Beacon Pediatric Therapy became a vision of Sara Wilbert in March of 2022 after learning that many families in Ocean County were having difficulty finding and accessing much needed therapy services. The mission of Beacon Pediatric Therapy evolved into providing a child directed and family centered approach to meeting the needs of the whole child. From the start of development as an infant to building confidence of the growing child, Beacon Pediatric Therapy focuses a child’s strengths and unique talents while supporting their challenges to improve independence and fulfillment during daily routines, mealtimes, socialization and play.
Meet our Team
Sara Wilbert Owner and Occupational Therapist
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Beacon Pediatric Therapy Services in Forked River, NJ . I am Sara Wilbert, founder/occupational therapist and this is my family. I have been an occupational therapist for over 24 years. My goal is to help your child be the best version of themself through meaningful play and interventions that promote independence and fulfillment.
About Sara Wilbert
I live in Forked River, New Jersey with my husband, two teenagers and 3 pups.
I received my Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2001 at the University of Hartford and completed my fieldwork education in areas of mental health, physical disabilities and pediatrics. My work experience includes public and private school based practice, early intervention, and adult rehabilitation.
Training and Continuing Education:
- Torticollis and Plagiocephaly
- Reflex Integration and Sensory Integration
- Certified in Tummy Time Method
- Visual perceptual & Functional Visual Skills
- Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT) with Asanas for Autism
- SOS Feeding approach
- ASD Clinical Specialist
Rebecca Walsh Occupational Therapy Assistant
Rebecca is originally from Bucks County, PA. She married her husband in 2009. They moved to the Silverton area of Toms River, where they live with their three cats. Prior to becoming an OTA, Rebecca worked with children most of her life—nannying, summer camp, preschool teacher, you name it! While working as a paraprofessional in the Toms River school district she became inspired by an occupational therapist that she worked alongside of. She decided to return to college and earned her Associates degree to become an OTA at Rutgers in 2022.
“While going back to school as an adult was one of the most difficult things I have ever done, and it may have taken me longer than most to find my passion, I am so very grateful for the journey. I truly believe I have the best job in the world!”
Continuing Education/Specialty Areas:
- Astronaut Training
- Feeding Therapy
- Reflex Integration
- Functional Vision Therapy
Emily Barbieri Occupational Therapy Assistant
Emily grew up on Long Beach Island and earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Stockton University in 2013. She then went on to earn her OTA Degree in 2017. In 2021, she married her best friend, Nicholas and they had a beautiful baby girl in 2022.
Emily has always enjoyed working with children as she was nanny for several summers in High School. She completed a clinical rotation in an Elementary school setting and fell in love with it. Her most recent clinical experience prior to joining Beacon, was working in the area of geriatrics for six years.
Areas of Interest/Specialties:
- Infant and Toddler development and milestones
- Reflex Integration
- Feeding Therapy
- Sensory Integration
Jessica Kolk – Speech Therapy Clinical Manager
Jessica works behind the scenes to support our growing speech therapy department. She provides clinical guidance to our speech therapists as well as heads program development to fully support the children we serve at Beacon.Jessica is a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist who earned her Master of Science degree from La Salle University in 2010. For 15 years, she has been nurturing young minds in school-based services, specializing in helping elementary-aged children find their voice and communicate confidently.
Residing in the charming town of Forked River, Jessica shares her life with her loving husband, adventurous son, and two playful pups. When she’s not at work, you can find her lost in a good book, savoring family time, or embarking on new adventures with her little crew.
Claire Pansini
Claire Pansini received her Masters of Science in Communication Disorders from Stockton University. She earned her Bachelor Degree in Psychology and Linguistics with a Certification in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Rutgers University in 2021. During grad school, she completed clinical fieldwork in various settings, including adult rehabilitation and the Ocean County public schools. “Helping children maximize their interactions through play-based, individualized therapy has been so rewarding. I have loved the energy and excitement that comes with working with the pediatric population.” When I am not working, Claire can be found exploring local trails with her cavalier Lucy, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.
Ryanne Fetzer – Speech Language Pathologist
I’m Ryanne Fetzer, and I recently earned my Master of Science in Communication Disorders from Stockton University. During graduate school, I completed clinical fieldwork in diverse settings, including adult neurorehabilitation and public schools in Ocean County.
I have a passion for working with children, using a play-based approach to therapy to help them succeed. This approach enables me to create an engaging and interactive environment for my clients. Outside of work, I enjoy playing softball, traveling to Myrtle Beach, and spending time with family and friends.
Julianne Slezak
Julianne supports the growth and operations of our office by guiding families through our intake process including insurance benefits, scheduling procedures and intake forms. In addition she communicates with insurance and physicians to ensure our families get the care they need in a timely manner.
Beacon Pediatric Therapy strives to provide the best pediatric therapy services in the area! With incredible growth of our practice, we can only provide exceptional therapy services with an experienced and organized operations manager.
Julianne is a mother of 3 beautiful girls and was a stay at home mom for 10 years before her role at Beacon. She has extensive experience working in medical practices and is a valuable part of the team.
Samantha Saccal – Clinical Assistant
Sam began working at Beacon as a student volunteer in our office in September 2023 to accumulate her volunteer hours needed to apply to the Doctoral program at Monmouth University for Occupational Therapy.
Sam is an asset to our office. She checks in our families as they arrive with a warm and friendly smile. Sam helps our therapists set-up for treatment sessions, keeps our office immaculate all while providing great customer service when the phone rings. She is now studying to be an Occupational Therapist at Monmouth University and we cannot wait to see all that she accomplishes!