Our Staff
         Experience + Warmth

Our commitment to the care, education and safety of your children is reflected in our team. We hire therapists who have training in related fields and are well versed in the best practices of early childhood. Each member of our team nurtures each child in her care in a safe, supportive learning environment. Team members receive ongoing training in Applied Behavior Analysis and other interventions to continue their education and are evaluated constantly throughout the year. Our team excels at stimulating children to learn and preparing them for future education. Our team is devoted to making each day fun and educational. Their dedication makes all the difference for your children.

Ricky Teichman, Director

Hello and welcome! My name is Ricky and I am the Director of The Puzzle Place. My passion for working with young children with autism began when I was 16 years old volunteering for a respite program where I cared for children with autism for a couple of hours every day. Over the years I have held positions working with children in a variety of atmospheres, both inside and outside of the classroom. My dedication to providing high quality developmentally appropriate programming for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with autism and related disorders ultimately led me to pursue a leadership role within the field. My experience includes working as a Behavior Therapist with children aged 2-14 in a school setting, as well as an Early Intervention ABA Practitioner working with infants, toddlers and preschoolers with autism, asperger’s syndrome and various communication and social delays. I feel truly privileged to spend my days surrounded by the sounds of children discovering, learning, and growing! I hold my Bachelors Degree in the Behavioral Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Mercy College as well as certification for Early Childhood Education in both NY and NJ. In addition, I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, BCBA Supervisor and Licensed Behavior Analyst in the State of NY. I have also been trained in the Early Start Denver Model treatment for children with Autism and also in DIR/Floortime. I look forward to meeting and working with you and your children and sharing my experience and love of early learning with you!

John Smith
John SmithPhysical Therapist
My passion for working with young children with autism began when I was 16 years old volunteering for a respite program where I cared for children with autism for a couple of hours every day. Over the years I have held positions working with children in a variety of atmospheres, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Michel Teichman
Michel TeichmanDirector
My passion for working with young children with autism began when I was 16 years old volunteering for a respite program where I cared for children with autism for a couple of hours every day. Over the years I have held positions working with children in a variety of atmospheres, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Ricky Teichman
Ricky TeichmanDirector
My passion for working with young children with autism began when I was 16 years old volunteering for a respite program where I cared for children with autism for a couple of hours every day. Over the years I have held positions working with children in a variety of atmospheres, both inside and outside of the classroom.

“I will never be able to thank you and everyone at The Puzzle Place enough for getting James to where he is now”

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The Puzzle Place

A Playful Approach to Serious Therapy