Occupational therapy, education and DIR/Floortime staff, across the preschool, the day program and individual sessions.
Sarah Hewitt
Center Operations and Curriculum Lead, DIR/Floortime Assistant
Sarah has 15 years in early childhood education and child care, with children from six weeks old through age twelve. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from William Paterson University and her DIR Floortime Assistant certification, and she leads center operations and curriculum alongside Courtney.
Most of her career has been with emergent speakers, and she builds rooms where language is the focus: children hear new words often and are encouraged to try unfamiliar sounds and phrases of their own. What she wishes parents knew is that development is not linear, and that the setbacks grow further apart once a child's own needs come before the milestone chart. Outside of work she is with her family and Petie, their eleven year old Dorkie, or reading, writing and listening to music.
I believe children thrive when they are given the space, support, and encouragement to discover who they are and what they like.
Alicia Bergen, COTA/L
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, DIR-Basic Practitioner
Alicia has spent nearly 11 years as a pediatric certified occupational therapy assistant, mostly in clinics and also in schools, with children and young adults from 3 months to 20 years old. She earned her bachelor's degree at William Paterson University and her associate's degree in occupational therapy at Eastwick College, and is licensed in New Jersey and New York. She completed DIR 101 and 201 through ICDL.
She starts by learning what a child loves, what makes them laugh, and what feels hard, then uses that to make therapy playful. Outside of work she is usually with her two dogs, Winston and Lucy, listening to an audiobook, or on Long Beach Island, where she has spent every summer since she was born.
I believe children thrive when they feel safe, understood, and when they are given the time and space to grow at their own pace.
Elizabeth Yockey, MA
Educator and DIR/Floortime Practitioner, Homeschool Support
Liz holds a Master of Arts from the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University, and has worked in education for over 20 years: math and science teacher in public and private schools, developmental preschool teacher, student advisor, curriculum designer, outdoor education facilitator and homeschooling parent. She holds a DIR Floortime Basic Certificate.
Her particular interest is supporting children who do not fit the mold of a typical school setting. What she wishes parents knew: development is not linear. Just because a child can empathize with a friend one day does not mean they can the next. Outside of work: hiking and camping, audiobooks, crochet, board games and cats.
I believe children thrive when they have as much freedom to play as we can allow them, while being in community with others.
Mya Huerta
DIR/Floortime Assistant
Mya holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and is CPR certified. She has worked with children in developmental, educational and recreational settings, as a Montessori teacher assistant, as an assistant coach for ages 5 to 13, and now as a DIR/Floortime assistant.
She builds a trusting relationship first, then follows the child's lead and uses their interests to open up play, communication and confidence. Outside of work she is with family and friends, at concerts, or finding new places to explore.
I believe children thrive when they feel safe, understood, supported, and free to be themselves while exploring the world around them.
Ritaj Shoman, BSW
DIR/Floortime Assistant
Ritaj holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a DIR/Floortime 102 certificate. She has worked in family homes with children aged 5 and under and with expecting mothers, including infants as young as 6 weeks.
Her approach is patient and individualized: she tries to understand each child as an individual rather than expecting them to learn or communicate the same way as everyone else. Outside of work she travels, does pilates, and is usually trying a new coffee shop with her husband. She has been to 8 countries across 4 continents.
I believe children thrive when they feel valued, understood, and encouraged to be themselves.
Jillian Kirby, COTA/L
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Jillian holds an Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy and is completing her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. She has practiced across inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing and hospital settings, and her work has grown toward pediatrics and relationship-based care. Her training includes myofascial release, hippotherapy, and the ICDL 101 Floortime course.
She describes herself as someone who likes dessert before the main course: DIR stands for Developmental, Individual Differences, and Relationship-based, and she likes to start at the end, building the relationship before making any demands. Because Floortime is a lifespan model, she finds its principles help people of every age feel seen and understood.
I believe children thrive when they are understood. Our role is not to teach children how to fit into our world, but to enter their world first so we can build something together.
