Meet Our Team!
Director
Stefanie Bodison, OTD, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Lab Director and Assistant Professor
Dr. Stefanie Bodison is a four-time graduate of the University of Southern California (USC), having earned her BS, MA, and OTD from the Chan Division of Occupational Science & Therapy, and an MS in translational science from the Keck School of Medicine of USC. She received her PhD in Occupational Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Bodison is an internationally renowned expert in sensory integration theory, assessment, and intervention, and has clinical expertise in the neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) approach and feeding. Her research program uses multimodal neuroimaging methods to investigate the neural correlates of sensory processing in neurotypically developing children and those with neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Bodison enjoys hanging out with her family, playing and watching sports, and walking on the beach.
Lab Personnel
Breanna Howell, OTD, OTR/L
Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Breanna Howell, OTD, OTR/L received her BS in Health Science from Stetson University and her MAOT and her OTD from the University of Southern California. She has clinical experience in sensory processing, feeding, CIMT (constraint induced movement therapy), social skills and self regulation, AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), use of the Therasuit method, and aquatics. Dr. Howell has worked with children with autism spectrum disorder, genetic conditions, post-CVA, CP, Down syndrome, anxiety, sensory processing differences, spina bifida, learning disabilities and feeding difficulties. She provides the research interventions in Sensory Development Lab and supports the development of intervention studies. In her free time, Dr. Howell enjoys taking her puppy on adventures, sunsets at the beach, and spending time in her hammock.
Erin Lebesch
Lab Manager
Erin is a second-year Doctor of Occupational Therapy student here at the University of Florida. She graduated from UF with a BS in Health Science and a minor in Disabilities in Society. In the future, Erin hopes to work as an occupational therapist in inpatient pediatrics. She is excited to work in the Sensory Development Lab and to learn more about sensory processing and the way it affects individuals’ behaviors, occupations, and participation. In her free time, Erin enjoys traveling, thrifting, yoga, and finding the best tacos in Gainesville.
Post-Doctoral Researcher
Amy Hartman, Ph.D., OTR/L
Post-Doctoral Researcher
Amy Hartman, Ph.D., OTR/L received her MS in occupational therapy from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, and practiced for 10+ years in pediatric inpatient and outpatient clinics until returning to graduate school to receive her Ph.D. in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh in 2022. She currently is a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Sleep and Circadian Science under the mentorship of Adriane Soehner, Ph.D., Stefanie Bodison, OTD, and Carla Mazefsky, Ph.D.. Amy’s research program focuses on the complex relationship between sleep health and sensory processing for neurodiverse children. In her free time, Amy enjoys going on epic adventures with her two daughters and husband, hiking, pretending to be artsy, and reading a good book.
Graduate Research Assistants
Jordan Major, MOT, OTR/L
Ph.D. Candidate
Jordan Major, MOT, OTR/L received her BA in Psychology from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and her MOT from Chicago State University. Jordan has clinical experience in adult neurorehabilitation working with clients diagnosed with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, orthopedic injuries, amputation, and rare and medically complex conditions. Additionally, she has experience in school-based pediatrics addressing the educational needs of children with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, genetic conditions, learning disabilities, and sensory processing disorders. Jordan is excited and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Sensory Development Lab and the talented team Dr. Bodison has intentionally curated. In her free time, Jordan enjoys watching true crime shows, traveling with her family, and singing (and awkwardly dancing) to Beyonce in her car as if nobody is watching.
Carolina Cuomo
OTD Student
Carolina is a second-year Doctor of Occupational Therapy student here at the University of Florida. She graduated from UF with a BS in psychology with specialization in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience. Prior to joining the Sensory Development Lab, Carolina worked as a Research Assistant in UF’s Neurocognitive and Behavioral Development Lab and for the School Psychology department. She is excited to work in the Sensory Development lab so she can expand her passion for and knowledge of neuroscience through an occupational lens. In the future, Carolina desires to work as an occupational therapist in pediatrics or in neurological rehabilitation. In her free time, Carolina enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to the beach, traveling, and trying new foods.
Volunteers
Cynthia Saldana
Cynthia is a third-year Health Education & Behavior major at the University of Florida. She is also minoring in Health Disparities in Society. Her career aspirations lie in rehabilitation and therapy which led her to the pre-OT track. Her other campus involvements include being a cabinet member of the Mexican-American Student Association, mentoring first-generation students, and volunteering as a research assistant. She is excited to begin working in the Sensory Development Lab to understand more about occupational therapy. Outside of her studies, she enjoys weightlifting, reading, skateboarding, and spending time with her cat Juniper.
Jackie Bernstein
Jackie is a third-year Family, Youth, and Community Sciences major at the University of Florida on a pre-occupational therapy track. She has a deep passion for working with children, which she has cultivated as a gymnastics coach and through her summers spent at a sleepaway camp. Jackie is also an active member of the Family Relations team for Dance Marathon, where she helps support and connect with Miracle Families from UF Health Shands Childrens Hospital. She aspires to become a pediatric occupational therapist, where she can continue to make a positive impact on children’s lives. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going on walks, cooking, and baking!