Our Professionals

​Jen graduated from Tufts University with a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2018. Her student fieldworks included a rotation at Brookline Public Schools to support students with fine motor development and self-regulation skills and a placement with the Day Habilitation Program for adults with physical and developmental disabilities at United Cerebral Palsy in Watertown. Since graduating, Jen has provided home-based therapy to infants, toddlers, and their caregivers through early intervention services in Massachusetts. Her clinical experience also encompasses trainings in self-regulation, parent-coaching, neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT), feeding therapy, and working with children with visual and/or hearing impairment. In her free time, Jen enjoys watching movies with friends, baking for her loved ones, seeing musicals or plays, and crafting.

Liz is passionate about working with children and their families to promote participation in everyday occupations. Liz is a graduate of MCPHS University where she completed her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy (2019), and a Bachelor's degree in Public Health (2017). Prior to BAC, she worked as an occupational therapist with clients across the lifespan in multiple settings including home-hospital, school-based services, schools, educational collaboratives, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation, and long-term acute care. Liz is currently the school partnership coordinator at the BAC. Liz is a certified provider for Interactive Metronome, Brain Gym® 101 Certificate provider, and has training in Safety-Care®. She has participated in intensive workshops such as The #KingofSwings Sensorimotor Workshop and more. She has special interests in continuing education and practices related to neurodiversity, CIMT, dysgraphia, and more! Outside of OT, Liz enjoys dancing, cooking, hot yoga, traveling, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.

Amanda Cardinal is a graduate of MCPHS University where she received her Master's degree in occupational therapy. She completed her fieldwork placements at a neurodiverse preschool in California, and at a subacute rehab for brain injuries at Sinai hospital in Maryland. Prior to completing her degree, Amanda worked as a teaching assistant and paraprofessional in Wellesley public schools, as well as an early childhood educator and after school teacher for Wellesley Community Children's Center. Amanda has significant experience working with infants, toddlers, and school aged children, however working as a kindergarten classroom assistant led her to discovering a love of Occupational Therapy. Prior to working in school settings, Amanda worked in outpatient psychiatry at Brigham and Women's hospital as a resource specialist and intake coordinator before realizing her true passion was working with children. Amanda strives to find the strengths in each child she works with and ensures a positive connection while developing skills needed to succeed in everyday activities. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, concerts, the beach, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog Sosa. 

Bella graduated with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of New England as well as a bachelor’s degree in Health, Wellness, and Occupational Studies and a minor in Coaching. She completed her clinical fieldwork experience in an acute care hospital and in an outpatient pediatric/preschool setting. Throughout her last year in graduate school, Bella was a LEND trainee where she worked with children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. She gained many skills regarding advocacy, interprofessional collaboration, and family/client-centered practice. Bella is extremely passionate about adaptive sports, as she completed her elective project for LEND on the Maine Trykers chapter of the national AMBUCS organization. During this year-long project, she worked to provide adaptive tricycles to children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Outside of work, Bella enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog as well as watching movies, going to the beach, and coaching ice hockey.

Laura recently relocated to the Boston area with her family from Baltimore, Maryland. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Childhood Development and a master's degree in Occupational Therapy. She has over 6 years of experience treating and evaluating in the school and outpatient settings. Laura has worked with individuals ranging in age from 4-21 with various diagnoses including but not limited to: autism, brain injury, social-emotional disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, learning disabilities, and developmental delay. She is passionate about working with children and their families and has had the privilege of working with children in a variety of areas including sensory processing, self-regulation, fine motor, visual motor integration, and executive functioning. Laura has completed continuing education with Handwriting Without Tears, The Alert Program, and is a certified provider for Interactive Metronome. In her free time, Laura enjoys playing with her children, spending time with family, and running.

Anita graduated from Thomas Jefferson University with a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2021. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2018. She has been passionate about working with children since college, and has experience as a one-to-one aide in a special education setting, along with completing fieldwork in a public school setting from preschool to 8th grade. Additionally, she ran pediatric health literacy groups and implemented Zones of Regulation training for at-risk youth as part of her work-study MSOT program. Anita has prior working experience across multiple settings in pediatrics, including early intervention, school-based occupational therapy, and at a pediatric outpatient autism clinic. She has worked with a variety of children with sensory processing challenges, fine motor development, executive functioning, behavioral concerns, and developmental and neurological delays. She has specialized training in the SOS Approach to Feeding and experience in DRBI through Profectum and ICDL. In her spare time, Anita loves to read, go on walks, and find new places to eat. 

Liz graduated with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Sacred Heart University and earned her bachelor’s degree in health science with a minor in Psychology. She has been passionate about working with children since she was 16 years old and continues to work with children to be able to increase independence in their day to day lives. Liz has prior experience working at a pediatric outpatient clinic as well as within early intervention services supporting children with developmental and neurological delays and challenges associated with feeding, fine motor skills, sensory processing, executive functioning, and behavior.  She has specialized training in SOS Approach to Feeding, ARFID: The Anxious Eater, Managing ADHD Across the Lifespan, and DIRFloortime. In her spare time, she likes to play with her dog, travel, cook, and spend time with her friends and family.

Alexandra (Alex) is a graduate of MGH Institute of Health Professions, where she earned her doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD). She has clinical experience working with children of all ages with a wide variety of diagnoses & disabilities. Prior to pursuing a career in OT, she was on the Pre-med track and received her Bachelor’s in Biology from Northeastern University. She has spent the last 10 years working and volunteering in healthcare, with a specific interest in pediatrics & prenatal/postnatal care. She believes her nontraditional journey to discovering and choosing occupational therapy as a profession is an asset. Her prior experiences in science and healthcare are invaluable, which allow her to bring a unique lens and skill set as an occupational therapist. From her experience in working with a variety of patient populations and colleagues, she has fostered a high level of compassion for all persons, regardless of medical diagnosis, age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, or socioeconomic status. She has innate positive energy, enthusiasm, and warmth that she naturally brings to interactions, especially with children. However, these traits are paired with a calmness she has cultivated through her meditation and yoga practice over the last 5-12 years. These practices allow her to channel calmness into client interactions to foster trust, communication, and empathy. She is a certified Sensory Enhanced Yoga instructor. Additionally, she implemented and evaluated a virtual (i.e. Zoom) adapted Sensory Enhanced Yoga program for at-risk youth as part of her OTD program at MGH Institute of Health Professions. Her project was presented in April of 2022 in San Antonio, TX at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) annual conference and expo.

Leslie Hill is a graduate of Boston University where she received her Doctorate degree in occupational therapy. For Leslie, the value of OT is captured by a quote from the occupational therapist Gary Kielhofner, who said, “Life takes on meaning in the minute-by-minute reality in which we experience ourselves achieving ordinary things.” Leslie feels passionately about helping children and young adults engage in the ordinary, yet varied and unique activities that are important to them and their families. She feels strongly that strides made in the therapeutic environment are able to make the leap to home, school, and the community. Leslie has significant experience working in specialized schools with children who have complex medical conditions and/or multiple disabilities. She has also spent time in early intervention and as adjunct faculty for Boston University’s OT department. These settings gave her the opportunity to work with a wide range of conditions including cerebral palsy, vision impairments (ocular and cerebral), autism, global development delays, traumatic brain injuries, social emotional disorders, and rare diseases. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, puzzling, being with friends, and exploring the outdoors with her kids.

Stephanie is a graduate of Towson University, where she received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2011. She has practiced in a variety of pediatric settings, including outpatient and inpatient. Stephanie's clinical experience includes evaluating and treating children with a variety of needs including, but not limited to, sensory processing abilities, psychiatric disorders, feeding challenges, and developmental and neurological delays. Stephanie has also been involved in many opportunities including co-supervising the occupational therapy department at BAC, program development, managing the student program, designing sensory rooms and in depth training into two areas that Stephanie has great interest in: feeding and psychiatric challenges as they directly relate to everyday functional performance. Course work includes the SOS Approach to Feeding, ARFID Masterclass, Beckman Oral Motor Program, Rescuing the Dysregulated Child and Rewiring the Anxious Brain. She is eager to continue to make a difference in enhancing the quality of life of the children that she works with and their families. In her spare time, Stephanie loves to read, hang out with her dog, drink ice coffee and travel.

Katie is a graduate of Tufts University where she completed her doctorate in occupational therapy. She has clinical fieldwork experience in both outpatient pediatric and integrative health OT settings, where she gained experience with 1:1 sessions, as well as leading and assisting in themed groups and camps. Katie has always been passionate about working with children, and past experiences include working at a preschool, coaching Girl's on the Run, and traveling to India (twice!) to coach young girls in soccer. She loves pediatric OT because she gets to use play as a way to empower children to be confident and independent in their daily lives! In her free time Katie loves to cycle, craft, play board games and read!

Rachael graduated with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Sacred Heart University, as well as a bachelor's degree in Health Sciences. She has gained clinical experience working as an occupational therapist in various settings, including orthopedic and neurologic outpatient facilities, as well as a preschool-based setting. Rachael has prior experience supporting a variety of pediatric populations, including children with developmental delays, fine motor skill challenges, executive functioning deficits, behavioral concerns, and sensory processing disorders. Rachael is passionate about working with children and their families in order to increase independence and improve participation in their daily routines and activities. Outside of work, Rachael enjoys spending time with her family and friends, walking her dog, trying new restaurants, and traveling.

Loghan is a graduate of Springfield College where she received her master’s degree in occupational therapy. She completed her fieldwork in inpatient psychiatry for adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients in Boston, MA and in an acute care setting in Lebanon, NH. Prior to completing her degree, Loghan worked as a PCA and as an adaptive aquatics instructor. Loghan currently works full time in schools with middle school and high school aged children. Prior to working in school settings, Loghan worked in inpatient psychiatry, working across the lifespan with individuals with mental health needs, home care for children with high medical needs, and residential homes for adolescents. Across these settings, Loghan has worked with a variety of children and adolescents with sensory processing challenges, fine motor development, executive functioning, behavioral concerns, and developmental and neurological delays. Loghan is passionate about her work as an occupational therapist and excited to be working here at BAC to continue expanding her occupational therapy experience and knowledge! In their spare time, you can find Loghan dancing with her dance company, singing her heart out on karaoke nights, cooking, traveling, going to concerts, cuddling her cat, and spending time with family and friends! 

Carla is a graduate of Boston University, where she received a doctorate in Occupational Therapy. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Spanish at Williams College.  Carla has gained previous clinical experience through completing fieldwork placements at an outpatient orthopedic and neurological setting, a rehabilitation day program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and at Boston Ability Center where she first joined the BAC community. She has always loved working with children, and previously worked in a special education preschool-primary learning program with children (aged 3-12) with developmental disabilities. Carla is passionate about using play and all that is fun to support children and participate in their daily activities. She is excited to continue working with the BAC children and their families. In her free time, Carla enjoys playing soccer, puzzling, and spending time with her friends and family. 

Mackenzie graduated with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire. Prior to joining the BAC team, Mackenzie has clinical experience working as an occupational therapist in various settings including inpatient rehabilitation and school-based services. Most recently, Mackenzie provides OT evaluation and intervention services to students within elementary through post-secondary education programs with the focus on independent living skills, fine motor development, sensory processing, and executive functioning skills. Mackenzie is passionate about working with individuals to develop a wide range of skills needed to promote independence within their daily lives. In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys spending time at the beach, trying new foods, and reading.

MacKenzie joined the BAC team as an undergraduate co-op student, and it was during this time that the kids, families, and staff inspired her to pursue a career in pediatric OT. MacKenzie completed her post-professional OTD and advanced professional certification in school-based practice at Tufts University. Prior to graduate school, MacKenzie gained experience working with children as a special education teaching assistant and through spending much of her time volunteering with an organization called Peace Through Play. Her clinical experience includes a skilled nursing facility specializing in the care of children with complex medical needs as well as a therapeutic day school serving children with emotional, neurologic, and psychiatric difficulties. MacKenzie has completed additional training surrounding anxiety treatment for children and adolescents (“Lynn Lyons on Helping Anxious Kids”) and the treatment of neuromuscular conditions impacting upper extremity function. She is trained in the Hand in Hand Approach to Parenting, which provides parents with concrete tools for raising resilient, emotionally intelligent children through playful and meaningful parent-child connections, while simultaneously supporting parents through the challenging work of parenting. At the BAC, MacKenzie has been thrilled to combine her passions for clinical care and administration as the Clinical Operations Supervisor. She is a certified Interactive Metronome provider, leads BAC’s nonprofit branch called One Night Out, and co-leads BAC's intensive therapy and CIMT camp programs. In her free time, MacKenzie is an avid Pinterest-er, baker, musical enthusiast, and enjoys outdoor adventures and spending time with friends and family.

Emma is a graduate of Messiah University where she graduated with her Master of Occupational Therapy degree. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Exercise Science with a double minor in Psychology and Applied Health Sciences at Xavier University. Emma has worked with individuals across the lifespan through her experience in both the inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient pediatric settings where she worked with individuals with developmental, neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. Emma has a love for learning and is passionate about working with children and their families to increase independence and engagement in routines/activities. In her free time, Emma enjoys exploring the city of Boston, trying out new restaurants and traveling!

Janine is a graduate of Springfield College where she completed her Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy and Syracuse University where she completed her Bachelor's Degree in Child and Family Studies and Public Health. Janine returns to the Boston Ability Center after completing a yearlong full-time pediatric occupational therapy fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital. During her fellowship year, she participated in intensive clinical and didactic training across several learning modules in the areas of acute inpatient care, neurodevelopmental populations, early intervention, psychiatric care, chronic pain, and assistive technology. She also completed the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (LEND) program, which provides advanced education in the areas of interdisciplinary evaluations, public health, disability policy, cultural humility, and family-centered care. Janine is a DIRFloortime® Basic Certificate (DIR-Basic) provider and frequently incorporates principles from the DIR Floortime model into her sessions through the power of play. She holds certifications in the Unyte iLs Focus System, Safe and Sound Protocol, and Zones of Regulation curriculum. She currently serves as a member of the BAC's supervisory team in addition to providing direct clinical care. Outside the clinic, you can usually find Janine taking a CrossFit class, spending time with friends/family, or enjoying the great outdoors! 

Lexi is a graduate of Bay Path University where she obtained her master's degree in Occupational Therapy in 2020. She received her bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience in 2012, which was followed by working as a mental health counselor at a residential adolescent psychiatric hospital and as a behavior therapist in an elementary school. It was through this career exploration that Lexi identified her specific interest in helping youth using a functional and holistic approach, leading her to return to graduate school. Her post-graduate experience includes working with children and adolescents to facilitate independence through skill development, specifically with self-regulation, sensory processing, executive functioning and independent living. Lexi has completed continuing education in the DIRFloortime model, Interoception, sensory processing, as well as attachment and trauma-focused training. In her free time Lexi enjoys playing with her dog, being on the water, traveling, and spending time with family and friends! 

Arielle is passionate about working with children and their families to promote participation in meaningful activities. In addition to patient care, Arielle co-supervises the Occupational Therapy Department, manages the graduate student Fieldwork program, is a leader of BAC’s Tots & SpOTs weekly playgroup, and has created children’s and adult yoga programs to promote wellness and mindful movement. She brings her expertise as an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher and certified Flow & Grow Kids Yoga Teacher to all aspects of her work. You can even find some of her kids yoga classes on YouTube! Arielle is trained in Fieldwork Education and mentorship as well as the clinical practice areas of self-regulation, interoception, and teaching yoga to improve sensory modulation, self-regulation and motor skills in kids with Autism, ADHD, Developmental Disorders, Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. Prior to BAC, Arielle supported the Boston Children's Hospital OT department providing services to children on acute inpatient floors, she was a Registered Behavior Technician providing ABA services to children 1-18 years old with Autism and related diagnoses, and was a full-time yoga instructor. Arielle completed her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy at Tufts University. Arielle is passionate about sports, baking and spending time outdoors with her son and husband.

Allison is a graduate of Quinnipiac University where she received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. She just moved to the Boston area and is excited to be joining the BAC team! She has previous experience working in an outpatient pediatric clinic and a private therapeutic day school treating children with a variety of diagnoses and abilities. Allison enjoys utilizing sensory integration and play-based techniques within her sessions. Allison also has a passion for pediatric mental health and has taken continuing education courses in NDT handling. Allison enjoys interacting with children and families every-day and helping each child succeed and learn new skills in their own fun and engaging way! In her free time, Allison likes to watch football (Go Patriots!), go on walks, do yoga, travel, go to the beach, go to concerts, spend time with family and friends, and try new restaurants.