A Rise Above Occupational Therapy Services
Your Concussion Headquarters:
Improving Brain, Body, Function & Life
WHO WE HELP
A Rise Above Occupational Therapy Services
Resilient Survivors
Reclaim life after stroke, concussion, or brain injury
Struggling Teens & Worried Parents
Improve school performance with less stress
Baby Boomers
Build strength, reduce tremors, return to beloved activities
Conscientious Workers & Student Athletes
Return to work and school symptom free
OUR SERVICES
Can A Rise Above Help Me?
Interoception & Trauma Informed Care
If you struggle with knowing how your body feels and can no longer regulate your emotions after injury, we can help you get there.
Concussion & Neuro Rehab
We help active individuals recover from concussions, stroke, Parkinson’s, MS, and chemotherapy by improving headaches, vision, memory, weakness, and daily function using a holistic approach.
ADHD & Life Skills for Teens
Teens with ADHD or executive challenges may struggle with planning, time management, or emotional control. We help them build life skills for success in school.
Concussion Wellness
Our new program involves holistic interventions including red light therapy, microcurrent, sound scapes, and reflexology by Rita.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps people reduce pain, restore movement, and regain strength through personalized, hands-on treatment and guided exercises designed to support long-term recovery and function.
TESTIMONIALS
What They’re Talking About Us?
Improving Brain, Body, Function & Life
We help children, teens, and adults overcome persistent concussion symptoms and neurological conditions so they can regain independence and live a fulfilling life—even when progress has felt impossible.
ABOUT US
Meet Dr. Alicia Reiser
Founder & Director, OTD, MS OTR/L, ADHD‑RSP
Driven by her own experiences as a mom of children with unique developmental needs—and backed by advanced training in vision remediation, concussion rehab, and executive functioning—Dr. Reiser founded A Rise Above to help people who felt left behind. She’s celebrated every small step forward and fought “plateaus” alongside her clients.
B.S. in Biology (Muhlenberg College)
M.S. in Occupational Therapy (Misericordia University)
Post‑Professional OTD in Vision Remediation (Salus University)
Published Author, Co-Author & Researcher
Interactive Metronome Clinician
Member of NORA (Neuro‑Optometric Rehabilitation Association)
ADHD‑RSP certified; trained in Interoception Curriculum & Polyvagal Theory
OUR TEAM
Meet Our Team
Our compassionate, certified therapists bring a wealth of expertise in brain-based therapy:
Dr. Jesse Buggey
DPT
Each person that enters the clinic has a unique story, and Jesse’s treatment philosophy is centered around getting to know these stories, as he feels this is integral in the success of a patient’s physical therapy treatment. He aims to address the root cause of dysfunction and restore optimal brain, body, and functional health. Dr. Buggey's research has even been featured in the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT). Jesse is a graduate of Temple University, earning his Doctorate of Physical Therapy after earning a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology. Jesse completed his residency training in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s University Health Network, where he worked closely with clinical experts in orthopaedic physical therapy. He is also a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. Aside from orthopedic conditions, Jesse also has extensive experience and training in treating patients who suffer from vestibular system dysfunctions, vertigo, headaches, balance issues, spine and joint disorders, as well as sports, work, and recreational activity related injuries. His care approach centers on treating each person individually, as every case is one of a kind. Outside of physical therapy, his personal interests include playing ice hockey, photography, playing guitar, telling dad jokes, and spending time with his wife, kids, and friends.
Dr. Meghan Chemidlin
OTD, MS OTR/L, CBIS, ASDCS
Dr. Meghan Chemidlin-Schneider, OTD, MS, OTR/L, CBIS, CFVRS, ASDCS Dr. Meghan Schneider is an occupational therapist who helps children, teens, and adults with neurological conditions think, move, and perform everyday tasks more effectively, even if they feel they have plateaued or were never fully identified. She is especially passionate about supporting individuals with concussions, brain injuries, and neurodevelopmental differences, including children who struggle with regulation, learning, or executive functioning and individuals who may “fly under the radar” or fall through the cracks. Meghan believes every individual is unique and deserves care that reflects that individuality. She takes a holistic, trauma-informed approach to treatment, considering the whole person, including the nervous system, sensory processing, vision, cognition, and emotional regulation. Her goal is to help each child, adolescent, and adult feel comfortable, heard, and empowered while building meaningful skills for daily life at home, school, work, and in the community. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, Meghan understands how overwhelming recovery can feel and values partnering closely with patients and families throughout the process. In addition to individual therapy, she facilitates a brain injury support group that meets every Tuesday, providing a space for connection, shared experiences, and community. Meghan earned her Bachelor of Science in Health and Occupation and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Elizabethtown College, followed by a post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy with a concentration in Trauma-Informed Care and Interdisciplinary Autism Support. She is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Certified Functional Vision Rehabilitation Specialist, and Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. In addition to her clinical work, Meghan serves as an adjunct professor at Elizabethtown College and is the co-owner of NeurOT Consulting, a company dedicated to advancing concussion and brain injury care through education and program development. She has presented her research and clinical work nationally and internationally and co-published an interoception curriculum for individuals with brain injuries which has been implemented around the world. Outside of work, Meghan enjoys traveling, playing tennis, hiking, eating ice cream, and spending time with her husband and dog.
Alexia “Lexi” DeNardo
MS OTR/L, CFVRS
Alexia “Lexi” DeNardo, MS, OTR/L, CFCE, CFVRS is a dedicated and compassionate occupational therapist committed to improving quality of life through personalized, evidence-based, and holistic care. Lexi specializes in functional vision rehabilitation, functional capacity evaluations, neurocognitive care, and the re-training of ADLs and IADLs for individuals across the lifespan. Since joining A Rise Above Occupational Therapy Services, Lexi has earned her certifications as a Certified Functional Vision Rehabilitation Specialist (CFVRS) and a Certified Functional Capacity Evaluator (CFCE). She previously has assisted in research initiatives focused on the integration of smart home technology to support aging in place and promote independence for individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, and age-related challenges. Her research on smart home technology and supportive aging in place has been published by the European Network of Occupational Therapy in Higher Education (ENOTHE) as well as the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Lexi has a strong interest in working with unique and complex diagnoses, including Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and has begun working with pediatric patients, with a particular passion for supporting individuals who have struggled to make progress in more traditional therapy settings. She values a trauma-informed, client-centered approach and is especially drawn to cases that require creativity, adaptability, and collaboration. Lexi earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Science from The University of Scranton, where she also completed a minor in Counseling and Human Services, recognizing early on the significant connection between trauma, emotional well-being, and neurorehabilitation. She went on to complete her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at The University of Scranton in 2023. Her clinical interests include vision-based and neurocognitive rehabilitation, functional independence, and innovative therapeutic approaches that empower clients to succeed within their everyday environments. At the core of Lexi’s practice is a belief in fostering independence, resilience, and meaningful engagement through compassionate, trauma-informed occupational therapy for pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations. Outside of work, Lexi enjoys spending time at the gym, reading, baking, and soaking in quality time with loved ones.
Karly Fitzpatrick
MS OTR/L
Karly Fitzpatrick, MS, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist dedicated to helping individuals achieve greater independence and quality of life through creative, individualized, and evidence-based care. She supports patients in improving performance across a wide range of activities of daily living. Karly earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from James Madison University in 2021 and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Towson University in 2023. She is a Certified Functional Capacity Evaluator and is currently pursuing certification as a Functional Vision Rehabilitation Specialist and an ADHD Certified Rehabilitation Service Provider. Karly has experience in both outpatient pediatrics and inpatient rehabilitation, working with children with diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, and hemiparesis, as well as adults recovering from significant brain injuries. This diverse background allows her to take a holistic, patient-centered approach to care. Outside of work, Karly enjoys skiing, running, golfing, and spending time with her family.
Brianna
Office Manager
Brianna joined A Rise Above in 2024 as our front desk receptionist. She soon transitioned into the role of in-house biller and now serves as our Office Manager, where she combines her experience in both areas while also providing key operational support to keep our practice running smoothly. Prior to her time here, Brianna was a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant in the Poconos and Lehigh Valley. In her free time, Brianna enjoys camping, being outdoors, reading and spending time with her wonderful husband and their 2 boys.
OUR MISSION
Ready For A Consultation
Our mission is to provide comprehensive, evidence-based concussion and neurological care for individuals of all ages—especially those overlooked or told recovery isn’t possible. Through holistic, individualized treatment and compassionate support, we restore function, elevate confidence, and bring hope to every stage of healing.
Concussion recovery is complex. Our Physical Therapist treats any whiplash (neck) or vestibular (balance) issues as a result of your injury. If you were involved in a car accident, there also may be orthopedic injuries that we can treat. Our occupational therapists address any thinking or memory issues that may have occurred, as well as working with local optometrists to see if your headaches are coming from your eye brain connection. We look at your nervous system to make sure you are self regulated in both mood and body. We look at returning you to learn, to work and to sport in order to get you back to life!
We also offer neurological services for any brain based diagnosis. This includes strokes, aneurysms, Parkinson's (we have certifications for that!) and MS. We also treat those with neurodivergence when they are exploring ways to self regulate and just do life. We treat executive functioning deficits with real life functional tasks to help you at work and school.
At A Rise Above, you are a whole person. You aren't just an elbow, an eyeball or a back. You aren't just a concussion or a person with ADHD either. We look at why you are here, what has been done before, and how we can make your whole body work for you. We use holistic interventions that maybe you haven't encountered before. It's never too late to see how we can help.
Our Brain Injury Support Group is a welcoming and safe space for individuals navigating the challenges of a brain injury. While the majority of the members are suffering from post concussion syndrome, anyone with a brain injury is welcome, as we all experience similar challenges. Each week, we explore a different topic relevant to recovery, such as managing headaches, coping with anxiety, improving sleep, learning strategies for memory and focus, and returning to work or daily activities.
Participants are encouraged to share their experiences, tips, and strategies but there’s no pressure to speak. Many attendees find comfort in simply listening and knowing they are not alone. Our group fosters connection, understanding, and practical support in a calm and compassionate environment. Caregivers, family members or friends are also welcome.
We offer sessions both in-person (2380 Schoenersville Rd, Bethlehem, PA) and online via Zoom (see link under 'contact me' page'), making it easy to join from wherever you are. Whether you are early in your recovery or further along your journey, our group provides tools, resources, and encouragement to help you navigate life after a brain injury.
Feel free to reach out to our host and fellow survivor, Dr. Meghan Schneider at meghan.ariseaboveot@gmail.com with any questions.
We look forward to seeing you!
PRODUCTS
Concussion Rehab
We help children, teens, and adults with persistent concussion symptoms and neurological conditions regain function, improve thinking and movement, and perform everyday tasks—so they can reclaim their independence and quality of life, even when progress has felt impossible.