Meet Our Staff
Karalyn Herban OTR/L
Owner
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Karalyn is a pediatric occupational therapist licensed in the state of New Jersey. She has 23 years experience providing treatment to children from ages birth to 21 in multiple settings including schools, home based, early intervention, as well as outpatient clinics. She graduated with a degree in occupational therapy from Boston University in 2001.
Karalyn has treated children with developmental delays and various disabilities/ conditions including Autism spectrum disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Rett Syndrome, Epidermolysis Bullosa, Down syndrome, Hemiplegia, Sensory Processing disorders, motor planning difficulties and visual processing difficulties.
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She has extensive training in sensory integration, sensory motor, visual processing and graphomotor skills. Karalyn uses Handwriting Without Tears® interventions as a multi sensory approach to improve handwriting skills for children of various ages. She is certified in the Safe and Sound Protocol and the ExerShine Kids Program.
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Karalyn firmly believes there is no one single approach that works with all children. She utilizes a variety of treatment approaches founded on best practices and evidence-based research that is “just right” for your child. Karalyn uses child-centered and play-based therapy as it should be- helping kids just be kids!
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When not working, Karalyn loves spending time with her husband, three children, and two dogs. She loves the beach and being outdoors.
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Amy Snyder
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Amy has been practicing occupational therapy for 10 years with solely working in pediatrics. She is certified in Safe and Sound Protocol and soon to be certified in Primitive Reflexes. Her focus in continuing education has been Sensory Processing Disorder. She has always enjoyed working with children, being creative and using their interests to help them thrive. When she’s not working, she enjoys being in the sunshine, watering her 60+ plants, and making homemade pizza.
Courtney Critelli
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Courtney is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant who has been a part of the Ready Set Grow team since 2021. She holds an Autism Certificate through IBCCES and is certified in the delivery of the Safe and Sound Protocol. She has a special interest in auditory processing and executive functioning, as well as clinical experience working with traumatic brain injuries, developmental delays, and various neurodevelopmental disorders. Courtney believes in a collaborative approach based on building connections and creating a safe and fun therapeutic environment.
Dina Ackley
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Dina has been a COTA since 2019 and is currently in school to get her Masters in Occupational Therapy, graduating in 2025! In her career, she has been able to be apart of two COTA Program Advisory Board Counsels as well as being a keynote speaker at a COTA pinning ceremony. She has a passion for education; such as, sharing knowledge, gleaning understanding, and empowering others with information. In addition to working with kids, she also has a background in Pain & Sports Medicine as well as Holistic Health. When she is not working with tiny humans accomplishing big things she enjoys traveling, planning dinner parties and learning about holistic health/wellness.
Alyssa Tagliaferro
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Alyssa is an Occupational Therapist with a Masters Degree from Stony Brook University. She is committed to helping children ages 2-18 learn how to improve their skills to succeed both in the classroom and at home. Her work focuses on utilizing games, crafts and programs like Handwriting Without Tears in order to target various areas such as reflex integration, fine motor skills and strengthening. She believes in taking a collaborative approach to helping children reach their goals and looks forward to working with you!
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Alexandra Brzeczkowski
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Ally is a pediatric occupational therapist licensed in the state of New Jersey. She graduated from Stockton University with a Bachelors of Science in 2014, and then went on to earn her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Kean University in 2017. Ally's passion is pediatrics and she has worked in many settings including; early intervention, public schools, specialized schools, home care, outpatient clinics, and subacute rehabilitation facilities. She is certified in The Listening Program. Ally believes the combination of a multisensory and whole body approach is important to learning and integrating new skills. She has experience in running groups including sensory motor based groups, fine motor groups, and EXERSHINE groups. Ally has years of experience implementing sensory integration into my treatment sessions, and uses a client centered approach in treatment sessions. One of Ally's favorite things about being an OT is helping clients grow and working alongside their families! When she is not working she loves spending time with family and being out on the water!
Callie Luftig
Callie is so happy to recently have joined the Ready Set Grow team! She graduated from Thomas Jefferson University with her Masters in Occupational Therapy. When not working with her amazing clientele here as well as in the East Brunswick School District, you can find Callie on a run, cooking in the kitchen, or jamming out to Luke Combs and Taylor Swift. She can’t wait to continue putting the FUN in functional at Ready, Set, Grow!
Kelli Friedman
Kelli is a registered and NJ state licensed Occupational Therapist with a Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from Ithaca College. She particularly enjoys focusing on sensory processing difficulties, attention, and increasing overall independence. Tackling every aspect of care with a team-based approach she maintains a collaborative focus to ensure the transfer of skills and to promote the best experience that she can for the entire family. She is certified in the Safe and Sound Protocol, a therapeutic listening program guided by polyvagal theory used for individuals with a multitude of difficulties ranging from auditory processing to anxiety and more. She is excited to focus her continuing education in the areas of sensory processing, reflex integration, and emotional regulation. When not at work, you may find Kelli hiking with friends, watching movies, baking, or training future guide dogs with Guiding Eyes for the Blind!
Melissa Zumbrun
Melissa received her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Ithaca College. Melissa enjoys working with the pediatric population and has experience in outpatient, school-based, inpatient, and specialized long-term care settings with children ranging in age from four months to 21 years. Melissa especially enjoys treating children with neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive disorders. Her priority is helping children achieve their goals and reach their highest potential for optimal success in all desired occupations through play-based interventions and a child-led approach. Melissa prioritizes multidisciplinary collaboration and fostering strong relationships with all members of the child’s family and therapy team. In her free time, Melissa is a youth sports coach for children with disabilities in her community. She lives an active lifestyle and enjoys hiking, running, and traveling!
