Speech Start provides
services for individuals ages 0 to 21+
Kara Abbot Mateo is a NJ licensed occupational therapist who specializes in pediatric therapy. She received a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Kara has extensive clinical experience working in inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, outpatient behavioral settings, and home-based settings as an Early Intervention Specialist serving clients ranging from 2 months to 18 years of age. She serves as Speech Start’s Occupational Therapy program director and developer! She has acquired professional development training in the evaluation and treatment of Torticollis & Plagiocephaly, is a certified Handwriting Without Tears® Specialist, and is an MNRI Course Participant.
MNRI® Dynamic and Postural Reflex Integration (July 2022)
MNRI® Archetype Movement Integration (November 2017)
MNRI® Visual and Auditory Reflex Integration (August 2017) MNRI® Neurotactile Integration (May 2017) MNRI® Dynamic and Postural Reflex Integration (September 2016) “
I am passionate about giving children the tools they need through play to feel safe, connect deeply, and increase independence with everyday tasks!
Occupational Therapist
Michaela Yennella earned her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy and Bachelor’s of Science in Health Sciences with a minor in Counseling and Human Services from the University of Scranton. Her clinical expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of pediatric conditions, including hemiplegia, autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and developmental disorders.
Michaela’s professional experience includes Level II fieldwork placements in both outpatient pediatric and hand therapy settings. She is dedicated to creating engaging and supportive therapeutic environments where children can achieve their goals through meaningful play. She believes strongly in family-centered therapy and prioritizes parent education and collaboration, ensuring that families are integral to the therapeutic process. Michaela stays current with her field through continued education, having recently completed coursework in interoception and toileting. She employs client-centered and strength-based approaches, informed by her participation in the 2024 International DIRFloortime Conference.
Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.
Occupational Therapist
Kibwe earned his Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from Gwynedd Mercy University in Pennsylvania. He also obtained his Bachelor’s of Science in Biology at Stockton University in New Jersey.
Kibwe has experience working as an occupational therapist in a specialized school with a diverse pediatric population with a variety of diagnoses such as including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Rett syndrome, Huntington’s, Down’s Syndrome, Developmental Delay, Atypical Sensory Processing. He has experience facilitating groups for improved social participation, fine and gross motor skills, visual-motor integration, self-regulation, and sensory integration. Completed his level II fieldwork placements at a specialized school in Eatontown, NJ, and an assisted living & Skilled nursing facility in Edison, NJ. Kibwe has additional experience working at Children’s Specialized Hospital, integrated studies at Gwynedd Mercy University, and spent part of his fieldwork in a mental health facility.
Kibwe enjoys building a relationship between the child, caregiver, and other team members to ensure everyone is on the same page. He believes in a client-centered and holistic approach to achieving a child’s goal and reaching their needs the best way possible.
Every activity, even the same activity, is a different experience every time. I want to give everyone the opportunity to achieve not only their goals but also their best life experience.
Occupational Therapist
