Meet our clinicians

Melissa

Melissa is a dedicated mother of two who has forged a remarkable career path in the field of pediatric occupational therapy. Graduating from Florida International University in 2003 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Melissa's passion for understanding the complexities of the human mind was ignited. This passion led her to a pivotal role in the Pediatric Psychology Research Lab at the University of Miami, where she spent three years delving into the intricacies of child psychology.

In 2009, Melissa pursued her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy with a specialization in pediatrics at Barry University, further solidifying her commitment to serving children. Her journey then led her to Franco Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she applied her expertise to facilitate healing and rehabilitation among residents.

In 2010, Melissa embarked on a new chapter by establishing her private practice, where she continues to empower children and their families through tailored interventions. As a licensed occupational therapist with over 12 years of experience working in pediatrics, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Her diverse experiences and unwavering dedication serve as a testament to her commitment to the wellbeing of children, both professionally and personally. Melissa's journey is characterized by compassion, expertise, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in her field.

    •  Barker,D.H., Botteri, M., Cruz, I., Carlesen,Smith,L.B., R., Quittner, A.L., Eisenber, L.S., Tobey, E.A., Wang, N., Fink,N.E., Niparko, J. K., & the CDaCI Investigative Team. (2007). Comparisons of Novel Noun Learning and Language Development in Deaf and Hearing Toddlers. Poster was presented at the biennial meeting of The Society for Research in Child Development, Washington D.C.

    • Barker, D.H., Cruz, I., Botteri, M., Carlsen, R., Smith, L.B., Quittner, A.L., Eisenberg, L.S., Tobey, E.A., Wang, N., Fink, N.E., Niparko, J.K., & CDaCI Investigative Team (April 2007). Comparisons of Novel Noun Learning and Language Development in Deaf and Hearing Toddlers. Poster presented at the 2007 SRCD Biennial Meeting, Boston, MA.

    • Barker, D., Cruz, I., Carlsen, R., Botteri, M., Quittner, A., Eisenberg, L., Tobey, E., Wang, N., Fink, N., & Niparko, J. (2007). Novel noun learning in deaf and hearing children at baseline and 6- and 12-months post implantation. Poster presented at the 11th International Conference on Cochlear Implant, Charlotte, NC.

    • Barker, D.H.,Botteri,M., Kinnamon, D., Marin, M.Y. , Geller, D., Gondor, M., & Quittner, A.L. (2006). Effects of an Adherence Intervention on Pulmonary Functioning and Health-Related Quality of Life. Poster presented at the National Association of Cystic Fibrosis Conference, 2006.

    • Barker, D.H., Grimley, M. E., Botteri, M., Quittner, A.L. & the CDaCI Investigative Team. (in press). Predicting Joint Engagement in Young Deaf Children after Cochlear Implantation.

    • Botteri, M. Yoga: Much more than a system of physical exercise for health. In-Service presented at Ambiligual Therapy and Allied Therapy Associates, 2009.

    • Botteri, M., Barker, D.H.,Cruz, I., Snell,C., Quittner, A.L., & CDaCI Investigative Team. (in press). Novel Noun Learning in Deaf Children: The effects of Parental Sensitivity and Stimulation Strategies. Development and Psychopathology.

    • Botteri, M., Bauer, K. How do Sensory Integration deficits affect the development of children? In-Service presented at Little Angels Christian School, 2009.

    • Cruz, I.,  Di Cicco, P., Light, M., Velasco, M., Botteri, M., Renteria, F.,  Edgardo, S., & Quittner, A. (2006). Validation of the Spanish CFQ-R: Results of cognitive interviews in Miami and clinic administration in Argentina [Abstract]. Pediatric Pulmonology, S(29), 402-403.

    • Cruz , I., Di Cicco ,P., Light. M., Velasco, M., Botteri, M., Renteria, F., Segal,E., & Quittner , A.L.  (2006). Validation of the Spanish CFQ-R: Results of Cognitive Interviews in Miami & Clinic Administration in Argentina. Poster presented at the National Association of CF.

    • Cruz, I., Di Cicco, P., Light, M., Velasco, M., Botteri, M., Fernando, R., Edgardo, S., & Quittner, A. (2006). Validation of the Spanish CFQ-R: Results of cognitive interviews in Miami and clinic administration in Argentina. Poster presented at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, Denver, Colorado.

    • Cruz, I., Quittner, A.L., McDonald, L., Botteri, M., Barker, D.H, Geller, D. Butt, S., & Gondor, M.(2007). Effects of a Clinic-Based Intervention on Knowledge and Treatment Skills for Parents and Young Children with CF. Poster presented at the 30th European Cystic Fibrosis Conference, Belek, Turkey 2007.

    • Cruz, I., Grimley, M.E., Barker, D.H., Botteri, M., & Quittner, A.L. (2008). Predictors of maternal sensitivity in deaf and hearing toddlers. Poster presented at the Child Health Conference, Miami, FL.

    • Cruz, I., Grimley, M.E., Barker, D.H., Botteri, M., & Quittner, A.L. (2007). Predictors of maternal sensitivity in deaf and hearing toddlers. Poster presented at the 11th International Conference on Cochlear Implant, Charlotte, NC.

    • Cruz, I., Quittner, A.L., McDonald, L., Botteri, M., Barker, D.H., Geller, D., Butt, S., & Gondor, M. (June 2007). Effects of a Clinic-Based Intervention on Knowledge and Treatment Skills for Parents and Young Children with CF [Abstract]. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, S(6), 70.

    • Cruz, I., Quittner, A.L., McDonald, L., Botteri, M., Barker, D.H., Geller, D., Butt, S., & Gondor, M. (June 2007). Effects of a Clinic-Based Intervention on Knowledge and Treatment Skills for Parents and Young Children with CF. Poster presented at the 30th European Cystic Fibrosis Conference, Belek, Turkey.

    • Grimley, M.E., Barker, D.H., Botteri, M., & Quittner, A.L. (2007).  Validation of the CFQ-R in Adolescents: Longitudinal Relationships between Health-Related Quality of Life, Pulmonary, and Weight Scores.  Poster presented at the 21st annual meeting of the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, Anaheim, CA.

    • Grimley, M., Barker, D., Cruz, I., Botteri, M., Quittner, A., & CDaCI Investigative Team. (2007). Language abilities of hearing & deaf children: a comparison of the NICHD and CDaCI cohorts. Poster presented at The 11th International Conference on Cochlear Implant, Charlotte, NC.

    • Kinnamon, C., Botteri, M., McDonald,L., Kinnamon, D., Marin, M.Y., Geller, D., Gondor, M., Butt, S., Newkirk, D.,  & Quittner, A.L. (2006).  Practical Knowledge, Adherence Skills and Parental Depression in Families of Children with Cystic Fibrosis. Poster presented at the National Association of Cystic Fibrosis Conference.

    • Kinnamon, C., Quittner, A.L., Barker, D.H., Botteri, M., McDonald, L., Geller, D., Butt, S., & Gondor, M.(2007).  Predicting Change in Depression for Parents of Children with CF: Health and Demographic Factors.  Poster presented at the 30th European Cystic Fibrosis Conference, Belek, Turkey.

    • McDonald, L., Quittner, A.L., Grimley, M.E., Botteri, M., & Barker, D.H. Effects of a Clinic-Based Intervention on Caregiving Stress for Parents of Children with CF. (2006). Poster presented at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, Denver, Colorado.

    • Quittner, A.L., Barker, D.H., Cruz, I., Snell, C., Mary E. Grimley, & Botteri, M. (in Press). Parenting stress in parents of hearing-impaired children: Relationships to language delay and behavior problems.

    • Quittner, A., Cruz, I., Barker, D., Botteri, M., Eisenberg, L., Tobey, E., Fink, N., Niparko, J., & CDaCI Investigative Team. (2007). Maternal sensitivity as a predictor of growth in language in deaf and hearing preschoolers. Poster presented at The 11th International Conference on Cochlear Implant, Charlotte, NC.

    • Snell, C., Barker, D. H., Marciel,K., Botteri, M. , Cohen, L. M. , & Quittner, A.L. (2008). Paradoxical Relationships between Parental Depression and Pulmonary Functioning in Cystic Fibrosis: The Role of Treatment Burden and Daily Mood. Poster presented at the 22nd Annual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, Orlando, Florida.

    • National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy

    • Board of Occupational Therapy Florida