MEET

OUR TEAM

We are a private pediatric therapy clinic owned and directed

by Dr. Davina Daura,  OTD, MOT, MS, OTR/L 

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.

Dr. Davina Daura, OTD, MOT, MS, OTR/L

Founder + Owner

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!

Melissa McCabe,

Clinic Manager and Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant

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. 

Jayme McCormick

PT, DPT

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.

Jennifer Waters

Occupational Therapist

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!

When I am not at work, I enjoy spending my time snuggling up with my three cats, reading a good book, or enjoying some fresh air! 
Shauna Menzella

PT, DPT

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.

Gabriella A. Crocco

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

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.

Kyle Shannon

COTA

Hi! I'm Amanda, and I'm thrilled to be a part of the Performance Pediatrics team. I am a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant having experience working with children of various ages and gross motor needs. I initially obtained my B.S. in Exercise Science and Health Promotion at Florida Atlantic University. This background led me to work as an Exercise Physiologist at a cardiac rehab, a role that deepened my passion for helping individuals enhance their well-being. Amid the challenges of Covid, I took the opportunity to return to school at Keiser University in Fort Lauderdale, obtaining my Physical Therapy Assistant degree while coaching sports to toddlers and school-aged kids. This decision brought me back to my love of working with pediatrics.

I recently moved from sunny Florida to the mountains and lush greenery of New Jersey which has been a refreshing change. I'm dedicated to the continuous growth in my career and cherish aiding each child in reaching their potential and celebrating each milestone, big or small! I am grateful to be working with a wonderful team and am excited for the journey ahead at Performance Pediatrics. In my free time I love exploring new hiking trails, baking new recipes, and reading a good book.

Amanda Machado

PTA

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. 

Meghan DiGerolamo

OTR/L

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.

Hannah Foster

OT

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.

Deann Hollander MS CCC SLP SLS

Speech Language Pathologist

Hi! My name is Emily and I joined the Performance team in 2023. I am a state licensed and certified speech-language pathologist clinical fellow. I received my Masters in speech language pathology in 2023 from Seton Hall University. I am so excited to be a part of the team! I am passionate about helping kids achieve their speech and language goals through a play-based approach. Throughout my education, I’ve had experience treating kids with a variety of needs, including those with articulation disorders, language disorders, autism, dysphagia, and voice disorders. Helping kids reach their fullest potential, and seeing them have fun while doing it, gives me so much joy! I can’t wait to continue to learn from my peers and to help kids achieve their goals in a way that is fun and motivating for them. In my free time, I enjoy running, reading, and spending time with my family, friends, and cats!

Emily Hernandez, M.S., CF-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical Fellow

Jenn is a nationally certified speech-language pathologist. She is licensed in the state of New Jersey and holds the New Jersey Speech and Language Specialist certificate. Jenn has experience in a variety of settings with the early childhood through teenage populations. Jenn attended Kean University, graduating in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, and in 2017 received her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Jenn completed her clinical fellowship with focus and training on the Social Thinking curriculum. Jenn is also a PROMPT Level 1 trained therapist. She specializes in treating children with expressive and receptive language disorders, as well as articulation and phonological disorders. She is experienced in treating diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorder, language delay, and stuttering, in addition to developing executive function, auditory memory, social/pragmatic language, problem solving, and vocabulary skills. Jenn’s personal therapy style is rooted in her connection with your child and having each child feel empowered and successful while developing their communication abilities. In her spare time, you can find her spending time with loved ones, trying new coffee shops, and exploring new places!

Jennifer Bara M.A., CCC-SLP, SLS

Speech Language Pathologist

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.

Sue Useini

Office Administrator

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.

Elaine Johnson

Office Administrator

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! 

Louie

Service Dog

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!

Teddy

Service Dog

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