MOVE Research Lab
Mission and Vision
Mission: The Kean MOVE Lab is dedicated to advancing research and clinical practice by promoting community-based physical activity engagement and education as a foundation for healthy aging, brain health, and quality of life. Through wearable technology, behavior change approaches, and community- engaged research, our mission is to create meaningful, sustainable strategies that help people stay motivated and active in daily life. We engage in physical activity research across the lifespan, with a large focus on Parkinson's Disease, movement disorders, and chronic conditions.
Vision: To empower people of all abilities to engage in meaningful, sustainable, physical activity that supports brain health, healthy aging, and full participation in everyday life across the lifespan. While direct treatment services are delivered through the Kean Cares Clinic, our lab focuses on community engagement, educational programming, and research initiatives aimed at promoting physical activity, brain health, and overall well-being.
Visit the Department of Occupational Therapy Community Cares Clinic if interested in direct treatment services:
Meet the Team!
Dr. Alissa Pacheco
Director and Head Researcher
Alissa Pacheco, Ph.D., OTR/L (she/her/hers) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Kean University. She is a Licensed and Board-Certified Occupational Therapist with over 15 years of experience working across acute care, inpatient, and outpatient settings with both adults and children. Dr. Pacheco earned her bachelor's degree in health science studies (2009) and master's degree in occupational therapy (2011) from Quinnipiac University. She later earned a Master of Philosophy in Kinesiology (2024) and a Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a concentration in Motor Learning and Control (2025) from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has been an active member in their Neurorehabilitation Research Lab since 2019 and served as lab manager from 2021-2024. She continues to be an active research collaborator with the NRL working on multiple projects.
Research Interests
- Community-based participatory research (CBPR) to address healthcare disparities in neurological and underserved populations
- Physical activity and health management interventions for individuals with neurological impairments
Integration of technology and wearable devices to support self-management strategies for individuals with Parkinson's disease and movement disorders
Dr. Pacheco has multiple peer-reviewed publications & abstracts and has presented her work internationally. She is an active member of both the American Occupational Therapy Association and the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. In addition to her academic work, Dr. Pacheco owns a private practice serving individuals with Parkinson’s disease, long COVID, post-concussion syndrome, visual-vestibular dysfunction, and sensory integration challenges. She is passionate about community engagement and has provided occupational therapy services internationally in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and the Virgin Islands. Outside of work, Alissa is a strong advocate for fun & engaging movement of all forms. She encourages people of all ages and abilities to stay active, have fun, and enjoy life!
Julia Cucci
Masters of Occupational Therapy Student
Graduate Research Assistant
Julia is currently a second-year Master of Science in Occupational Therapy student at Kean University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stockton University in 2023. Julia has volunteered with Operation Smile in China, the Special Olympics, and The Arc of Atlantic County, where she discovered her passion for helping others and supporting rehabilitation. She is enthusiastic about learning, collaboration, and exploring new opportunities through research and community engagement within the lab.
Lily Zschack
Masters of Occupational Therapy Student
Graduate Research Assistant
Lily is currently a second-year Master of Science in Occupational Therapy student at Kean University. She graduated from the University of Delaware in 2024, where she majored in Health Science and minored in Disability Studies. Lily has experience coaching adaptive sports and mentoring students with disabilities throughout their college experience. Currently, she is completing her level II fieldwork at Kessler Inpatient Rehabilitation, where she treats individuals with a variety of conditions including stroke, orthopedic injuries, and cardiac diagnoses, helping them regain function and maximize independence. She is passionate about supporting others in pursuing what they enjoy and encouraging healthy lifestyles and is eager to contribute to that mission through research and engagement in the lab.
If you are interested in joining or want to learn more, contact us via email:
Dr. Pacheco: Alissa.Pacheco@kean.edu
Julia Cucci: Cuccij@kean.edu
Lily Zschack: Zschackl@kean.edu