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
Amanda Gold earned her Master’s of Occupational Therapy and Bachelor’s of Science in Health Sciences with a minor in psychology from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. Amanda’s professional experience includes level II fieldwork placements in an outpatient pediatric setting which included working with children of varying ages and in a skilled nursing facility with older adults. Amanda is trained in MNRI Course for Dynamic and Postural Reflex Integration.
MNRI® Dynamic and Postural Reflex Integration (March 2026)
I want to help children unlock their potential and create a world where they can thrive
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
Occupational Therapist
Sabine Hasan received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University and her Bachelor of Science from Rutgers University. She is a licensed occupational therapist in New Jersey with a strong passion for pediatric therapy. Sabine has clinical
experience in school-based settings, working with students from preschool through high school. She enjoys applying her occupational therapy expertise in community-based pediatric environments.
Sabine recently presented her doctoral capstone project at the AOTA Inspire 2025 Annual Conference and Expo. For her doctoral capstone, she developed an after-school occupational therapy-based mindfulness curriculum focused on self-regulation. The project emphasized staff education and incorporated activities and strategies designed to enhance students’ self-regulatory skills within the after-school setting.
Occupational Therapist
Breanna Ciardullo, OTD, OTR/L is a New Jersey licensed and school certified occupational therapist. Breanna graduated with her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University. While here, she received her Distinction in Interprofessional Healthcare and discovered her passion for working with the pediatric population. Breanna conducted her doctoral capstone project in an elementary school where she focused on promoting positive mental health and social emotional learning on a school-wide scale, and continues to promote this work in her current practice. She has clinical experience working in the elementary school setting.
Empowering little learners to achieve their dreams and grow to be confident, independent, and compassionate leaders!
Occupational Therapist
Gianna Simon, MSOT, OTR/L graduated with her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from Kean University and her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychological Sciences from the College of William & Mary in Virginia. Gianna has a deep love for pediatrics and has gained a variety of experience across different settings, including serving as a school paraprofessional, completing Level II fieldwork placements in both an outpatient pediatric setting treating children of all ages with varying needs and an outpatient orthopedic clinic servicing clients of all ages. Deeply committed to improving her community, Gianna has spent time volunteering with the Special Olympics and has co-authored published research articles focused on family-centered care and motherhood perspectives. Gianna brings a playful and compassionate approach to her care, utilizing evidence-based research and clinical reasoning to ensure the meaningful engagement of each unique child.
No two paths look the same, but every child deserves the right to soar. I aim to highlight each child's individual strengths while facilitating meaningful play and functional engagement to help them confidently navigate their world
Occupational Therapist
Gianna Simon, MSOT, OTR/L graduated with her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from Kean University and her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychological Sciences from the College of William & Mary in Virginia. Gianna has a deep love for pediatrics and has gained a variety of experience across different settings, including serving as a school paraprofessional, completing Level II fieldwork placements in both an outpatient pediatric setting treating children of all ages with varying needs and an outpatient orthopedic clinic servicing clients of all ages. Deeply committed to improving her community, Gianna has spent time volunteering with the Special Olympics and has co-authored published research articles focused on family-centered care and motherhood perspectives. Gianna brings a playful and compassionate approach to her care, utilizing evidence-based research and clinical reasoning to ensure the meaningful engagement of each unique child.
No two paths look the same, but every child deserves the right to soar. I aim to highlight each child's individual strengths while facilitating meaningful play and functional engagement to help them confidently navigate their world
Occupational Therapist
