THE FRIDA METHOD® INSTITUTE FOR NEURODEVELOPMENT
ABOUT US
The Frida Method® Institute for Neurodevelopment is an Integrative healthcare organization providing therapies, research, and education in Neuro-rehabilitation through cutting-edge Manual and Movement therapies.
About Frida Method®
The Frida Method® is based on the scientific evidence of neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to change and adapt both in structure and function throughout life and in response to experience.
Our method is founded on the belief that we all deserve compassionate, individualized care that will help us live our fullest possible life.
With a research-based model and tools to facilitate optimal brain organization, we support physical and sensory-emotional processing abilities.
meet The Frida MEthod TEam
Maria Frida Jacobs
Founder/ CEO, Frida Method®
Cathy Orofino
Front Desk Receptionist
Kimberly Burgering
Office Administrator
Katherine E. Ortiz
Frida Method® Practitioner
Olga Sarkissyan
Frida Method® Practitioner
Melanie Bamberger
Frida Method® Practitioner
Loren Lockwood
Autism Empowerment
Team Leader
Abiona Melancon
Sensory Tasting Program Developer, NLP Practitioner
GET TO KNOW THE FRIDA METHOD TEAM
Maria Frida Jacobs
MA, MT, R/SMTE, CMA, NLP/M
Founder/ CEO, Frida Method®
Maria Jacobs is a practitioner, educator, and lecturer who attracts audiences and patients from around the world.
Maria Jacobs is Founder and CEO of The Frida Method®, Institute for Neurodevelopment, and has trademarked a unique approach to healthcare and rehabilitation. She has been rehabilitating adults and children with a wide variety of brain/body injuries, challenges, and limitations for over four decades. She brings together her many areas of professional experience into a science-based, whole-person approach to health and well-being.
Families and individuals who have searched for solutions for years have found help for diverse Neurological problems, trauma, and disabilities at Frida Method®. Maria sees her clients not as a set of symptoms but as whole people who deserve to reach their full potential. Maria’s clients recommend her compassionate and comprehensive care.
Maria holds a Dutch MA in Movement & Drama Therapy, and achieved an MA-Dance at American University DC on a Fulbright Grant. She is a Medical Massage Therapist, Registered Somatic Movement Therapist and Educator, Certified Movement Analyst, Certified Advanced Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner, and has finished all courses with Osteopath, MD, Dr. Chikly for Functional Neurology and Lymph Drainage Curriculum.
She has studied in-depth primary reflexes and developmental movement patterns, attachment theory, brain plasticity, and Somatic Psychology. Ms. Jacobs has made a career as a Professional dancer, Choreographer, Educator, and NeuroSomatic Therapist since she was 14 years old. Ms. Jacobs's work is supported by Rockefeller Foundation, Pew Charitable Trust, Mellon Foundation, Netherlands-American Foundation, Art International, plus a community of parents and professionals.
Kimberly Burgering
Office Administrator
Certified NLP Practitioner
Kimberly is the Office Administrator. She oversees the behind-the-curtain workings of the Frida Method® Having known Maria for many years, Kimberly has been a part of the business and the mission of the Frida Method® in many capacities. Kimberly is certified in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the Greenspan Method, has a Bachelor’s in the Dramatic Arts, and an MA in Childhood Education.
Katherine E. Ortiz
Frida Method ® Practitioner
Katherine received her BFA and BAE degrees from Arizona State University. She danced professionally with several companies in Arizona and in New York City including the Erick Hawkins Dance Company. Katherine has also studied the Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education, Ideokinesis, and Space Harmony.
Katherine is a Therapeutic Massage Therapist (MA 39114) (April 2000), and a Certified Pranic Healer (April 2021). She also has certifications in NLP (May 2023), Facilitated Communication (May 2023), Chikly Lymphatic Drainage Therapy Level 1 (March 2023), and Chickly Brain Therapy Levels 1 & 2 (2023).
Loren Lockwood
Supported Typing Practitioner
Autism Empowerment Team Leader
Loren Lockwood, a Supported Typing Practitioner and Autism Empowerment Program Team Leader, is dedicated to empowering individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their families. Certified in Assisted Typing and Neurolinguistic programming (NLP), she is currently pursuing further coaching and mastery certifications in these fields.
Loren’s passion to help others was ignited by her journey as the mother of a soon-to-be 20-year-old daughter with Autism, whose transformation from a withdrawn child to a self expressive advocate inspires her work. By exploring innovative therapies, Loren supports families on a similar path. Loren is committed to holistic wellness, informed by her own health struggles, as well as her study of yoga and acting. Her mission is to create meaningful change in the lives of those she serves.
Olga Sarkissyan
FridaMethod® Practitioner
Olga Sarkissyan is a practitioner specializing in lymph drainage therapy. She holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from Kazakhstan and has a strong background in brain function, physiology, and neurodiversity. Fluent in Russian, she provides multilingual support to better serve her clients.
Olga developed a deep interest in neurodiversity during medical school, where she conducted extensive research on the subject. Her passion for improving quality of life and promoting holistic well-being led her to the Frida Method ®. In addition to her medical expertise, she has worked as a certified diagnostic medical sonographer with specialization in echocardiography and vascular imaging. She also holds certifications in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT1) from the Chikly Health Institute, and Facilitated Communication Training.
Melanie Bamberger
Frida Method® Practitioner
Melanie Bamberger is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) based in Eastern Long Island, New York. With a specialization in the coaching of visual spatial skills, handwriting, and sensory integration, she is dedicated to supporting clients of all ages in their rehabilitation journeys. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Melanie offers multilingual support to her diverse clientele.
Her introduction to the Frida Method® came through her experience at a school where two of her students received therapy from Maria, a practitioner she admired. After an initial observation invitation, Melanie found the opportunity to visit Frida Method during an intensive weekend and was captivated by the positive atmosphere, the welcoming staff, and the genuine progress seen in patients.
With over seven years of experience working with adults in skilled nursing facilities and 10+ years working in both outpatient and school-based pediatric Occupational Therapy, Melanie brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her practice. Her qualifications include certifications in Lymphatic Drainage-1 and Brain Therapy-1 through Chikly Institute, Handwriting Without Tears, Bal-a-vis-x, and more. Melanie brings a deep commitment to fostering meaningful therapeutic experiences for her clients.
Abiona Melancon
Sensory Tasting Program Developer,
Research Intern, NLP Practitioner
Abiona Melancon leads “What Forms Us”, the early childhood development program. With her knowledge of infant and child development, neuropsychology, and functional medicine, she assists with creating evidence-based interventions that support early childhood development and sensory integration. She is certified in NLP and assisted typing.
Prior to joining Frida Method®, Abiona struggled with chronic illness. She understands first-hand how society can invalidate those with invisible challenges.
Abiona has conducted psychological research regarding the potential effects of social media on personality development, and is continuing her studies in cognitive science and anthropology. She hopes to promote a more profound understanding of the way in which neurological, cultural, political, and social contexts influence health and illness.
Cathy Orofino
Front Desk Receptionist
With a Bachelor's in Social work and a Master's in Elementary Education, Cathy's experience working with children includes serving at a residential treatment center in Denver, as a caseworker at a group home on Long Island, and as an Aftercare Worker for the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. She has also worked as an educational guide at an independent Long Island academy. Cathy enjoys painting, piano, and swimming. She is excited to join the Frida Method® team as the front desk receptionist.
Frida Method® Core Values
We Can Help!
Every person needs a custom-made program of treatment.
We can help you find the right one for you or your children.
