Shirael Pollack is a physical therapist and the creator/director of Watch Me Grow. As a practicing therapist, Shirael applied innovative and proven therapeutic techniques in her work with infants and school age children with a wide variety of neurological, developmental and musculoskeletal impairments. After years of practice in both schools and home-based settings (and learning what works and what doesn’t), Shirael created Watch Me Grow to realize her personal vision of what a sensory gym should be – a place where therapy was not just effective, but also fun for children to receive. In addition to her work as Director of WMG, Shirael is very active with the National Autism Association NY Metro Chapter. Shirael also enjoys bringing her daughter to WMG to play with the other kids.

Missy Frey received her degree in occupational therapy from Touro College of New York in 2001. Her occupational path has guided her into many different pediatric settings from Hippotherapy to school-based and center based environments. Immediately following graduation, she began her career in pediatrics working for the NYC Board of Education until she became the Clinical Supervisor of the Spectrum Center, a center in NYC that combined the Tomatis Listening Program with Sensory Integration. Missy now has more than 10 years of experience in pediatric treatment and supervision, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of children with movement disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and sensory integration dysfunction. Previous to her Supervisory position at Watch Me Grow, Missy recently maintained a position of Occupational and Physical Therapy Supervisor for two years at the Rebecca School, a D.I.R./ Floortime School in Manhattan for students with language, relating and communicating disorders. She oversaw the treatment of more than 100 children and 12 occupational and physical therapists. Missy has extensive training in Sensory Integration (SI), DIR/Floortime and Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT). She completed the 4-week SIPT certification course in 2005 and 1 week training as a D.I.R.C clinician at the ICDL Institute in 2009. In addition, she has a plethora of other therapeutic courses and has received NDT training from Lois Bly and Gail Ritchie. In utilizing her knowledge, creativity and therapeutic use of self, Missy generates a unique and child specific treatment plan that addresses the whole child and family.

Lillian (Lily) Albert-Gardner is a Physical Therapist who works at both the 19th Street and Upper West side locations of Watch Me Grow. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Sciences, and a Master of Physical Therapy, both from the University of Vermont. Previous experience includes work with school-aged child with diverse neurological, emotional, and communication challenges. She has extensive knowledge of the Floortime/DIR (Developmental, Individual differences, Relationship) model and uses this approach in her therapy to meet the child at his or her cognitive developmental level, address the child’s unique sensory and emotional needs, and to help the child take ownership and expand his or her gross motor skills in warm, fun therapy sessions. She has taken numerous continuing education courses focused on the NDT (Neuro-Developmental Treatment) approach and handling skills and Sensory Integration theory. She is Therapeutic Listening certified and has experience implementing programs in the school setting. Lily is excited to be joining the Watch Me Grow team this September and looks forward to meeting and working with the new families!

Sarah Barasch is an Occupational Therapist working at both 19th Street and Upper West Side locations. She graduated with a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Boston University. Previously, she has worked with school aged children diagnosed with neurological, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Within the sensory gym environment, she enjoys providing therapy using the dynamic medium of play to achieve individualized goals. Sarah has recently taken courses on Early Intervention and Handwriting Without Tears (Pre-K, Printing and Cursive). She values the role that parents, teachers and caregivers play in the collaborative effort of child development.

Konkani Devi is a Speech Language Pathologist working from both the Upper West Side and 19th Street locations of Watch Me Grow. She earned a Masters of Arts in Communication Sciences from Temple University in 2003. Konkani, or "Coco" as she is sometimes called, has worked in varied environments including, private and public schools, outpatient clinics, and in the home. Coco has specific training in many areas including: PROMPT, apraxia, articulation, augmentative communication, Autism, behavioral feeding, DIR/Floortime, language, literacy, oral motor, Rapid Prompting, and voice. Coco believes the most effective way to encourage growth in children is through family education and PLAY.

Jacqueline Cordero graduated from Long Island University’s Brooklyn campus and received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She has a long history of academic success and academic honors that includes being the 2007 class Valedictorian at Long Island University. Her experience with the pediatric population includes treatment and evaluation with children of various age groups and diagnosis including but not limited to Cerebral Palsy, Torticolis, Erb’s palsy, Duchene’s muscular dystrophy, Spina Bifida, and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy. She is happy to be a part of the Watch Me Grow family.

Stacey is a graduate of the University at Buffalo with a BS/MS degree in Occupational Therapy. She has experience working with school aged children diagnosed with a variety of neurological, developmental and sensory processing disorders including PDD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, visual impairments, and Multiple Sclerosis. She completed her fieldwork training in a school setting with children aged 5-18 and has always known she wanted to work with children. She also has experience in an extended care rehabilitation setting with adults. She currently works full-time at Watch Me Grow and is excited for another fun year!

Emma is an Occupational Therapist practicing at Watch Me Grow's uptown and downtown locations. She graduated with a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Emma has clinical experience working in a sensory gym with preschool and school-aged children with a wide range of diagnoses. Emma's previous experience includes adult inpatient, outpatient and acute care rehabilitation. She is excited to work with some of New York City's families and to become part of the Watch Me Grow family.

Emily Moore is an occupational therapist working at the Upper West Side location. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Taylor University and then earned her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Kentucky University. Her Master's research was focused on children's transitions into preschool. She earned a grant from the U.S. Department of Education which allowed her to take additional professional development courses focused on collaborative pediatric therapy. She gained pediatric clinical experience in Kentucky at a public elementary school, a children's sensory summer camp, and a pediatric sensory gym, where she utilized Sensory Integration and Floortime approaches. Emily uses a child-centered approach to help children reach their goals in a fun environment.

Adina Beth Brief is a Speech-Language Pathologist working from both the Upper West Side and 19th street locations of Watch Me Grow. She graduated from Hunter College with a Master of Science Degree in Communication Sciences. Adina has experience evaluating and treating the pediatric population in New York schools and outpatient clinics. She exhibits specific trainings in PROMPT and PECS and has experience with phonoloigical awareness training, literacy, Applied Behavioral Analysis, DIR/Floortime, articulation, language, Autism, feeding protocol, fluency shaping and stuttering modification techniques. Additionally, she earned a certification to teach children’s yoga from Next Generation Yoga. Adina is beyond thrilled to be a full-time employee at Watch Me Grow and join this incredible team.

Christine Hough is an Occupational Therapist practicing at Watch Me Grow's Upper West Side location since 2007. She received a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from New York University with a specialty in pediatrics. Christine has extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of children with a variety of neurological, developmental, and sensory regulatory disorders. Her experience includes work with children from birth to 21 years of age, in acute hospital care, mental health, home, and school-based settings. Christine uses a client-centered approach that addresses each child’s unique cognitive, emotional, and sensory needs to facilitate achievement of goals while maintaining a fun and supportive environment.

Tatiana is an occupational therapist working part-time at Watch Me Grow's Upper West Side location. She graduated from Stony Brook University and received her Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy. Tatiana has clinical experience interning in a sensory gym with preschool and school aged children diagnosed with PDD, Autism and sensory processing disorders. She also completed rotations in an inpatient adult psychiatric setting, and inpatient acute rehabilitation setting. She currently works full-time at St. Luke's Hospital treating patients in acute rehab and acute care settings. Tatiana is excited to be joining the Watch Me Grow family this year!