Staff

Scott Matthews, OT, MS

Executive Director

Scott is the founder and Executive Director of Intensive Therapeutics. Prior to becoming an occupational therapist, Scott was a social worker for 7 years in both pediatric and geriatric settings. In 1997, Scott graduated from Kean University with a post-baccalaureate major in occupational therapy. He earned a post-professional Master of Science degree in Health Science, with a specialization in movement science, from Seton Hall University in 2005. As an occupational therapist, Scott has worked in various settings with adults and children. He has been an adjunct professor at Kean University.

Alexandra Clayton, MS OTR/L

Director of Therapy Services

Alexandra earned her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Kean University in January 2013. Previously, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Rutgers University in May 2009. During her time at Kean, Alexandra completed a pediatric internship with Intensive Therapeutics, and an internship in adult rehabilitation at Universal Institute. She has gained experience from working in a variety of pediatric settings including the New Jersey Early Intervention Program, as an independent contractor for the New York Board of Education, and as a staff occupational therapist at a pediatric private clinic in New Jersey and New York. Alexandra has worked summers at Intensive Therapeutics since 2013, and started full-time in December 2014.

Brielle Hassa, MS OTR/L

Director of Occupational Therapy

Brielle earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Kean University in 2015, after completing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Substance Abuse Counseling at Ramapo College of New Jersey in 2012. During her studies, Brielle gained valuable experience through a pediatric internship with Intensive Therapeutics and an adult neurology internship at Kessler Institute’s outpatient rehab. She also contributed to research on children with hemiplegia, focusing her master’s thesis titled “How Goals Identified on the COPM Change for Children with Hemiplegia at a CIMT Camp Across Factors of Age, Gender, Time, and Botox: A Retrospective Study.”

Brielle has also worked as an independent contractor in New Jersey schools and in-home care, offering a wide range of support to children and families in various settings. She’s also pursued additional training and education in the areas of sensory processing, cortical visual impairment, and primitive reflex integration. 

One of Brielle’s favorite therapy programs to lead is Ready Set Ride, where she gets to see kids experience the pure joy of ditching their training wheels and cruising on two wheels for the first time. There’s nothing quite like the moment a child realizes they are capable—they light up with confidence as they join their friends and take off, often leaving their parents (and Brielle) cheering and a little teary-eyed.

Outside of work, Brielle loves spending time outdoors, whether she’s soaking up the sun at the beach (always a book in hand) or exploring the mountains. She also works part-time as a landscape and lifestyle photographer, capturing the beauty of nature and the connections between families.

Alexandra Edwards, MS CCC-SLP

Director of Speech-Language Pathology

Ali is a speech-language pathologist who joined Intensive Therapeutics in June 2016. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA and licensure in New Jersey. Ali completed her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Seton Hall University in May of 2013. Previously, Ali obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in human development and family studies from the Pennsylvania State University in May of 2011. During her time at Seton Hall, Ali completed three clinical internships at The Lewis School of Princeton, The Lakeview School of Edison, and Children Specialized Hospital – Early Intervention program where she provided speech and language therapy to children ages birth to 12 with a variety of special needs. Ali has previously gained work experience as a certified speech-language specialist working in a public school setting providing individual and small group speech and language services for preschool and kindergarten special education students with a wide range of disabilities.

Alyssa Pascua

Office Administrator

Alyssa completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and Sport Studies with a minor in psychology from Rutgers University in 2017. During her final semester, she completed an undergraduate internship with Intensive Therapeutics; she officially joined the team in September 2017. While completing her degree, Alyssa gained experience working in a variety of settings including childcare, an optometry practice, and in-school settings for children with special needs, including the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers, a school for children with autism spectrum disorder, where she was an undergraduate fieldwork intern.

Lauren Armenti, MS OTR/L

Supervisor of Occupational Therapy

Lauren earned both her Bachelor of Science (2017) and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (2018) from The University of Scranton. Throughout her academic training, she gained clinical experience in adult rehabilitation, mental health, and pediatrics, completing her final graduate internship at Intensive Therapeutics.

Since entering the field, Lauren has cultivated a strong clinical foundation across a range of settings, including school-based and in-home occupational therapy services. She has experience co-leading and supporting the development of a prevocational and independent living program as well as an executive functioning skills program for teens and young adults. She also serves as a clinical supervisor for graduate-level interns, including doctoral students, supporting research initiatives such as the integration of wearable eye-tracking technology in pediatric and young adult populations.

Lauren has presented research at national and international conferences, contributing to evidenced-based research to support the effectiveness of intensive, group-based occupational therapy programs for children with cerebral palsy. Her recent presentations include:

“A Pilot Study: An Analysis of a Clinic-based, Small Group, Intensive Occupational Program for Children with Cerebral Palsy”, American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

“The Social and Motor Benefits of Group-based Programming for Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy”, American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM)

Tara Horvat, MA CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Tara found her passion to begin a career in speech-language pathology after watching her younger sister work with a speech therapist for years throughout their childhood. She began her journey by obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics from Montclair State University with a minor in Communication sciences and disorders, as well as a minor in cognitive science. Tara was accepted into the Montclair State University Master’s program for Communication Sciences and Disorders where she completed two internships, one at the Adler Aphasia Center in Maywood and the other at Intensive Therapeutics! Tara is a certified speech-language therapist in NJ, and she currently holds a certificate of clinical competence from ASHA (American Speech and Hearing Association). Tara also has experience working with school aged children as a substitute teacher, a 5th grade paraprofessional, and as a gymnastics coach for 6 years. Tara loves using a multi-sensory approach in her sessions inspired by her love for cheerleading, gymnastics, and yoga.

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Dana Catalano, MA CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Dana is a dedicated and passionate speech therapist who loves to treat across the lifespan. She earned her undergraduate degree in Linguistics from Montclair State University before continuing to graduate school at the same institution to become a licensed speech-language pathologist. Dana is a licensed professional and holds a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). 

Dana has a deep passion for helping individuals with a variety of speech and communication challenges, with a particular focus on voice and motor speech disorders. During her academic journey, she gained valuable experience working in school settings as well as at Intensive Therapeutics, where she honed her skills in treating diverse speech and language disorders. 

Committed to a holistic approach to treatment, Dana pursued additional training in orofacial myology, allowing her to address orofacial myology disorders that impact speech. This training complements her belief in the importance of treating the whole individual, rather than just focusing on isolated symptoms. 

Outside of her professional life, Dana enjoys playing tennis and exploring new places, always seeking opportunities for personal growth and adventure.

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Kelly Malanga, OTD, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Kelly earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Kean University in August 2021. Previously, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation and Human Services with a minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the Pennsylvania State University in December 2017. Kelly’s professional experience includes internships at respected institutions including Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and Intensive Therapeutics. She also conducted her doctoral research on Lifelong Learning for Adults with Disabilities in partnership with the Arc of Somerset County. Prior to joining Intensive Therapeutics in 2024, Kelly worked at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and Children’s Specialized Hospital, where she gained valuable experience working with both adult and pediatric populations. Committed to continued professional growth, Kelly has pursued advanced training in several specialized areas, including NDT baby handling, the Therasuit Method, vision, and sensory processing. In her free time, Kelly enjoys reading, relaxing on the beach, and spending quality time with family and friends.

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Casandra Lambert, MS, OTR/L

Director of Adult Services, Occupational Therapist

Casandra is a licensed occupational therapist with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Kean University and a Bachelor of Health Science with a minor in Psychology from Sacred Heart University. Since entering the field, she has cultivated a strong foundation in pediatric care, working extensively with children and young adults ages 3 to 21 with a broad spectrum of developmental and physical disabilities.

Prior to earning her licensure, Casandra gained hands-on experience in pediatric settings, which laid the groundwork for her clinical expertise. She previously helped establish and lead the Transition Team for a specialized school program within Bergen County Special Services. In addition, she was an active member of the district’s Professional Development Committee, where she supported continuing education efforts for therapists across the system.

Casandra’s dedication to occupational therapy is rooted in personal experience. As the sibling of a family member with special needs, she developed a deep appreciation for the field at a young age. This passion inspired her to create and lead an adaptive yoga program for both ambulatory and non-ambulatory children during her undergraduate studies. Her graduate research focused on sensory processing, learning styles, and their impact on academic performance.

In addition to her pediatric experience, Casandra has worked across various clinical settings, including outpatient pediatrics, mental health and substance abuse treatment, sub-acute and skilled nursing facilities, and home care. She brings a compassionate, family-centered approach to her work and is committed to supporting individuals across the lifespan in reaching their fullest potential.

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Jenna Epler, DPT

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Jenna joined Intensive Therapeutics this year and is thrilled to be part of her first Helping Hands camp! Throughout her career, she has always had a passion for working with children and is especially excited about the team-based approach that Intensive Therapeutics offers, focusing on the whole child, rather than solely addressing physical limitations.

With over 10 years of experience as a physical therapist, Jenna has worked in a wide range of settings and with clients across the lifespan. Her clinical background includes inpatient rehabilitation, early intervention, vestibular and aquatic therapy, orthopedics, and travel therapy assignments in several states, including Colorado and North Carolina. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh in 2013, which included a year-long internship in a neurological inpatient and outpatient setting.

Jenna has pursued advanced training in several areas, including Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT), kinesiology taping, and dry needling. She is also has received certifications in Vestibular and Concussion Therapy through the American Institute of Balance (AIB), allowing her to specialize in treating both children and adults recovering from concussions and various vestibular diagnoses.

Outside of work, Jenna enjoys outdoor adventures like hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Her favorite moments are spent with family—especially making memories with her nephew and three nieces, who all share a love for soccer!

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Cecelia Pateman, M.A., CF-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Cecelia discovered her love for speech-language pathology at an early age through her mother, an occupational therapist. Growing up, she often accompanied her mom to work and became fascinated by how therapists could support individuals in communicating effectively, eating safely, and enhancing their overall quality of life. These early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for helping others and led her to pursue a career in speech-language pathology.

She began her academic journey at Seton Hall University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Special and Elementary Education as well as Social and Behavioral Sciences. She went on to receive her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from Montclair State University.

During graduate school, Cecelia completed two clinical externships: the first at Juan Pablo Duarte–José Julián Martí School No. 28 in Elizabeth, NJ, where she evaluated and treated students from pre-K through 8th grade with a wide range of communication and feeding needs; and the second at Intensive Therapeutics where she provided therapy to clients with diverse diagnoses, including apraxia, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities.

She is currently completing her clinical fellowship at Intensive Therapeutics, continuing to provide individualized speech, language, and feeding therapy in both individual and group settings. She collaborates closely with occupational therapists and values an interdisciplinary approach to care, something that has been a part of her life from the beginning.

Cecelia has a strong passion for feeding therapy and is committed to providing neurodiversity affirming, strengths-based treatment. Her clinical work is guided by compassion, collaboration, and respect for each client’s unique journey.