Staff Bios

Arlene Michaelson Baily, MS, OTR/L, PC, Founder and Director

Arlene brings her enthusi

asm and patience in working with children and their families to Leaps And Bounds (The LAB!). She has practiced occupational therapy for more than 30 years, working with both adult and child populations. Arlene began her OT career in adult psychiatry at NY Hospital - Payne Whitney Clinic. She built her collaborative skills as a pediatric OT at the Jewish Board for Family and Children’s Services’ Therapeutic Nursery and their Early Intervention Program, at PS 87, PS 6 and at the Karen Horney Clinic Therapeutic Nursery. In 1996, Arlene founded her OT private practice, which grew into Leaps And Bounds (The LAB!).

Having received an MS in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University, and later serving as NYU Fieldwork I Coordinator for OT students, Arlene continues to value professional education Additional pediatric credentials include certification to administer the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT); Interactive Metronome certification, with special training in its use with a pediatric population; advanced training in Therapeutic Listening; and continuing education coursework each year. When not at The LAB!, yoga, photography, music, family and friends beckon.

Julia Litsina, MA, OTR/L

Julia graduated with a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from New York University in 2002 and has been working with children ever since. Having gained experience in school and home settings, she joined The LAB! in 2006.

Julia’s other education includes a BA in psychology from NYU, and, among others, multiple courses and workshops on theory and practice of sensory integration, feeding, behavior management, play skills, vestibular habilitation and handwriting. To her practice Julia brings her fascination with childhood psychology, her personal experiences as a New York City parent and her utmost respect for the toughest job there is – growing up!