ABOUT

KINDER was founded on the belief that neurodivergent individuals deserve every opportunity to realize their potential and lead fulfilling, independent lives.
 

From an early age, Sam Katel recognized the gaps in services for her classmates with disabilities. She saw how academic and social challenges widened over time, further isolating her peers. Determined to help, she immersed herself in the language and methods used in the classroom, developing a strong foundation in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, sensory integration, and speech therapy.
 

By middle school, Sam was already working with the Manhattan Children’s Center, supporting individuals across the autism spectrum in building social, academic, and independent living skills. This early passion shaped the course of her life.

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In 2014, Sam designed a therapeutic garment and program to improve sensory regulation and coordination for individuals on the spectrum. Her innovative work earned her the Michael Perelstein Discover Your Passion Award, which allowed her to develop and test the tool. She also was the youngest recipient of Goddard Riverside's "Good Neighbor" award for this community work.
 

Since then, Sam has expanded her expertise across a variety of educational and therapeutic settings. She has worked in ABA schools and centers across New York City, supported inclusion programs at summer camps, and assisted the student support team at Avenues: The World School, where she screened for learning differences, provided academic and behavioral support, and trained educators, parents, and students to better understand and empower neurodiverse learners. She has also facilitated vocational and social training for neurodivergent teens and adults, and trained social workers in evidence-based practices at the JCC Center for Special Needs. Additionally, she has worked with foster youth, children with mental health issues, and individuals with developmental disabilities in a residential setting.

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Sam’s academic work reflects her wide-ranging interests and commitment to the field. She has conducted research on friendship quality, the psychophysiology of anger-based disorders, impacts of child adversity, trauma-informed education, the efficacy of various trauma therapy and educational psychology interventions. During her social work training, she gained system-level experience with New York City’s largest school district, New Vision for Public Schools, interned at the Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders, and co-facilitated social programming at The Anxiety and Behavioral Challenges Early Childhood Clinic.

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She has started her coaching practice to help provide strategies and skills to individuals and families to help meet their potential.