ABOUT US
Outpatient Rehabilitation in Western New York
About Us:Buffalo Occupational Therapy is a woman-owned business located in Buffalo, NY. At BOT (Buffalo OT), each specialist is dedicated to supporting the human nervous system and providing hope to individuals navigating the challenges of progressive neurological disorders or recovering from neurological trauma, such as TBI, Stroke, Concussion, or Mild Cognitive Impairment. Recognizing the need for an evidence-based, research-supported, and professionally managed neurological management program in Western New York, we strive to be a beacon of support for those affected by conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Our team of neurological practitioners and memory specialists is committed to offering outpatient therapy services and comprehensive management programs tailored to individuals diagnosed with neurological conditions.
Board Certified Occupational Therapy Practitioners
Current Credentials and Affiliations
- Registered and NYS Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)
- Registered and Licensed as an OT in Texas and California
- CARES Dementia Specialist (C.D.S.)
- Certified Kinesiology Taping Specialist (CKTS)
- Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS)
- NBCOT Certification – Older Adult Designation (2019)
- New York Occupational Therapy Association Member and Advocate (2019)
- American Occupational Therapy Association Member and Advocate since 2016
- Brain Injury Association of America (2021)
BIO
Michelle Eliason is a Board Certified Occupational Therapist in Buffalo, NY. She has served in roles as rehab manager, director of rehab, medical writer, therapist, adjunct professor, practitioner mentor, and private practice owner. Michelle’s emphasis in clinical practice is providing rehabilitative and habilitative interventions to individuals diagnosed with progressive neurological and neuromuscular conditions. Michelle is currently pursuing a PhD in Rehabilitation Science. Her research focus is on developing a rehabilitation framework that maximizes the functional capacity of an individual at each stage of progressive dementia using traditional rehabilitation approaches and non-invasive brain stimulation.
When Michelle is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Jordan, three children, and dog, Maxwell. She also enjoys taking quiet walks outside.
Michelle C. Eliason, MSOT, OTR/L
Owner, Cognitive Scientist, Neurodegenerative practice emphasis
Research interests: Neurological cortical communication and neuromuscular re-education, Alzheimer’s and other related dementias (ADRD), Traumatic Brain Injury, Maintenance of function in Progressive Neurological and neuromuscular conditions
Hannah DiFrancesco, COTA/L, NASM-CES
Director of Rehabilitation, Clinician
Research interests: Progressive Neurological Conditions, Cognitive Remediation, and Productive Aging
Current Credentials and Affiliations
- Registered and NYS Licensed Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L)
- NBCOT Certification (2019)
- New York Occupational Therapy Association Member and Advocate (2019)
- American Occupational Therapy Association Member and Advocate (2018)
- Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM-CES) (2021)
BIO
Hannah has been with Buffalo OT since 2019 and has had the opportunity to watch it grow from prayers to reality.
Now, Hannah fulfills many roles at BOT including Director of Rehabilitation and Clinician.
Watching hope return to patients and their loved ones, mentoring new staff and students, and implementing challenging and effective neuro-cognitive and dual tasking treatments are her favorite things about being a practitioner at BOT.
Hannah enjoys baking and cooking, reading, and taking walks with her family in her free time.
Hannah and husband John live in Buffalo with their son, Liam.
Adrianna Brown, MS, OTR/L
Evaluating Therapist
Research interests: Yoga applied to progressive neurodegenerative and degenerative conditions
Current Credentials and Affiliations
- Registered and Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)
- 200 Hour Yoga Certification through YogaFit
- YogaFit for Wellness 100-Hour Teacher Training
- Functional Training Certification through American Council of Exercises
BIO
Adrianna graduated from D’Youville College in 2020. Following graduation, she worked in SNF/subacute rehabilitation for approximately one year. During her time in SNF, she learned the value Occupational Therapy has in addressing progressive neurological conditions, acquired neurological conditions, chronic pain, and muscle injury. Adrianna had the goal to transition to outpatient occupational therapy in hopes to address patients’ needs before requiring higher level of care.
Adrianna has obtained her 200 Hour Yoga Certification and is working on a 100 Hour Wellness track. This speciality training addresses the application of yoga for people with neurological conditions, heart conditions, chronic pain, and diabetes. She is also working on become a Stretch and Flexibility Coach.
Adrianna has a special interested in combining her yoga background with her occupational therapy background. She is continuing to research the various uses of yoga interventions for the diagnosis occupational therapy practitioners work with on a daily basis.
Marti Greco, MS, OTR/L
Evaluating Therapist
Research interests: Pediatric Neurological Conditions and Cognition
Current Credentials and Affiliations
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Registered and Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)
BIO
Marti graduated from the University at Buffalo in May 2023. Following graduation she began working at Buffalo Occupational Therapy where she exceeded expectations as a student practitioner during her second clinical rotation. Marti’s current professional goal is to practical experience across age demographics and spend time understanding interventions that are effective for various diagnoses.
When Marti is not in the clinic, you will find her caring for her plants and and learning about horticulture.
Brooke Kirisits, MS, OTR/L
Evaluating Therapist
Research interests: Alzheimer’s and other related dementias (ADRD), Caregiver quality of life, Biomechanics and exercise science.
Current Credentials and Affiliations
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Registered and Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L)
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NBCOT Certification (2023)
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New York Occupational Therapy Association Member and Advocate (2023)
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American Occupational Therapy Association Member and Advocate (2023)
BIO
Outpatient Rehabilitation
What makes Buffalo Occupational Therapy Different?
Outpatient rehabilitation through Buffalo Occupational Therapy is a complete head to toe rehabilitation approach for neurological conditions. We not only address your physical needs through stretching, exercises, guided activity, manual therapy, and modalities, but we also address psychological, social, environmental, and cognitive remedial and maintenance needs. We begin by addressing your physical and neurological function and end with ensuring you can apply these performance skills to your daily life through functional use during any activity that is important to you.
Just as there are specialized doctors of medicine, there are outpatient therapists who focus their research, attention, study, and practice on specific methods and approaches to rehabilitation. Buffalo Occupational Therapy is set apart in their comprehensive approach to restoring function which allows us to great outcomes when addressing specific areas. We use our hybrid method, neurocentric vantage point, and function-based approach to help you get the results you want out of your outpatient rehabilitation experience!
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Parkins
on's Disease Interventions