Our Team

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.
More about Dr. Leah
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.


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.
More about Sharon
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.
More about Julia
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.

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.
More about Naomi
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.

Vanessa Saenz, PT
Physical Therapist
I graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. I have extensive experience working with children in multiple settings. Most of my experience, over 25 years, has been in the public schools. I started my career working with both pediatric and geriatric populations. I have enjoyed working in outpatient, home health and nursing home settings as well.
More about Vanessa
I became a physical therapist because I want to make an impact in children’s lives. I am passionate about helping children reach their full potential and also being able to share that experience with the family members.
In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends. I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and chasing my dogs.

JoAnne DeSantis
Special Education Tutor
My name is JoAnne DeSantis, a happy transplant to the Treasure Coast area of Florida since January 2024. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Iona College and later earned a Master of Science in special education from the College of New Rochelle. I am a retired New York State public school teacher with permanent certification in special education (K–12). I spent the last 20 years in one Long Island district in various roles, including chairperson of the committee on special education and later as a special education teacher in resource room, inclusion, and a self-contained life skills classroom—one of my favorite achievements.
More about JoAnne
I am certain that my knowledge and experience in special education lend nicely to SIT’s mission and goals, and I am proud of the impact I have had on my students. I have recently begun tutoring special education students in Jensen Beach, Port St. Lucie, and Stuart because I believe I still have more to give. In my free time, I enjoy the beach, cooking, working with a personal trainer, and spending joyful time with family and friends. It is with a collegial spirit that I join the SIT team, believing that I have much to contribute to the mission and to the betterment of the lives of the students I will soon meet and tutor.

Dr. Bailee Rousso, OTR/L, OTD
Occupational Therapist
I am a new graduate starting off my professional OT career. Bachelor’s in Science in Family, Youth and Community Sciences from the University of Florida; Occupational Therapy Doctorate Degree from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. During my first Level II fieldwork, I spent three months working at an outpatient pediatric clinic using the DIR (r) Floortime method to encourage client driven sessions, goals, and outcomes.
More about Bailee
I completed my second Level II fieldwork at NYU Langone Health working for three months with adult patients in inpatient rehabilitation at the Rusk Rehabilitation hospital. I completed my three and a half month capstone project at Dogwood Therapy Services, Inc., developing an educational resource on the necessary knowledge, competencies, and skills required to ethically and appropriately incorporate Animal Assisted Treatment (AATx) into OT practice. I worked with clients, mainly the pediatric population, in AATx sessions working with the clients and one or more of the seven canines who worked at the clinic.
My favorite aspect of being an OT is being able to go through the whole journey with the people I work with. I love being able to be there through the ups and the downs, and being able to see the whole picture. During my free time, I love to cook and bake (and make online recipe books for my family and friends). I have been trying to get back into leisure reading rather than for academic purposes, and I have been able to hit the yearly goal I set out for myself for two years now! I spend lots of time with my dogs and family at home, and love exploring local events, markets, and restaurants. Whenever I have the opportunity to do so, you will find me at the local theater watching a live performance, as I am a huge musical nerd.
I am passionate about working with children and their families, working to help set them up for success with their therapeutic and life goals. I 100% believe in the importance of client-led sessions, allowing the children to be autonomous and create self-motivation for their sessions. I also believe in the power of education for families, as they are the ones with their children every single day, interacting with them, working with them, and helping them grow and thrive. Being able to assist children and their families with carryover to everyday life is one of the most important ways in which a therapist can help their clients succeed. I am excited to work, learn, and grow with clients, their families, and the whole Sensory Innovation Therapies team!

Beth Plotkin, OTR/L
Remote Occupational Therapist / Feeding Therapist
I earned my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Scranton. I am nationally certified by NBCOT, a RESNA-credentialed Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), and hold advanced certification as a Master Certified Wellness Coach (MCWC). I have been practicing as an Occupational Therapist for over 16 years. My experience spans home-based early intervention, school settings, outpatient support, community programs, telehealth, and multidisciplinary teams. I specialize in feeding therapy, sensory processing, fine motor development, assistive technology, and helping children build regulation, confidence, and independence in everyday routines.
More about Beth
I was inspired to pursue Occupational Therapy because of its unique blend of science, child development, creativity, and meaningful connection with families. I love that OT looks at the whole child—their strengths, environment, sensory needs, routines, and relationships—and supports them in ways that truly matter in daily life.
My favorite part of this work is empowering children and families. I enjoy turning challenges into achievable steps, celebrating progress, and helping families feel confident and supported at mealtimes, during sensory exploration, and throughout their daily routines. Feeding and sensory work are especially meaningful to me because small changes can create big improvements in family quality of life.
Outside of work, I enjoy baking, painting, kayaking, hiking, and exploring new places. I love learning about other cultures, spending time near the water, and staying active through weight lifting, Pilates, barre, and yoga. Creative hobbies and outdoor activities help me stay grounded, balanced, and energized. I’m excited to support Sensory Innovation Therapies’ mission by providing compassionate, evidence-based, child- and family-centered occupational therapy and feeding services. I look forward to contributing to a positive, collaborative environment where families feel connected, understood, and empowered throughout their child’s developmental journey.

Molly Kurtz, MS, CCC-SLP
Remote Speech Therapist
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Central Florida in Orlando in 2013, and my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Florida in Tampa in 2015. I’ve been working as an SLP for 10 years. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations across a variety of settings, including home health, daycares, schools, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and teletherapy. While I’ve worked across the lifespan, pediatrics has always held a special place in my heart.
More about Molly
I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the power of communication and connection. Helping others find their voice and express themselves is incredibly meaningful to me.
One of the best parts of being an SLP is watching my clients’ confidence grow as their communication skills improve. I especially love those “aha!” moments when something that once felt really hard suddenly becomes easier.
In my free time, you can find me at the beach, journaling, or cuddling with my cat. I’m also learning how to crochet!
I love helping others discover that they can do hard things. My goal is to create therapy sessions that feel positive, engaging, and full of small wins that lead to meaningful progress. I also enjoy partnering closely with families so they feel supported and empowered with strategies they can use in everyday life.

Michelle Stephenson, COTA/L
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
I graduated in 1999 from Lima Technical College in Lima, Ohio and was part of the charter Occupational Therapy class. I have been working as a COTA/L for 27 years in Ohio, and Sensory Innovation Therapies, LLC is my first job in Florida. Since graduating, I have worked in a variety of settings, with most of my experience primarily in elementary, middle, and high schools. I have over 20 years of total fieldwork experience, and one of my favorite aspects of the profession is co-teaching with teachers in the classroom.
More about Michelle
II was inspired to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy because I enjoy helping people succeed and be their best. I wanted to find a career that would be inspiring and influential to people of many ages, and I was drawn to the variety that could be obtained by working in the OT field.
What I enjoy most about my work is being able to make a significant difference in the lives of children and families every day. It is a gift to do this type of job, and I do not take it for granted. Seeing children progress from not being able to complete a particular task or job and, through Occupational Therapy, gain the skills necessary to do more for themselves is incredibly rewarding.
IIn my free time, I work out regularly and enjoy running, biking, cooking, and laying on the beach.
At Sensory Innovation Therapies, I plan to use humility while being empathetic and considerate. I am eager to provide consistent, compassionate care to all families, teachers, staff, coworkers, and students/children, while contributing to the mission and goals of the organization.

Alyssa Perrine-Cassion MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
I earned my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University at Buffalo in 2020 and have been practicing as a pediatric occupational therapist for six years. Throughout my career, I have worked in public and private school settings, as well as outpatient pediatrics, serving children of all ages. I have experience supporting children with a wide variety of needs, including sensory processing, fine motor development, visual motor integration, visual perceptual skills, bilateral coordination, self-care skills, and activities of daily living. I enjoy partnering with families to develop personalized treatment plans that help children build confidence, independence, and success in their everyday lives.
More about Alyssa
I also have a special interest in assistive technology and the many ways it can empower children to participate more fully in daily activities. To continue expanding my knowledge, I have attended multiple assistive technology conferences and am passionate about finding creative solutions that help each child achieve their goals.
My passion for occupational therapy began while working at a small private school in the Buffalo, New York area during college. It was my first experience working alongside children with complex needs, and I was inspired by the occupational therapists I observed and the meaningful impact they had on the lives of their students and families. That experience confirmed that occupational therapy was the career I wanted to pursue.
One of my favorite parts of being an occupational therapist is witnessing the moment when something finally “clicks” for a child. Whether it’s mastering a new skill or achieving a small but meaningful milestone, seeing the excitement and pride that comes with success is incredibly rewarding.
Outside of work, I enjoy swimming, going to the beach, exploring new places, and spending time with my two dogs.
I am excited to be part of the Sensory Innovation Therapies team and look forward to partnering with families to help their children reach their full potential. I am committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that supports each child’s independence, confidence, and participation in the activities that matter most to them.
