Our Professionals

​Jen graduated from Tufts University with a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2018. Her student fieldworks included a rotation at Brookline Public Schools to support students with fine motor development and self-regulation skills and a placement with the Day Habilitation Program for adults with physical and developmental disabilities at United Cerebral Palsy in Watertown. Since graduating, Jen has provided home-based therapy to infants, toddlers, and their caregivers through early intervention services in Massachusetts. Her clinical experience also encompasses trainings in self-regulation, parent-coaching, neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT), feeding therapy, and working with children with visual and/or hearing impairment. In her free time, Jen enjoys watching movies with friends, baking for her loved ones, seeing musicals or plays, and crafting.

Shanna graduated from UMass Dartmouth with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology after having a passion for helping others. She has over 10 years of experience working with children of a variety of ages and was previously a preschool teacher. Shanna graduated from Worcester State University with her Master's in Occupational Therapy. She has volunteer and clinical experience in pediatric outpatient settings working with children and families with complex needs. She has taken executive functioning consultant courses and has training in Aquatic Therapy. She is excited about bringing OT into the pool and using the water to help children meet their goals.  Shanna enjoys sunny days, outdoor walks, spending time with her family and friends, and traveling!

Carrie is a graduate of Springfield College, where she received a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. She has gained clinical experience working as a school-based therapist in elementary schools and via telehealth. Prior to completing her degree, she worked with children in a variety of settings, including their preschool classrooms, their homes, and in the community. Additionally, Carrie worked with children at an inclusive overnight summer camp for children with disabilities. She is passionate about working with children and their families to promote participation and function through play and arts and crafts. In her free time, she enjoys painting, exploring Boston, and spending time with friends and family. She is so excited to be part of the BAC team!

Lexie Brincklow is a graduate of Quinnipiac University where she received her Master's degree in occupational therapy. She completed her fieldwork placements at an adult rehabilitation hospital and an integrated preschool. Prior to completing her degree, Lexie taught preschoolers with diverse medical needs in the learning for life program at a school. Additionally, she has experience working as a personal care assistant to adolescents with intellectual disabilities. She is passionate about working with children and their families to promote participation in their daily activities. In her free time, Lexie enjoys cooking and spending time with family and friends.

Amanda Cardinal is a graduate of MCPHS University where she received her Master's degree in occupational therapy. She completed her fieldwork placements at a neurodiverse preschool in California, and at a subacute rehab for brain injuries at Sinai hospital in Maryland. Prior to completing her degree, Amanda worked as a teaching assistant and paraprofessional in Wellesley public schools, as well as an early childhood educator and after school teacher for Wellesley Community Children's Center. Amanda has significant experience working with infants, toddlers, and school aged children, however working as a kindergarten classroom assistant led her to discovering a love of Occupational Therapy. Prior to working in school settings, Amanda worked in outpatient psychiatry at Brigham and Women's hospital as a resource specialist and intake coordinator before realizing her true passion was working with children. Amanda strives to find the strengths in each child she works with and ensures a positive connection while developing skills needed to succeed in everyday activities. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, concerts, the beach, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog Sosa. 

Jenna is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, where she received a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, and a minor in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Studies and American Sign Language. Jenna has a passion for working with children and loves the unique way occupational therapy allows her to use play as a tool to promote children’s participation in meaningful and purposeful routines. She has experience working in outpatient pediatrics and early intervention, and she has worked with a variety of children with fine motor development, sensory processing, self-regulation, executive functioning, and visual perceptual/motor integration. Jenna is also certified in the Therapeutic Listening Program. In her free time, Jenna loves to play volleyball, read, craft, and be outdoors!

Laura recently relocated to the Boston area with her family from Baltimore, Maryland. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Childhood Development and a master's degree in Occupational Therapy. She has over 6 years of experience treating and evaluating in the school and outpatient settings. Laura has worked with individuals ranging in age from 4-21 with various diagnoses including but not limited to: autism, brain injury, social-emotional disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, learning disabilities, and developmental delay. She is passionate about working with children and their families and has had the privilege of working with children in a variety of areas including sensory processing, self-regulation, fine motor, visual motor integration, and executive functioning. Laura has completed continuing education with Handwriting Without Tears, The Alert Program, and is a certified provider for Interactive Metronome. In her free time, Laura enjoys playing with her children, spending time with family, and running.

Anita graduated from Thomas Jefferson University with a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2021. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2018. She has been passionate about working with children since college, and has experience as a one-to-one aide in a special education setting, along with completing fieldwork in a public school setting from preschool to 8th grade. Additionally, she ran pediatric health literacy groups and implemented Zones of Regulation training for at-risk youth as part of her work-study MSOT program. Anita has prior working experience across multiple settings in pediatrics, including early intervention, school-based occupational therapy, and at a pediatric outpatient autism clinic. She has worked with a variety of children with sensory processing challenges, fine motor development, executive functioning, behavioral concerns, and developmental and neurological delays. She has specialized training in the SOS Approach to Feeding and experience in DRBI through Profectum and ICDL. In her spare time, Anita loves to read, go on walks, and find new places to eat. 

Liz graduated with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Sacred Heart University and earned her bachelor’s degree in health science with a minor in Psychology. She has been passionate about working with children since she was 16 years old and continues to work with children to be able to increase independence in their day to day lives. Liz has prior experience working at a pediatric outpatient clinic as well as within early intervention services supporting children with developmental and neurological delays and challenges associated with feeding, fine motor skills, sensory processing, executive functioning, and behavior.  She has specialized training in SOS Approach to Feeding, ARFID: The Anxious Eater, Managing ADHD Across the Lifespan, and DIRFloortime. In her spare time, she likes to play with her dog, travel, cook, and spend time with her friends and family.

Alexandra (Alex) is a graduate of MGH Institute of Health Professions, where she earned her doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD). She has clinical experience working with children of all ages with a wide variety of diagnoses & disabilities. Prior to pursuing a career in OT, she was on the Pre-med track and received her Bachelor’s in Biology from Northeastern University. She has spent the last 10 years working and volunteering in healthcare, with a specific interest in pediatrics & prenatal/postnatal care. She believes her nontraditional journey to discovering and choosing occupational therapy as a profession is an asset. Her prior experiences in science and healthcare are invaluable, which allow her to bring a unique lens and skill set as an occupational therapist. From her experience in working with a variety of patient populations and colleagues, she has fostered a high level of compassion for all persons, regardless of medical diagnosis, age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, or socioeconomic status. She has innate positive energy, enthusiasm, and warmth that she naturally brings to interactions, especially with children. However, these traits are paired with a calmness she has cultivated through her meditation and yoga practice over the last 5-12 years. These practices allow her to channel calmness into client interactions to foster trust, communication, and empathy. She is a certified Sensory Enhanced Yoga instructor. Additionally, she implemented and evaluated a virtual (i.e. Zoom) adapted Sensory Enhanced Yoga program for at-risk youth as part of her OTD program at MGH Institute of Health Professions. Her project was presented in April of 2022 in San Antonio, TX at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) annual conference and expo.

Stephanie is a graduate of Towson University, where she received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2011. She has practiced in a variety of pediatric settings, including outpatient and inpatient. Stephanie's clinical experience includes evaluating and treating children with a variety of needs including, but not limited to, sensory processing abilities, psychiatric disorders, feeding challenges, and developmental and neurological delays. Stephanie has also been involved in many opportunities including co-supervising the occupational therapy department at BAC, program development, managing the student program, designing sensory rooms and in depth training into two areas that Stephanie has great interest in: feeding and psychiatric challenges as they directly relate to everyday functional performance. Course work includes the SOS Approach to Feeding, ARFID Masterclass, Beckman Oral Motor Program, Rescuing the Dysregulated Child and Rewiring the Anxious Brain. She is eager to continue to make a difference in enhancing the quality of life of the children that she works with and their families. In her spare time, Stephanie loves to read, hang out with her dog, drink ice coffee and travel.

Katie is a graduate of Tufts University where she completed her doctorate in occupational therapy. She has clinical fieldwork experience in both outpatient pediatric and integrative health OT settings, where she gained experience with 1:1 sessions, as well as leading and assisting in themed groups and camps. Katie has always been passionate about working with children, and past experiences include working at a preschool, coaching Girl's on the Run, and traveling to India (twice!) to coach young girls in soccer. She loves pediatric OT because she gets to use play as a way to empower children to be confident and independent in their daily lives! In her free time Katie loves to cycle, craft, play board games and read!

Mackenzie graduated with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of New Hampshire. Prior to joining the BAC team, Mackenzie has clinical experience working as an occupational therapist in various settings including inpatient rehabilitation and school-based services. Most recently, Mackenzie provides OT evaluation and intervention services to students within elementary through post-secondary education programs with the focus on independent living skills, fine motor development, sensory processing, and executive functioning skills. Mackenzie is passionate about working with individuals to develop a wide range of skills needed to promote independence within their daily lives. In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys spending time at the beach, trying new foods, and reading.

Liz is passionate about working with children and their families to promote participation in everyday occupations. Liz is a graduate of MCPHS University where she completed her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy (2019), and a Bachelor's degree in Public Health (2017). Prior to BAC, she worked as an occupational therapist with clients across the lifespan in multiple settings including home-hospital, school-based services, schools, educational collaboratives, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation, and long-term acute care. Liz is currently the school partnership coordinator at the BAC. Liz is a certified provider for Interactive Metronome, Brain Gym® 101 Certificate provider, and has training in Safety-Care®. She has participated in intensive workshops such as The #KingofSwings Sensorimotor Workshop and more. She has special interests in continuing education and practices related to neurodiversity, CIMT, dysgraphia, and more! Outside of OT, Liz enjoys dancing, cooking, hot yoga, traveling, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.

Kristina is a graduate from Sacred Heart University Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program. She also has a bachelor’s degree from Sacred Heart University in Health Science with a minor in Psychology. Kristina has always had a passion for helping children by guiding them through their developmental milestones and empowering them to overcome challenges. She completed her Level II fieldwork in an elementary school working with individuals with intellectual, developmental, physical, and learning disabilities. She is thrilled to bring her creativity to BAC and create fun, play-based interventions for the kids. When Kristina is not working, she enjoys doing crafts, playing with dogs, going on walks, hanging with friends and family, and cooking/eating.

Carla is a graduate of Boston University, where she received a doctorate in Occupational Therapy. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Spanish at Williams College.  Carla has gained previous clinical experience through completing fieldwork placements at an outpatient orthopedic and neurological setting, a rehabilitation day program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and at Boston Ability Center where she first joined the BAC community. She has always loved working with children, and previously worked in a special education preschool-primary learning program with children (aged 3-12) with developmental disabilities. Carla is passionate about using play and all that is fun to support children and participate in their daily activities. She is excited to continue working with the BAC children and their families. In her free time, Carla enjoys playing soccer, puzzling, and spending time with her friends and family. 

Colleen is a graduate of Sacred Heart University where she received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Prior to starting at BAC Colleen has clinical experience in a variety of settings including school-based OT and mental health. She is passionate about working and advocating for kids of all ages and diagnoses in order to ensure optimal independence in all meaningful tasks. She is excited to continue her work serving children and their families here at BAC! When she’s not working Colleen enjoys cooking, hiking, traveling and spending time with friends and family. 

MacKenzie joined the BAC team as an undergraduate co-op student in 2015, and it was during this time that the kids, families, and staff inspired her to pursue a career in pediatric OT. MacKenzie completed her master’s degree at Tufts University as well as a post-professional occupational therapy doctorate and advanced professional certification in school-based practice. Prior to graduate school, MacKenzie gained experience working with children as a special education teaching assistant and through spending much of her time volunteering with an organization called Peace Through Play, where she first witnessed the transformational power of play (or occupation!) and human connection. Her clinical experience includes a skilled nursing facility specializing in the care of children with complex medical needs as well as a therapeutic day school serving children with emotional, neurologic, and psychiatric difficulties. She has additional training in working with children with anxiety as well as treating neuromuscular conditions impacting upper extremity function. At the BAC, MacKenzie has been thrilled to combine her passions for clinical care and administration as the Clinical Operations Supervisor. She is a certified Interactive Metronome provider, a director of One Night Out, and co-leads BAC's intensive therapy and CIMT camp programs.  In her free time, MacKenzie is an avid Pinterest-er and enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with friends and family.

Janine is a graduate of Springfield College where she completed her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy in addition to her Bachelor's degree in Child and Family Studies and Public Health from Syracuse University (Go Orange!). She has worked with families in a variety of settings including schools, the home, and residential facilities. Janine is a DIRFloortime® Basic Certificate (DIR-Basic) provider and frequently incorporates principles from the DIR Floortime model into her sessions through the power of play. She also holds certifications in the Unyte iLs Focus System, Safe and Sound Protocol, and Zones of Regulation curriculum. Janine presently supports the BAC in a per-diem role while she completes a full-time pediatric fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital. During her spare time, Janine enjoys marathon training, CrossFit, traveling, and being close to the ocean.

Arielle is passionate about working with children and their families to promote participation in meaningful activities. In addition to patient care, Arielle co-supervises the Occupational Therapy Department, manages the graduate student Fieldwork program, is a leader of BAC’s Tots & SpOTs weekly playgroup, and has created children’s and adult yoga programs to promote wellness and mindful movement. She brings her expertise as an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher and certified Flow & Grow Kids Yoga Teacher to all aspects of her work. You can even find some of her kids yoga classes on YouTube! Arielle is trained in Fieldwork Education and mentorship as well as the clinical practice areas of self-regulation, interoception, and teaching yoga to improve sensory modulation, self-regulation and motor skills in kids with Autism, ADHD, Developmental Disorders, Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. Prior to BAC, Arielle supported the Boston Children's Hospital OT department providing services to children on acute inpatient floors, she was a Registered Behavior Technician providing ABA services to children 1-18 years old with Autism and related diagnoses, and was a full-time yoga instructor. Arielle completed her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy at Tufts University. Arielle is passionate about sports, baking and spending time outdoors with her son and husband.

Sydney received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Regis College. She completed her fieldwork placements at a public school setting with ages ranging from kindergarten to 8th grade and an Early Intervention setting. She has experience in assisting diverse groups of children, including those facing challenges related to fine motor development, neurological disorders, developmental delays,  sensory processing issues, visual perceptual/motor integration difficulties, and behavioral difficulties. Prior to completing her degree, she worked with children ranging from birth to preschool ages at a daycare. She has always had a passion for working with children and is very excited to be a part of BAC. Outside of work, Sydney enjoys baking, hiking, playing with her puppy and cat, and spending time with her family and friends!