Dr. Amy Zier founded Amy Zier & Associates, Inc. in 1997 in response to the limitations of traditional therapy settings and her desire to provide innovative, quality occupational therapy to children and families. Amy’s vision of unique spaces, coupled with the highest quality therapist training, and the advantages of employing therapists passionate about their role in supporting children and families became the essence of her practice.
Amy earned her Ph.D. at the ICDL Graduate School specializing in developmental disorders and infant mental health. She has completed her dissertation, a unique research study analyzing variables impacting early diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorders. Her special interest in therapeutic listening programs, visual-spatial development, and forming an alliance with parents empowers them to help their child. Dr. Zier is SIPT certified and has completed the DIR® certificate program.
In 2009, Dr. Amy Zier moved to Italy and started Joy Center, a trio of pediatric clinics that supports children and military families serving at the US Army, Navy, and Air Force bases in Vicenza, Gricignano, and Aviano, and at remote bases throughout Italy. Healthy developmental needs do not wait during overseas deployment. She and the multidisciplinary team of expertly trained international clinicians at Joy Center offer American families the immediate care and intervention their children need when challenges arise during their time abroad.