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You are here: Home / About Us / The Thrive Group Team

The Thrive Group Team

Miriam Manela

Miriam Manela, OTR, is the director of The Thrive Group, her private practice housed in a unique sensory gym. She has received advanced training in Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT), Sensory Integration, Attachment Theory and Reflex Integration. Miriam is also a certified Reiki practitioner and Therapeutic Listening™ Provider.
Read more about Miriam.


Chavy Freund

Chavy Freund is an occupational therapist at a satellite branch of The Thrive Group, located in Brooklyn, NY. She has a passion for working with children who have sensory processing challenges, attentional issues and emotional regulation difficulties. She has experience working in school-based OT as well as early intervention in New York for six years. Chavy has extensive education in sensory and reflex integration, with specific training for Rhythmic Movement Therapy. 

Chavy’s even keeled and regulated energy help her clients achieve an optimum state of arousal necessary for social, academic and emotional readiness. 


Elisheva Assaf

Elisheva Assaf

Elisheva Assaf, MS, OTR, is an occupational therapist at the Thrive Group. Elisheva enjoys helping her clients achieve personal and academic success by maximizing their unique capabilities and unleashing hidden potential. She has experience working in school-based occupational therapy and early intervention.
Read more about Elisheva.

Chaya Hefter

Chaya Hefter is a highly skilled occupational therapist with almost 25 years experience.
She has been providing services to a wide variety of pediatric populations, including children with Down’s Syndrome, sensory processing disorders, PDD, microcephaly, ASD, torticollis, prematurity, developmental motor delay, ADHD, apraxia, and visual difficulties.
She specializes in reflex integration, acupressure and a wide variety of handling techniques. She has advanced training in visual therapy, auditory integration training, and optimal brain organization among many other techniques.

Read more about Chaya Hefter

  • Dearest Miriam, With these lines I'd like to convey, Gratitude deeper than words can say... For your professional work And warmest devotion I want to express my grateful emotion!! For all my complications that you allay May much joy and tranquillity come your way!  

  • We’d like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation. Moshe benefits from your fun positive personality along with your expertise in the field. He truly enjoys his ot sessions. We appreciate your genuine concern and whole child approach. We look forward to continued progress as we work together to help Moshe shine.

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