About Us
Erin Lynch, MS, OTR/L
Erin is the owner and founder of Kinetic Kids Occupational Therapy, PLLC. She graduated from Russell Sage College with her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2002. She has been working on the Upper East Side since 2004.
Erin has completed an Advanced Level 2 Intensive Mentorship in diagnosing and treating SPD with Star Institute. STAR Institute is the premier treatment, research, and education center for children and adults with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). She is also trained in the Learn Play Thrive Strength based approach to treating kids with ASD. Erin also has extensive coursework in treating kids with ASD using an NDT approach. The core and postural control and how it relates to sensory processing and regulation is Erin's passion, and she has worked extensively treating kids with postural dysfunction due to poor sensory processing.
Erin's career has been marked by her work in various settings, showcasing her adaptability and versatility. She has worked in the NICU, PICU, sensory gyms, home-based, early intervention, and school-based. It was her work in various sensory gyms that inspired her to found Kinetic Kids Occupational Therapy, PLLC. Her passion lies in providing children with the best possible self-driven, motivating sensory and movement experiences.
Erin, a resident of the Upper East Side, is not just a professional but also a mother of 2 children who attend school in the neighborhood. Her personal experience with her own child's challenges gives her a unique perspective. Erin has been through a 6-month course of PCIT, has extensive knowledge in co-regulation, and has experience with dealing with kids with the most challenging behaviors. She strongly believes that behavior is a form of communication and language, a belief that underpins her empathetic approach and understanding of children's needs. Erin is also a level C trained DMI practitioner and has extensive experience working with infants.
Jenna Varnauskas, OTR/L
Jenna has been a practicing occupational therapist in New York City since 2018 with experience in schools, early intervention, and private practices. She has experience working with clientele ages 0-18, specializing in the toddler and young child population, and with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, executive functioning delays, and global delays.
She graduated magna cum laude from Bay Path University in Massachusetts where she also received her Masters in Occupational Therapy. Jenna specializes in treatments related to sensory processing, reflex integration, the postural system, regulation, and also handwriting support.
Jenna is certified in the following therapeutic approaches and techniques: MNRI Dynamic and Postural Reflex Pattern Integration Course, Astronaut Training®, Therapeutic Listening®, Quickshifts®, Trauma Informed Approach to Sensory Processing, Handwriting Without Tears® and more. She also has taken courses such as Learn Play Thrive by Megan Proctor, a child centered, strength based approach to treating children on the autism spectrum. Jenna is a trained Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) practitioner. Jenna has also completed her Level 1 mentorship and training at the STAR institute. Jenna is also Level A DMI trained.
She is dedicated to being a lifelong learner, constantly reading and learning from experts in our field and is passionate about the power of regulation and play-based therapy to support children’s development and allow them to fully participate and enjoy their childhood.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and trying new hobbies.
Sophie Gusler, OTD, OTR/L
Sophie provides Occupational Therapy services at Kinetic Kids Occupational Therapy, PLLC. She graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and received her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from New York University.
Sophie specializes in Sensory Integration treatments and handwriting remediation. She has completed the University of Southern California’s Sensory Integration continuing education certificate program, which focused on advanced topics relevant to the evaluation and treatment of individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder.
Additionally, Sophie is certified in the following integration techniques: Rhythmic Movement Training, Astronaut Training®, Therapeutic Listening®, Quickshifts®, reflex integration and visual assessments. Sophie is also a certified Handwriting Without Tears® specialist and is trained in the Size Matters handwriting program and the Neurokinesthetic Approach to Hand Function and Handwriting. Sophie utilizes these programs to ensure the development of strong handwriting habits, foster an enjoyment of tabletop activities, and create an overall positive, self-esteem boosting learning experience. Sophie has completed her Floortime Certification.
Sophie has experience in elementary schools, preschools, sensory gyms and home settings, where she has provided Occupational Therapy services to babies, toddlers, children and adolescents. Sophie is passionate about improving sensory processing skills that will enable children to enjoy their childhood and prime their brains and bodies for academic, social, emotional and motor development!
Sophie’s own struggles with learning disabilities led her to become an Occupational Therapist, and these experiences provide her with a unique and in-depth understanding of the difficulties that children and their family members may face. Sophie’s experiences and passion for helping children reach their fullest potential are the ideal combination to empower you and your child!
Sophie lives on the upper east side and enjoys spending time with her baby boy who was born in late 2022 and trying out all her techniques on him!
Kate Hatch MSOT, OTR/L
Kate graduated summa cum laude from San Francisco State University and received her Masters of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University. She recently relocated to NYC from California, where she practiced occupational therapy in various settings including elementary, middle, and high schools, private clinics, sensory gyms, outdoor settings, and teletherapy.
She has experience working with kids ages 2-18 with sensory processing disorders, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurological and physical challenges. Kate has training in Reflex Integration, the Perceptual Enrichment Program (PEP), the Sensory Oral Sequential (SOS) feeding approach, and navigating behavioral challenges.
She continues her professional development through workshops and conferences. In her practice, Kate utilizes a holistic and child-centered approach, incorporating play-based activities and evidence-based techniques to promote motor skills, cognitive development, and social-emotional growth.
She is committed to creating individualized treatment plans that are tailored to each child's unique needs and strengths.
Outside of practicing occupational therapy, Kate enjoys yoga, reading, exploring the city, and traveling.
Emily Luong MS, OTR/L
Emily graduated summa cum laude from New York University and received her Masters of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from New York University. She has worked with children in various school-based settings and sensory gyms in Manhattan and Brooklyn. She has experience with children ages 2-13 years old working towards a variety of skills including sensory processing skills, handwriting, fine motor coordination, executive functioning, visual perceptual skills, and daily living skills.
Emily is trained in Learning Without Tears, Astronaut Training, Therapeutic Listening, Reflex Integration, Interoception and has completed her training in the Learn, Play, Thrive strengths-based approach to ASD. Emily’s insatiable curiosity drives her to continually learn more about children's development. Emily is also Level A DMI trained.
Emily strongly believes that children are able to make sense of the world around them through play. They learn and develop physically, socially, and emotionally. She is passionate about using play-based and strengths-based approaches to help children gain independence, develop self-confidence, and feel empowered.
In her free time, Emily enjoys trying new foods and restaurants, taking long walks and hikes with her two dogs, and snowboarding.
Grace (Jarrett) Sullivan OTR/L
Grace is an occupational therapist who has experience working with children ages 0-18. She graduated with an MS in Occupational Therapy from New York University with national occupational therapy honors and completed her clinical fieldwork II rotations at Mt. Sinai Hospital and Kinetic Kids PLLC.
Grace has experience with children with sensory processing disorder (SPD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, learning disabilities, and various other neurological and physical impairments. She has worked in a variety of settings including elementary schools, nursery schools, private practices, and sensory gyms. Grace spent extensive time working with children with cerebral palsy with Columbia University’s HABIT-ILE research program.
Grace is passionate about helping children become more functionally independent in their daily lives and does so with a warm, client-led, strength-based approach. She focuses on sensory processing skills, executive functioning, the postural system, coordination, handwriting, perceptual skills, and integrating reflexes.
She is determined to continue her learning and education through reading and extensive continuing education coursework. She has been trained in the STEPPSI, Effective Sensory Diets, Therapeutic Listening, and NDT for kids with ASD.
Grace is originally from Westchester, NY, and graduated magna cum laude with a BS from Wake Forest University. In her free time, Grace enjoys yoga, painting, cooking, and playing the piano!
Peter Chalkitis MS, OTR/L
Peter graduated from NYIT with a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy in 2004. He has extensive experience working sensory gyms, schools, and providing therapy within the home. Peter specializes in working with children ages 2-12.
He has worked closely with children on the autism spectrum, sensory processing disorders, as well as physically impaired children with muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy and spina bifida. He holds certifications in Yoga Therapy for the Child with Developmental Challenges, Therapeutic Listening, Astronaut Training, Rhythmic Movement Training, Handwriting Without Tears, S’cool Moves, Managing Visual Deficits, Visual/Vestibular Assessment & Treatment, treatment of ASD, and Creating Sensory Diets for school aged children. Peter has also competed L1 and L2 reflex integration training with Sonia Story.
Peter was one of the first OT's to participate in a launch of the SEED program (sensory education exploration discovery) in the NYC DOE. Peter believes that fun is the key when working with children.
Peter is also the father of two young children. He enjoys basketball and baseball in his free time.
Gabrielle Freesman, MOTR/L
Gabby has been a practicing occupational therapist in NYC since 2019. She received her Masters of Occupational Therapy and Bachelors of Science degrees from Quinnipiac University.
She has experience various settings, including schools and outpatient sensory gyms, with children ages 3-12. She has experience working with children on sensory processing, motor skills, executive functioning, and daily living skills. Gabby is trained in the Integrated Listening Systems' Focus System and Safe and Sound Protocol, and has taken and continues to learn from courses in primitive reflex integration, sensory processing, praxis and motor planning, interoception, and the visual system.
She also has experience as a parent coach. Gabby is passionate about the power that occupational therapy has to help facilitate growth and development in a fun and engaging way. She enjoys seeing how sensory-rich play can support a child’s success in daily life.
Gabby values collaboration with caregivers and other clinical specialties to support the whole child and family. In her free time, Gabby enjoys baking, exploring the city, and spending time in Central Park.
Emilia Massimi, M.A., OTR/L
Emilia is a seasoned occupational therapist with a master's degree from New York University. She has extensive experience working with children from preschool through high school, addressing a variety of skills including sensory processing, handwriting, coordination, executive functioning, perceptual skills, and daily living skills.
Emilia has honed her expertise in sensory processing treatment through advanced coursework and maintains a steadfast commitment to professional growth.
She is dedicated to fostering strong relationships with clients and their families, seamlessly integrating clinical acumen with a warm approach.
Outside of her profession, Emilia enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, reading, and cherishing moments with her family.