Class Notes

James Battaglia (MA ‘21)

I completed my EdD in Learning and Teaching at Hofstra University, and I am now working as the rehabilitation supervisor of a hand rehabilitation program. I also recently co-authored the chapter “Hand Therapy” in the text Quintessential Occupational Therapy, newly released through SLACK publishing.

Deborah Chilelli-Boru (BS ‘92 and MS ‘94)

Completed a post-professional doctorate in 2016.

Lea Dotan Pipman (MS ‘88)

Retired since 2015 from the New York Department of Education.

Chiao-Ju Fang (MA ‘18 and PhD ‘18)

I received 2023 Implementation Research Grant (Option #1) from the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) for two years. The title of the project is "Implementation of App-Based Coaching Intervention (Social Participation and Navigation; SPAN) to Promote Participation of Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)". This research aims to close the gap between evidence (i.e., using technology-based interventions) and practice (i.e., evidence-based interventions assisting young adults with ASD) by adapting and evaluating the implementation of evidence-based practices in routine care via telehealth to improve their quality and effectiveness with a focus on participation.

Marlene Handler (MS ‘16)

I started my own business in September 2022! It is called The Lifted Lotus and I specialize in pelvic health and wellness, with a focus on pregnancy, postpartum, and pelvic pain conditions. It has been an amazing experience so far!

Prashant Junankar (MAS ‘87)

In hand therapy private practice since 1991 in Clifton, NJ. I received my PhD from UMDNJ [now Rutgers University] in 2013. My thesis was "Clinical Decision Support System: Flexor Tendon Repair, Zone II". I was working on 2 PD testing using monofilaments.

Sarah Lyon (MS ‘11)

I got the chance to interview fellow NYU OT alumni Gabriella Francis, OTR/L, ATC about being CEO of Squegg! Please click here to see the Youtube Video Interview.

Katherine Malfucci (MS ‘12)

At the end of the school year, I am leaving the NYC Department of Education after 11 years to open up my private pelvic floor therapy practice, "Pelvic Therapy NYC," full-time.  I am very proud of the years I dedicated to the school system and ready for this exciting new chapter.  I am also getting married at the end of August to a wonderful person I love very much, so it's an exciting year for me.

Ushentha Nirmul (MA ‘02)

Presented doctoral research titled “Leadership Development of Women of Color in Occupational Therapy in the United States: A Qualitative Intersectional Analysis” at the AOTA 2023 Annual conference in Kansas City, MO. Article in press with the American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

David Pallister (MA ‘95)

Appointed Founding Director of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program at Wagner College (Staten Island, NY) on June 1, 2022.

Varsha Piyush Shah (MA ‘85)

I have moved to India after practicing for 28 years in Phoenix, AZ. I am offering volunteer service as an OT to the underprivileged tribal autistic children in the Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital and Research Center.

Ma Reva Tuozo (MA ‘20)

Almost 2 years of working in my dream setting (trauma hospital) catering to a wide range of acute rehab cases in the trauma/cardiovascular ICU, step down trauma units, and IRF. Currently working on getting my CBIS certification. Without my NYU OT professors, none of these would have been possible.