The Team

Who We Are

Kids’ Therapy Place was founded in 2003 by sisters Alyssa and Aviva, who share a passion for helping children grow and succeed. What began as a shared vision has grown into a nurturing practice dedicated to supporting families and celebrating every child’s unique strengths.

Alyssa Colton

MA, OTR/L

Alyssa earned her Master’s degree from NYU in 1992. Her experience spans school-based, private, and staff therapy settings, where she has served as a therapy supervisor, equipment and positioning specialist, and coordinator and lead member of evaluation teams.

Her clinical work includes infants, preemies, and children with moderate to severe multiple disabilities, as well as children with higher-functioning diagnoses such as sensory processing disorders. For over 25 years, Alyssa has been a guest speaker and workshop leader, presenting on gross and fine motor development and sensory integration to educational and medical professionals, as well as to parents.

Alyssa specializes in thoughtfully analyzing each child’s needs, problem-solving collaboratively, and implementing individualized treatment plans across all of a child’s environments—always with the goal of maximizing each child’s abilities and potential.

Aviva Lipner

MA, OTR/L

Aviva Lipner earned her Master’s degree from NYU in 1995 and specializes in helping children uncover and develop their unique abilities and strengths. Her expertise includes sensory integration, handling techniques, and addressing behavioral concerns.

Aviva has extensive experience working with children with developmental disabilities, neurological disorders, and diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, using a thoughtful combination of motor, sensory integration, and behavioral approaches. She has treated children from newborns through adolescents in both private and center-based settings throughout the New York and New Jersey area.

Aviva is certified in The Listening Program and Interactive Metronome, and has led training workshops in Sensory Integration and Handwriting Without Tears for a wide range of schools. She is deeply committed to building each child’s self-confidence and empowering them to recognize their abilities and reach their full potential.

Tori Reyes

MS, OTR/L

Tori graduated with her Master’s degree in occupational therapy from Towson University. She completed a graduate fieldwork rotation here at Kids’ Therapy Place and has been with us ever since. Tori has experience in both New Jersey and New York City school- and clinic-based settings. She has worked with children with a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities, including developmental delays, sensory processing disorders, neuromuscular disorders, and autism spectrum disorder.

Tori has implemented multiple therapeutic programs in both private and public schools, including groups, camps, and social and vocational programs for elementary- and high-school students. She is passionate about inclusion and diversity and celebrates each child while helping them build upon their strengths to discover their own abilities.

Allison Schwartz

MA, OTR/L

Allie received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from NYU in 2014. Her clinical experience ranges from working with premature infants through young adults, covering a wide range of diagnoses including developmental delay, sensory processing disorders, and multiple physical disabilities. Her training includes neurodevelopmental handling techniques, handwriting skill development, torticollis treatment techniques, and infant massage.

She treats patients in the neonatal intensive care unit of a regional children’s hospital, its pediatric intensive care unit, and general pediatric inpatient and outpatient units, and works closely with families to ensure carryover in the home environment. She also has experience working with children receiving early intervention in New Jersey.

Allie is a warm and caring therapist who brings out the greatest potential in each child and is committed to helping them achieve success in their daily activities.

Gavriela Steinmetz

Office Manager

Gavriela Steinmetz joined Kids' Therapy Place in 2023 as our office manager. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Stern College and is the proud mother of two active children. Gavriela is beloved by parents and children alike and specializes in keeping the office running smoothly while making sure everyone remains sane.