Staff

Lynda “Bibi” Pavel , OTR/L

Bibi is an Occupational Therapist with over 20 years of experience, specializing in pediatrics. She earned her degree from SUNY Downstate University. Bibi began her career at New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell’s Burn Center, where she gained an in-depth knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and was called upon for her pediatric expertise. Bibi is often consulted by local schools where she has designed sensory hallways, sensory breaks, and coached teachers on optimal classroom environments to include learners of all sensory strengths. Trained by the Aquatic Therapy Rehabilitation Institute (ATRI), she has the unique skills to bring therapy to the water. Bibi has a 100% success rate of teaching children to swim where they have been previously unsuccessful. Bibi’s keen eye when diagnosing and soft heart when treating is what parents and educators have come to love and respect.

Michelle Gellman, OTR/L

Michelle earned her degree from New York University and has been a practicing Occupational Therapist for more than 25 years. Michelle has always worked with children in both school and therapeutic sensory gym environments. Michelle tailors her sessions to meet each child’s unique needs while aiming to build children’s self-esteem and confidence.  Michelle prides herself on letting her patients know that she “believes in them” and on making learning fun by adapting typical household items and games into teaching tools. Michelle’s creativity aims to make therapy fun, especially when teaching new skills. Michelle loves what she does and that is apparent with every interaction.

Rachel Kafri, OTR/L

Rachel earned her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Boston University in 2018. Rachel has experience working with children in schools and therapeutic sensory gyms. Driven by genuine passion for her work, Rachel brings infectious energy and enthusiasm to every session. Along with her passion for supporting children and families, Rachel has particular expertise in treating newborns and infants presenting with Torticollis, Plagiocephaly, and early motor milestone delays (rolling, sitting, crawling). Rachel’s approach goes beyond addressing isolated symptoms. She takes time to consider root causes of challenges and works holistically to support the whole child. Rachel is passionate about creating engaging, playful, therapeutic environments where children feel comfortable exploring their potential, so they can not just meet milestones, but truly thrive.

Lisa Donath, LCSW

Lisa obtained her Masters in Social Work from New York University. Lisa’s experiences include serving as Director of Guidance for a local Elementary and Middle School, providing social and emotional support and education to students and their families. Lisa also served as the Program Director and Director of Family Services at the New York Center for Living, where she provided individual, family, and group therapy for struggling teens. With a wealth of experience working with the daily challenges faced by children, Lisa possesses an in-depth understanding of the developing mind. Her primary objective is to create a safe and nurturing environment for individuals to explore their feelings and beliefs, assert themselves, and manage stress.