The Katz School of Science and Health has significantly strengthened its health sciences faculty with the addition of top-tier educators who are bringing decades of clinical, academic and leadership experience across multiple disciplines to the Occupational Therapy Doctorate, M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies and Accelerated Post-Baccalaureate in Nursing.

“Whether through groundbreaking research, innovative technologies or compassionate patient care, our expert health sciences faculty are educating our students in the world’s best skilled care,” said Dr. Paul Russo, dean of the Katz School and vice provost of .

Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Dr. Gioia Ciani, program director of the Occupational Therapy Doctorate and an associate professor, has been a practicing occupational therapist for over 20 years at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and Mount Sinai Beth Israel. She holds a doctorate in occupational therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.

Dr. Lawrence Abas, a physical therapist with more than 28 years of clinical experience, works for Northwell Health in Queens and Nassau County. His practice is in home care. For 16 years, he was a supervisor for Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State, where he was responsible for physical therapy programs in clinics, residences and day-learning programs. He holds a clinical doctorate in physical therapy from Stony Brook University.

Charles Bermejo, as a member of the University Santo Tomas faculty, worked on a project with Save the Children Philippines to promote childhood disability prevention, and led an undergraduate study on the use of Facebook social support groups to help caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder cope with stress. He holds a master of science in occupational therapy from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines.

Dr. Gary Grimaldi has extensive clinical experience working with adults with neurological disabilities in sub-acute inpatient and long-term care settings. As a clinician with over 30 years of experience in rehabilitation medicine, he is an expert in the intervention and implementation of stroke and other motor neuron conditions. He holds a Ph.D. in occupational therapy from Nova Southeastern University.

Kieran Morrissey is a hand therapist and OT fieldwork coordinator for student placements at Spear Physical Therapy in Midtown Manhattan. He holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Sacred Heart University.

Dr. Terese Roberson-Betts has over 12 years of clinical experience as an occupational therapist, working with students with disabilities in preschool through high school. For the past 10 years, she has been an occupational therapist with Area Cooperative Educational Services. She holds an occupational therapy doctorate from New York University.

Dr. Asha Roy is senior director of workforce safety at Northwell Health, New York’s largest healthcare system, where she leads employee safety programs, emphasizing ergonomic consultations and injury prevention. Her approach prioritizes health and safety, driving workforce wellness initiatives that reduce workplace injuries. She holds a Ph.D. in organizational leadership.

M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies

Dr. Lorraine Cashin, assistant dean and professor in the M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies, has been a practicing PA in emergency medicine for over 23 years. She established Mercy University’s international medical mission program, leading faculty and students from several health disciplines on medical missions to Mali, Nicaragua, Columbia, the Gambia and the Dominican Republic. She holds a doctor of medical science from the University of Lynchburg.

Dr. Brian Baker, associate program director a clinical associate professor, taught courses in the Mercy University PA program related to his expertise in medicine and law. He was a collaborator on the PA program’s numerous service initiatives, including the Mobile Health Vehicle Initiative and international medical missions. He holds an M.D. from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine and a law degree from Touro College.

M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology

Dr. Stefanie Bohart has been a practicing medical speech-language pathologist since 2009, with a clinical background in assessing and treating adult neurological disorders. She also is involved in ALS research in the Speech and Feeding Disorders Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital. She holds a doctor of speech-language pathology from the MGH Institute of Health Professions.

Jennifer Hupcher has experience working in private clinics, preschools and with individuals of all ages. She has supervised graduate student clinicians and clinical fellows, and is director of evaluations for a large private practice. She is a licensed, ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist in New York and Virginia, and is certified in LSVT Loud, DTTC and JASPER. She holds an M.S. in communication disorders from Rhode Island University.

Katie Threlkeld, a clinical assistant professor and virtual clinic coordinator, is a licensed, ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist and a RESNA-certified assistive technology professional with over 10 years of clinical experience. She holds an M.S. in speech-language pathology from the University of Central Missouri.

Accelerated Post-Baccalaureate in Nursing

Dr. Christy Jared has 32 years of experience in clinical, education, research and administrative roles in urban health care. She is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. She holds a Ph.D. in nursing research and theory from New York University.

Dr. Elisheva Rosner is dual-certified in pediatric and neonatal intensive care nursing, and has worked in the pediatric and neonatal intensive care units at New York Presbyterian Children’s Hospital since 2007. She is the director of education for Yifei Nof Tours for Women in Healthcare, and holds a doctorate in nursing from Grand Canyon University.

Maryann Slaka Vella, a clinical assistant professor and director of simulation and skills, has over 25 years of experience in clinical practice, research, education, leadership and management in acute, ambulatory and community settings. She holds an M.S. in nursing education from N-Meyers College of Nursing.