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 learn about Beacon Pediatric Therapy Services in Toms River, NJ. I am Sara Wilbert, founder/occupational therapist and this is my family. I have been an occupational therapist for over 22 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
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. Rebecca has been working with children for 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 while working beside an occupational therapist. 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!”
Dana Salsano
Dana has been a Speech Language Pathologist for 14 years and brings a wealth of knowledge to the families we serve! She is a graduate of Kean University and has spent much of her career working in a private school for children and adults with autism. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and going to the beach.
Continuing Education/Training
- SOS Feeding Therapy
- PROMPT
- Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol
Experience:
- ASD
- Apraxia
- Feeding
- Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC)
- Articulation
Julianne Slezak
As the Client Services Manager, Julianne supports the growth of our office by guiding families through our intake, insurance and scheduling process. 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 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.
Jessica McFadden
Jessica wanted to become a Speech-Language Pathologist from a young age. During her youth, she volunteered at a school for children with disabilities which influenced her to pursue a career serving people. Jessica attended Bloomsburg University where she earned her Master’s degree for Speech-Language Pathology. She has been practicing for 8 years, predominantly with swallowing and cognitive disorders. Jessica loves children and has been a devoted mother to her son, and aunt to her niece and nephew. In her free time, she enjoys making crafts, reading, listening to music and watching movies. She loves spending time with her family and her two cats. Jessica is always ready to take on a new adventure with a smile.
Emily Barbieri
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. She is excited to continue growing as a clinician by providing treatment to children at Beacon.
Brielle Jussen
Brielle received her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University in 2021 and her Bachelors degree in Psychology from Rutgers University in 2017. She completed fieldwork education in mental health, pediatrics, and physical disabilities. Brielle worked as an Occupational Therapist in a subacute rehabilitation for 2 years and is enthusiastic to grow as a therapist at Beacon! Her most fond clinical experience was working with the pediatric population. From interning at a school for children with disabilities to volunteering at Children’s Specialized Hospital, Brielle is passionate about helping children reach their full potential and supporting their confidence in their natural contexts. Brielle is excited to be a part of the Beacon Pediatric Therapy team! When she’s not working, she can be found walking the Jersey Shore beaches with her goldendoodle Winnie, exploring new coffee shops, and spending time with her family and friends.