The Team

Leah Gross, OTR/L

Hi! I’m Leah Gross, board certified OTR/L, Founder and Director of Related Services at Circle Care Services.

When I became a mom I learned that unless I give my all to my childrens’ best chance at success, I wouldn’t  sleep peacefully at night. Recognizing that so many children were not being given that chance, I founded The Therapy Place in 2012, a medical private practice providing in network occupational and speech therapy.

I’ve spent each day of the past 8 years, devoted to the success of the 2,113 smiling clients I’ve serviced, and the 25 New Jersey schools I proudly partner with. The joy I experience when watching children achieve more skill, independence, and confidence than was ever dreamed possible gives me all the momentum I need to continue my work each day. 

As director of Circle Care services, I draw on 11 years of treating, supervising, evaluating, and coordinating care for children.  My well rounded experiences with acute care, early intervention, and rehabilitation, at Kimball Medical Center, Children’s Specialized Hospital, and The Therapy Place combine to bring you peace of mind that your child is in great hands. 

Credentials:

• BA in liberal arts with an emphasis on math and science.
• MA in Occupational therapy from Towson University in 2009.
• Licenced provider in the State of NY, NJ, Michigan

Simone Wholberg, MSEd, BCBA, LBA

Hi! I’m Simone Wholberg, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, (BCBA) at Circle Care Services.

Ever since I’ve stopped lifting crafting scissors to my bangs, I’ve always wanted to connect, give, and bring joy to the gifted children I encountered at community events and programs. As I advance in my professional career my conviction that every child can master milestones if taught properly is strengthened. 

I do whatever it takes to support children, their parents, and siblings through the confusing, overwhelming and draining realities of living with ASD. 

My job is not complete until children and their families have the tools, training, and the strength they need to push for their personal maximum function, ability, and success in life.

Here’s how I’ve spent the last 13 years working with children across the autism spectrum.

• Before graduating from Florida Institute of technology in 2012, I developed and implemented a curriculum for an ABA classroom.

• Since 2017, I run an overnight summer camp program for children with special needs, guiding counselors on how to optimally individualize activities for their campers. 

• I’ve assessed many children, written and implemented individualized plans, and carefully trained their parents how to follow through on their own.

And while I’m busy with all that, the thing I appreciate most about my daily work is watching the pure joy each child exudes in spite of their daily struggles. I’m humbled. I’m inspired. I’m grateful.

Credentials:

• Trained at Florida Institute of Technology for BCBA certification
• MA in Special Education from Daemen College
• BA in science from Excelsior College 

You

No one knows your child’s history, personality, and interests better than you. 

You are the most important member of the team, and will be treated as such. Never shy away from speaking your mind, we want to listen with an open heart. 

Credentials:

• You embrace, feed, and/or raise your child with love.
• You’ve graduated to bravely taking on demanding, yet empowering action sure to help your family.