Occupational Therapy Alumni Class Notes

Anthony Hollander (PhD ‘93)

I published Human Behavior, A Primer (First & Second Editions), and contributed to other texts. I have taught at several Universities, and consulted on No Child Left Behind, State Plan, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and IDEA-Revised. Currently, I am in private practice (Behavior Analysis Team, Amityville, NY) and serving as a Doctoral Mentor and research consultant for Arizona State University, and as a Behavioral Consultant to several schools.

Latrenda Zabaleta  (MS ‘12)

I recently opened a private practice - sensory gym and inclusive events center in Jersey City, NJ. We provide occupational therapy, speech therapy, social skills, and inclusive events for our community such as movie nights, magic shows, touch a truck with firefighters, cookie decorating, etc.

Alexia Santiago (MS ‘18)

I am a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) at Professional Physical and Hand Therapy, specializing in orthosis fabrication and upper extremity orthopedic treatments. In November, I was promoted to Clinical Director of the Merrick and Hewlett hand therapy locations on Long Island, NY. I enjoy supervising students interested in hand therapy as well as mentoring novice occupational therapists as they work to obtain their CHT. 

Linnea Franits (BS ‘82, MA ‘97)

I will be graduating with my PhD from Syracuse University in May 2024. My dissertation, "Disability and Sibling Identity: An Arts-based Inquiry," won the 2024 All-University Doctoral Prize. 

Renee Gomis Ferraro (BS ‘87)

After many years in pediatrics, I became an IBCLC (International Board certified Lactation Consultant). I am now working on a postpartum mobile unit providing lactation care to birthing parents outside their homes, at their curbside, in Boston. 

Varsha Piyush Shah (MA ‘85) 

I practiced in Arizona for 36 years as a Pediatric OT working in schools and private clinics. I thereafter moved to India, and now manage the OT department in the Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital in District Early Intervention center, which serves surrounding tribal areas of Gujarat- Dharampur. Doing Seva-volunteer work.