In March 1979, two occupational therapists, Cynthia F. Epstein and Sandra B. Fornuff, established a New Jersey corporation, Occupational Therapy Consultants, Inc.  Their initial service focus was long-term care.

Goals were to assure delivery of current, comprehensive and cost-effective occupational therapy services for resident and facilities; support professional development of OTC staff through state-of-the-art educational programs; provide in-service training at facilities to assure carryover of therapy into care plans; contribute to research through development of medical care evaluation studies that could demonstrate effectiveness of occupational therapy; and to expand visibility and understanding of therapy services in the community at large.

Over 35 years, the practice has continued a dynamic evolution.  Our services currently address population needs across the developmental spectrum.  We are very proud of our highly skilled and knowledgeable staff that now includes occupational and physical therapists as well as speech language pathologists.

When OTC’s team of knowledgeable individuals work together effective change and growth is achieved for ourselves and the populations we serve.  Those who are “behind the scenes” are equally as important as those who appear at the forefront.  Thanks are due to each and every one who has helped OTC evolve into its leadership role as a NJ community healthcare and education service organization. 

The goals we established in 1979 have evolved to meet demands over the years, but we have stayed true to our mission.  Our presence on the local, state, national and international scene continues to bring OTC further recognition as a premier therapy and consultation practice.  This was again demonstrated at AOTA’s 2014 Annual Conference, where Bonnie Lisbona and Cathy Gardner shared the creative program model we developed collaboratively with the West New York Public Schools.  We educate our colleagues and other professionals in the community healthcare and education arenas.  We create visibility for the therapy professions we represent and have built an appreciation for the important role of consultation amongst our clients and our colleagues.

While our strongest service continues to be occupational therapy, we are proud of our highly skilled and expert physical therapy and speech language pathology staff and our embedded behavioral approach to service delivery.  Through involvement in our organization, the OTC Team has flowered and expanded its ability to provide meaningful therapeutic change for client populations.

Our commitment to mentorship and professional development of staff has produced leaders in education and treatment programs across the nation.  This year we have seen 3 former therapists achieve AOTA Fellow recognition.  Twenty (20) FAOTA credentialed therapists acknowledge that their involvement within OTC’s multifaceted programs over the years helped them achieve Fellow status.  Our organization’s concern and support motivates staff to maintain continuing competency.  It is a key component in helping us address our mission to provide high quality and cost-effective services.

With the 2011 appointment of Bonnie Lisbona, MA, CCC-SLP as OTC Executive Director, we proudly recognized that multifaceted administrative expertise and dedication to our Mission and Vision make the “OTC Brand” a unique product amongst therapy providers.  Bonnie has further expanded recognition of our brand through addition of her SLP training and her extensive expertise.  She is also known for her dedicated visits to OTC sites and staff throughout Northern and Central NJ.  Her onsite interaction between therapy and site administrative staff has made it possible for our teams to build warm relationships and significant ties.  She has facilitated our social networking, ongoing communication modalities and open door policies.  This has helped us resolve issues of concern and create new methods for effective organizational productivity.

Administrative staff, including Sarah Harding, Operations Director, Beth Blackwood, Executive Administrative Assistant and Josephine “Jo” Turner, Administrative Accounting Assistant, support our professional therapy staff.  This important group provides the understanding and patience needed for the many “puzzle pieces” that make up OTC.  They are a strong “behind the scenes” source of expertise.  

It is my hope that through the efforts of everyone on our team, OTC will continue to be a “cutting edge” practice.  I am sure that together we can create the environment necessary to maintain our successful journey within this fast paced and interactive world that demands excellence in therapeutic and consultative services. 

Sincerely,
Cynthia F. Epstein, MA, OTR, FAOTA
Chief Executive Officer