At Cheshire Fitness Zone (CFZ), our goal is to help children and adolescents of all ages feel confident in growing their abilities through therapeutic programs that strengthen and teach new skills for use in everyday life.
Our Services
- Physical Therapy (PT)
- Occupational Therapy (OT)
- Speech Therapy (ST)
Our monthly “Employee Spotlight Series” offers a chance to meet members of the team and learn about their experience working with children.
Meet Alex Marandino, OT
Can you describe a typical day working at CFZ is like?
Working at Cheshire Fitness Zone, involves a lot of movement. When you are working with kids, you are constantly on the go, mentally and physically.
How did you know you wanted to work with kids?
Initially, I was open to working with a variety of populations. I interviewed at Cheshire Fitness Zone and I fell in love with the clinic. I saw the interactions between therapists and the kids and I wanted to be a part of that. I left knowing that this is what I wanted to do and where I wanted to do it.
What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part about my job is being able to see the growth and progress of each kid, being a part of that and sharing that with families is extremely fulfilling and rewarding.
What are three words to describe you and why?
I would describe myself as playful. As a pediatric occupational therapist, it is my job to make therapy fun and a positive experience and in order to do that you need to get on the level of the kids and get into their world, which allows you to be funny, silly, goofy, enthusiastic, and all of those good things.
I would describe myself as hardworking. I see my patients working hard in and outside of our therapy sessions and it motivates me to work that much harder and be the best therapist that I can be.
I would also describe myself as encouraging. As much as therapy is fun, it also is a lot of work for the kids. As a therapist, I am constantly pushing them and challenging them and I am right there as their little cheerleader putting fourth that positive energy and believing in them and their capabilities.
What is something you wish to achieve over the next ten years?
Over the next ten years, I would love to further my skillset as a feeding therapist. Feeding is such a fundamental skill and is something that many take for granted. It is an important basic need and I have really developed a passion for it and wish to continue to pursue this area.
