Occupational and Physical Therapists

Lauren Zalis, MA, OTR/L

I am an Occupational Therapist and one of the co-founders of The Waverly Group. As an undergraduate at Washington University in St. Louis I volunteered at an integrated preschool program. I quickly found myself drawn to the prospect of working with children as well as in the occupational therapy field. I strongly believed that I would be able to make a powerful and positive impact on the communities I hoped to serve if I were able to blend these two areas. I chose to get my master’s degree at New York University and get additional training and certification in SIPT (Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests), Therapeutic Listening, Integrated Listening systems, and Interactive Metronome. I am passionate about what I do, and I am committed to supporting the children and families that I work with.

Alexa Molinari, MOT, OTR/L

I am an occupational therapist with experience in private clinics, schools, and in-patient settings. I received my bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and my master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University. I enjoy working with children and their families to support performance in everyday activities (or occupations).

Marissa Wuennemann, MOT, OTR/L

I am an occupational therapist with a diverse background in sensory integration, neurorehabilitation and research. I completed my bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and my master's degree in Occupational Therapy at Quinnipiac University. I have a passion for pediatric occupational therapy and supporting children to reach their potential through creative and collaborative interventions. 

Tania Hill M.S., OTR/L

I am a pediatric occupational therapist with experience working in schools and private clinics. I am passionate about engaging children through play to support their ability to participate in activities meaningful to them and their families. I obtained my Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at Sacred Heart University. I am trained in the Learning Without Tears "Get Set For School" handwriting curriculum and I am certified in Therapeutic Listening, Astronaut Training, and Interactive Metronome.

FUN FACT

In my spare time

Katherine Nelson, MOT, OTR/L

I’m an occupational therapist with experience working in a pediatric clinic, hand therapy clinic, and an adolescent transitional living facility. As well as additional experience in schools, animal-assisted therapy, and inpatient rehab facilities. I received my bachelor’s degree in health science studies and my master’s degree in occupational therapy from Quinnipiac University, and I did my fieldwork training at Waverly. I aspire to positively impact the lives of others through occupational therapy. My passion lies in assisting and empowering others to live their lives to the fullest.

Christine Erensen MS, PT C/NDT

I am a pediatric physical therapist, certified in Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Treatment, with over 30 years of experience working with children, from birth through adolescence. Previously, I worked at Blythdale Children’s hospital where I treated children with a wide variety of orthopedic, neurological, and genetic conditions. I love watching my clients achieve their goals and working with their families providing support and education to assist their children in being the best they can be.

Cristina Guzman, MOT, OTR/L

I am an occupational therapist with experience working in pediatrics, prevocational workshops for young adults with autism, and skilled nursing facilities. I attended Quinnipiac University where I received my bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and my master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. I am enthusiastic to be a part of the Waverly Team and to provide client-centered and occupation-focused services.

Allison LePontois M.S., OTR/L

Upon receiving my Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at Sacred Heart University, I began working in schools and early intervention.  I have additional experience in inpatient rehabilitation facilities. I am passionate about pediatric therapy and collaborating with families to help children reach their fullest potential. 

Fun Fact

In my spare time

Charlotte Bishop MS, PT C/NDT

Over the past 20 years, I have worked in a wide variety of pediatric settings, including outpatient rehabilitation as both direct service provider and department director, private in-home therapy, school settings, and Birth to Three services. I received my BS in Physical Therapy from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY and her MS in Developmental Disabilities from NY Medical College in Valhalla, NY. I am certified in Neurodevelopmental Treatment Techniques (NDT) for children and have taken numerous continuing education courses in Pediatric Taping techniques, the treatment of Torticollis, myofascial techniques, as well as treatment for a variety of developmental, neurological and orthopedic issues. I have  also assisted in teaching the pediatric portion of a Physical Therapy Assistant curriculum.

Fun Fact

I paraglided off the Himalayan mountains in Nepal. 

in my spare time

Kayaking, Gardening, Quilting

Lucia Grady M.S., OTR/L

I graduated from Boston University and then completed a year long fellowship program at Georgetown University in their Birth to Three Developmental Evaluation Clinic.  I have worked in almost every type of setting, treating children from birth to 12yrs.  While working in Washington, DC very early in my career, I developed curriculum and co-directed a summer camp for children with sensory and motor dysfunction who had difficulty attending a traditional summer camp.  I took time off from my OT career to raise my four children, and now I am very excited to return to work to join Waverly’s talented team of therapists!

Fun Fact

I played in a D1 Field Hockey final four. 

in my spare time

I spend time with my family and friends playing golf, tennis or pickleball. If I am not playing some kind of game or sport then you can find me at the beach.  I also love to read, bake and run.