Miriam Manela

Miriam Manela Frankel, OTR/L, CMLD, CTC, is an award-winning behavioral occupational therapist and highly sought-after speaker with over 20 years of experience. As a mother of five, she brings both professional insight and personal understanding to her work, helping children and families thrive.

Her groundbreaking book, The Parent-Child Dance, helps countless parents better understand and connect with their children. Miriam is celebrated for her unique ability to demystify challenging childhood behaviors. She developed the Thrive Method, a cutting-edge approach that leverages clinical reasoning to identify the optimal intervention for each child, blending a creative array of research-based techniques. This method is used at The Thrive Group, her three flourishing practices in Passaic, NJ, Brooklyn, NY, and Lakewood, NJ. She has expanded her impact globally through her online parenting platform, OT In Your Pocket.

Miriam has received multiple honors, including the WCBS Women Achievement Award and New Jersey's Top Doctor recognition. Through her innovative, research-based methods, she continues to empower families to thrive—one meaningful connection at a time.