Lauren Marietti, CCC SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Bio:
Lauren is a current Connecticut and New York licensed Speech and Language Pathologist. Lauren has experience working with clients from ages 2-75. She has experience working with pediatric and adult populations with language disorders, articulation/phonological disorders, pragmatic disorders, intellectual disabilities, acquired cognitive disorders, voice disorders, fluency disorders, literacy skill development, auditory processing disorders, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Lauren is also a Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) trained clinician working with autistic individuals who communicate with delayed echolalia.

Lauren ensures evidence-based practice when treating all of her clients. She individualizes therapy goals and techniques to address the unique needs of the children and adults she works with. Lauren provides speech therapy with a play-based approach by providing fun and motivating activities which keep children engaged and eager to learn. She values collaborating with families by providing speech and language strategies that can be carried over during day-to-day activities. She is passionate about fostering speech and language development so that children are better able to communicate and socialize with their parents, siblings, and peers.

Lauren recently founded a non-profit, The Berkshire Project ~ an inclusive arts- and music-based retreat that strives to develop connections for adults of all abilities that will last for years to come.

Education:

• Master of Arts degree from Lehman College in New York City

Personal Quote:
“All Brains are Beautiful” – Lauren

Favorite color: Blue

Interests:
Lauren enjoys camping and kayaking with her husband and fur baby, Lulu. Gardening, cooking, and knitting also bring her joy.

Becky

Front Office Assistant

Bio:
Becky has worked in many different industries throughout her career, from the insurance industry to chiropractic care. One of her favorite passions of all is working with others. She is especially excited that she now gets the opportunity to work with and meet so many wonderful children and their families.

Education:

• Associates Degree from Post University – Executive Secretarial

Personal Quote:
“Believe in yourself and do what you love. These ingredients equal success and happiness!” – Becky

Favorite color: Yellow

Interests:
Baking, making jam, and enjoying time with family and friends

Kayla, COTA/L

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Bio:
Kayla has worked as an Occupational Therapy Assistant since 2020 and has experience in pediatrics in School-based OT as well as the geriatric and adult population in Skilled Nursing Facilities. Kayla has worked with children with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome. Kayla enjoys making therapeutic activities that are fun and meaningful that build confidence in children as they work towards their goals.

Education:

• Associate of  Science in Occupational therapy Assistant

Certifications:

• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy

• American Heart Association – Heartsaver for K-12 Schools CPR/AED

Personal Quote:
“My goal as an Occupational Therapy Assistant at Therapy Kinections is to help children learn and grow to be successful in their daily lives. I believe in a holistic, multi-disciplinary, and collaborative approach to therapy and to provide a safe and welcoming environment for children to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.” – Kayla

Favorite color:
Pink

Interests:
Kayla likes to swim, paint, know, bake and try new arts and crafts

Danielle, MS OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Bio:
Danielle has been an Occupational Therapist for 13 years working primarily in pediatrics in a private special needs school for 10 years and various outpatient pediatric clinics. She has a passion for enhancing a child’s skills through a play based client centered approach incorporating sensory strategies . Danielle has extensive experience working with adolescents primarily with Autism and other neurological disorders with a focus on Activities of Daily Living skills, prevocational, and functional bases activities. Danielle is dedicated to working collaboratively with the children and their families to enhance their skills to live a happy and meaningful life.

Education:

• Masters of Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University

Certification:

• National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy

• Connecticut State Licensure in Occupational Therapy

Personal Quote:
“As an Occupational Therapist at Therapy Kinections I strive to enhance the lives of not only the child, but also the families through a multidisciplinary approach incorporating fun and engaging play-based activities.”
– Danielle

Favorite color:
Blue

Interests:
Spending time with my family, going out and trying new restaurants and watching movies

Dave Friebel

Business Manager

Bio:
Dave has been working with his wife Lynn, owner of Therapy Kinections, since its inception. Dave’s work experience has been broad and multi-faceted. He graduated as a Mechanical Engineer from Rochester Institute of Technology. Shortly into his career, he was guided down the path of implementing factory automation computerized systems. Subsequently, Dave also entered into consulting as well as marketing and sales. All of these work experiences have proved vital to his support of Therapy Kinections.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology

Certifications:

• Dale Carnegie Course

• CPR and First Aid

Personal Quote:
“I have seen many changes throughout the almost two decades since Therapy Kinections started, however, the best changes I like to see are the ones relating to the “kiddos” improvements and subsequent graduation from Therapy Kinections.” – Dave

Favorite Color:
Purple

Interests:
Dave enjoys reading, working on puzzles and always striving to learn new things.

Michele, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

Bio:
Michele has been in the physical therapy field for 7 years working both with geriatrics and pediatrics. She is dedicated to improving quality of life through movement. Michelle lives in Danbury with her boyfriend, Paul, and her three cats.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science

• Associates of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant

Personal Quote:
“As a PTA at TK, I am driven to work with children and their loving families to reach their own personal goals through movement and play.” – Michelle

Favorite Color:
Purple

Interests:
Outside of work, Michelle plays and coaches youth and high school ice hockey.

Diane, PT

Physical Therapist

Bio:
Diane has been in the physical therapy field for over 25 years with a specialty in pediatrics. She has worked with all ages and in a variety of settings including outpatient, home care, school setting, and aquatics. She enjoys the creativity and flexibility that is a must when working with children. She works hard to help her clients increase their independence by enhancing their abilities to reach their full potential, all while having fun. She collaborates with families to direct them to resources and obtain the best possible outcome for their child.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Connecticut

Personal Quote:
“It is gratifying to help people and make a positive difference in their lives”. – Diane

Favorite Color:
Blue

Interests:
Outside of work, Diane enjoys coaching the Ridgefield Special Olympics swim team on which her daughter, Faith, who has Prader-Willi Syndrome, is a member.

CaraMarie, MOT, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Bio:
CaraMarie has been an occupational therapist for over 15 years and has worked in various areas of occupational therapy.

CaraMarie enjoys helping children reach their fullest potential with their daily functional activities as well as working with their families.

Education:

• Masters in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University

• Certifications:

• Therapeutic Listening

• Cranial Sacral Therapy

• CPR and First Aid

• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy

Personal Quote:
“Live well, love much, laugh often”. – CaraMarie

Favorite Color:
Black

Interests:
CaraMarie enjoys being outdoors when not at Therapy Kinections.

Chelsea

Occupational Therapist

Chelsea has been in the occupational therapy field for 1 year (new grad)

I started out as a Pre-K teacher and eventually decided I wanted to make more of an impact by becoming a COTA and working more closely with children on a personal more individualized level.

Credentials:
COTA/L

Certifications:
HIPAA, Birth To Three

Education:
B.S. in health science A.A.S. occupational therapy assistant

Dedicated to my family, and hiking.

Your best accomplishment(s) – running a marathon

“As a pediatric COTA at TK, I am driven to work with children to help them grow and become more independent every day.“
— Chelsea

Andrea, MA, CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Bio:
Andrea has been in the field of Speech-Language Pathology for over 7 years, with special interest in the pediatric population. Over the past 7+ years, she has worked in the pediatric outpatient setting as part of a multi-disciplinary team of therapists. She assesses, evaluates, and treats a variety of speech, language, voice, social/pragmatic communication, and fluency disorders. In addition to individual treatment sessions, she has organized and implemented various social skills and early language development groups. She enjoys participating in outside organizations, such as the Special Olympics. Specific diagnoses that she has had the pleasure of working with include Down Syndrome, Hearing Loss, Cerebral Palsy, Genitopatellar syndrome, Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Autism Spectrum Disorder, KAT6A Syndrome, Microcephaly, Visually Impaired, Central Auditory Processing Disorder, Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injury, Behavioral Disorders, Anophthalmia, Phonological/Articulation Disorder, Receptive/Expressive Language Disorder, Fluency Disorder, Voice Disorder, and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Andrea’s passion has always been working with the pediatric population and incorporating caregivers into her sessions. She enjoys facilitating language growth through fun activities such as playing games and singing songs. She enjoys working closely with her occupational and physical therapy co-workers to provide the best intervention for her patients.

Education:

• Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

• Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

• Certifications:

• Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology

• Connecticut State License in Speech-Language Pathology

• CPR and First Aid

Personal Quote:
“Working with my amazing patients and their families at Therapy Kinections is what drives me to be the best therapist I can be”. – Andrea

Favorite Color:
Pink and Purple

Interests:
Andrea loves to spend time with family and friends, continue to grow her pollinator garden, and embroidery.

Kawana, SLP-A

Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant

Bio:
Kawana has worked in this field for 16 years with specialties in ABA, Autism, speech therapy, special needs, school settings, and private practice. Her best accomplishments are helping her students/clients achieve their goals.

Education:

• B.A. in Communication Disorders from Southern Connecticut State University

Certifications:

• CT and NC SLPA certified

Personal Quote:
“Always cultivate good thoughts and remain positive.” – Kawana

Favorite Color:
Pink

Interests:
Traveling, trying new recipes/restaurants, listening to music, designer thrifting, ziplining and gardening

Kimberly

Accounts Receivable Coordinator

Bio:
As an Accounts Receivable Coordinator at TK, Kim is driven to work with children and their loving families to help them on the financial side. She currently works with so many wonderful families and enjoys being able to help them any way she can. Managing the Accounts Receivables enables TK to thrive, grows the business, creates opportunities to invest in new technologies, and accomplishes whatever goals we may want or need to make the business be the best it can be.

Favorite Color:
Red

Interests:
When Kim is not working, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, reading, walking, and photography.

Jennifer, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Bio:
Jennifer has been working as an Occupational Therapist for over 23 years with a concentration in school-based practice. Jennifer also has experience in early intervention.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University

Certifications:

• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy

Personal Quote:
“As an Occupational Therapist at TK, I am driven to work with children and their loving family to continue my growth as a therapist in the area of pediatrics. ” – Jennifer

Favorite Color:

Interests:
Jen loves spending time with her family, especially at the beach!

Janice

Occupational Therapist

I have been in the field of occupational therapy for over 22 years, working with children and families within the school setting and pediatric outpatient setting.

I received my Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Hartford in 1999. I have maintained my National Board Certification in OT since that time. I am certified in sensory integration and administering the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test. I also have experience with the Handwriting Without Tears program, the Wilson Foundations program, the Alert program and the Zones of Regulation program.

As an occupational therapist at TK, I strive to support the families of the children that I work with and provide children with the tools and strategies that they need to become more independent and successful in their daily life skills.

My best accomplishments are my three children. My husband and I spend a lot of time driving them to and from practices, games, and tournaments. I love watching them play in all of their volleyball, basketball and lacrosse games. I enjoy spending time with my family whether it’s a sporting event, playing board games or kayaking at a nearby lake.”

Lucia

Office Assistant & Managed Care Specialist

Bio:
Lucia’s work is motivated by her need to help others and make a difference in their lives. Her generosity, patience, and organization all help TK succeed. She graduated from a Massage Therapy school, which gave her an understanding of the human body in an alternative light. She also graduated from St. Vincent’s College for Medical Assisting, which gave her an understanding of the human body in a scientific and medical light. In Medical Assisting she was taught the essential Office Assistant protocol and how to help the medical office function in a smooth and organized way.

Education:

• Massage Therapy from Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy

• Medical Assisting from St. Vincent’s College

Certifications:

• Certified Medical Assistant

• Religious Education

Personal Quote:
“I am dedicated to making as many families’ lives as improved and happy as I can manage from my position here at TK. Although I do not work directly with the children, I still manage to work with the family as a whole.” – Lucia

Favorite Color:
Purple

Interests:
Lucia is a former Sunday School Teacher (Catechist) and enjoys working with and talking to kids. She is also a loving momma to two Cattle Dog mixes that light up her life and are amazing at loving their parents and ALL people.

Desiree, COTA/L

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Bio:
Desiree has been in the Occupational Therapy field for 5 years with specialties and experience in pediatrics, servicing children with special needs and medical and physical disabilities. She has worked with children and families for over 26 years in various settings, first as a caretaker, then as a teacher and assistant director in a learning center, and lastly as an Occupational Therapist for Therapy Kinections. Desiree is dedicated to helping and supporting children and families in all capacities. She values her work as an Occupational Therapist and the positive impact she has on the families she services. She loves working with the pediatric population and wants to be able to help as many children as she can, in all aspects of their lives. This profession allows her the opportunity to do that holistically, while also being a supporter and advocate for families on their journey.

Education:

• Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant from Goodwin University

Certifications:

• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy

Personal Quote:
“As a COTA, I am dedicated to providing support, skilled services and advocacy to the children I service and their loving families, so that they can navigate their challenges successfully and with hope for their child’s future.” – Desiree

Favorite Color:
Lavender

Interests:
Desiree likes to spend time vacationing in Cape Cod and camping with her family.

Sarah, MS,CF-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Bio:
Sarah has worked with children and teens in university clinics, schools, and CT Birth to Three. She as worked with the following diagnoses: expressive/receptive language disorders, articulation/phonological disorders, autism spectrum disorder, fluency, and social communication disorders.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders

• Masters of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Southern Connecticut State University.

Certifications:

• Currently pursuing Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA)

Personal Quote:
“I strive to create a functional and fun therapy environment and believe in a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to best support each child’s individual needs and goals.” – Sarah

Favorite Color:
Blue

Interests:
Sarah enjoys skiing, hiking, playing board games, and baking.

Rosalie, MS, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Bio:
Rosalie has been an Occupational Therapist since 2021 with experience in the pediatric population as well as the rehabilitation of adults/older adults in a hospital setting. She has many interests in the areas of feeding therapy, reflex integration therapy, and utilization of a multi-sensory approach to learning skills to help children succeed in their everyday environments.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Springfield College with a minor in Psychology

• Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Springfield College

Certifications:

• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) member

• American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR & AED certified

• CPI Dementia Care and Behavior Certification

Personal Quote:
“As an Occupational Therapist at TK, I am driven to work with children and their families to help them become successful in their daily environments and overcome challenges with confidence. I strive to provide family-centered therapeutic interventions that are fun, engaging, and holistic.” – Rosalie

Favorite Color:
Purple

Interests:
When not working, Rosalie enjoys spending time with her family in Maine.

Linda, PT

Physical Therapist

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Certifications:
CPR and First Aid

Favorite Color:
Black

Lynn Friebel, OTR/L

FOUNDER & Occupational Therapist

Bio:
Lynn has been an occupational therapist for almost 40 years, and most of her time has been involved in treating the pediatric population. Lynn started Therapy Kinections over 17 years ago as she saw the need to help children outside of the school system. Her first year at Therapy Kinections was spent in a small building on Route 67 in Southbury where she started seeing children after school hours. It only had a single therapy room. She invested in a few swings, a therapy ball, and some small items to help with fine motor skills. She then expanded to a much larger office in Woodbury and was there for 3 years. After that, she moved into the current office that Therapy Kinections is now in and she is celebrating her 14th year at this location! Therapy Kinections also proudly offers Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology to encourage continuity of care for all children. Although Lynn is no longer taking new patients, her dreams and aspirations make Therapy Kinections what it is today and she still enjoys the idea that many families can be helped and guided through their journey! She loves seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces as they have fun working on their skills while playing fun games and activities with the therapists.

Education:

• Bachelors of Science in Occupational Therapy

Certifications:

• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy

• Sensory Integration and Praxis Testing

• Craniosacral Therapy

• Therapeutic Listening

• Feeding Therapy

• CPR and First Aid

Lynn’s proudest accomplishment with regards to certifications is being trained in Animal Assisted Therapy, as she and Bradley (our therapy dog who recently retired) have made a huge impact on all of the children!

Personal Quote:
“I have always wanted to help others achieve many goals and I feel that it is important to help the whole family, including parents, grandparents, and siblings”. – Lynn

Favorite Color:
Orange

Interests:
Lynn’s favorite things to do outside of Therapy Kinections are to read and go to the beach.