UR Medicine / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation / Occupational Therapy / Our Team

Our Team

Occupational Therapy Leadership Level III Therapists Inpatient Adult Team Inpatient Pediatric Team Inpatient Rehab Team Outpatient Adult Team Outpatient Pediatric Team TAR Team Student Coordinator

Occupational Therapy Leadership

Simon Carson, OT/L, MBA
Chief of Occupational Therapy

Simon received his Masters in Occupational Therapy from Ithaca College and his MBA and Masters in Medical Management from the University of Rochester's Simon School of Business. His areas of interest include SCI and cognitive rehabilitation, as well as operations management, quality assurance and leadership.

Michelle Baker, OTR/L, Senior Acute Care Therapist

Michelle is a Senior Occupational Therapist on the Adult Acute Care team. She graduated with her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy from Sage Graduate School, along with a Bachelor of Science in Gerontology Studies and Associates of Science in Business Administration. Michelle also attended Simon School of Business, earning her Masters in Medical Management. Michelle also serves as our eRecord Department Deputy.

Sarah Byrne, MS, OTR/L, Senior Inpatient Rehab Therapist

Sarah is the Senior Occupational Therapist on Inpatient Rehab. She graduated from the University at Buffalo with her combined Bachelor and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and a Minor in Health and Human Wellness. Her areas of interest include brain injury, spinal cord injury and assistive technology.

Dana Emery, OTD, OTR/L

Dana graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Occupational Therapy from Utica College of Syracuse University and obtained her post professional doctorate from Boston University in 2014. Dana has been with URMC since 2001, with a specialty in the treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, burn, brachial plexus injury, neurology, upper extremity/hand and ergonomics. Dana has written a text book chapter in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (Springer) and has contributed to the Quick Reference Dictionary for Occupational Therapy 6th edition (Slack).

Kloss Caitlin Kloss, MS, OTR/L, Senior Acute Care Therapist

Caitlin is a Senior Occupational Therapist for the Adult Acute Care Team. She received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and her combined Bachelor and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University at Buffalo.

Laura Koegst, MSOT, OTR/L, NTMTC, CNT, C-ELBW, Senior Pediatric Therapist

Laura is a Senior Occupational Therapist for the Pediatric Acute Care team. She graduated from Ithaca College with a combined Bachelors and Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy. Laura serves both Strong Memorial Hospital and Golisano Children's Hospital where she has taken special interest in neurological development of neonates and infant feeding. She is a nationally Certified Neonatal Therapist through the Neonatal Therapy National Certification Board and certified in the Care of the Extremely Low Birth Weight Neonate. She is internationally certified in Neonatal Touch & Massage.

Hannah Peck, MS, OTR/L

Hannah is the site manager for outpatient pediatric rehabilitation, and a pediatric occupational therapist. She graduated with her Master's in Occupational Therapy from Utica College in 2011. She specializes in sensory processing and developmental disabilities. Hannah is a graduate from the Multidisciplinary Fellowship, LEND, at the University of Rochester. The LEND Fellowship focused on leadership and education in providing person centered care to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Erin St. George, MS, OTR/L, Senior Acute Care Therapist

Erin is a Senior Occupational Therapist for the Adult Acute Care team. She graduated from Ithaca College with a combined Bachelors and Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy. Erin has previous experience in acute rehab, acute care, and home care.

Level III Therapist

Ebonee Cole, MS, OTR/L, Inpatient Brain Injury Coordinator

Ebonee works primarily with neurological impairments with adults in acute care. She graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science and her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy in 2007. She is currently obtaining her post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy and advanced practice certification in neuroscience from Thomas Jefferson University. Ebonee is the OT student fieldwork coordinator for Level I and II students. Her previous work experience includes therapy in acute care, sub-acute rehab in skilled nursing setting including long-term care, and home health.

Jordan Wigg MS, ORT/L Jordan Wigg, MS, OTR/L, Inpatient Student Program Coordinator

Jordan is an occupational therapist who graduated from D’Youville University in 2018 with her Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy. She is experienced in treating critically ill patients and is currently pursuing her Post-Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy. Jordan is now working on both the adult acute care team as well as the inpatient rehabilitation team at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Student inquiries can be directed to Jordan_Wigg@URMC.Rochester.edu.

Bridgid Aini, OTR/L, Inpatient Spinal Cord Injury Coordinator

Bridgid graduated from Keuka College with a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy in 2006. She has experience in working with a variety of diagnoses in the acute care setting as well as experience on inpatient acute rehabilitation Her focus has been evaluating and treating patients in the Trauma ICU, most specifically SCI and TBI. She also has experience in treating Adult and Pediatric burn patients.

Holly Holly Podniesinski, OTR/L, Inpatient Critical Care Coordinator

Holly is a staff Occupational Therapist who graduated from D’Youville College with a combined Bachelors and Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy with a minor in Psychology. She is currently working as part of the adult acute care team at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Occupational Therapy Staff

Inpatient Adult Team

Nicole Bilello, MS, OTR/L

Nicole graduated from the University at Buffalo with a combined Bachelors and Masters in Occupational Therapy. She has gained experience in acute care at an outside hospital before joining our team at URMC. Her passion lies in neurology and neurosurgery, where she now contributes as part of the adult acute care team.

Rachel Czolgosz, MS, OTR/L

Rachel is a staff Occupational Therapist who graduated from Utica University with a combined Bachelor's and Master's of Science in Occupational Therapy. She is currently working as part of the adult acute care team here at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Emily Dimon, MS, OTR/L

Emily received her Master's in Occupational Therapy from Temple University. She has previous experience in acute care, subacute rehab, and hand therapy. Emily is now working as part of the adult acute care team at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Gillow Colleen Gillow, MS, OTR/L

Colleen is a Staff Occupational Therapist who graduated from University at Buffalo in 2013 with a Masters in Occupational Therapy. She received Minors in Sociology and Social & Preventive Medicine in Health and Wellness. Colleen has experience in sub-acute care and working with the geriatric population. She is currently working as part of the acute care team at URMC.

Hegarty Norah Hegarty, MS, OTR/L

Norah is a staff Occupational Therapist who graduated in 2015 with her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University at Buffalo. She is currently working as part of the acute care team at URMC.

Hughes Miranda Hughes, MS, OTR/L

Miranda is a staff occupational therapist who graduated from Nazareth College where she received her Bachelor of Occupational Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy with a minor in Psychology. Miranda is a part of the adult acute care team at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Kelsey Juskiewicz, MS, OTR/L, Inpatient Orthopaedic Coordinator

Kelsey is a staff Occupational Therapist who received her Master's degree from D'Youville College. She has experience working in outpatient orthopedics, and is now working as part of the adult acute care team at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Michaela McDaniels, MS, OTR/L

Michaela is a staff Occupational Therapist who completed a B.S. in Exercise Science at The College at Brockport and received her B.S. in Occupational Science and M.S. in Occupational Therapy, with a minor in Psychology, from the University at Buffalo. She is passionate about mental health and helping people participate in daily life within the context of their conditions. Michaela is currently working as part of the acute care team at URMC.

Lisa Restivo, OTR/L

Lisa is a staff Occupational Therapist who received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology at SUNY Geneseo in 2009. She then attended Nazareth College where she received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Lisa has worked as part of the inpatient rehab team, as well as the outpatient clinic where she was a provider with the Integrative Cognitive Rehabilitation Program. Lisa is currently part of the acute care team at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Scheuer Kristen Scheuer, MS, OTR/L

Kristen is an Occupational Therapist who graduated with her Master's of Science in Occupational Therapy from Ithaca College. Kristen recently relocated back to Rochester after working in New Jersey as an acute care and acute rehab therapist. She is now working as part of the adult acute care team at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Katie Schweitzer, MOT, OTR/L

Katie is a staff Occupational Therapist currently working in the Acute Inpatient setting. She has spent time as the Senior working in our Outpatient clinic and our Inpatient Rehabilitation unit. . Katie received her undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Buffalo and has received her post-professional Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Boston University. Katie has worked at the University of Rochester for over 20 years and her specialty areas include burn injury, spinal cord injury, neuro injury and upper extremity injury/splinting.

Kelly Smith-Jagla, COTA

Kelly received her Associates in Applied Science of Occupational Therapy Assistant from SUNY Canton in 2004. Kelly is currently working on her Bachelors in Health Science Pre-OT and a minor in psychology at the University of Cincinnati and plans to graduate in the summer of 2022. She has worked in Pediatrics, short term rehab with focus on complex and respiratory care patients, and long term rehab in various skilled nursing facilities within and around the Rochester area. Kelly is currently working with both the inpatient acute care and rehab teams.

Amy Wagner MS, OTR/L

Amy is an Occupational Therapist who earned her Master's of Science in Occupational Therapy from Ithaca College. Amy recently relocated back to Rochester after working in New York City at a long-term care/skilled nursing facility. She is now working as part of the inpatient rehab and adult acute care team at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Inpatient Pediatric Team

Anjelica Fortunato, MS, OTR/L

Anjelica is a full-time pediatric occupational therapist who works at Golisano Children’s Hospital. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Bio-behavioral Health from Penn State University and her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Chatham University. Her previous work experience includes acute care, outpatient and long term care settings. She takes special interest in sensory processing, development and play-based therapy.

Devin Devin Stoklosa, MS, OTR/L

Devin graduated from the University at Buffalo with a combined Bachelors and Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2017. She joined URMC in 2019 as an outpatient pediatric OT before joining the pediatric inpatient team in 2022. Devin's experience with a variety of pediatric disorders ranges from birth to early adulthood with a special interest in developmental care throughout infancy. Devin is also a clinical instructor for Nazareth College Occupational Therapy Program.

Emma Emma Surprenant MS, OTR/L

Emma is a staff occupational therapist who graduated from Nazareth College where she received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Emma is a part of the pediatric inpatient acute care team.

Inpatient Rehab Team

Machala Andrews, OTR/L

Machala is a staff Occupational Therapist who graduated from SUNY Brockport with a Bachelor's in Exercise Science and Master's of Science in Occupational Therapy from D'Youville University . She is currently working as part of the inpatient rehab team here at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Jessica Bauer, OTR/L

Jessica is a staff occupational therapist who graduated from D'Youville College with a combined Bachelors and Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy and with a minor in psychology. Jessica is currently working on the inpatient rehabilitation team at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Victoria Hartman MS, OTR/L Victoria Hartman, MS, OTR/L

Vicki is a staff occupational therapist who graduated from Nazareth College with a combined Bachelors and Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy with a minor in Gerontology. Vicki is a part of the inpatient rehabilitation team at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Kramer Leah Kramer, MS, OTR/L

Leah graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from SUNY Geneseo. She attended the University of New England in Portland, ME for her Master's of Science in Occupational Therapy. Leah joins the inpatient rehab team with a background that includes experience in home health and inpatient rehab.

Rene Vito Renee Vito MS, OTR/L

Renee is a staff occupational therapist who graduated from Keuka College with a combined Bachelor's and Master's of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2023. Renee is currently a part of the inpatient rehabilitation team at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Outpatient Adult Team

Nancy Dukelow, MS, OTR/L

Nancy is currently an Occupational Therapist in the Outpatient environment although has worked across the continuum in the URMC system. She obtained her BS/MS in Occupational Therapy from The Sage Colleges, a Masters in Medical Management from the Simon School of Business and is currently a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). Her specialty areas include Cognition as part of the Integrated Cognitive Rehabilitation Program, Lymphedema, Oncology, Visual-Perception, and Neurological Rehabilitation.

Monica Zaso, MS, OTR/L

Monica graduated from University at Buffalo’s combined BS/MS Occupational Program in 2019. Her previous experience includes inpatient/outpatient adult and pediatric neurological rehabilitation and acute care. Areas of interest include neurological conditions and SCI. Monica is currently in the process of obtaining advanced certifications including Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) and Certified Neurological Specialist (CNS). She is also the Outpatient OT Fieldwork Coordinator.

Outpatient Pediatric Team

Hannah Peck, MS, OTR/L

TAR Team

Angelika Garrabrant,MS, OTR/L

Amanda Howe, BS/MS, OTR/L

Amanda is an Occupational Therapist who graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from University at Buffalo. She is currently working as a TAR therapist at Strong Memorial Hospital on both the acute care and inpatient rehab service lines.

Julie Kunisch, OTD, OTR/L

Julie has her bachelor's in occupational therapy from University at Buffalo and her doctorate in occupational therapy from Boston University. She is a staff therapist working on the acute care team and specializing in General Medicine, Neuro-rehabilitation and Pediatrics. She also works in the pediatric physical disabilities clinic through the Kirch Center. She is certified in the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test. Julie has worked at the university for over 10 years.