Our Team

From the moment you walk in our doors, this team is here for you and your family...

Chelsea Maziarz MS, OTR/L, CAS

Owner, Occupational Therapist, Certified Autism Specialist

Chelsea started her career as an occupational therapist over eight years ago after graduating with her Master's in Science, Occupational Therapy from Sacred Heart University. Initially, her career was focused on acute care with dedication to the ICU, then moving on to home care services with specialties in geriatrics and cognitive rehabilitation.
Chelsea has a husband Andrew and two young children. She is a Rhode Island native, born and raised, with a strong dedication to serving her local community. Chelsea started her practice at the end of 2019 with the idea of building better quality therapy options for at risk populations. Initially the practice was directed at home care therapy through contract work and private consulting for agencies. However she is now embarking on a new mission to bring innovative pediatric therapy services through sensory and social play!
Much of Chelsea's drive and passion for her patients stems from her role as a mother. Chelsea has a son with complex medical needs who has required therapy since birth. She understands the complex nature of the health care system and what it takes to advocate for her clients. This is evident through her dedication to quality initiatives.
Currently, Chelsea is pursuing her PhD at Concordia University of Chicago.

Brittany Sorice CCC-SLP

Clinical Supervisor, AAC Specialist, Speech Language Pathologist

Brittany received her Master’s degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. Brittany’s passion is and has always been Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and helping individuals find their “voice”. Brittany has previously worked in Early Intervention and outpatient clinics, primarily treating individuals with Autism and individuals with complex medical needs. Her favorite part of the job is helping clients feel empowered to advocate for themselves. Brittany is always finding ways to incorporate music into treatment sessions. When she is not providing therapy she loves kickboxing, volleyball, and jigsaw puzzles.

Dani Elson CCC-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Dani received her Master's Degree in Speech, Language, and Learning from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. She has experience assessing and treating speech, language, and swallowing in individuals across the lifespan with a special interest in treating fluency disorders. Outside of work, Dani loves taking care of her houseplants, sailing, and embroidery.

Meaghan Bernard CF-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist

Meaghan received her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Worcester State University. Meaghan loves working with kids of all ages and helping them make progress towards their goals. Her favorite thing is hearing about their child’s victories and getting to cheer them on along the way. Meaghan has had experience working with children of all ages in the school setting and at Bizzy Bees during her clinical rotations. Her favorite part of the job is connecting with the children to create a happy and loving environment where they can have fun and communicate in the best way for them. Outside of work, Meaghan enjoys crafting, reading, and spending time outside.

Christina Gagosian MS, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist, Feeding Therapist

Christina graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor’s of Therapeutic Studies and
Master’s of Occupational Therapy. For the past 5 years, she has worked in outpatient pediatrics
in Oregon.
Christina has extensive experience working with children and adolescents ages 1-25 with
Autism, sensory processing dysfunction, feeding disorders, and developmental delays. She is
certified in the SOS Approach to Feeding, Zones of Regulation, Handwriting Without Tears, and
Project ImPACT: Teaching Social Communication to Children with Autism and Other
Developmental Delays. Christina is passionate about providing therapy that is child-led, play-
based, and family- centered.
Outside of work, Christina enjoys hiking with her partner, reading, traveling, and playing with
dogs. Having grown up in Massachusetts, Christina is looking forward to being back on the East
Coast and closer to family.

McKenna Thomas MS, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

McKenna graduated from Springfield College with her Bachelor’s in Health Sciences and Master of Occupational Therapy degrees. McKenna’s career started at a behavioral school working with children with ASD and other developmental disabilities. She also has extensive experience working in school, home, and hospital settings. After starting a family of her own, McKenna transitioned to an outpatient pediatric clinic where she worked closely with children to develop their fine and gross motor, sensory processing, and life skills. Having her own son with complex medical needs has expanded McKenna’s passion of helping children reach their potential and assisting families in supporting their overall development. When she finds the time, McKenna enjoys hiking with her family, eating ice cream, and exploring new coffee shops. McKenna recently relocated to Cumberland from MA and is excited to join the Bizzy Bees team!

Laura Collins COTA/L

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Meet Laura Collins! She is a licensed, certified occupational therapy assistant. Laura received her Bachelor’s in Exercise Science at URI in 2015 and completed the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at the Community College of Rhode Island, graduating in 2018. Laura recently obtained her SOS Approach to Feeding Certification. She has experience working with children from 3-21 years old in home and school based settings. She enjoys working with children and their families to help them develop the skills needed to be successful in their everyday lives using creative, fun approaches. Laura believes therapy should be customized to fit every child's needs in order to maximize functional independence and overcome challenges. Outside of work she enjoys cooking, spending time with friends and family, and escaping to the mountains in New Hampshire!

Laura Degrange DPT

Physical Therapist

Laura is our amazing pediatric physical therapist. She has her BS in Human Development with focus in Early Childhood, and Doctorate in Physical Therapy, both received from URI, and has been practicing since 2009. Laura’s experience is primarily in Early Intervention and outpatient settings, though she has worked in all settings and with all ages. She is passionate about working with children, and reaching the children that are being missed by current therapy models. Laura believes therapy should be personalized, adaptable, innovative, and within reach for children of all abilities.
Outside of work, Laura enjoys getting outside, working out, spending time with friends and going to the beach. She was born and raised in RI, and except for a short stint in Plymouth MA, has lived here all her life. She is married with two young sons, and her boys keep her busy! Having children has helped Laura understand both sides of the process, both as a therapist and as a mother. This helps her provide empathetic care to her families.

Jenna Gravel DPT

Physical Therapist

Jenna has her BS in Health Sciences and Doctorate in Physical Therapy, both received at Quinnipiac University. She has been practicing since 2017, with the majority of that time spent working in Pediatrics.

Jenna has worked in the outpatient and home based settings with kids of all ages, 0-18. She treats a wide variety of diagnoses and populations, with specialties in torticollis, orthopedics, and gross motor development.

Jenna loves working with kids because everyday brings something new. We get to help gain motor skills through fun and play. She enjoys working with kids and their families to meet their specific goals, and making sure that each child is best able to navigate their own environment and participate/play with their peers.

Outside of work, Jenna enjoys spending time with her fiance, family, friends and pets! She loves skiing in the winter and going to the beach in the summer.

Jessica Zahlany MPT

Physical Therapist

Jess has been a pediatric physical therapist since 2003. She received her Masters degree from Northeastern University. Jess began her career in Early Intervention, working with infants and toddlers with various diagnoses and developmental delays. Over the years she has widened her scope of practice and has worked with children and adolescents from birth to age 22. Jess is a mother of two and when she is not working or spending time with her children, she enjoys teaching kickboxing and running. I look forward to working with you and your family here at Bizzy Bees!

Meghan Murnighan

Intake/Patient Care Coordinator

Meg is an awesome addition to our team, she knows exactly how to make people smile!
Meghan‘s care for children is extensive as she nannied for 12 years servicing multiple families in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Her love and passion for children extends into her own home, in which she has two young boys of her own.
Meghan has always wanted to be around children her whole life and making sure kids are having fun is her top priority. She is so excited to be a part of the team where she can see the kids grow, thrive and succeed here at Bizzy Bees.

Michela Coleman

Care Coordinator

Michela has been an educator for the past 7 years. During her time in the classroom she particularly enjoyed identifying each learner's unique strengths, learning styles, and personalities! Her transition to Bizzy Bees is inspired by her passion for advocacy and community support. She is a graduate of Boston College with a Master's in Applied Developmental Educational Psychology and undergraduate degrees in Elementary Education and Applied Psychology in Human Development. Outside of work, Michela enjoys teaching dance classes, reading, and visiting the newest coffee shops. She is beyond excited to be part the Bizzy Bees team!

Meet the Team: Meet the Team