# Miriam Manela Frankel

> Miriam Manela Frankel is a Passaic-based occupational therapist, author, speaker, and founder who directs three practices and created OT in Your Pocket, formerly Bloom. Her work grew from a family legacy of service, more than two decades of practice, a 2014 book, and a pandemic-era decision to turn hands-on knowledge into accessible online lessons for parents and educators.

- **Role:** Founder of OT in Your Pocket and Founder and Director of The Thrive Group
- **Organizations:** OT in Your Pocket, The Thrive Group, New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association, American Occupational Therapy Association
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Occupational therapy degree; graduated magna cum laude, Kean University
- **Known for:** Founded The Thrive Group in 2012 and grew the work across three practices in Passaic, Brooklyn and Lakewood., Created Bloom, later renamed OT in Your Pocket, as an online learning platform., Co-authored the 117-page book The Parent-Child Dance, which contains more than 80 activities and techniques.

## Career timeline

- **2000-2004** — Studied at Kean University and graduated magna cum laude.
- **2012** — Founded The Thrive Group.
- **2013** — Received the WCBS Women’s Achievement Award.
- **2014** — Published The Parent-Child Dance with C. R. Zwolinski.
- **2014-2021** — Served for seven years as legislative co-chair of the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association.
- **2020** — Launched the online platform Bloom during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- **2022** — Was listed among New Jersey Family’s Favorite Kids’ Docs in occupational therapy.
- **2024** — Presented for SCORE on launching and managing a wellness business.
- **2025** — Published new articles under the OT in Your Pocket name, the rebrand of Bloom.

## Achievements

- Founded The Thrive Group in 2012 and grew the work across three practices in Passaic, Brooklyn and Lakewood.
- Created Bloom, later renamed OT in Your Pocket, as an online learning platform.
- Co-authored the 117-page book The Parent-Child Dance, which contains more than 80 activities and techniques.
- Received the WCBS Women’s Achievement Award in 2013.
- Received a New Jersey Top Doctor recognition for five years, according to her official biography.
- Served seven years as legislative co-chair of the New Jersey Occupational Therapy Association.
- Served as New Jersey representative to the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Representative Assembly.

## Latest updates

- **2025-10** — Published an OT in Your Pocket article on using body language and breathing to appear calm and confident.
- **2025-09** — Published an OT in Your Pocket article on empathetic listening and connection.
- **2025-08** — OT in Your Pocket published a guide to simple breathing techniques for children.

## Links

- Website: https://www.otinyourpocket.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miriam-manela/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloom.and.thrive/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/childrenbloom

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/miriam-ctc
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-09-27