Kimberly Lanza, MS OTR/L is a licensed and registered trauma
informed, neurodivergent affirming Occupational Therapist with 15
years of extensive experience in pediatrics. Her experiences include;
preschool, school based, outpatient sensory integration clinic,
private sensory and community and residential settings. Kimberly was
hired as the first Occupational Therapist at a residential treatment
center where she received 1:1 training by Linda Messbauer, a leading
US expert in Multi-Sensory Environments (MSE’s). Kimberly is trained
in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. Kimberly has created a data-based
MSE program in a residential setting for crisis prevention and
de-escalation. Kimberly has created widely used documentation and data
collection forms for contract and school district use. Privately,
Kimberly has helped design school based sensory rooms, in home sensory
and calming spaces and community sensory gardens. Kimberly has helped
create and implement a variety of protocols for safe and correct use
within these spaces for optimal outcomes. Kimberly enjoys helping
clients, families and self-direct staff through Office for People with
Developmental Disabilities.
Vanessa Migliozzi, M.S. O.T.R./L, A.T.S, iVanessa Migliozzi, M.S. O.T.R./L, A.T.S, is a licensed and registered neurodivergent affirming Occupational Therapist with 20 years experience. Her experiences in pediatrics include; preschool, school based (ages 4-21), an outpatient sensory gym and private cases with an emphasis on sensory integration. In addition, she has created Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) programs for Kindergarten classrooms, individualized sensory protocols/diets, designed sensory rooms, sensory corners, and school sensory paths. She has provided parent training and inservices to faculty and staff in several school districts across Long Island, N.Y. Vanessa has experience with adult and geriatric home care and skilled nursing facilities with an emphasis on fall prevention and home modifications. Vanessa holds an Assistive Technology Certificate, where she implements various assistive technology accommodations and applications, to meet the needs of an individual with various disabilities in several settings which include homes, schools, community and the workplace.
Kimberly Reichenbach, OTD, OTR/L holds a Post-Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy and Certification in Research, Teaching, and Learning. Dr. Reichenbach has 25 years experience in pediatric school-based occupational therapy. Her years of experience include practice in: BOCES settings, home-based services, early intervention, preschool services and settings, assistive technology, hospital, and skilled nursing facilities. Dr. Reichenbach has extensive experience creating and modifying sensory programs for schools including: sensory rooms, classroom sensory corners, sensory strategies and movement programs to be included in behavior intervention plans. Dr. Reichenbach has collaborated with psychologists and behaviorists to implement programs for deescalation and preventative programs to promote sensory regulation. She has training in mindfulness as a means for social emotional awareness and mental health wellness. Dr. Reichenbach has taught as an adjunct professor at St. Joseph’s University (College) NY, and has provided professional development training for staff and parents in various school districts throughout Long Island, NY.
To my fellow OTs! I was SO excited to use my baking box by @inclusive_solutions_inc with my kids today! My students LOVED making new creations while working on dexterity and in hand manipulation! I hit so many skills and goals using this box in our session. It makes intervention planning easy and works well with a variety of population.
Beka K (OT)
"I purchased two sensory boxes, the winter box and princess box. Both boxes kept my 5 and 8 year olds occupied for hours in meaningful play. They had fun without realizing they were working on fine motor skills. I highly recommend these sensory boxes. These are perfect for traveling, a weekend snowed in or if you need an hour or two to get stuff done around your house. These are also great to build language and engage in meaningful conversations about what your child created."
Beth A (Parent)
"As the parent of a highly dependent, non- verbal 30 year old, I can say learning about sensory needs and supports was nothing less than life changing. We met with an occupational therapist, Kim L., who helped us see how differently he engaged with his surroundings, his body, his eyes, every part of every interaction. She was the first professional in 20 years that spoke of sensory concerns, and showed us ways to support him in his interactions to meet those needs. Suddenly things made sense to us, and behaviors began to change. He went from self injury and violent outbursts multiple times a day to one event every few months. Currently, we understand the signs of escalating and created a plan to intervene earlier and earlier to create change. Until we understood his sensory needs, we left him suffering needlessly, misunderstood and creating his own maladaptive ways to handle stressors. Understanding sensory components of everyday challenges gave us tools to create trust, consistency and calm for a young man that many had walked away from. He still struggles because he feels the world differently. With the support and education we had from our OT we are able to provide the necessary supports to help him manage life’s stress and live a much happier, safe and engaging life."
Lenore (Parent)