delayed children ages 0-5years years for a New York City based not for profit organization. Her responsibilities as a lead SEIT consisted of designing individualized home and school curriculum and leading educational teams for early intervention and preschool cases. She works intensively with speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists to design effective programs for each of her students. In addition to being lead SEIT she also provided 1:1 support for students attending mainstream preschools. Shirley currently works as a field specialist supervising home-based cases in the New York metropolitan area. In addition to her supervisory duties, she continues to consult with families, provides private home-based therapy for children, and conducts language-based playgroups with speech pathologist, Jennifer Topf.

Dawn Parsells, graduated from Marist College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education. After graduating, she taught in a school dedicated to educating children on the Autistic Spectrum for two years. She then pursued a Masters of Science degree in Counseling and Development from Long Island University . Currently, Dawn is a certified special education teacher in New York City . She has worked with children diagnosed on the Autistic Spectrum for the past 10 years. Her experiences include individual and group instruction both in the home and at school. To support generalization of newly acquired skills, Dawn also provides treatment in various community settings, including parks, restaurants and stores. In an effort to combine her counseling and educational backgrounds, Dawn periodically hosts workshops and support groups for parents. Dawn recognizes that all children are unique (and do not learn in the same manner) and in an effort to better understand the children she treats, she has researched and attended numerous workshops on various disciplines and treatment methodologies including; ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), DIR/ Floortime, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy/ Sensory Integration, Brain Gym , and Handwriting Without Tears .

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