Skip to content Skip to footer
Serving St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach Counites in South Florida
(772) 410-3499
info@sensoryinnovationtherapies.com
Request a Phone Screening

Our Team

Close

Dr. Leah Dunleavy, M.A., BCBA, OTR/L, OTD

Owner & Occupational Therapist

I have spent the last 10 years practicing in Chicago. I was an occupational therapist for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) while also providing Early Intervention (birth to 3 years old) services in the home. After 2 years at CPS, 

I transitioned to working full-time at an outpatient therapy clinic where I developed the Behavior Therapy department. I became the Clinic Director after 2 years, where I had the privilege of mentoring therapists, connecting and building relationships with families and community partners, and developing a range of programs to meet clients’ and families’ needs. Additionally, I was an adjunct instructor for the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Department of Occupational Therapy program from August 2016 to December 2019.  

I grew up in South Florida and am happy to be back home! I am looking forward to becoming part of the South Florida diverse learner’s community. 

Jamie Krisel, MS, OTR/L 

Occupational Therapist
I obtained my bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration from UCF and then pursued my Occupational Therapy Master’s at Barry University in Miami Shores, graduating in 2007. With 18 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist, I have worked extensively in pediatrics. My career began in hospitals, where I treated adults and NICU babies. I later transitioned to home health and the Broward schools, focusing on early intervention and school-aged children. After moving to this area, I worked at North Hospital and Tradition with NICU and inpatient adults before joining a private clinic specializing in ASD patients. My journey into occupational therapy was inspired by supporting an ASD child during ABA trials, which led me to fall in love with the profession.
 
As an Occupational Therapist, I take great joy in helping families and children find solutions to their challenges, seeing them become better equipped and more patient through sessions and education. Outside of work, I enjoy being a busy mom of three, staying active with yoga, my Peloton, and water sports like jet skiing. I also love crafting and creating personalized items with my Cricut. At Sensory Innovation Therapies, I am excited to collaborate with like-minded peers and provide exceptional pediatric care to the community.

Sasha Martinez, COTA/L

Occupational Therapist Assistant
I graduated from Keiser University in an Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant. I have been working as an occupational therapist assistant for 4 years. 
I began my career in a brain based intensive clinic in south Florida working with both pediatrics and adults. When we moved to PSL I switched over exclusively to pediatrics. What inspired me to become an Occupational Therapist Assistant was my faith and my growing desire to serve others. In this profession I love to have fun and be creative with the kids and see their progress and reach their goals.
 
When I am not working, I am at home spending time in the garden with my children. We have a beautiful food forest that we all love to grow. I plan on achieving my goal in helping grow the mission of the company which is to provide family centered care so that the children and their families can thrive in our community.  

Robin Pagano

Special Education Tutor
I completed my Bachelor’s in Science degree in Speech and Hearing Science from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and then went on to pursue my Master’s in Education from St. John’s University in Jamaica, NY. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work in various professional settings. I am a full-time special education teacher at a charter school in Palm Beach County, Florida, where I work with students from kindergarten to middle school. Before this, I worked in New York, where I served as a speech and language therapist for pre-kindergarten students with developmental delays and ASD in the non-profit sector. I spent many years working as a speech and language therapist in a federally recognized public school of excellence in New York State. I worked with students from kindergarten to middle school.
 
My passion and dedication to working with exceptional students have been a driving force in my career for over 30 years. It’s more than a job; it’s a calling. I take immense pride in being able to support my students’ learning needs, ensuring their educational, behavioral, social, and emotional success. The joy I feel when seeing my students master new skills through my tailored instruction is indescribable. I have built strong relationships with my students and their families, enhancing their learning experience. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring my extensive experience as a special education teacher to Sensory Innovation Therapies. I am excited to contribute to the novel approaches and solutions that this forward-thinking company is known for. It is an honor to be part of a team committed to providing the best possible support to students with exceptionalities. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, traveling to new places, attending live music events, and watching college football (Go Buckeyes!) 

Sharon Andrews, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

I first went to FSU and was planning to enter the vision program but realized it wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do. I then attended Florida International University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy. I have been an OT for over 30 years, starting my career in acute care and rehab before transitioning to home health in Maine. I later worked in the public schools in Westbrook, Maine, for about 10 years before relocating to Florida, where I have spent the past 20 years working in the public school system. I became an OT because it suits my personality—I enjoy helping others and love seeing the progress they make.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family. I also have a therapy dog, and together we visit nursing homes and participate in reading programs for children. My hobbies include travelling, gardening, deep-sea fishing, boating, and walking.

Dr. Julia Orsini, DPT

Physical Therapist
I graduated with my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Columbia University in New York City. I have worked in a variety of pediatric settings over the past 5 years since graduating. Each experience has provided me with a different perspective of physical therapy treatment from working in a pediatric long term care center, to schools specialized for children with disabilities to the acute care pediatric hospital setting and now public-school setting. I love the creativity that goes behind being a Pediatric Physical Therapist; I try to create a fun and positive learning environment to help the children achieve their goals!  

 
I enjoy being outside in my free time; beach, hiking, paddle boarding, exercising and spending quality time with my family! As a Physical Therapist for Sensory Innovation Therapies, I plan to work together with the child and family to help them thrive in their home and community settings.  

Ashley DeSimone, DPT

Physical Therapist

I attended Louisiana State University for my undergraduate studies and earned my Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in Austin, Texas. I have been working as a Physical Therapist for three years, gaining experience in both the public school setting and outpatient pediatrics. I always knew I wanted to work with kids, and physical therapy allows me to incorporate play and fun into treatment, making it enjoyable for both me and my patients. I love watching children meet their goals and bringing positivity to their families.

 

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to Pilates and yoga, and relaxing at the beach or by the pool. I also love reading whenever I get the chance! I am excited to contribute to SIT’s mission by collaborating with other professionals to make a real difference in families’ lives. Helping kids reach their goals through play and fun is something I’m truly passionate about, and I look forward to being part of the team!

Map-pin

Counties Served

St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach Counties in South Florida

Envelope

Email Us

Phone
(772) 410-3499

ThemeREX © 2022. All Rights Reserved.