Bessie Thayer is an occupational therapist who has worked with children in community, private and public school settings in New York City. She earned her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from SUNY Downstate, and is currently working toward certification as a DIRFloortime® trainer. Bessie brings warmth, creativity, and a deep respect for developmental relationships to her work and is committed to a family-centered approach, with a focus on promoting sensory integration and social-emotional regulation through play.

Before pursuing a career in OT, Bessie spent over a decade as a professional dancer and teaching artist in NYCPS, blending movement, creativity, and education. When she’s not at the Treehouse, she’s likely still dancing or spending time in Prospect Park with friends and family.