Faculty (OT)
Mariann E. Moran, OTD, OTR, CHT
Department Interim Chairperson
Assistant Professor
mmoran@kean.edu
Mariann Moran, OTD, OTR, CHT, has been an Occupational Therapist since 1979. Dr. Moran earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology at Kean University (1976), her Master in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickenson University (2000) with a concentration in health care administration, and her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (2010) with a concentration in hand rehabilitation. She has worked in a variety of settings including acute care, homecare, school based therapy, and hand therapy clinics. She has been a certified hand therapist since 1992. In 1994, she started her own private practice in hand therapy. Accelerated Hand Therapy had grown from one office to six offices in 5 counties, with a staff of 40 with 14 certified hand therapists and occupational therapists, when she sold it in 2017. She has served as an Adjunct Professor at Kean University from 2001-2011 and was elevated to full time Assistant Professor in September 2011.
Mariann has represented both occupational therapy and hand therapy on several committees including Horizon Casualty (part of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield), New Jersey Occupational Therapy License Advisory Council and St. Elizabeth’s College Masters in Health Administration Advisory Committee. She is a founding member of the New Jersey chapter of the American Society of Hand Therapists and was president from 1996-1999. She is an active member of the American Society of Hand Therapists and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). She was president of the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association (NJOTA) from 2009 until 2011 and has been an executive board member for many years. She represented New Jersey as the NJ Representative to the Representative Assembly of AOTA.
Mariann has developed a special interest in ergonomics. She has presented many lectures and workshops to companies, industries, other professions, and the general public. She has presented both national and international. She has articles published in peer review journals and in specialized hand therapy books.
Department Managers & Staff
Resident Faculty
Michael Camacho, OTD, OTR/L, L.Ac., NJ Licensed, CKTP
Assistant Professor
vcamacho@kean.edu
Michael Camacho, OTD, OTR/L, L.Ac. has been a practicing occupational therapist for over 24 years. Dr. Camacho received his B.S. in occupational therapy from Kean College in 1995. In 2004 he earned an M.S degree in Acupuncture from the Tri-state College of Acupuncture. Dr . Camacho maintains a national certification and NJ license to practice acupuncture. He earned his Post Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) from Quinnipiac University in 2019.
Dr. Camacho practice area of interest and passion is adult rehabilitation with an expertise in amputee rehabilitation. He has experience working in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities. As a clinician, Dr. Camacho has worked closely with amputee survivors and their families to facilitate engagement and participation in valued and needed occupations within their desired environment.
Dr. Camacho began his academic career in 2006 as an Adjunct Professor at Kean University and consistently taught Theory II lab and Introduction to Occupational Therapy until 2019. He has experience teaching in a class-room and virtual setting.
In 2019, Dr. Camacho joined the Kean University Occupational Therapy Department as an Assistant Professor. He teaches Adult Physical Rehabilitation Practice Seminar, Applied Kinesiology for Occupational Therapy, Conditions Across Lifespan II, Community Partnerships, Theory Guidelines to Practice II (lab instructor) and Introduction to Occupational Therapy.
Dr. Camacho’s research agenda is focused on addressing the physical and mental health of individuals experiencing limb loss. Self management of pain , health literacy and home modifications are among the areas of interest.
Danielle Centi, DrOT, OTR/L
Doctoral Capstone Manager (DCM)
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the entry-level OTD program
dacenti@kean.edu
Danielle Centi, DrOT, OTR/L earned a bachelor degree of individual concentration (BDIC) in pre-occupational therapy, minored in education, and earned a certificate in Developmental Disabilities and Human Services from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. She then went on to earn her doctorate of occupational therapy degree from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia in 2014. Dr. Centi’s primary area of practice has been adult acute inpatient rehabilitation, specifically stroke and brain injury. She also has some experience in community residential centers, adult outpatient, and home
services.
Dr. Centi’s area of specialty and passion is addressing sexual health and intimacy across the lifespan. Dr. Centi developed education series and program development for staff and clients while working in a hospital system. She has been virtually guest lecturing across the country on this top topic for the last three years. Dr. Centi has started a social media platform as a means to offer more education and resources, as well as promote sex positive culture. She has also presented at a state and national level and co-authored a continuing education article.
Dr. Centi is values involvement in professional organizations. She will be starting her second term as the state representative to the Representative Assembly of the American Occupational Therapy Association and currently is on the board of directors for the New Jersey Association of Occupational Therapy. She is also an ambassador for the American Sexual Health Association.
In additional to her professional roles, Dr. Centi is also a daughter, sister, friend,
teammate, and animal lover. She enjoys dancing, playing soccer/exercising, cooking, reading, and getting into DYI/craft projects.
Patrick R. Field, Ph.D.
Department of Biological Sciences
Associate Professor
pfield@kean.edu
Dr. Field has been teaching gross anatomy and neuroscience at undergraduate and graduate levels, senior seminar, anatomy and physiology, introductory biology and conducting pedagogical research involving the use of case studies in the classroom at Kean from 1997 to the present. His education includes a Ph.D. in anatomical sciences/neuroscience from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, a B.S. in biology education and a B.A. in biological/anatomical sciences. Dr. Field is an active member of numerous professional organizations including, but not limited to: American Association for the Advancement of Sciences, National Science Teachers Association, Society for Neuroscience, New Jersey Academy of Science and the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society. His research and scholarly articles have been published in The Journal of College Science Teaching in October 2006, September 2005, February 2003 and October 2002, on the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science Website in June 2010 and January 2012, in the HAPS Educator, 2001, and in In Vivo, Journal of Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists in June 2011. He has presented his research at numerous workshops and conferences and is a dedicated educator and faculty member at Kean University. Dr. Field was also very instrumental in the success of the department's video to promote student membership in the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). He is seen pictured above with first and second year OT students recording for the video at a nearby recording studio. The department is thankful for the contribution of his time and talent for this project.
Jennifer A. Gardner, OTD, OTR
Assistant Professor
jengardn@kean.edu
Jennifer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Kean University. An alumnus of Kean’s Master of Science in OT program, she has been practicing as a licensed occupational therapist for fifteen years. Dr. Gardner earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology at The College of New Jersey (2002), her Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy (2005) and her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Chatham University (2012). Prior to joining the faculty full time, Dr. Gardner served as an Adjunct Faculty member in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Kean from 2007-2010.
Her clinical expertise is in the area of serving individuals living with mental health disorders and/or substance use disorders. She has worked with adults and children in both the inpatient and partial care settings. Her research interests and pursuits are varied, but include exploring sensory preferences of adults with mental health and substance use disorders and the impact of programming that has been provided by the Kean University Occupational Therapy Community Cares Clinic (KU OT CCC).. Dr. Gardner has provided consultation to support the development of sensory modulation rooms on inpatient psychiatric units.
Dr. Gardner teaches the following undergraduate and graduate courses: Conditions Across the Lifespan I & II, Group Development Across the Lifespan, Occupations Across the Lifespan, Community Partnerships & Service, Seminar in Psychosocial Seminar and Introduction to Residency II. She enjoys acting as faculty research advisor as it provides opportunity to role model and mentor future scholars. Through state and national presentations, Dr. Gardner is an active member of the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association (NJOTA) and American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
In addition to her roles as occupational therapist and educator, Dr. Gardner loves being a wife, mother of two boys, aunt to a nephew, friend, sister and daughter. Her leisure pursuits include gardening, going to the beach and couponing.
Patricia Higgins, MS, OTR
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
pathiggi@kean.edu
Patricia Higgins, MS, OTR serves as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Department. She has been practicing as an occupational therapist since 2005. Ms. Higgins earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Biology from the University of Scranton in 2002 and a Master’s of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from Tufts University-Boston School of Occupational Therapy in 2005. Ms. Higgins has worked in a variety of adult rehabilitation therapeutic settings including inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, day hospital, subacute rehabilitation, and homecare, with an overarching interest and expertise working with clients with neurological conditions. She is certified in LSVT BIG, Congestive Heart Failure, and Kinesiotaping.
Prior to becoming the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Ms. Higgins served as an Adjunct Professor at Kean University since 2012. She currently teaches Applied Kinesiology for Occupational Therapy, Advanced Fieldwork Seminar I/II, and Theoretical Guidelines to Practice II Lab. Ms. Higgins is a member of AOTA and NJOTA. Ms. Higgins has presented at multiple state and local conferences on topics including: Visual Rehabilitation, Serial Casting, Pusher Syndrome, Occupational Therapy treatment for clients with Parkinson’s Disease, Treatment Techniques for a Hemiplegic Upper Extremity, and Returning to the Kitchen following a Stroke.
Laurie Knis-Matthews, Ph.D., OTR
Professor
lknis@kean.edu
Laurie has been an occupational therapist in New Jersey for over 20 years now. She has worked with many psychosocial populations across the lifespan including pediatrics, adolescent, adults and geriatrics in various treatment settings such as; hospitals, outpatient settings, group homes, detox units and long term addiction programs.
After earning a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from Kean College, she continued her studies at New York University where she earned both her master's and doctoral degrees in occupational therapy in 1996 and 2005, respectively. Dr. Knis' dissertation topic focused on the experiences of substance dependent parents in a yearlong drug treatment program. Laurie was employed as an adjunct professor at Kean University and New York University, before beginning full time employment at Kean in 1999. Dr. Knis-Matthews currently teaches a variety of courses in both the masters and doctoral programs related to theoretical guides to practice, research, and psychosocial seminars. In 2012, she was promoted to full professor at Kean University and served as chairperson of the department from 2010-2017.Under her leadership, the occupational therapy program has earned a ten-year accreditation (the maximum amount permitted), developed an onsite OT clinic and began developing an entry level doctoral program.
She serves on numerous educational committees, is a prolific and acclaimed presenter and published author. Many of her research interests focus on the experiences of various vulnerable populations (adults and/or children diagnosed with cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, mental illness, addiction). Laurie has had much success publishing and presenting research studies with her graduate students. Dr. Knis-Matthews has developed a model of clinical reasoning called the Matthews Model of Clinical Reasoning. This model is currently under contract to be published into a text book for future reading.
Claire Mulry, OTD, OTR, CAPS
Assistant Professor
cmulry@kean.edu
Dr. Mulry is the Entry level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program Coordinator. She has practiced for over 22 years. Dr. Mulry specializes in adult acquired brain injury, aging in place consulting, community programming, community mobility, dementia care, environmental modifications and home care. Claire is the creator of the Let’s Go Community Mobility program. She received her Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) certification from the National Association of Home Builders in 2009 and has been certified to deliver the evidence-based Skills2Care™ program by Jefferson Elder Care. She is the co-founder of Independent Domain, LLC, which provides consultative services for productive aging, thriving in place, caregiver support and home modifications.
Dr. Mulry’s education includes a Post Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy with an emphasis in Teaching in the Digital Age from Thomas Jefferson University (2012); a Post Professional Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University (2010); a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Occupational Therapy from Kean College of New Jersey (1997); and a Bachelor’s of Arts with a major in Psychology from Rutgers University (1988).
Dr. Mulry serves as a research advisor and is a reviewer for the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, and the High School Journal. Dr. Mulry teaches in both the Entry Level Doctoral Program and the Masters of Science Program. Courses taught include Introduction to Occupational Therapy, Introduction to Residency I, Advanced Fieldwork Seminar I, Advanced Fieldwork Seminar II, Conditions Across the Lifespan 2, Administration Supervision and Advocacy, Foundations of Occupational Therapy, Seminar in Adult Rehab Practice, Theoretical Guidelines to Practice I and II.
Awards
Kean University, Nathan Weiss Graduate College Excellence in Graduate Faculty - 2016
Kean University, Center for Leadership and Service Certificate of Appreciation - 2015
New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association President’s Award - 2014
New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association Award of Merit - 2014
New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association Service Award 2014, 2012, 2010
Dr. Mulry’s passion is to promote meaningful occupational participation and engagement for individuals of all ages across the lifespan Her recent grant funded community work serves older adults living in subsidized senior housing building and provides fall prevention, the Let’s Go Community Mobility Program and AARP’s HomeFit© and home evaluations to promote productive aging, health and wellness for an underserved population while providing students real work experience.
Dr. Mulry’s recent publications include:
- Mulry, C. M. (2018). Hospital discharge can happen very quickly. Will you be ready? Retrieved from https://advocateformomanddad.com/discharge-will-you-be-ready/
- Mulry, C. M. (2018). Medicare, private insurance, long term care insurance, private pay– Who pays for which care facility and for how long? Retrieved from https://advocateformomanddad.com/who-pays-care-facility-how-long
- Mulry, C. M. (2018). Acute care (hospital), inpatient acute rehabilitation (IRF), sub-acute, SNF, LTC, LTAC– The alphabet soup of care facilities. Retrieved from https://advocateformomanddad.com/alphabet-soup-of-care-facilities/
- Mulry, C.M., Papetti, C., DeMartinis, J. & Ravinsky, M. (2017). Facilitating wellness in urban dwelling older adults via community mobility: A mixed methods study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(4). doi:10.5014/ajot.2017.025494
- Knis-Matthews, L., Mulry, C.M., & Richard, L. (2017). The Matthews model of clinical reasoning: A systematic way to think about evaluation and treatment considerations. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 33, 1-14. doi:10.1080/0164212X.2017.1303658
- Mulry, C. M., Gardner, J., Hardaway, H. L., Curcio, C. Herrera, L., Scimeca, K., Shah, M. & Syers, K. (2017). Preemptive home modifications for fall prevention and participation in older adults in PACE program. OT Practice SIS Quarterly Practice Connections, 2(2), 21–23.
- Mulry, C. M. (2016). Promoting productive aging using an innovative community mobility program. OT Practice, SIS Quarterly Practice Connections, 1, 18-19.
- Hreha, K., Mulry, C.M, Gross, M., Jedziniak, T., Gramas, N., Ohevshalom, L, Sheridan, A., Szabo, G., Davidson, C. & Barrett, A.M., (2016). Assessing chronic stroke survivors with aphasia sheds light on prevalence of spatial neglect. Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation, DOI: 10.1080.10749357.2016.1196906
- Mulry, C. M. & Piersol, C.V. (2014). The Let’s Go program for community participation: A feasibility study. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 32, 241-254.
- Mulry, C.M. (2012). Transitions to assisted living: A pilot study of residents’ occupational perspectives. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 30, 327-342.doi: 10.3109/02703181.2012.741190
- Mulry, C.M. (2012). Reaching beyond clinic walls: Motor vehicle accident prevention. OT Practice, 17, (21) 7-8.
- Gardner, J., Mulry, C., Chalik, S. (2012). College?: Adolescents with autism and learning disorders participate in an on-campus service-learning program. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 64, 257-269. doi:1-.3109/07380577.2012.720052
Grants awarded
Thriving in Community, AARP NJ 2019 $8,000.00
Thriving in Community, AARP NJ 2018 $8,000.00
Quality First Initiative (QFI), Kean University 2017 $8,900.00
Clinton Global Initiative University, Kean University 2017 $5,000.00
Foundation Faculty Research Award, Kean University 2016 $4,000.00
Clinton Global Initiative University, Kean University 2016 $3,333.33
Foundation Faculty Research Award, Kean University 2016 $4,000.00
Students Partnering with Faculty, Kean University 2015 $16,000.00
Foundation Faculty Research Award, Kean University 2015 $5,000.00
Building Our Future, NJ Higher Education Grant
Kelly Sullivan-Jones, MS, OTR
Kean University Occupational Therapy Community Cares Clinic (KU OT-CCC) Clinic Director
ksullivan@kean.edu
Kelly has been a practicing licensed occupational therapist since 2013. Kelly is a Kean alumna who received a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy in 2013. Kelly earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree with a major in psychology from Rutgers University in 2010. Kelly is the first Lecturer in the department of occupational therapy. Prior to becoming full-time faculty in September 2018, Kelly was an academic specialist in the Kean University Occupational Therapy Community Cares Clinic (KU OT-CCC), an adjunct professor, a guest lecturer and a tutor (2014-2018).
Previously, she worked as an occupational therapist at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute where she has advanced her skills in adult practice. She has worked on multiple units including inpatient rehabilitation, general rehabilitation and the inpatient brain trauma unit. She completed a pilot study on a supplementary upper extremity program for patients with hemiparesis where she collaborated with the JFK Medical Center Neuroscience department on further developing the research. Most recently, Kelly has expanded her clinical expertise to the pediatric population, specializing in Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delay and ADHD. She is a specialist in Sensory Processing Disorder, certified in the evaluation and treatment of Sensory Processing Disorder by the Sensory Treatment and Research Institute. She has experience working in both early intervention and outpatient therapy clinics.
Currently, Kelly is a practicing clinician at the KU OT-CCC. In addition to treating clients across the lifespan, Kelly creates clinic programming, supervises both Level 1 and Level 2 students, coordinates continuing education courses, participates in grant writing, and assists with marketing efforts.
Adjunct Faculty
Carolyn Driscoll, MS OTR, SIPT
M.S. in Occupational Therapy, Columbia University
Carolyn has over 20 years experience as an occupational therapist. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Finance from East Carolina University. After a brief career in the business world, Carolyn learned about the field of occupational therapy when visiting a relative in a rehabilitation hospital, and was motivated to make a career change.
Carolyn earned her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University. She began her OT career in the brain injury and spinal cord injury rehabilitation units at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City and Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey before transitioning to pediatric and school-based therapy. A senior occupational therapist at Trinitas Children’s Therapy Services, Carolyn’s work includes school-based practice in a large school district in New Jersey. She also works with clients in a private pediatric practice. She enjoys using her skills to work directly with children as well as to collaborate and consult with teachers, parents, and child study teams. She is certified in the administration of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT) and is a certified provider of modalities including Interactive Metronome, Therapeutic Listening, and The Listening Program. Her current area of professional interest lies in working with children and adolescents experiencing executive function and self-regulation limitations. An adjunct instructor at Kean University, Carolyn has recently taught Occupations Across the Lifespan, Group Development Across the Lifespan, and co-taught the Pediatric Seminar.
Zahava L. Friedman, PhD, OT, BCBA
M.S. in Occupational Therapy, State University of New York
Doctor of Philosphy (PhD), Grand Canyon University
Zahava L. Friedman, PhD, OT, BCBA graduated with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from State University of New York (SUNY Downstate) in 2006. She has worked as a pediatric occupational therapy clinician, in both public and private school-based settings, since 2007. Zahava also worked for the New York City Early Intervention system from 2008-2017, servicing children ages 0-3 in their homes. In 2014, Zahava completed a course sequence at Florida Institute of Technology, subsequently achieving the credential Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). In this capacity as OT and BCBA, she uses both sensory and behavioral frameworks in her treatment planning and therapy approaches. In 2019, Zahava graduated with a PhD from Grand Canyon University, where she completed her dissertation on “Interprofessional Collaboration Between Teachers and School-Based Occupational Therapists.” Zahava is a strong supporter of integrated therapeutic approaches, as she advocates for therapists to work with school-age children in their natural environments, while collaborating with all school-based staff.
Zahava is currently an Adjunct Faculty member at Kean University’s Occupational Therapy department. She is also a research collaborator with occupational therapy researchers at Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY, studying relationships between occupational therapists and professionals in the area of Applied Behavior Analysis. Zahava has trained countless occupational therapy students in her role as a fieldwork educator for OT and COTA programs throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. She is passionate about engaging with OT students, teachers, and parents at the statewide and national levels. Zahava has been a presenter at AOTA (AOTA Specialty Conference-Children and Youth, and AOTA Annual Conference), in a variety of public/private school-based settings, and for special education non-profit organizations.
Kevin Nelson, OTR, SIPT
B.S. in Occupational Therapy, Kean University
Professor Nelson is a certified, licensed occupational therapist within New Jersey. He graduated with honors from Kean University with a BS in Occupational Therapy in 2002. Professor Nelson is currently working on his Capstone Project and is scheduled to graduate from The College of Saint Elizabeth in May 2016 with a MS in Healthcare Management.
During his time as a clinician, Professor Nelson has specialized in pediatrics, providing school-based, clinic-based, and early intervention services for children between the ages of 3 months to 21 years old. In addition to his vast array of experience in pediatrics, he also provided medically based acute care OT for two local hospitals on a contract basis.
In addition to his work as a clinician, Professor Nelson has discovered a passion for education and training. He has been teaching as an adjunct professor since 2005 and has presented to parents, families, educators, directors, and administrators of school districts and private schools, and the New Jersey Association (NJEA).
Jill Raychel, MS, OTR
M.S. in Occupational Therapy, Kean University
Professor Jill Raychel is a board certified and licensed occupational therapist in New Jersey. She is a Kean alumnus who graduated with a BA in Psychology in 2011 and an MS in Occupational Therapy in 2015. Following graduation, Professor Raychel obtained a part-time contract (non-permanent) position as the sole occupational therapist in the behavioral health department at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset. This department consists of adult acute inpatient psychiatry as well as the well-known specialized eating disorders program.
During her time at RWJ, Professor Raychel was able to advocate for occupational therapy’s role in the mental health setting. Her efforts were effective and allowed her to transition to a full time permanent employee. Six years later, Professor Raychel continues to provide services at RWJ and has been able to expand the occupational therapy department, proving the inherent value of OT in this setting. Professor Jill Raychel works closely with adolescents and adults affected by a wide range of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder and avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder through individual and group intervention methods. Professor Jill Raychel also provides community readiness assessments and group interventions for adults receiving mental health treatment on a voluntary or involuntary basis.
To continue her passion in providing mental health OT services, Professor Raychel started a private practice in 2019. When she is not working, Professor Raychel enjoys spending time with her husband, her large extended family, 3 pet dogs and flock of chickens.
Sandeep Suri, OTD, OTR/L, CHT
B.S. in Occupational Therapy, University of Delhi
Post-Professional OTD, Concordia University Wisconsin
Sandeep Suri was educated at the University of Delhi in New Delhi, India, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2005 from a World Federation of Occupational Therapists Accredited program and graduated with honors. Later in her career, she went on to attend Concordia University Wisconsin, where she received a Post-professional clinical Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) with a special emphasis in Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation in 2016.
Throughout her career, Sandeep has logged 14 years of diverse experience as an occupational therapist, working in diverse settings and institutions with the last 10 years working in outpatient and hand therapy settings. These have included JFK Hartwyck Nursing, Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center, Park Place Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Rahway, Kessler Rehabilitation Center, and currently at Twin Boro Physical Therapy since 2017. She is presently serving as an OT/CHT and the Director of Hand Therapy at Twin Boro.
Sandeep is a member of the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) and holds the esteemed designation of being a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), having received this certification in 2016. She has co-edited a chapter in Hand & Upper Extremity Rehabilitation: A Quick Reference Guide & Review (4th Edition) in 2019. This book, also known as the “Purple Book,” is considered the most commonly used source for therapists preparing for the CHT examination and serves as a crucial reference guide in the field of upper limb and hand rehabilitation. In her spare time, Sandeep enjoys keeping herself updated in the field of hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. She also enjoys cooking, listening to music, singing, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two beautiful children.
Ilana Unger, MS, OTR
M.S. in Occupational Therapy, Elizabethtown College
Professor Unger earned a Master’s of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, with a minor in psychology, from Elizabethtown College in 2006. She worked at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, NJ through her final fieldwork placement and upon graduating until joining Rehabilitation Specialist in October 2013. Kessler provided Professor Unger with experience in a variety of diagnoses including spinal cord injury, joint replacements, amputees, and ultimately found her specialty in the area of traumatic and acquired brain injuries. She has presented nationally at the 2012 Brain Injury Summit, and has been published in Brain Tumour Magazine as a co-author.
Working closely by Professor Unger’s side is her facility dog, Rex. Rex, a graduate of Canine Companions for Independence, is a service trained assistance animal whose role is to assist clients in meeting their goals via Professor Unger’s facilitation. Rex is a friendly, black Labrador Retriever, who looks forward to working with clients every day, be it engaging in a game of fetch to work on motor planning, or just keeping someone company for emotional support.
Muhammad Zia, M.D.
M.B.B.S (equivalent to M.D.) in Internal Medicine, Jinnah Sindh Medical University
Dr. Muhammad Zia, M.D. works as a Doctoral Instructor at the College of Staten island and an adjunct professor at Kean University. Dr. Zia graduated from Jinnah Sindh Medical University with M.B.B.S (equivalent to M.D.). Initially, Dr. Zia began his career as a medical doctor and then transitioned to teaching. Dr. Zia is also working in the Internal Medicine setting.
During his time as a clinician in Pakistan, Dr. Zia has specialized in seeing Internal medicine & diabetes patients treating challenging cases between the ages of 6 years to 90 years old. In addition to being a clinician, Dr. Zia also has an experience of more than 10 years of teaching at the College of Staten Island & 6 years at Kean University.
Dr. Zia has vast experience in the courses that he has taught and a very strong grasp of all science material and this, along with his clinical knowledge, he focuses on interactive teaching so that he can engage the students and help them to learn and not just memorize. He uses his basic and clinical science experience to deliver his lectures, which in turn, gives students a correlation between the written text and real-life examples.
Dr. Zia has taught multiple challenging courses, which include General Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Histology, Microbiology, General Physiology, Gross Anatomy and Pharmacotherapeutics. Most of these courses are taught at a very high level in the College of Staten Island, which can be challenging for the students. Dr. Zia has been able to tackle the complicated subject matter with ease and has structured his classes very well. He is also able to teach in a traditional classroom setting, but has also been very successful in teaching online courses as well as, accelerated summer and winter courses.