OUR THERAPISTS

Janis J. Leinfuss, OTD OTR/L 

Dr. Janis Leinfuss is a passionate occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience working with the pediatric population. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy in 1999.  Janis went on to achieve a MS in Exceptionalities in Special Education. A believer in lifelong learning, Janis went on to graduate with an Occupational Therapy Doctorate in 2020.  She is a specialist in Sensory Processing and Integration Disorder, certified in the evaluation and treatment of SPD by the Sensory Therapies and Research Institute, specializing in the treatment of children with Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). 

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Dr. Leinfuss was named a “Top Docs” in 2019 and 2021 in New Jersey Family Magazine. She has been published in peer-reviewed journals and has presented professionally to local, national, and international audiences. She is an active member of AOTA and her state OT association, having contributed to quarterly newsletters and participated in community practice group sessions. Additionally, Janis serves as an adjunct professor at both Gannon University and Seton Hall University.

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Amanda Newchok, MS OTR/L

Amanda Newchok graduated from Quinnipiac University with her Bachelor's of Science degree in Occupational Therapy  in 2000.  She went on to receive a Master’s of Science in Health Care Management from the College of St. Elizabeth in Morristown, NJ. She quickly developed her deep love for the pediatric area of practice early in her career. She has worked in varied settings including private school, public school, clinic-based, private practice, and Early Intervention. Throughout these therapeutic environments, Amanda has placed an emphasis on treating the whole child and highlighting the importance of collaboration as part of a team. This led Amanda to seek out more advanced training based on the latest research on sensory processing disorder (SPD). Amanda completed her Level 2 Proficiency certification from the Sensory Therapies and Research (STAR) Institute. She was so drawn to the STAR frame of reference and philosophy she sought out greater involvement with the organization. Currently, Amanda is an instructor for the STAR Institute teaching their School-based Intensive course. She is especially devoted to articulating the importance of occupational therapy practice and concepts to families and colleagues and is proud of her occupation and the positive impact she has made.

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Erin O’Hara, MS OTR/L 

Erin O'Hara started her therapy career upon graduating with a BS degree in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT in 2002. Finding a passion in pediatrics, she found herself drawn to those children who needed her help the most. Erin went on to receive her Sensory Integration Certificate from the University of Southern California and her Master's Degree from Johns Hopkins University with a dual focus in Mind, Brain, and Teaching coupled with Autism Studies. She is a co-author of the published, peer reviewed article, “Demystifying sensory processing to promote effective interprofessional and caregiver collaboration” and has composed various columns for NJOTA newsletters. Erin has presented professionally at both national and international conferences. 

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As the director of an occupational therapy department within a special needs school for over 15 years, Erin has advanced knowledge of how to facilitate occupational performance within educational practice. Erin participates in research studies and completes advanced coursework to ensure the use of evidence-based therapeutic interventions at all times. Having additional experience working in other settings such as early intervention, home care, private practice, and most recently telehealth, Erin is able to use her continued training in sensory processing disorders as well as many other specialty areas including certifications in listening programs, handwriting programs, massage, oral motor and respiration techniques to treat children of varying ages and ability levels. A majority of her career has been spent specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorders, treating children with extreme therapeutic demands. Always thinking of her clients as children first and their diagnosis second, Erin has had success implementing her knowledge in all forms of treatment.