Sheri Marino, MA, CCC-SLP

Founder/Owner

Sheri received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Rutgers University and attained her Master of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Montclair University.

Sheri’s clinical experiences include the University Hospital at UMDNJ in Newark, NJ, where she provided evaluation and treatment services in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Sheri was trained in Applied Behavior Analysis at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center, New Brunswick, NJ, where she treated children on the autism spectrum.  For 10 years, she coordinated home programs in New York, New Jersey, and London, England.  As a member of the trans-disciplinary team, Sheri conducted evaluations and treatment services for the birth-three year old population at the Milestones Child Development Center, Jersey City, NJ.  As part of the Expansion Team, she provided homebound services to medically fragile infants affected by pre-natal drug exposure.

Sheri is the founder of Rocking Horse Rehab, a pediatric rehabilitation and family wellness center specializing in equine assisted therapies, located at the Essex Equestrian Center in West Orange, NJ.  Rocking Horse Rehab treats children with various disabilities, including cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, brain tumors, autism, rare syndromes, neuromuscular, and psychiatric disorders.  Rocking Horse Rehab was selected as “NJ’s Favorite Kids’ Docs” in NJ Family Magazine in 2009 and 2011 and as Hospital Newspaper’s Pediatric Rehab and Family Wellness Center of the Month in 2009, 2010, and 2013.  A pediatric speech pathologist, Sheri has been voted as “NJ’s Favorite Kids’ Docs” in 2012, 2015, and 2016.

As the Executive Director of The Autism Think Tank, NJ (a 501(c)(3)), Sheri coordinates medical videoconferences with a  team of distinguished physicians who collaborate on medically complex cases of autism around the globe.  Sheri is solely responsible for all the fundraising, community outreach, continuing education, marketing, and public speaking engagements.

Sheri is the Pediatric Health Advisor for the Focus for Health Foundation (FFH).  As a consultant to FFH, she contributes her clinical expertise to help guide the Foundation’s mission addressing chronic health issues related to environmental causes.

Sheri serves on the advisory board for Autism Family Services, NJ with other leaders in the field of autism.  She is an international speaker on autism and has presented for Haven International in Ghana, Africa, Autism One in Chicago, Princeton University, Tour College/NYC, Seton Hall University, NJ Speech and Hearing Association, and PATh International.  She has been a guest on the “Autism with Dr. Andy” radio show out of Manhattan Beach, CA and has been interviewed and filmed by DBS News, NBC News, NJN, and multiple cable networks.

Madeline Sears

Program Director/Adaptive Riding Instructor

Madeline has been with Rocking Horse since 2021, where she got her start as a Mental Health intern as she was earning her BA in Psychology from Seton Hall University. She later became a Program Assistant, and earned her PATH Intl. CTRI certification. Originally from Central New York, she spent her teenage years taking clients on scenic trail rides through the mountains. 

Madeline teaches Adaptive Riding during the week. She is a PATH Intl Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, and also has her CPR/AED and First Aid certifications. 

Susan Romano-Silva, OT

Occupational Therapist

Susan Romano-Silva, Occupational therapist with over 25 years experience working in pediatrics in a variety of settings including acute care, rehabilitation, out-patient, schools, early intervention and private practice settings. Susan has treated Rocking Horse Rehab clients one and off for the last ten years and currently treats school groups.
 
Susan demonstrates sound knowledge of principle, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of physical and developmental disabilities complemented by additional experience in management, educating staff members, students, patients and their families. Susan Silva has her Masters of Science from Columbia University, Board certified in Pediatrics, AHA Level 1 Therapist, and trained in various neurodevelopmental and sensory programs for the pediatric population. Currently, provides OT services at NYU Langone Medical Center as senior clinician in pediatrics. In her spare time she enjoys time with her husband and three children, outdoor sports/activities and her dog.
 

Lori Fortunato, LSW EFP 

SLSW Mental Health Therapist

Lori received a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from Penn State University and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University.

Lori has 20 years of experience working in mental health treating adults and children. She has experience treating clients with a range of conditions, including, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance abuse and complex trauma. She also has experience working in a school setting, during which time, she worked under the tutelage of Dr. Jed Baker teaching social skills to children on the autism spectrum.

Lori has been drawn to horses her entire life and has been riding since the age of seven. She received her horse education in Pony Club and through the countless hours spent in the barn, working with horses, and through knowledge imparted by generous trainers. Her ambition has always been to combine her passion for horses with her career. Lori fully understands the healing power of horses and enjoys facilitating emotional and psychological well being for others with these 4-legged co-therapists.

Lori loves spending time with her family, teaching group fitness and yoga and riding and competing her horse Benji. Benji is a 15 year old Swedish Warmblood who loves attention and horse treats!

Samantha Grandich, PT

Physical Therapist

Samantha graduated from Quinnipiac University. She is passionate about promoting healthy development and is dedicated to helping children reach their full potential by providing compassionate and individualized treatment. Samantha is skilled in working with children of all ages, from infants to adolescents, to improve motor skills, strength, and coordination. 

She currently treats a variety of diagnoses including; torticollis, gross motor delays, toe walking, coordination impairments, brain injuries, and orthopedic injuries. 

In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with friends and family.

Jill Langell, OT 

Occupational Therapist

Jill Langell is an occupational therapist with over twenty five years of experience in rehabilitation, working with a multitude of varying populations and facility settings.

Jill has additional specialties and certifications in home modifications, aging/living in place, and is also a certified lymphedema therapist.

Since starting at RHR, Jill has completed AHA level one therapist training and is looking forward to continuing additional AHA level two education in the spring of 2024. Currently, Jill is providing OT services to an acute care/ICU population at the Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair, New Jersey.

During non-working hours, Jill enjoys being with her family, spending time outdoors, hiking, and exercise. Her busy homestead includes daughters, dogs, cats, fish, and chickens.