Our highly trained therapists are here to help you and your child thrive.

The Thrive Group is directed by Miriam Manela Frankel OTR/L CTC CMLD, who leads a dedicated team of therapists, each bringing their specialty with their expertise, experience, and knowledge. Our entire team is united by The Thrive Method, which Miriam developed. This method combines clinical reasoning, neuroscience, and creativity to help children and families thrive.

Rooted in The Thrive Method:

Our therapists are trained in The Thrive Method and use this unique approach to uncover the reasons behind a child’s behavior and create personalized, practical strategies for progress.

Whether your child struggles with focus, anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or behavioral outbursts, our experts bring compassion, experience, and proven methods to every session.

Through collaborative, whole-child care, we empower kids with the tools they need to feel regulated, connected, and confident—in therapy sessions and beyond.

Where do our experts work?

The Thrive Group serves families across New Jersey and New York, with therapists located in:

Passaic, NJ
Lakewood, NJ
Brooklyn, NY

Meet our Occupational Therapists

Miriam Manela Frankel

Miriam Manela Frankel, OTR/L CTC CMLD, the director of The Thrive Group, is a renowned occupational and pediatric behavioral specialist, an award-winning author, and a highly sought-after lecturer. With over two decades of professional experience, Miriam’s expertise is unparalleled. She is a Level 4 Tomatis consultant and Therapeutic Listening™ Provider with advanced training in Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT), Sensory Integration, Attachment Theory, and Reflex Integration. She is also certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
Read more about Miriam.

Elisheva Assaf

Elisheva Assaf, MS, OTR, is an occupational therapist at The Thrive Group’s Lakewood, NJ office. With almost fifteen years of experience across private practice, school-based settings, and early intervention environments, she has supported a diverse caseload involving cognitive processing challenges, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, and generalized fear and anxiety. Elisheva earned her Bachelor of Science degree, graduating cum laude from Stern College, and holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Kean University.
Read more about Elisheva.

Chavy Freund

Chavy Freund is an occupational therapist at a satellite branch of The Thrive Group in Brooklyn, NY, at 1048 East Second Street. She has over 9 years of experience working in school-based OT and early intervention in New York. Chavy has extensive education in sensory and reflex integration, with specific training for Rhythmic Movement Therapy.
Read more about Chavy Freund.

Chaya Hefter

Chaya Hefter is a highly skilled occupational therapist with over 26 years of experience. She works at the Brooklyn, NY, Thrive Office, located at 1048 East Second Street. Chaya graduated cum laude from the State University of New York Health Science Center, formally known as Downstate University, in January of 1998.
She has been providing services to a wide variety of pediatric populations, including children and adults with Down’s Syndrome, sensory processing disorders, PDD, microcephaly, ASD, torticollis, prematurity, developmental motor delay, ADHD, apraxia, and visual difficulties.
Read more about Chaya.

Ruchy Halpert

Ruchy Halpert is a passionate and skilled Occupational Therapist at The Thrive Group, Lakewood, New Jersey, branch. Ruchy graduated from NYIT Magna Cum Laude and has over ten years of experience working with children and teenagers in different settings. Ruchy supports children and teenagers experiencing emotional regulation, sensory processing challenges, and difficulties with gross, fine motor, and visual skills.
Read more about Ruchy

Michele Gordon

Michele Gordon, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist at The Thrive Group’s Brooklyn, NY, branch. With more than twelve years of experience in schools, sensory gyms, and center-based pediatric settings, she specializes in sensory processing, reflex integration, coordination disorders, and visual-motor development.
Read more about Michele.

Interested in seeing one of our team members?