About
Performance PediatricsWelcome to Performance Pediatrics: Pediatric Therapy, Occupational, Speech and Physical Therapy Services located in the heart of Passaic and Sussex Counties NJ.
We are a private pediatric therapy clinic owned and directed by Davina Daura, MS, OTR/L.
Performance Pediatrics
specialize in working with children presenting with challenges associated with disorders of relating and communicating such as autism spectrum disorder, aspergers, sensory processing disorders (sensory integration disorders), regulatory disorders, dyspraxia, learning, behavioral and neurological disorders, gross/fine motor difficulties, visual perceptual/spatial challenges, self-help, and motor-coordination difficulties.
Performance Pediatrics
embrace the DIR®/Floortime Model of treatment developed by Stanley Greenspan, MD, Serena Wieder, PhD and Dr. Jean Ayres, Sensory Integration Theory with an emphasis on understanding the impact of the child’s sensory processing and postural control on their capacity to relate, communicate and learn. The focus of the practice is on empowering the child and parent in their interactions through child directed play.
Please contact us for information about our services. We are happy to accept new clients and look forward to speaking with you.
MEET Our Staff
Davina Daura is a licensed and national board certified Pediatric Occupational Therapist. She is the owner of Performance Pediatrics. In February of 2012, she opened Performance Pediatrics in Lafayette, NJ with the goal of helping children with special needs and unique learning styles an opportunity to achieve their highest potential. I truly find great satisfaction in my work with children and in helping families overcome the everyday challenges of parenting children with special needs. Davina received her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from Dominican College in Orangeburg, NY. Davina has extensive experience with children and young adults with an array of learning disabilities and in acute/sub-acute and out-patient rehabilitative settings, preschool and elementary school-based settings, and home-based therapy. Davina is certified in Handwriting Without Tears, The Listening Program with bone conduction (which is an auditory-based program to help improve overall organization, attention to task, processing skills, communication abilities, reading, and memory), Interactive Metronome, trained in the SOS Approach to Feeding, Yogapeutics, Zones of Regulation, and Pilates. Davina has advanced training in DIR/Floortime and neuro-developmental treatment. Davina has attended many continuing education courses and has advanced training in treating children with autistic spectrum disorders, attention deficits, and behavioral challenges; Handwriting Without Tears, The Alert Program and self-regulation, and Brain Gym. Davina’s hobbies are travel, cooking, decorating, fitness, and spending time with her family.
My first job was working in Sub-acute setting in 1996. The patients whom I worked with had various diagnosis ranging from total hip replacement to shoulder injuries. While working in sub-acute and various settings, I discovered my true passion lied in working with children. In 2007, I took a position as an Occupational Therapist at Celebrate the Children School in Wharton, NJ where I had the opportunity to learn and embrace the DIR/Floortime model while blending Sensory Integrative techniques. Seeing as there was a need for private speech, occupational and physical therapy services Lafayette and Totowa, New Jersey, I established my own private practice clinic outfitted with fun, therapeutic equipment. I continue to be passionate about discovering new occupational therapy treatment techniques that will help improve the quality of life of the children with whom I work. My hope is to provide you and your child with quality care in a fun, therapeutic, clean, and safe environment.
I have been part of the Performance Pediatrics team since 2014! I have experience working with children who display an array of challenges from, Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism spectrum disorders, fine and gross motor deficits, emotional regulation dysfunction, feeding challenges, Genetic Disorders, ADHD, Opposition Defiant Disorder and more! I have experience with children of all ages between the school systems and private clinic. I strive to stay up to date with the newest training and therapeutic certifications to guide and aid my treatment sessions, in addition to my creativity, and enthusiasm while creating the Just Right Challenge for your child. I currently hold certifications and training in DIR Floor time, SOS approach to Feeding, Handwriting without Tears, Zones of Regulation, Interactive Metronome, Alert Program, Brain Gym, The Listening Program /Provider, Student Fieldwork Educator and NJ Top Doc award Recipient. I am also the owner of Louie, our clinic Therapy Dog! When I am not at work, I enjoy traveling, hiking, cooking, going to concerts, spending time with my family, playing with my two young nieces!
I have been an employee of Performance Pediatrics since 2013. I attended undergraduate and graduate school at Stockton University where I received my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. My experience includes manual therapy, school based therapy, and outpatient based therapy. I enjoy continuing my education and have participated in courses including Maitland Manual Therapy, Interactive Metronome, DIR Approach, Brain Gym, Masgutova NeuroSensory Reflex Integration, and other Reflex Integration courses. Recently, I was nominated for the New Jersey Top Doc Award. When I am not at work, I enjoy going to the beach, going to country music concerts, outdoor activities, and going to the movies.
Jen is a licensed and national board certified Occupational Therapist with over 16 years of Pediatric experience. Jen has experience working with children and young adults with an array of learning disabilities in acute/sub-acute rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, school-based settings, and home-based therapy. Jen is certified in Handwriting Without Tears, Primitive Reflex Integration, and DIR/Floortime. Jen has attended many continuing
education courses and has training in treating children with autistic spectrum disorders, attention deficits, and behavioral challenges. Jen’s hobbies are traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
I am excited to continue growing in my profession through continuing education classes to become the very best therapist I can be. Helping children reach their full potential and celebrating milestones, big or small, are just two of the reasons why I love being in this profession. I am very passionate about what I do and take pride in being part of a hard-working team that is just as passionate!
Hello! My name is Gabby and I became a part of Performance Pediatrics in 2021. I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with a strong passion to work with and help children of all ages and disabilities. I had the pleasure of completing my final Fieldwork placement at Performance and learned more than I could ever imagine. Everyone in the clinic made my experience one that I could never forget and I knew I wanted to continue my education and career with the Performance team. I am extremely excited for all that is to come and to watch each child grow and improve as time goes on. In my free time, I enjoy performing with my theatre groups, hiking, traveling, and spending time with my with my many pets.
My name is Morgan Amels, a certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA/L) as of 2021. I have always had a huge passion for helping others, and sharing my heart with those around me. I knew from when I was little that I wanted to help make a difference in this world, no matter how great or small. I began my journey in pediatrics when I completed my fieldwork at this very clinic back in 2019. I fell in love with pediatrics as well as the Performance Pediatrics family, and realized this is where I feel I can make a difference. I try to put myself in the shoes of my patients, which I believe helps me to be the most empathetic and understanding therapist I can be. I aspire to let each child I work with know how loved and special they are, helping them realize their gifts and assist them in gaining confidence in all areas of life. I am eager to gain more certifications to better assist our clients of varying needs. When not at the clinic, I enjoy spending my time with my husband, cooking, traveling, camping, playing with our dog, being outdoors, and seeing family.
Meghan DiGerolamo is a registered and licensed occupational therapist. Meghan has worked with children of all ages in conquering physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral challenges, adapting to everyday changes, and achieving well-being. In 2017, Meghan graduated Misericordia University in Dallas, PA with her Master of Science in Occupational therapy. Meghan began her career as a geriatric occupational therapist in Hackensack, NJ working with older adults to maintain their safety and independence. She then worked in the South Bronx with two to three-year-old children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has training in Pediatric Feeding, Managing Challenging Behaviors, and is certified in Handwriting Without Tears. Meghan is an enthusiastic and dedicated therapist who values strong rapport with her children and their families. Meghan has recently moved back to the area after growing up in Mt. Olive, NJ with her husband. She enjoys photography, racing on sailboats, napping, going to the beach, decorating, talking, and playing Dungeons and Dragons.
My name is Hannah, I am a licensed Occupational Therapist from New Jersey, and attended Quinnipiac University where I got my Masters in Occupational Therapy.
I have always been inspired to work with unique children and adults. I have experience working in a school setting, with children with a variety of diagnoses and am excited to join the team at Performance Pediatrics.
In my free time I enjoy indoor gardening, baking, and spending time with family and friends.
Hi! My name is Kyle and I joined the Performance Pediatrics team in 2023. I am a Licensed and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. In completing my fieldwork at Performance Pediatrics I was able to witness the growth of these children and the passion of this team for helping each and every one of them reach their fullest potential. In my role, I'm grateful for not only the opportunity to make a positive impact in the kids' lives, but also for the great impact they've already had in mine. I'm excited to continue my education and learn from my fellow therapists & kids to become the best therapist I can be. When I'm not at work, I love being outdoors, snowboarding, mountain biking and coaching lacrosse.
I am a nationally certified, level 1 PROMPT trained speech language pathologist. I received my undergraduate degree from UMass Amherst in 2017, and graduated with my masters in speech pathology in 2020 from Seton Hall University. I have been working with kids for over 10 years and have truly developed a passion for wanting to help them become their best selves. As a speech therapist, I have experience with autism, multiply disabled children, language disorders, articulation disorders, fluency, oral motor, dysphagia, voice disorders, late talkers, tongue thrust, and more. I believe the key to success is a play-based approach, and absolutely love watching children thrive in the therapy setting. In my spare time I love to travel, hang out with my family and friends, and do anything outdoorsy.
I am a nationally certified, state licensed speech language pathologist with over 25 years of experience in a variety of settings with all ages. I have my New Jersey speech language specialist certificate. I am PROMPT Level 1 trained and have been trained in Beckman Oral Motor Techniques and DIR/Floortime. I specialize in childhood apraxia, language delays, autism, phonemic awareness, feeding/swallowing disorders, articulation disorders, executive functioning and verbal reasoning, preparing an adolescent for adult challenges and vocabulary development. I love what I do and experience joy improving a child’s ability to communicate and cognitively function with the his/her family, peers and community. During my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, walking and hiking, and reading.
My name is Sue Useini, I have been working part time at Performance Pediatrics since 2015. I am a proud mother of three. I enjoy cooking, shopping, traveling and spending time with my family. I am proud to be part of the Performance’s family and the wonderful services we provide to the community and families.
Elaine has been with Performance Pediatrics since its inception in 2012. When not in the office, Elaine enjoys spending time outdoors in nature with her family.
Louie is a Therapeutic Service Dog who has made his debut at Performance Pediatrics in 2018. Louie is a gentle giant, and a purebred fawn boxer When Louie is not at work, you will most likely find him sun bathing any chance he gets! His favorite word is ‘Cookie,” and he knows exactly what that means! He enjoys going for rides in the car, chasing squirrels, giving kisses, and most importantly he loves coming to work and learning new things with our kiddos!
Meet our therapy dog, Teddy, also known as “Teddy Bear”! He is our newest, sweetest and fluffiest therapy dog (in training). Teddy absolutely loves coming to work to play on the swings and crash pads, all while making new friends! He loves to play with our kiddos during their sessions but he also enjoys his much needed nap times during the day!
OUR
MISSION
STATEMENT:
Performance Pediatrics strives to assure a positive, child-friendly, family- based center servicing Sussex, Morris, Warren, and Passaic counties in NJ. Our mission is to give each child that comes through Performance Pediatrics doors the best of our experience and attitude that will help maximize their function and independence in school and home. We work at giving the parents empathy, understanding, and the knowledge to help their kids, believe in their abilities, and achieve goals. At Performance Pediatrics, we believe in treating the whole child to individually meet each child’s unique and special needs. We strongly believe that ALL children have the ability to grow, learn, and develop and it is just a matter of tapping and discovering “how” they learn “best,” believing in them, and providing the “just right” guidance along the way.
Our goal is to provide the highest quality of therapy to children and their families, with new and current evidence-based research and clinical experience. We strive to be on top of the latest programs available that will help children with and without special needs, as well as, to maintain the highest level of education and professionalism in our field.


