Sensory Kids & Social Minds is comprised of many different therapists, each with their own unique skill set.
Occupational Therapists (OT)
Sonia Zayas OTR/L
Founder
Chief Executive Officer
Sonia received her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Science campus, where she specialized in Occupational Therapy. Sonia completed further studies in public administration at Rutgers University in New Jersey. She established her career in New Jersey in 1976, working at Elizabeth General Hospital (now Trinitas Hospital) in Elizabeth, NJ. In 1990, Sonia developed and established the Occupational Therapy Division at the Jersey City Medical Center. She developed a thriving pediatric practice for Stulowitz & Gargiulo contracting with Jersey City Public Schools and New Jersey Early Intervention Systems, supervising Occupational and Physical Therapists.
Sonia founded Sensory Kids & Social Minds, LLC in 2006 to fulfill her personal mission to empower children and young adults by helping them integrate social, emotional, and cognitive development mastery. In April 2018, she has continued her quest to serve children and their families by founding Miss Sonia’s House, Inc. Miss Sonia’s House is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help children and families access quality services when their families are underinsured or uninsured.
Vanessa Vega PsyD, MA, MPH, MSOT/L
Clinical Director
Advanced Practice Occupational Therapist
Vanessa Vega is the proud daughter of Owner/Director, Sonia Zayas, and coordinates therapists among the charter schools where the clinic provide OT, SLP, and ABA services. She has two glorious daughters, Paloma and Magnolia. She has called Jersey City her home for the past 35 years. Vanessa completed her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Gender Studies at Dartmouth College, before graduating Magna Cum Laude. She has worked with children since she graduated– as Program Director for a pediatric gymnastics franchise, in after-school programs, and internationally, providing midwifery services in Cameroon, Africa, and working with pediatric burn survivors in China.
Upon completing her clinical degree in OT at Tufts University, where she completed rotations in neurology, pediatrics, and mental health for both inpatient and community-based settings. She began her career in Massachusetts Early Intervention, where she received the Eunice B. Shishmanian Fellowship for her dedication to working with children under age 3 from the MA Department of Public Health. She completed her MPH at Tufts Medical School in the following years, and began her Doctorate in Education (with a focus on Curriculum Leadership) at Northeastern University, where she ultimately taught online courses to undergraduates.
Before moving to NJ to work at her mother’s practice, she completed a year-long LEND Fellowship (Leadership in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disorders) at Children’s Hospital Boston. During this time, she gained expertise in the early detection and interdisciplinary treatment of neurodevelopmental and related disabilities/disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorders. She recently received her PsyD in Combined School and Clinical Psychology at Kean University. She loves cooking and travel with her husband, Jeff, and adventures with their kids, who have proven to be an adventure within themselves.
Nicole Ailey MS, OTR/L
Advanced Practice Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapy Supervisor
Nicole received her Bachelor of Science at James Madison University with a major in Health Science Pre-OT and minor in Special Education. She received her Master’s in Occupational Therapy at Wesley College in Delaware. She wanted to pursue occupational therapy after participating in Special Olympics and working as a paraprofessional at an elementary school, where she discovered how much fun children can have while developing life skills. Her previous experience consisted of sensory gyms working with children with Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy and developmental delays. Nicole has both school and clinic experience where she enjoys making sessions fun using the child’s interests and engaging using a relationship-based approach. Nicole has recently completed the STAR Institute ProCert 1, an advanced sensory integration training to further her knowledge to understand her clients on a deeper level to help them thrive, while supporting their individual sensory profiles. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, going to the beach, trying a new gluten free recipe, exercising on her Peloton and spending time with family and friends.
Certifications: DIR Floortime Basic Certificate, Interactive Metronome Certified, Handwriting Without Tears (K-2), NDT Infant Handling Trained, STAR Sensory Integration ProCert 1
Julianne Maccarone, MS, OTR/L
Senior Occupational Therapist
Julianne received her Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Rhode Island. She received her Masters of Science and Masters of Occupational Therapy from Long Island University- Brooklyn. Julianne has always had a passion for working with the pediatric population and helping them claim independence in their daily lives. Julianne has recently completed the STAR Insititute Mentorship 1 course to further her understanding on sensory processing and integration to support her client’s individual sensory profiles. In Julianne’s free time, she enjoys playing with her dogs, doing skincare, watching crime docs, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Certifications: Vestibular Astronaut Training Protocol, Handwriting Without Tears (K-2), DIR Floortime Basic Certificate, Interactive Metronome Certified
Gillian Katz, MS, OTR/L
Staff Occupational Therapist
Gillian received her Bachelor of Science and Masters in Occupational Therapy at Quinnipiac University. Her fieldwork experiences include an outpatient pediatric clinic/school, as well as a day program for adults with disabilities where she ran individual sessions and groups of various themes. She enjoys learning and working in an environment that uses a child-led approach to best support each child meet their goals. Gillian has recently completed the STAR Insititute Mentorship 1 course to further her understanding on sensory processing and integration to support her client’s individual sensory profiles. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the JC/Hoboken area.
Certifications: Interactive Metronome Certified, DIR Floortime Basic Certificate, Handwriting Without Tears (K-2)
Kay Deonarine, MS, OTR/L
Staff Occupational Therapist
Kay earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Syracuse University, minoring in Human Development & Family Science. She earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Ithaca College. Kay has always had a desire to work with children and to make a difference in others’ lives. Her passions include utilizing a neurodiversity-affirming and culturally-sensitive approach to therapy. She has experience working with children throughout her life. During high school, she volunteered at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in NYC, where she discovered the importance of play while working with young children with complex conditions. She completed an occupational therapy internship at Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC, where she worked with children and adults with complex orthopedic conditions. She also completed an internship at Sensory Kids & Social Minds, where she fell in love with the DIR Floortime model and discovered her love for Sensory Integration. In her free time, you can find Kay cooking, baking, going on walks, or in the gym.
Certifications: Interactive Metronome Certified, DIR Floortime Basic Certificate, Handwriting Without Tears (K-2)
Rona Mae Baluyut, MS, OTR/L
Staff Occupational Therapist
Rona received a Bachelor of Arts in Therapeutic Recreation and a Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Kean University. Her clinical fieldwork experience includes working in a subacute adult rehab facility with a focus on the Traumatic Brain Injury unit, providing pediatric school-based therapy, and supporting residents at a senior housing community. Rona also gained valuable experience in mental health and addiction services through telehealth in an outpatient setting. In her free time, Rona enjoys exploring her creativity and staying active. She finds joy in cooking, traveling, and exercising, and treasures time spent with friends and family.
Certifications: DIR Floortime Basic Certificate, Handwriting Without Tears (K-2), Interactive Metronome Certified
Melanie Brothers, MS, OTR/L
Staff Occupational Therapist
Melanie received her Bachelor of Arts at Rutgers University with a double major in psychology and human resource management. She received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Sacred Heart University. In graduate school, she completed one of her Level II fieldwork placements at Sensory Kids and Social Minds, and loved being able to help children reach their goals through engaging activities and play! She is so excited to continue helping children reach their goals, now as a full time occupational therapist here at Sensory Kids and Social Minds. Outside of the clinic, Melanie enjoys traveling, running marathons, going to the beach, and spending time with friends and family.
Certifications: DIR Floortime Basic Certificate, Interactive Metronome Certified
Alexandra Cucich, MS, OTR/L
Staff Occupational Therapist
Ally received her Bachelor of Science and Masters in Occupational Therapy at the University of New Hampshire while competing on the gymnastics team throughout all four of her undergraduate years. Her level II fieldwork experiences include pediatric school-based therapy as well as adult services in a home-health setting. Ally has always had a passion for working in pediatrics and is excited to continue to help kids reach their goals using a fun, child-led approach. In her free time, Ally enjoys going to the beach, skiing, spending time with family and friends, exploring new restaurants, and exercising.
Certifications: Interactive Metronome Certified, DIR Floortime Basic Certificate
Jennifer Grajales, COTA/L
Staff Occupational Therapist Assistant
Jennifer earned her associate’s degree from Eastwick College to become a COTA and have experience working in outpatient patient rehab with adults. She encountered a pediatric patient who changed her professional path, her perseverance and joy was contagious. Jennifer was able to shadow a sensory gym and felt right at home that provided multiple services. After completing her level II internship at Sensory Kids, she joined the team. She learned about ABA therapy and also became a behavioral therapist as well as being a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant. Jennifer has school, community, and clinic experience. She co-directed the Drop Off program at Sensory KIds for our early age group under 4. Jennifer loves working with children and being playful. She understands and believes the importance of creating a relationship to build trust in order to facilitate or teach a new skill. Jennifer has a daughter who wants to become a therapist as well. In her free time, when she is not with her daughter, she loves to dance, hike, watch comedy and documentaries.
Certifications: Handwriting Without Tears (K-2), Interactive Metronome Certified
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP)
Nicole Lupo MA, CCC-SLP, CLC
Advanced Practice Speech Language Pathologist
Nicole received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences with a concentration in Communication Disorders from Stockton University and her Master of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Iona College. From infancy through childhood, Nicole supports communication and meaningful engagement with a strengths-based, play-based, sensory-aware approach grounded in DIR/Floortime. Her clinical focus is neurodivergency, motor speech (Childhood Apraxia of Speech), and fluency. She is experienced with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), PROMPT, and DTTC principles for motor speech, and is trained in Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) to support gestalt language processors.
As a Certified Lactation Counselor, Nicole provides prenatal education and postnatal feeding support including latch and positioning, pumping and bottle-feeding plans, milk supply guidance, return-to-work planning, and collaboration around oral-motor needs (e.g., tethered oral tissues, reflux, slow weight gain). Her integrated SLP–lactation lens helps families navigate feeding and communication with confidence and connection. Nicole is also a certified yoga instructor and enjoys incorporating mindfulness and movement into care. Outside the clinic, she loves exercising, practicing yoga, and reading.
Certifications: PROMPT Trained, NLA Trained, DIR Floortime Basic Certificate, Certified Lactation Counselor
Katie Cuttitta MS, CCC-SLP
Advanced Practice Speech Language Pathologist
Katie graduated from Loyola University Maryland where she completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology. She has experience working with infants and toddlers in early intervention as well as working with children ages 3-21 with autism spectrum disorder in a school setting. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, and going to the beach.
Certifications: DIR Floortime Basic Certificate, PROMPT Trained, NLA Trained, SOS Feeding Trained
Katie Forbes MA, CCC-SLP
Advanced Practice Speech Language Pathologist
Katie obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Maryland and Master’s degree from Hofstra University, both in Speech Language Pathology. Katie has experience working in various school settings, including New York City schools with students aged K-12 and a specialized school for children with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Katie is experienced in working with a variety of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) programs, and finds joy supporting her clients in becoming effective communicators while taking into account each child’s strengths, challenges, and individual differences. Trans-disciplinary collaboration and communication with parents and caregivers are key components of Katie’s practice in order to enable each child to reach their full potential. She is also trained in the natural language acquisition (NLA) approach, which is used to support children who use echolalia (gestalt language processing) to communicate. Outside of the clinic, Katie serves as a board member for Camp Ma-He-Tu, a non-profit sleepaway camp in Bear Mountain, NY, and enjoys hiking, cooking, and exploring all that Jersey City has to offer.
Certifications: DIR Floortime Certificate of Proficiency, PROMPT Trained, NLA & NLA+AAC Trained, SOS Feeding Trained
Kira Garofano MS, CCC-SLP
Senior Speech Language Pathologist
Kira obtained her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island in Communicative Disorders, and Master’s degree from Seton Hall University in Speech Language Pathology. Kira has experience working in New Jersey Early Intervention, where she working in the home, and in various school settings, including Jersey City schools with students aged K-12). She is trained in DIR Floortime, with her certificate of proficiency up to FEDCs 1-9 and beyond. Kira is also trained in the natural language acquisition (NLA) approach, which is used to support children who use echolalia (gestalt language processing) to communicate. Additionally, Kira has experience using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) with her clients, and provides support with all clients in using the communication modality that is most effective and efficient for them. She enjoys working along her colleagues of various disciplines to support the whole child. In her free time, Kira enjoys spending time outside, reading, trying new restaurants, exploring the city with family and friends, and listening to music.
Certifications: DIR Floortime Certificate of Proficiency, NLA Trained
Jessica Cordatos, MA, CCC-SLP
Staff Speech Language Pathologist
Jessica received her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Connecticut and Bachelor’s degree in Education and Psychology from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont. Throughout graduate school, Jessica gained experience with both children and adults in a variety of settings, including an outpatient clinic, elementary school (PreK-4th grade), special education school (8th-12th grade), skilled nursing facility, and hospital. During her clinical externships, Jessica gained evaluation and treatment experience in the areas of articulation and phonological disorders, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), receptive and expressive language disorders, and cognitive communication disorders. Jessica understands the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and tailors her sessions to meet the unique, individualized needs of each client. Outside of the clinic, Jessica enjoys exploring Jersey City and NYC, baking, and spending time with family and friends.
Certifications: DIR Floortime Basic Certificate
Ebony Herald, MA, CCC-SLP
Staff Speech Language Pathologist
Ebony received her Master’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science from Portland State University and her Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from Montclair State University where she took classes specializing in topics such as; stuttering, pediatric language disorders, cognition, articulation, autism, and other speech, language, and hearing differences. Throughout her graduate education, she has worked with a variety of age groups in a variety of settings, including; elementary schools, early intervention, outpatient clinics, and higher education working with Deaf/Hard of Hearing students. Throughout these experiences, Ebony has worked with clients using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and American Sign Language (ASL). Ebony continues to expand her knowledge through coursework and working with her peers, understanding the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure better outcomes for each client. Ebony enjoys going on walks, crocheting, and taking care of her plants.
Emily Booth, MS, CF-SLP
Staff Speech Language Pathologist
Emily earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from James Madison University. She has experience working with children in a variety of settings, including at home, in schools, and in sensory spaces. Emily’s passion is empowering children to communicate with confidence and create lasting bonds with those around them through playful, engaging, and individualized therapy. She believes every child deserves the chance to experience the joy of meaningful connection, and every parent deserves to feel supported and empowered along the way. In her free time , Emily enjoys running, going to the beach, traveling, trying new recipes, and spending time with friends and family.
Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)
Chelsea Yaffe, MS, BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Chelsea received her bachelors degree at Towson University in Maryland in Family Studies. She went onto obtain her Master’s degree from Arcadia University in Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has experience working in school, clinic and home settings with toddlers and children ages from 2-15 years old. She has experience with The Early Start Denver Model and has taken the introductory workshop. In her free time, she enjoys trying new restaurants in NYC, reading and hanging out with friends and family.
Jessica is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from New Jersey City University and a Master’s of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has experience with The Early Start Denver Model and has taken the introductory workshop. Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, she is fluent in Spanish and has a deep passion for working with children. Jessica loves exploring new places and trying diverse cuisines. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor recreational activities such as rock climbing, and hiking.
Marrisa earned her Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western Connecticut State University. She is trained in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), a developmental, play-based, relationship-focused approach that incorporates principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Through this training, Marrisa has developed strong skills in applying ESDM techniques to support developmental growth in areas such as communication, socialization, and cognitive functioning. She has experience providing therapy services to toddlers and children in a variety of settings, including clinics, homes, and schools. Outside the clinic, Marrisa enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to new places.
Additional Staff
 Christina VegaTherapy Aide Chrissy is one of our assistants here at Sensory Kids. She also helps with our Summer Intensives Program. Her past experiences include The Little Gym, Learning Community Charter School, Advocational School, and Think Tank Tutoring. When Chrissy is not at Sensory Kids, she is dancing at The Kennedy Dancer, teaching a special needs Tae Kwon Do class, or spending time with her nieces and family. |