Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Manhattan, NYC

Meet Nicole St. John, MS, OTR/L

Expert Kids OT on the Upper West Side

Nicole St. John is a board-certified Pediatric Occupational Therapist (NPI: 1073879037) with over 15 years of experience helping children in Manhattan reach their full potential. Her journey into Kids OT began at Columbia University, where she earned her Master of Science, followed by advanced clinical training in neurology and orthopedics at Roosevelt Hospital (now Mt. Sinai West).

While her early career focused on complex hospital-level rehabilitation, Nicole found her true calling in early childhood development. After years of serving families within the NYC Department of Education (specifically at PS 158 on the East Side), she established her private practice to offer the high-touch, individualized care that Upper West Side families deserve.

A Holistic Approach to Sensory & Motor Success

I focus on treating the whole child, emphasizing sensory processing and regulation to support development across a wide range of skills. My approach to pediatric occupational therapy is rooted in the belief that every child learns, grows, and engages with the world in unique ways.

By addressing sensory integration and self-regulation, we help children build the foundation they need for success in fine motor skills, handwriting, attention, social interaction, and daily activities at home and school. We work closely with families and caregivers, providing strategies and support that carry over into everyday routines.

At my practice, your child works directly with me, never an assistant. I design, guide and deliver every session by myself based on my understanding of your child’s unique strengths and challenges. This ensures consistent, individualized care, and meaningful progress you can see and feel. I believe that every child deserves the focused attention and expertise of a qualified therapist — every step of the way.

Areas of Specialization Include:

• Sensory Processing & Regulation: Helping children navigate overstimulating environments with confidence.

• Fine Motor & Handwriting Remediation: Building the precision and strength needed for academic success.

• Gross Motor & Coordination: Addressing delays to promote independence and physical play.

• Daily Life Skills: Teaching the "jobs of childhood"—from dressing and grooming to mealtime routines.

Why Choose Nicole's UWS Practice?

In an era of large clinics, Nicole provides a rare, boutique experience. At her Upper West Side Sensory Gym, your child works directly with a Master-level therapist—never an assistant. Every session is designed, guided, and delivered by Nicole herself, ensuring a consistency of care that leads to meaningful, visible progress. Whether your child is navigating a specific diagnosis or simply needs support hitting developmental milestones, Nicole provides a compassionate, expert roadmap for growth.

Kids OT & Specialized Therapy Services

Expert, one-on-one care for children ages 0-12 at our Upper West Side Sensory Gym.

• Sensory Gym Sessions (NYC): Fun, structured Kids OT activities designed to improve regulation, motor planning, and confidence in a safe, high-energy environment.

• Fine Motor & Handwriting: Specialized therapy to enhance hand-eye coordination, pencil grasp, and the precision needed for daily academic tasks.

• Gross Motor & Coordination: Focused development of balance, core strength, and overall movement to help children navigate the playground and world with ease.

• Sensory Processing & Regulation: Targeted support for children with sensory sensitivities, helping them stay calm and focused in the "NYC chaos."

• Self-Care & Daily Living (ADLs): Building independence in essential "kid jobs," from buttoning clothes and grooming to managing personal hygiene.

• Feeding & Oral-Motor Skills: Expert help for "picky eaters" or children struggling with chewing, swallowing, and mealtime routines.

• Executive Functioning & Focus: Building the "brain's CEO"—improving attention, planning, and problem-solving skills for school success.

• Play & Social Skills: Encouraging meaningful social interaction, turn-taking, and emotional cooperation through guided play.

• School & Academic Support: We partner with UWS schools to address attention and sensory needs directly within the classroom setting.

• Parent & Caregiver Training: Empowering you with at-home strategies and OT-approved tools to ensure your child’s progress continues outside the gym.