Emma Arnoff, LCSW AUTPLAY Certified

Clinical Director

Hi, I’m Emma! I am the proud owner of The Sensory Space. My approach to therapy is collaborative. Together we will work to help you meet your goals and find a better understanding of yourself. I work with children, adults, families and groups. I love working with parents to support, educate and validate. Utilizing a strength based, person centered approach helps me meet clients where they are. The goal in this work is to help clients identify strengths within themselves and develop ways to live productive and confident lives.

Prior to opening The Sensory Space I worked with children and families in schools, residential treatment centers, and the foster care system. In addition to working with clients individually, I have facilitated programs and groups on LGBTQIA issues, bullying and social connection. I am a certified Children’s Yoga Instructor and love to incorporate yoga and movement into therapy sessions. As a parent myself, I know the many skills needed for child rearing and have worked with parents individually and in groups focusing on strengthening the parenting skills needed for different developmental stages.

I have led workshops for schools, preschools, and colleges. Workshops focus on supporting Neurodiversity in schools and organizations. I facilitate discussions on sensory integration, emotional regulation and inclusion.

Nicole Kraus, LCSW

CLINICAL Assitant Director

Hi, I am Nicole! As a therapist, I have worked extensively with children and families in therapeutic day school settings, as well as residential treatment centers. I have provided services to children with a variety of mental health diagnosis, sensory challenges, and have worked closely with autistic children. My approach to working with children and families is to awaken the inherent strengths of the child in order to increase confidence, self-efficacy, and expression. I believe in working collaboratively with children and families to sustain gains made along the therapeutic journey.

Using evidence based modalities, and incorporating themes of yoga, and mindfulness, I aim to engage the connection between the mind & body to facilitate positive change in self-esteem, behaviors, and attitudes. I aim to create a culture that encourages children to feel all emotions, no matter how big or small.

Danielle Albertson, LMSW

Manager and Group Coordinator

Hi, I’m Danielle! I have over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, teens and families. I have experience in a variety of settings including community services, school settings, residential programs, and foster care settings. I have provided therapeutic services to individuals, families, and in group settings, through a variety of evidence-based interventions. I believe in a person-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, integrating the family into a youth’s treatment. My goal in therapy is to provide a safe, creative, and comfortable space for clients to grow, heal, and learn.

Kerry Short, LMHC

Hi I’m Kerry and I’m so excited to be working at the Sensory Space! I started my journey in this field working with children in the autistic community and with developmental disabilities. It was a wonderful way to begin my training through learning innovative ways to connect with children and adolescents. Later, I worked in residential treatment centers where my clients displayed a wider range of challenges. This fortified my belief in the importance of respecting children and adolescents as partners in the healing process. Therapy is a collaborative process and I approach this in a person-centered and integrative way. Before finding my passion as a clinician I was trained in acting. My background in the arts combined with my formal training as a clinical mental health counselor informs my use of creative, playful, and expressive modalities in therapy.

Jen Giordano, LMHC

Hi, I’m Jen! As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I specialize in working with children and adolescence. In the past, I have worked in therapeutic day treatment programs, residential facilities, and a head start early intervention program. I have experience working with a variety of diagnoses including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Autism. I work collaboratively with children and their families to help them progress towards their goals. I believe that through play children can explore and share their feelings. Children can practice healthy ways of managing strong emotions while learning to acknowledge and accept all their feelings.

Kieran Spinelli, LMSW

Hi there! My name is Kieran! My background includes working with children in daycare, camp and school settings as a Special Education Teaching Assistant and school social work intern. My passion has always been in child development and behavior as well as being a strong advocate for mental health. I believe through child-centered play therapy children are able to express their needs in a language that is natural to them and allows us to explore coping skills, emotional awareness and regulation. 

Kiana Kipp, LMSW

Hi, I’m Kiana! I have previous experience interning at Astor within the Partial Hospitalization Program, as well as working at COARC and Community Action of Greene County. I believe whole heartedly in the power of play and the use of art in therapy. It allows children to express themselves naturally and communicate their wants and needs that they may not have the words for just yet. Through this they are then also able to develop the skills to identify and label their emotions, as well as find ways to manage big feelings day to day. Play and art also serve as a unique tool to use at home with families to strengthen bonds and influence healthy communication.

Michele Sevigny, LMSW

Hi, I am Michele, and I have been working in the helping field for over 20 years, with experience in many spaces including Community Based Organizations, Early Head Start, the foster care system, post adoption services, and as a counselor for the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE).

I have provided direct counseling services with preschoolers, both in the home and school environment, as well as parent counseling services. I specialize in working with the “littles”, three to five years old. I love their young sense of curiosity, and fully appreciate the opportunity to be a healthy part of their foundational development.

I practice a person-centered strength based approach through the power of play and experience of joy. My goal is to develop a trusting relationship that leads to an optimal social connection, allowing for healing, and personal growth. I strive to instill confidence and acceptance of self.

Allyson Antonacci, MHC-LP

Hi, I’m Ally! I have experience working in a community setting with individuals with varying mental health diagnoses. I’m excited to have the opportunity to truly individualize care with each child I meet. Play therapy is a beautiful way to explore life events at the child’s pace. Through a person-centered and strengths-based approach, I’m excited to help children explore their emotions and assist families in creating a stronger familial bond.

Airicka Garnere, MHC intern

Hi! I’m Airicka! I have experience working with teens and adolescents in a variety of settings, as well as working with people in crisis and assisting with crisis intervention. In the time that I have spent at The Sensory Space I have seen the amazing way that play, art, and movement can help kids regulate their bodies and emotions. My goal is to provide a safe, collaborative space for children and their families to learn and grow.

Domonique Messing, LCSW, RPT

Clinical Supervisor

Hi, I’m Domonique! As a Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist, I specialize in working with children, adolescents, young adults, parents, and expecting mothers. I have extensive experience in a variety of evidence-based treatments. I practice from a person-centered approach. My goal is to create a safe space, connection, and healing for the client and their family. My education, prior experiences, and training allows me to assist clients and their families in obtaining the goals they set out to achieve.

liz Deblasi, MS, OTR/L

Hi, I’m Liz! I am a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. I grew up in New York City and have a strong passion for dance and travel! I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and dance from Adelphi University. I later received my Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University and have worked as a pediatric OT in school and home settings for over 14 years. I have gained a passion for educating others as an adjunct professor at Long Island University for 7 years. Educating has reinvigorated me and allowed me to share my passion for OT. Some of my other most meaningful work has been with a non-profit organization to design training materials for caregivers of children with special needs in developing countries, including Kenya and India. I have also gained a wealth of cultural competence through these experiences that continues to drive my professional practice.

I specialize in a sensory based and wholistic approach to therapy, as well as a collaborative approach. Through my experiences, I have worked closely with families and have learned the power of collaboration. My goal is always to foster independence in the children I work with and to empower parents/caregivers to be active members in their child’s therapeutic process. You can reach out to Liz through our website or email her directly at liz@sensory-wise.com.

Daria Gates, Speech Therapist M.A., CCC-SLP, TSSLD

Hi, I'm Daria, and I am excited to offer speech and language services at The Sensory Space! I am a NY State licensed and ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Association) accredited speech-language pathologist, as well as a dog mama and avid karaoke singer. I have over eight years of experience working with children with varying communication challenges in a specialized school setting, in early intervention, and within my own private practice. I am trained and certified in several methodologies and approaches, including PROMPT, Hanen's It Takes Two To Talk Parent Training, Social Thinking, D.I.R.Floortime, Sounds In Motion, Collaborative Problem Solving, and Alternative and Augmentative Communication.

My goal in therapy is to create a holistic, naturalistic, and supportive learning environment, in which each child is met at their own developmental level. I believe that therapy should involve more than just the child, thus my approach includes parent and caregiver involvement and collaboration throughout the therapeutic process. I bring fun, music, play, compassion, and a whole lot of energy to every session and am looking forward to joining your child's team!

For a consultation or more information, please contact: daria@dariagailspeech.com