Expert, evidence-based OT for children birth through school age — delivered in the environment where they feel safest and learn best.
Michelle Hickey is a licensed occupational therapist with a Master of Science from NYU’s Steinhardt School and over nine years of experience across private practice, independent school, and early intervention settings.
After years as a Senior OT at Treehouse Pediatric Therapy in Ramsey and leading the Lower School OT team at The Quad Preparatory School in New York City, Michelle now brings that clinical depth directly into Bergen County homes — where children are most comfortable and breakthroughs happen most naturally.
She specializes in sensory integration, motor development, emotional regulation, and daily living skills for children birth through school age, using a strength-based, family-centered approach that empowers both children and caregivers.
Every child is different. Michelle’s sessions are tailored to each child’s unique sensory profile, developmental stage, and family goals — using evidence-based frameworks for children birth through school age.
For children who are over- or under-responsive to touch, sound, movement, or other sensory input. Builds self-regulation and comfort in everyday environments.
Fine motor skills, gross motor coordination, and visual-motor integration — from using utensils and scissors to balance, body awareness, and school readiness.
Teaching children to identify and manage big feelings using Zones of Regulation, the Alert Program, and Kelly Mahler’s Interoception curriculum.
Dressing, grooming, and self-care practiced in your actual home environment — building real independence for your child’s real life.
Using Learning Without Tears and visual-perceptual assessments to build legible, comfortable handwriting and the fine motor skills that support it.
Every session includes caregiver education. Michelle equips parents with concrete home strategies, sensory tools, and techniques to support their child between visits.
Michelle utilizes each child’s unique strengths and interests, following the child’s lead in a play-based approach that provides the “Just Right Challenge” — where every child feels comfortable and confident trying new things.
In-home therapy means Michelle sees children in their actual context: their bedroom, their kitchen, their toys. This makes assessment more accurate and generalization of skills faster and more lasting.
Parents aren’t observers — they’re active partners. Michelle coaches caregivers throughout every session so the therapeutic work continues long after she leaves.
Ayres Sensory Integration, Julia Harper Sensory Protocol, Astronaut Training, Harkla Reflex Integration, Wilbarger Therapeutic Brushing
Zones of Regulation, The Alert Program, Interoception (Kelly Mahler), S’Cool Moves — building a child’s inner awareness and self-control
Learning Without Tears, visual-perceptual development, handwriting proficiency, and fine & gross motor skill acquisition
Every plan starts with what a child can do. Goals are meaningful, functional, and set collaboratively with families — rooted in play and the child’s own interests
Michelle’s career spans private practice, elite independent schools, and early intervention — giving her an unusually broad perspective on how children develop and what helps them thrive.
She has supervised OT students, led department teams, presented at national conferences, and contributed to school-wide sensory initiatives — bringing that institutional knowledge directly to Bergen County families.
Provided individual and group treatment for children ages 2–14 in a private practice setting. Conducted comprehensive evaluations across fine motor, visual motor, gross motor, and sensory processing domains. Supervised Level I and II fieldwork students. Collaborated with SLPs in co-treatment sessions and maintained consistent caregiver communication.
Led the Lower School OT team — managing scheduling, budgeting, and weekly department meetings. Founding member of the Assistive Technology team, Fun with Food (SOS feeding approach), and Interoception curriculum. Co-created the school-wide OT screening protocol. Presented at national 2e education conferences in 2019 and 2020.
Part-time private practice providing individual and group treatment for children ages 3–11. NYC DOE progress report writing and caregiver education on home- and school-based therapeutic strategies.
Individual and group therapy for students grades K–5, addressing fine motor, gross motor, visual-perceptual, and sensory processing skills.
Whether you have a specific concern or just a gut feeling that your child could use some support, Michelle would love to connect. The first call is always free.