Valerie is an occupational therapy assistant with 8 years experience working with young, neurodiverse children in education, daycare and home settings. Her approach is child centered to best provide motivating activities to help her clients improve their fine motor, visual motor, and sensory processing skills. She believes that close communication with parents and caregivers is key to ensuring carryover from therapy to the home environment.

Valerie has always been drawn to holistic approaches to helping others. Before transitioning to occupational therapy, she practiced massage therapy for 12 years. She is trained in both Eastern and Western modalities ranging from myofascial release to aromatherapy, Reiki and most recently, Craniosacral (level 1) therapy. She incorporates her vast experience and knowledge in the healing arts through co-regulation, movement activities, meditation and mindfulness to promote the body/mind connection and improve interoception.

Valerie is also a former modern dancer performing with various choreographers in the NYC, downtown scene. She enjoys taking her dog on bike rides and occasionally, dancing tango.