Miriam Manela, OTR, is the director of The Thrive Group, her private practice housed in a unique sensory gym. Miriam is a level 4 Tomatis consultant, a certified Reiki practitioner, and a certified Therapeutic Listening™ Provider. She has received advanced training in Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT), Sensory Integration, Attachment Theory and Reflex Integration.
Miriam graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kean University and interned at Staten Island University Hospital. She practiced school-based and early intervention OT in New York and New Jersey for 9 years as well as provided services to victims of domestic violence and people living with addictions
Miriam was the legislative co-chair of the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association (NJOTA) for 7 years and was the representative for the representative assembly of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). In addition to her private practice, Miriam is known for her workshops and lectures for educators and teachers as well as health-care professionals (MDs, OTRs, psychologists, mental health counselors, social workers, substance abuse professionals, and others).
In December, 2013 Miriam received the WCBS-AM & Cancer Treatment Centers Women Achievement Award. Miriam has been awarded Top Doctor’s in New Jersey award for five years.
In 2020, Miriam launched Bloom– an online platform where she teaches the Thrive method, giving parents tools and strategies to help their children reach their full potential.
Miriam uses a creative blend of proven techniques to help her clients overcome behavioral, academic, social, and physical challenges while providing a safe space where children can feel free to be themselves as they explore and grow. Miriam believes in listening to and working closely with parents and caregivers to help them achieve a healthy, responsive, and mutually satisfying parent-child relationship.