About

Dr. Galo Aguayo, OTD, OTR/L, PAMs

Smiling person with crossed arms wearing a black shirt, standing in front of colorful playground equipment.
Dr. Galo Aguayo is an experienced educator, occupational therapist, and the founder of Sensory Therapeutics of NJ. With over 10 years of expertise, he has dedicated his career to working with children and adolescents in specialized schools, clinics, home care, and early intervention settings. Dr. Galo has supported individuals with a wide range of neurological conditions and performance challenges, from sensory processing issues to complex physical, cognitive, and communication disorders.
A lifelong learner, Dr. Galo holds a post-professional clinical doctorate in occupational therapy from Mount Mary University and has earned numerous certifications to enhance his clinical skills. He is committed to using evidence-based interventions to provide the best possible outcomes for his clients. Dr. Galo values collaboration with parents and family members, ensuring that their input is central to the therapeutic process.
Dr. Galo’s vision for Sensory Therapeutics was born from a desire to provide individualized occupational therapy services without the limitations of insurance companies, therapy caps, or school regulations. His practice serves children and adolescents aged 2–21+ aiming to promote independence and function to help them live life to its fullest.
Dr. Galo has been recognized as a “NJ Favorite Kids’ Docs and Exceptional Healthcare Provider” by New Jersey Family Magazine in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2024—an honor based on nominations from families who view him as an exceptional healthcare provider.
Dr. Galo continually enhances his skills through continuing education and holds certifications in: Advanced Mentored Clinician in Sensory Processing Disorder Level 1, Neuroadaptive Therapy Practitioner, Integrated Listening System Practitioner, Physical Agent Modalities Certified, Holistic Essentials for Pediatric Pelvic Health, King of Swings Sensory Motor Workshops, Therapeutic Listening, a variety of handwriting programs, including Handwriting without Tears, Neurodevelopmental Treatment, Myofascial Release, Pediatric Yoga, Brain Gym, Kinesio Taping, Aquatic therapy, Therasuit Method /Universal Exercise Unit Practitioner, Seating and Positioning and Complex Feeding.
Dr. Galo’s work is driven by a holistic and client-centered approach. He prioritizes the question, “What matters to you?” rather than, “What’s the matter with you?” By focusing on strengths over limitations, Dr. Galo empowers children and adolescents to embrace their abilities, regardless of any physical, cognitive, or communication impairments.
Pediatrics is Dr. Galo’s true passion. His extensive experience, coupled with advanced training and his dedication to growth, has made him a highly skilled and compassionate occupational therapist. He is on a mission to help children and their families achieve their fullest potential through innovative, evidence-based care.

Education and Credentials

  • Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, WI
  • Masters in Occupational Therapy from Kean University in Union, NJ
  • Bachelors in Psychology from Kean University in Union, NJ
  • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
  • State of New Jersey License 
  • Physical Agent Modalities Certification 
  • New Jersey Department of Education School Certificate
  • Primitive Reflex Integration Certification 

Kyrsten Grabinsky, MS, OTR/L, PAMs

Smiling person with long red hair, wearing a black shirt, stands in front of a colorful indoor playground set with yellow, green, red, and blue components.
Kyrsten Grabinsky earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kean University. With a deep passion for working with children, Kyrsten has dedicated her career to supporting kids and their families.
She has extensive training in sensory integration and regulation, having completed numerous specialized continuing education programs, including:
  • STAR Institute Level 1 Mentorship Program: Advanced Sensory Processing Training
  • Clinical Practice Mentorship Program in Pediatric OT
  • King of Swings Sensory Motor Workshop
  • MYOTools101: The Foundations of Orofacial Myology
  • Connect the Dots: Holistic Essentials for Pediatric Pelvic Health
  • STAR Institute: Sensory 101 & Regulation 101
  • NJ School Certification
  • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
  • State of New Jersey License 
  • Physical Agent Modalities Certification
Kyrsten has been recognized as a “NJ Favorite Kids’ Docs and Exceptional Healthcare Provider” by New Jersey Family Magazine in 2024—an honor based on nominations from families who view her as an exceptional healthcare provider.
Prior to becoming an OT she has over a decade of experience working with children with special needs, Kyrsten knew early on that working with the pediatric population was her true calling. Her dedication shines through in her work as she helps children achieve their goals and reach their full potential—one small victory at a time.
In her free time, Kyrsten enjoys taking her dog, Beau, for walks, exploring photography, and spending time with friends and family. She also loves iced coffee, celebrating Halloween, baking, and discovering fun DIY activities to try at home.
Kyrsten’s compassionate and creative approach as a pediatric OT makes her a valued team member, bringing joy and expertise to every child and family she works with.

Cydney Elkin, MS, OTR/L

A person with curly hair wearing a black t-shirt, smiling in front of a colorful indoor play structure.
Cydney Elkin has been a dedicated pediatric occupational therapist for the past six years, after having earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Towson University. Before beginning her career in occupational therapy, Cydney cultivated her passion for helping children thrive through play during her experiences as a childcare provider and summer camp counselor.

Cydney believes that the most important part of a kid's day is play. She works collaboratively with children and their families to build essential skills through meaningful and enjoyable activities, ensuring each child reaches their fullest potential.

Cydney has been recognized as part of “NJ Favorite Kids’ Docs and Exceptional Healthcare Providers” by New Jersey Family Magazine in 2024—an honor based on nominations from families who view her as an exceptional healthcare provider. 

She has extensive training in sensory integration and regulation, having completed numerous specialized continuing education programs, including:
  • STAR Institute Level 1 Mentorship Program: Advanced Sensory Processing Training
  • Clinical Practice Mentorship Program in Pediatric OT
  • DIRFloortime® Proficient Provider
  • MYOTools101: The Foundations of Orofacial Myology
  • Connect the Dots: Holistic Essentials for Pediatric Pelvic Health
  • King of Swings Sensory Motor Workshop
  • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
  • State of New Jersey License 
Outside of work, Cydney is an avid reader who also enjoys writing, exploring nature with her camera, spending time with family and friends, and playing board games.

Elsa Roussos, MS, OTR/L, PAMs

Woman smiling in front of colorful indoor play structure
Elsa earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Mercy University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kean University. Before obtaining her Occupational Therapy license, she worked with children, adolescents, and young adults since 2011. She began her career at Kean University’s Counseling and Disability Services as a program assistant and academic specialist, where she received extensive training to support students with diverse disabilities. In this role, she helped ensure students received the necessary accommodations and support for a smooth transition to college. She specialized in time management strategies, executive functioning skill development, academic assistance, and the integration of software and technology to meet each student’s individual needs.
Since becoming a licensed pediatric therapist in 2017, Elsa has worked with diverse populations in various settings. She has experience in early intervention, working with children ages 0-3, and currently serves as a school-based therapist at a private school specializing in students with autism and related disabilities, ages 3-14. She provides individualized assessments and treatment plans tailored to each child’s needs, addressing areas such as sensory processing, self-regulation, fine motor and visual motor skills, visual perception, graphomotor and handwriting skills, pre-vocational skills, play and self-help skills, social skills, and overall functional life skills, including community engagement.
Elsa is an active member of NBCOT and AOTA and has completed extensive training and continuing education in sensory processing, integration, school-based interventions, and self-regulation. Some of the specialized courses she has completed include:
  • USC Sensory Integration CE Certificate Program (SICP)
  • STAR Institute Courses:-STAR Frame of Reference Courses, 
  • Learning without Tears:
  • Get set for school a multi-sensory approach
  • Executive Function Mastery Course-Evidence-Based Strategies to Improve Attention, Memory & Self-Regulation
  • Sc’ool Moves for Learning
  • Primitive Reflex Integration Certification 
  • NJ School Certification
  • Physical Agent Modalities Certification
  • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy
  • State of New Jersey License 
Elsa believes in the magic of therapy through play, and using evidence-based practice to help her children and families accomplish their goals. She loves all “her kids” that she works with and has a deep passion for watching them grow.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two daughters. Painting, drawing, playing board games, listening to music, and reading a great book.

Alyssa Segnello, MS, OTR/L

A woman in a black shirt stands in front of colorful playground equipment indoors, smiling at the camera.
Alyssa earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Scranton, where she was also a dedicated student-athlete on the softball team. Her passion for working with children has been a consistent theme throughout her career, beginning with her early roles as a summer camp counselor and babysitter. These experiences solidified her love for helping kids, laying the foundation for her career in pediatric occupational therapy.
Alyssa has pursued additional training in sensory integration and regulation, completing the following continuing education programs and certifications:
  • Clinical Practice Mentorship Program in Pediatric OT
  • Primitive Reflex Integration Certification
  • Myofascial Release 
  • Connect the Dots: Holistic Essentials for Pediatric Pelvic Health
  • NJ School Certification
  • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
  • State of New Jersey Occupational Therapy License
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Alyssa is a softball and strength & conditioning coach, where she mentors young athletes and fosters a positive, team-oriented environment. Outside of coaching, she cherishes time spent with family and friends, staying active, playing pickleball, and going to the beach. She is also an avid New York Mets fan!
Alyssa is committed to providing meaningful, evidence-based interventions that support children and their families. Her focus remains on what truly matters—guiding each child through their unique strengths and continuous growth!

Mery Pou

Woman smiling in front of colorful indoor playground equipment.
Mery is our dedicated and detail-oriented Patient Care Coordinator, ensuring that every aspect of scheduling and billing runs smoothly for our clients. As the first point of contact, she is always pleasant, helpful, and ready to assist with any inquiries. Mery goes above and beyond to provide exceptional support, ensuring that each patient receives the care and attention they deserve. Her commitment to organization and efficiency helps create a seamless experience for both clients and staff, making her an invaluable part of our team.

Our mission is to enhance the well-being of our clients through evidence-based practice, research-driven sensory wellness treatments and parents coaching.