Meet The Team
Alyssa Ingmanson, PT, DPT
Alyssa Ingmanson, PT, DPT is a pediatric physical therapist licensed in New York and Connecticut. She graduated from Sacred Heart University with her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy in 2020. She has experience in the pediatric outpatient, birth-to-three, and aquatic therapy settings. Alyssa is a certified Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI) level A practitioner and additionally is trained in Total Motion Release (TMR), Therasuit, and universal exercise unit therapy.
Alyssa has treated children of all ages and abilities, but has special interest in working with kids with torticollis, prematurity, developmental delay, and hypotonia. Alyssa is passionate about providing the best quality of care to the children she works with and is determined to help each child reach their highest potential. She works with the entire family unit to create salient goals and treatment programs for each child. When not working, Alyssa enjoys activities including rock climbing, hiking, and trying different ice cream places with her nephews.
Carol Terilli, PT
Carol Terilli, PT, DPT is a pediatric physical therapist, licensed in New York and Connecticut, with 34 years of experience in Pediatric/Developmental Physical Therapy. She graduated from Hunter College of the City of New York (CUNY) in 1990 with a BS in Physical Therapy and completed her Post-Professional Doctorate in Physical Therapy with a focus on Pediatrics in 2009. She is the Director of the RFK Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (RFK CERC) Physical Therapy Department, an outpatient clinic in the Bronx. In addition, serves patients in Early Intervention, Pre-school and School age, in community, home and educational settings. Carol is certified in Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) in Pediatrics (1997) and specialized baby treatment (2019). As an NDT instructor pre-candidate, she assists in educational courses, has served on the NDT Association Board of Directors (2019-2023) and is involved in their Research Committee. Other specialty training includes Post-Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU), Torticollis, Hippotherapy (AHA, level 1), Theratogs fitting and Kinesiotaping.
Carol’s treatment experience has spanned across ages and abilities, ranging from patients with specific and rare disorders to those with subtle functional delays. Carol has expertise in addressing motor issues related to extreme prematurity, Cerebral Palsy, Torticollis, Autism, Down Syndrome and rare genetic disorders such as Williams Syndrome. Carol is skilled in creative play sparking the driving interests that motivate each baby and child to work past limitations and participate fully in life.
When not working, Carol enjoys playing pickleball, yoga, gardening, learning and participating in continuing education. Carol volunteers with local horse programs in hippotherapy and equine assisted therapies.
Caterina Abate, PT, DPT
Caterina graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Vertebrate Physiology and a Minor in History. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Mercy University in May 2022, and currently participates in Mercy University’s Professional Advisory Council. She is licensed in New York State and is an active member of the New York Physical Therapy Association and American Physical Therapy Association. Physical Therapy is a second career for her. She previously worked in Oncology Clinical Research and continues to pursue research as a Physical Therapist. What Caterina enjoys most about Physical Therapy is during each session, she has the opportunity to teach a new skill or provide a new experience to her patients. Her personal goal is to add value to the child’s day at each and every session.
Chloe Keller, PT, DPT
Chloe graduated from Ithaca College where she graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2020. She has been working as a Pediatric Physical Therapist since graduation. Currently, Chloe is licensed in both New York and Connecticut. She has worked in both school-based and pediatric outpatient settings, and has treated an array of diagnoses including, Torticollis, ASD, cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injury, among others.
By working in Physical Therapy, Chloe is able to combine her love of movement with helping others. She said, “I am passionate about combining my knowledge of the human body with my creativity and interpersonal skills to create successful plans of care to improve children’s function and independence. What I most enjoy about working at Physical Therapy 4 Kids is the environment. Every clinician has different experiences, and there is no shortage of clinical knowledge and expertise here amongst the staff.” In her personal time, Chloe enjoys being outside, exercising, and spending time with her husband and golden retriever.
Coralie Boisrond, PT, DPT
My name is Cora. I graduated from Mercy College in 2019 with a doctorate degree in Physical therapy. I’ve been practicing in New York since then. I would say that working with school age children, particularly children with autism, has been my main focus for the first five years of my practice. I also enjoy working with orthopedic cases with older kids and treating the babies as well. I accidentally fell into the field of Pediatric Physical Therapy. This unplanned shift in my career was a happy change that has led me to choose a career path with much to learn and much to give.
Working at Physical Therapy 4 Kids has given me the opportunity to see growth in myself and in my career and help so many children. It is a wonderful setting to learn from people who are as committed to your skill acquisition as you are and to help you achieve your goals.Physical Therapy 4 Kids places a huge emphasis on learning and meticulously focuses on combining the skills of each individual clinician with the specific needs of the children and their families.
I am a huge fan of interdisciplinary approaches when it comes to treating children and having clinicians of different backgrounds at Physical Therapy 4 Kids including occupational therapists, orthotists and pediatric physiatrists under one roof. Here at Physical Therapy 4 Kids, it is a unique working environment – with the main goal of helping the child and the family to be the best they can be and achieve all goals set for them. I truly love my job here!!!
Diane Nusso, PT, MPH, C/NDT, Clinical Director
Diane Nusso is a Pediatric Physical Therapist and has more than 38 years of pediatric experience. She graduated from SUNY Albany with a BA in Psychology. She received her Physical Therapy degree from New York University, graduating in 1986 and then graduated with a Master’s Degree in Public Health from New York Medical College in 2006. Diane received her certification in Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) in 1996.
Diane is currently licensed in New York. Diane’s areas of clinical expertise and specialization are in treating babies, medically fragile children and children with neurological impairments. She has spent decades working in sub-acute pediatric rehabilitation with children from birth to 21 years of age, working with Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) graduates, children with traumatic brain injuries and children with neurologic and orthopedic impairments.
For fun, Diane enjoys traveling, going to the beach, kayaking, biking, gardening, reading and spending time with her friends, family and her Maltese rescue. Diane said, ”I love working with children. I am a fierce advocate for my patients and families. I take great pride in my work and my patient’s progress and achievements.”
Glenn Lavellee, MS, PT
Glenn earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Social and Rehabilitation Services at Assumption College in Massachusetts. In 2003, he received his Masters Degree in Physical Therapy at Touro College in NY. He knew Pediatric Physical Therapy was the perfect fit for him when he did a clinical rotation as he obtained his graduate degree. Since that time, he has worked exclusively in the field of Pediatric Physical Therapy. Glenn specializes in working with children from birth to school-age and has spent more than twenty years helping children who have been diagnosed with Torticollis, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down syndrome, and many other medical conditions.
Outside of work, Glenn enjoys playing tennis, chess and spending time with his two children. He enjoys working at Physical Therapy 4 Kids, as “they not only allow me flexibility in my scheduling, but also give me an opportunity to see children with a broader range of needs.”
Hayden DeCillis, MS, PT
Hayden received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Seton Hall University in 1992 and a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 1998. She has been a Pediatric Physical Therapist for more than 26 years and is currently licensed to practice in New York. She specializes in Neuro-Developmental Treatment as well as treatment of Torticollis, Toe-Walking, gross motor delays, and related deficits. Hayden’s experience includes doing both in-office and home care treatments.
Hayden enjoys the collaboration and support provided in the intimate Physical Therapy setting at Physical Therapy 4 Kids. She has enjoyed building relationships with the families who entrust her with treating their babies in a one-on-one setting. She believes that being a Pediatric Physical Therapist and mother of three enables her to educate the families and provide comfort, reassurance, and peace of mind.
Hayden’s three children are very involved in sports and she frequently attends their baseball games or skating competitions. She also enjoys long walks with her rescue dog and visiting family.
Jane Berger, MSPT
Jane received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Connecticut College and her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from New York Medical College. She has been licensed and practicing Physical Therapy in New York since 1999. Jane began her career working at the Burke Rehabilitation Hospital in White Plains, NY. In addition, she has worked in various settings with different populations including Home Care, Early Intervention, Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE), Committee on Special Education (CSE), Outpatient, Hospitals, and Skilled Nursing Facilities. Her experience includes treating a diverse population including autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, genetic conditions, musculoskeletal impairments, and neuromuscular disorders, including cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy.
Jane is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association. In addition to working at Physical Therapy 4 Kids, she is an adjunct faculty member in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at New York Medical College where she enjoys mentoring student Physical Therapists. At the Center for Cerebral Palsy at Teachers College, Columbia University, she is also part of a team conducting research designed specifically for children with bilateral cerebral palsy who have difficulty sitting independently.
Jane is the proud mother of three children and enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends. In her free time, she pursues her interests in the arts and culture and enjoys being active outdoors.
Jennifer Brennan Kachnowski, PT
Jennifer is a Pediatric Physical Therapist with more than 30 years of experience. She received her Physical Therapy degree at the University of Vermont. In addition to working at Physical Therapy for 4 Kids, Jennifer has worked in a school-based setting, at Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, and as an adjunct faculty member at New York Medical College’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program. Jennifer has continued to advance her education by studying treatment of Torticollis, Toe-Walking, Neuro-Developmental Treatment and motor learning. She loves to continue to expand her knowledge so that she can better serve her patients. Jennifer explains, “I feel so lucky to have found a career that allows me to help children gain strength, independence and confidence in themselves. I feel like I have the best job ever!”
Jennifer’s personal interests include yoga, Pilates, traveling, attending concerts and reading. She enjoys spending time with her husband and adult daughters.
Karen Conti, PT, MA DPT, ATP, C/NDT
Karen Conti is a Pediatric Physical Therapist with more than 35 years of experience. She graduated from NYU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy and a Masters of Arts in Developmental Disabilities. She also has a transitional Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy from Dominican College. She is certified in Neuro-Developmental Treatment (C/NDT) in Pediatrics. Karen is licensed in New York.
She has spent her career treating children with cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, traumatic brain injury, prematurity and chronic respiratory disease, just to name a few. She is an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) with more than 25 years of experience assisting children to receive durable medical equipment. Through seating and mobility, she has provided her clients with a means to participate in activities with their peers. Karen believes prevention is key to keeping children safe so she became a Safe Kids Technician assisting with proper installation of car seats and eventually an instructor for Safe Travel for Children with Special Needs. Karen said, “I am most happy when I am working with the children and helping them to achieve their goals.”
Laurilyn Gelardi, PT, DPT
Laurilyn received her Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from the State University of New York at Cortland. She then pursued her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Mercy University. She is licensed to practice Physical Therapy in New York. She has a wide range of clinical experience ranging from pediatrics and outpatient orthopedics to inpatient/acute care and vestibular rehabilitation.
Laurilyn states, “Making a positive impact on a child’s life has always been important to me. My very first job was as a babysitter for a next-door neighbor. I then went on to become a local camp counselor and CYO basketball coach. Now, I have accomplished my dream of becoming a Pediatric Physical Therapist! There is truly nothing better than assisting a child to accomplish any task, big or small, for the very first time.” She remarked that “At Physical Therapy 4 Kids, each and every child is reminded (with a whole lot of love from each therapist) how brave, strong and smart they are!”
Mary Louise Hunt, MS, PT
Mary Lou has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas. She also has a Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Long Island University and a Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. She has more than 25 years of experience in treating children who are developmentally delayed, medically fragile or that have low muscle tone, Torticollis, Cerebral Palsy, or Down Syndrome.
Mary Lou has provided Physical Therapy in schools, homes and recreational facilities. Employing the principles of Neuro-Developmental Treatment, motor relearning and elements of yoga, Mary Lou works with each child and their parents to improve strength, balance and coordination and develop confidence in their ability to walk, run and jump or move in the water.
Before arriving at Physical Therapy 4 Kids, Mary Lou was focused on treating traumatic head injury, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis and developmental delays. At St. Louis Children’s Hospital, she treated patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Mary Lou also worked for the World Health Organization in Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia, providing training in the rehabilitation of spinal cord injuries and head injuries. She also worked with the International Rescue Committee in Bosnia, treating survivors of war injuries.
Mary Lou enjoys yoga, rooting for the Mets and traveling. Working at Physical Therapy 4 Kids, Mary Lou loves the families, collaborating with other therapists and Wendy’s leadership.
Nidhi Gupta, PT, DPT
Nidhi was born and raised in Bergen County, New Jersey, and graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rutgers University in 2003. She is currently licensed to practice Physical Therapy in New York and New Jersey. After graduating, Nidhi continued to advance her clinical skills working at University Hospital, a Level 1 Trauma Center, gaining experience with orthopedics, trauma, neurology and pediatrics. At University Hospital, Nidhi was the lead therapist for the pediatric orthopedic patients, and worked in both the acute setting and outpatient pediatric setting. Since then, Nidhi continued to expand her knowledge base and utilize her clinical skills by providing excellent care in numerous hospitals in New York, the New Jersey Early Intervention Program and school settings. She loves the camaraderie and wealth of knowledge available here at Physical Therapy 4 Kids.
Nidhi is the proud mother of two boys and currently resides in Northern New Jersey with her family. In her free time, Nidhi enjoys being a class mom, keeping fit and attending live music events with her husband. Nidhi is grateful for completing a full marathon in San Diego, California, with a team from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Association. Not only was she able to accomplish a lifelong goal, she was also able to use her clinical skills to treat various injuries among her teammates.
Rebecca Brauning, MS, PT
Saralyn Finker, RPT
Saralyn grew up in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, and Queens, New York. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Hunter College in 1978 and continued at Hunter College School of Health Sciences to earn her degree in Physical Therapy the same year. She was certified as a Physical Therapist by the State of New York in 1981.
Saralyn’s career began at New York State’s Letchworth Village, where she worked for four years. She then gained experience at several sports physical therapy facilities. Her passion for working with the pediatric population led her to Easter Seals Project Explore in Valhalla, NY, where she has been working with three to five-year-olds for the past 15 years. Her occupational goal is to help children grow up as physically normal as possible.
Specializing in pediatrics, Saralyn is certified at the 2nd level in CME (Cuevas Medek Exercises). Her approach to therapy focuses on developing muscle strength, balance, endurance, and bilateral skills to make children as independent as possible, enabling them to partake in group activities with their peers.
In her personal time, Saralyn enjoys Pilates, snowshoeing, hiking, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Office Staff
Ariel Eugene, Receptionist
Ariel studied at Berkeley College to pursue her Bachelors in Business Administration for Health Service Management. She has a sincere love for dance and singing. When she isn’t working, she is being creative and spreading positive energy with others. Ariel has gained much prior experience as an administrative assistant for over 3 years, starting out volunteering and finding a passion for caring for others. She has now gained experience working with executives and doctors in diverse work cultures and has gained a love for working with children. She has found the nurturing and loving environment of Physical Therapy 4 Kids a great fit!
Nikki Lucas, Office Coordinator
Nikki has been working at Physical Therapy 4 Kids since 2022 and is the Office Coordinator. When she is not here working, she is pursuing a journalism and communications degree. She has a deep love of writing. She is a young adult/new adult fiction self-published author and hopes to be traditionally published in the future. Nikki says “Physical Therapy 4 Kids is an amazing place to work. We have wonderful Physical Therapists who truly love what they do and want to help children reach their full potential. I’ve always loved working with children and working here, I play a role in their healing and recovery process, which feels amazing.”
