Thrive Sensory Studio Corporation is a non-profit corporation whose purpose is to provide indoor play places for individuals with sensory needs to explore and learn through sensory play and input, improving cognitive, motor, language, and social skills. The sensory activities offered will promote sensory regulation, allowing the individual to improve attention span and focus which are essential for academic success. Children with special needs will improve proprioception, balance, problem solving, and over-all well- being.
Meet the Team
Louise Eitelberg, Founder and Board President
Louise's 30 year career includes working with individuals in various settings including Early Intervention, Home Health, Private Practice, Schools, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Long Term Care, and Out Patient Rehabilitation. Currently, she owns High Falls Speech Therapy Center in Hawley P.A. where she is also the primary clinician.
Thrive Sensory Studio Corporation was created through the professional experience and vision of Louise who works daily with children with special needs and has firsthand knowledge of the challenges many children face with sensory regulation, communication, learning, and social participation. Through years of direct clinical experience, it became increasingly evident that many children are unable to fully engage in therapy, education, and daily activities until their sensory systems are supported through movement play, and sensory-rich experiences. Thrive Sensory Studio reflects Louise's commitment to addressing gaps in services for families within the surrounding counties, where access to specialized sensory-based programs can be limited, particularly in rural communities. Louise aims to provide not only a sensory gym, but also a supportive community resource where children with varying abilities are accepted, empowered, and given opportunites to thrive. By combining clinical knowledge, community advocacy, and a passion for supporting children with special needs, Thrive Sensory Studio Corporation was created to help children and families access the sensory experiences, support systems, and inclusive opportunities necessary for growth, regulation, learning, and meaningful participation in everyday life.
Mars Lombardi, MS, SLP (they/them) Vice President of the Board of Directors
is an acute care medical speech-language pathologist (SLP), rare disease patient advocate, author, and public speaker serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors for Thrive! Sensory Studio.
As a clinician, Mars primarily serves populations with feeding and swallowing disorders having particular interest working with tracheostomized patients and those requiring alternative nutrition methods. They are trained in video fluoroscopic evaluation of swallow (VFSS/MBSS) and flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallow (FEES). Mars also has clinical experience across private practice, specialized school, and medical settings with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and utilization of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Mars enjoys working with individuals across the lifespan using a total communication approach combining verbal and non-verbal communication methods ranging from gesture and American Sign Language, low- and no-tech AAC systems to tablet-based and eye-gaze technologies.
In addition to their clinical work, Mars brings extensive nonprofit leadership and grant management experience. Prior to becoming a speech-language pathologist, they spent nearly a decade as General and Grants Manager for Nesin Cultural Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Sullivan County, New York, where they helped build the organization’s annual operating budget from under $50,000 to more than $250,000 through successful public and private grant funding initiatives.
As both a disabled clinician and advocate, Mars is passionate about creating inclusive, affirming spaces that support neurodivergent and disabled individuals and their families.
Susan Pellegrino - Secretary
Kelly Creteau - Treasurer