Director of Clinical Services and Founder of The Sensory Studio, Dr. Michele DeSimone CCC-SLP, built the practice based on clinical foundations of teamwork with professional collaboration and mentorship in mind. Dr. DeSimone has worked with children and their families for over 20 years. Michele holds a Doctoral Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Kean University. She obtained a Master’s Degree from New York University in Communication Sciences & Disorders and a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology. Michele holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is an active member of The Special Interest Groups in Speech-Language Pathology for Language Learning & Education, Neurogenic Communication Disorders, Craniofacial & Velopharyngeal Disorders, Issues in Higher Education, Administration & Supervision, Swallowing Disorders, School-Based Issues, and Global Issues in Communication Sciences & Related Disorders. The New York State Office licenses Dr. DeSimone for the Professions and she holds a Teacher of Speech and Language Disabilities certificate from The New York State Education Department, as well as a Speech-Language Pathology Certificate from The New York State Department of Health. Michele has extensive training in the treatment of pediatric motor speech disorders (including PROMPT and Kaufman Protocol Training), Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (including Oral Tethered Ties), Autism Spectrum Disorders, Peer Socialization Skills, and Early Childhood Language Development. Michele is very happily married and resides in Staten Island with her husband, ten-year-old son, and 3-Year-old daughter. She enjoys traveling for work and pleasure, practicing yoga, and cooking for her family.
Jaimie received her Bachelor of Arts from St. John’s University in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology in May 2017. She then attended St. John’s University in Queens, receiving her Master of Arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders in May 2019. Jaimie holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is licensed by the New York State Office for the Professions and The State of New Jersey. In addition, Jaimie holds a Teacher of Speech and Language Disabilities certificate from The New York State Education Department. During her graduate studies, Jaimie experienced working with both children and adults in various settings, including a District 31 public school, a skilled nursing facility, and inpatient and outpatient settings within Northwell Health Medical Center. She also volunteered for Loving Spoonful’s’ ensuring the safety of elderly adults during feeding. Additionally, Jaimie has participated in research on patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) at the graduate level. Jaimie had been an integral member of The Sensory Studio team since December 2015 as Practice Manager. Since graduating from St. John’s University with her Master’s degree, Jaimie has become a valued member of our clinical team as a Speech Language Pathologist. Currently, as Director of Operations, Jaimie works closely overseeing all departments. Jaimie has developed her clinical skills working with children and adults with receptive and expressive language impairments, articulation and phonology disorders, oro-myofunctional disorders, language learning disabilities, developmental delays, voice disorders, and autism. Jaimie has completed extensive training in assessing and treating orofacial myofunctional disorders through IOMI. Jaimie is motivated to continue advancing her clinical skills within this field. In her free time, Jaimie enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and riding quads.
Jillian attended Drew University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Business Management. She began her career in the nonprofit world focusing on program support, which quickly shifted to program management, operations, and development. From there, she moved into the corporate manufacturing industry of fine Spirits, further developing her financial and personnel operational skills and her understanding of overall production operations. After taking a short break to enjoy being a stay-at-home mom, she was welcomed as a new member of the Sensory Studio’s team. As the Business Development Director, Jillian is central to upholding the Sensory Studio’s cornerstone values, improving the operational systems, and enhancing the professional guidance offered to each employee. In this role, she also spearheads staff recruitment.
Jillian is happily married and the mother of two fantastic children, Ethan and Annabella. She’s an avid soccer player, overall games enthusiast, and loves anything outdoors and active.
Elizabeth graduated Wagner College in 2004, where she received a Bachelor in Psychology. Shortly after, she attended College of Staten Island for a brief period with the intention of receiving a Masters in Social Work. However, Elizabeth began working in the Early Intervention Program as a Service Coordinator, and decided Early Childhood Education would be her career path of choice. During her time as a Service Coordinator, Elizabeth gained priceless experience developing therapeutic service plans, guiding families, and networking with OT/PT/ST/ SE professionals. She graduated from Touro College with a dual Masters in Early Childhood General Education /Special Education in 2010. Elizabeth transitioned from the role of Service Coordinator to Special Educator, providing home based therapy for almost a decade within the autism community. As a home-based therapist, she directly collaborated with families and the multidisciplinary teams in developing optimal treatment approaches catered to the individual child. Elizabeth expanded her education by obtaining a certificate in nutrition through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, as well as a 200 hour yoga certification. Elizabeth whole-heartedly believes in looking at each client comprehensively, pulling from her background in psychology, education, nutrition and yoga. Elizabeth is honored to have been a part of the Sensory Studio since the early days, and takes pride in the exemplary services provided by all. Elizabeth seeks to bring her 20 years of experience in this field to the therapists and families of the Sensory Studio with continued passion and determination. Elizabeth enjoys the simple pleasures in life, including watching her daughter grow, family, friends, belly laughs, and being outdoors.
