Brenna DeStefano, MS OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Brenna is a pediatric occupational therapist at Sasco River Center with over 6 years of experience in sensory integration and mental health. She earned both her Bachelor's Degree and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy through Sacred Heart University’s accelerated program, where she gained diverse fieldwork experience, including leading a psychosocial stress-management group for adolescents in a special education setting. At Sasco River Center, she has worked with individuals of various ages facing sensory processing and fine motor
challenges and conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, ASD, depression, physical disabilities, and mood disorders. Drawing on her education and clinical experience, Brenna continues to build her skills, pursue ongoing education, and work toward advanced certifications to provide the highest level of care for her clients.

  • Sacred Heart University - Bachelor of Science, Health Science, Geriatric Wellness Minor
  • Sacred Heart University - Master’s of Science, Occupational Therapy

  • Brenna has been an occupational therapist for 6 years, working with individuals ages 16 months to 22 years.
  • Through a bottom-up approach, she has helped clients achieve their goals in a variety of areas, including fine motor skills, sensory processing, social-emotional skills, motor planning, and functional skills. With a holistic approach in mind, she has experience working with individuals with mental health or physical conditions, such as ADHD, ASD, anxiety, depression, dysgraphia, mood disorders, cerebral palsy, low tone, and more.
  • Brenna has returned to Sacred Heart University as an Adjunct Instructor for their occupational therapy program. This allows Brenna to stay up to date on the latest teachings and coursework in occupational therapy while guiding future colleagues in her field.

Her approach is holistic and grounded in a sensory-based perspective. She is passionate about ensuring the individual can fully be themselves by working with the family and the individual to remove additional physical, environmental, or bodily challenges that prevent them from being themselves and thriving.

  • She loves to craft, bake, and play video games
  • She has a small pet bird named Pickles! He’s green, of course
  • She lived in Connecticut as a toddler before moving back to Pennsylvania, but she later returned to Connecticut as a college student (and still hasn’t left!)