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

Owner & Occupational Therapist

I’m an occupational therapist and behavior analyst and the founder of Sensory Innovation Therapies, which I opened in August 2022. I’ve been working with children with autism for over 17 years and have been a licensed occupational therapist for more than 13 years.

Before opening my practice, I spent 10 years in Chicago doing what I love most—helping kids and families reach their goals. I started my career with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) while also providing Early Intervention services for children ages birth to three in their homes. After a couple of years, I transitioned to an outpatient therapy clinic, where I built the Behavior Therapy Department and eventually became Clinic Director. In that role, I had the privilege of mentoring therapists, collaborating closely with families and community partners, and developing programs to meet a wide range of client needs.

I also enjoyed teaching as an adjunct instructor for the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Department of Occupational Therapy for about three years, helping prepare future OTs for their own careers in this rewarding field.

These days, I’m proud to serve on the board of Socially Synced, an organization dedicated to promoting social development and inclusion for neurodiverse individuals.

I grew up in Martin County, and it feels so good to be back home! When I’m not treating, you’ll usually find me spending time with my daughter, husband, and family, or enjoying boating, beach days, and weight lifting.

Jaime 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.

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.  

Dr. 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!

Naomi Hoffman,OTR/L

Occupational Therapist
I received my Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan and completed my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Columbia University in New York City in 2001. I began my career in the Traumatic Brain Injury unit at the University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopaedic Institute. In the following years I gained experience working with patients in acute and short-term rehab, outpatient, and home-care environments. I also obtained my Massage Therapy license in 2013. Most recently I had the opportunity to work in an outpatient pediatric clinic for two years where I fell in love with the pediatric population. During that time, I obtained my Basic Certification in DIR Floortime, completed AEIOU Pediatric Feeding training, studied reflex integration through the Brain and Sensory Foundation, and completed training in Infant Massage.

 

I became an Occupational Therapist due to growing up with my aunt who had special needs and lived in a group home. This childhood experience influenced me to pursue a professional career where I could impact others’ abilities to lead the most independent and enriching lives leading with their strengths. I am grateful to be a part of the Sensory Innovation Therapies team and look forward to building therapeutic relationships with all of our families. When I am not working, I love to spend time with family and friends, experiment with new recipes, play with my dogs, and swim in the ocean.