Matt graduated from Salem State University in May of 2016 with a degree in exercise science. He returned to school at North Shore Community College earning a degree as an occupational therapy assistant in May 2019. He has previously worked in a hockey and lacrosse store and has a vast amount of knowledge of both. He has been at Peer Projects Therapy From The Heart since 2016 as a rehab aide helping out in sessions and helping with everyday tasks of the clinic. He has been a full-time therapist since June of 2019. He has formal training in the Handwriting Without Tears program. He is a huge Marvel fan and has quite the Hulk collection, his favorite Avenger, on his desk. In his free time, he enjoys watching and playing sports and also playing with his dogs Zeke and Bay.

John has been a registered and licensed occupational therapist since he graduated with his Master’s degree from American International College in August of 2015. He joined the Peer Projects-Therapy from the Heart team in June 2017. Prior to joining Peer Projects-Therapy from the Heart, John worked as an occupational therapist in the school system setting where he learned his passion for helping children. John has clinical experience working with a variety children and diagnoses with continued education in the areas of self-regulation and executive functioning. John also has formal training in the Zones of Regulation and Handwriting Without Tears programs. He enjoys incorporating families as much as possible and seeing children progress through therapeutic intervention. In his free time John enjoys staying active by participating in a number of organized sporting activities such as baseball, football, golf, boxing and weight lifting. John also enjoys all things Disney and Marvel!

John purchased Therapy From the Heart in August 2022 and has served as one of the lead clinicians at the clinic since 2019. Owning/operating his own clinic has always been a goal for John. When the opportunity arose, he could not pass up the chance to run the company he has worked for and cared about. John enjoys inspiring and uniting others and looks forward to leading by example. He also enjoys establishing strong relationships and providing guidance to others.

When John is not at work he enjoys spending time with his wife, Rebecca and daughter, Molly as well as enjoying watching sports and exercising.

Brenda is so happy to join the Therapy from the Heart team. She has been an Occupational Therapy Assistant since 2000. She has spent her career as a school-based COTA working with children diagnosed with a variety of neurological, physical and emotional needs. She is also formally trained in the Handwriting Without Tears program. She hopes to bring her knowledge, skills, and experience to the children at Therapy from the heart. She truly loves working with children and looks forward to being part of this incredible team. In her spare time, she loves spending as much time as she can with her four grandchildren Roman, Ella, Jamie, and River.

Lizzie graduated with her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Worcester State University in 2019. Her previous OT experience includes clinical placements at a collaborative school working with children ages 3-18 and an inpatient rehabilitation hospital working with an adult population. She also worked at a preschool and children’s center for six years while going to school for OT. This gave her invaluable experience collaborating with families and working with children to set them up for success at school. Lizzie values using a play-based approach to meet children where they are at. Her aim is to help children build their confidence and self-esteem that will carry-over to greater participation and independence in daily activities. In her free time, you can find Lizzie playing soccer or tennis, practicing the ukulele, and spending time with her family and friends. She absolutely loves being a part of the TFTH team and looks forward to meeting you!

Julia graduated with a masters degree in occupational therapy from Salem State University in July 2021. Her previous OT experiences include clinical placements at a middle school working with adolescents ages 11-14, and in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital working with the adult population. She also has previous experience working in summer camps and as a lifeguard at her local Boys and Girls Club. Julia's passion is working with children of all ages and she values family-centered care to help support the development of functional life skills. Outside of work, Julia enjoys spending time at the beach, traveling, reading and spending time with her friends and family. Julia is excited to be a part of the PPTFTH team and she looks forward to meeti

Will graduated from North Shore Community College earning a degree as an occupational therapy assistant in November 2021. He previously worked in the public school system helping children develop their academic skills. Will has formal training within the Handwriting Without Tears program from ages K-2. He is a passionate basketball fan and has played with both team and men's leagues. He also enjoys hiking and biking with friends. Will looks forward to his role as a therapist working with children to help them reach their full potential.

Jennelle graduated with a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Salem State University in May 2018. In addition to her master’s degree, Jennelle holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Jennelle completed her final fieldwork experience as a graduate student here at Peer Projects-Therapy from the Heart, where she found her passion working with children and their families! She has many interests within the field of pediatrics, including the use of play, sensory integration and neurodevelopmental approaches in helping children thrive and live life to the fullest. Jennelle is so excited to be part of the Peer Projects -Therapy From the Heart family! In her free time, Jennelle enjoys reading, going to the beach, and spending time with her friends and family, especially her two young daughters!

Nicole joined Peer Projects -Therapy from the Heart in December 2018. She earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at Salem State University in May 2018. Prior to going back to school she worked as an Occupational Therapy Assistant for 5 years in the public school system primarily working with preschool and high school aged students. She has experience working with young children and adolescents in a variety of settings including summer camps, afterschool programs, and daycare centers. She values using a client centered approach to meet clients and families where they are at to ensure they make meaningful progress. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, podcast, spending time with friends and family especially her nieces.

Libby graduated from North Shore Community College earning a degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in August 2021. Her previous Occupational Therapy experiences include an outpatient pediatric clinic work with children ages 2-18 and a clinical placement in a behavioral health hospital working with an adult population. Libby values family-centered care and incorporating purposeful play to address a child’s meaningful goals. In her free time, Libby enjoys spending time with her friends and family, hiking, relaxing in the pool, and playing with her many dogs. Libby is so excited to join the PPTFTH team and looks forward to meeting you!

Lisa has been a certified occupational therapy assistant for 18 years. After graduating North Shore Community College in 2000, she has worked in a variety of settings including school systems, outpatient therapy, home care and skilled nursing facilities. Currently, Lisa sits on the board at North Shore Community College Advisory Board helping shape the curriculum of OTA students. She also serves as a clinical field work supervisor mentoring 3 students a year. Lisa enjoys watching children grow through purposeful play as well as working with families to achieve their goals. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family of 3 children and a grandson, crafting, going to the beach and reading.

Amanda became part of the Peer Projects – Therapy from the Heart team in May 2015. Her interest in the field of occupational therapy first began when she was a young girl in elementary school. Years later after she received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University in January 2012, she decided to pursue a professional career as a pediatric occupational therapist. Amanda has experience working in a variety of pediatric settings, including school systems and outpatient clinical-based settings. She has received formal training in self-regulation in children, the Handwriting Without Tears program as well as the Integrated Listening Systems (iLs) program. Amanda incorporates the use of both sensory-based strategies and purposeful activities to foster the development of independence in a variety of skill areas for each child who she treats. She enjoys working with children of all ages and is committed to providing children and their families with supportive and effective occupational therapy services.

Sarah joined therapy from the heart in December 2023. Sarah is new to the area and recently moved to the area from Rhode Island. Sarah attended the New England Institute of Technology in 2014 and eared her degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Previously working with Adults with ASD and developmental delay as well as homecare for adults and Geri psych. Sarah’s previous experiences allow her to be flexible and meet children where they are and adjust the treatments as the client dictates. Sarah has extensive experience with the nonverbal population and is well versed in sign language and key word signing for communication, adding this component into her treatments when needed. Coming from a family with a deaf sibling, she understands the importance of communication and will take the time needed to facilitate this with each of her clients. Sarah takes a relaxed, calm approach while maintaining the treatment directives and allowing for self-exploration. In 2018 Sarah became a certified Yoga instructor and loves incorporating yogic principals and poses into her treatment session to assist with emotional regulation and coping strategies for stress management. In her free time Sarah enjoys playing with her dog, (Hawk) and two cats (Linus and Schroder) , hiking, kayaking and exploring new things. Sarah enjoys her daily yoga practice, as well as reading and her meditation practice. Sarah is excited to be a member of TFTH and she looks forward to meeting everyone.