The Team

Crystal Mendez-Covington, MOT, OTR/L, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)

Boasting over 14 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist, Crystal is the Chief Marketing Officer. After graduating with a BA from Bucknell University in Animal Behavior & Spanish, Crystal researched various ways to work with animals & became interested in occupational therapy. She then committed to attend Long Island University (Brooklyn Campus) where she earned a BS/MS in Occupational Therapy.

Crystal’s experience working with the NYC Department of Education as a Senior Occupational Therapist and with Young Adult Institute (YAI) has fueled her passion to helping adults with developmental disabilities function & participate in any setting they choose. Not only is her passion professional, but also personal. In 2019 she published an article in OT Practice Magazine discussing her perspective on having a brother with autism & being an occupational therapist. Crystal has also participated in poster presentations & a workshop for the American Occupational Therapy Association Conferences. She is also a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS). Crystal lives in Queens, NY with her husband, 2 kids (one of which has Autism), cat, and dog. Although she doesn’t work with animals, she has a goal of bringing her dog to work with her in the future.

Gillian Christian, PT, DPT, Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Leading the industry with over 11 years of experience in both pediatrics and geriatrics, Gillian is a Physical Therapist (PT) and the Chief Operation’s Officer (COO) of Ability & Beyond Fitness. Upon graduating with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Stony Brook University, Gillian worked as a full-time Acute Care therapist before transitioning to the pediatric world. However, to continue enhancing her clinical skills, she also works per diem with the geriatric population in both acute and adult rehab.

Gillian’s experience working as a Senior Physical Therapist with the NYC Department of Education, as well as her past work with individuals of all ages, brings the experience, knowledge, and expertise to this new and unique business.

Gillian currently lives in New York City. She enjoys reading and cooking different cuisines. Gillian is excited about her journey in owning a business and hopes to empower adults with developmental disabilities and also bring awareness to the general population.

Myrna Alcy, MOT, OTR/L, Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

With a strong devotion to her work, Myrna, Chief Financial Officer, is an Occupational Therapist (OT) with over 11 years of experience in the field. She earned a BS/MS from Long Island University (Brooklyn campus).

Myrna’s experience working as a school-based OT for the NYC Department of Education as well as sensory gyms and outpatient rehabilitation proves she possess all skills needed to accomplish the vision. Making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities is her passion and goal. Winning awards for her innovative treatment plans and interventions and gaining recognition from the United Federation of Teachers for her ingenious community integration programs confirms she is unstoppable.

Myrna is from New York City. When Myrna is not working on projects or new treatment methods, she’s planning an elaborate vacation with friends and family to the Caribbean, Europe, etc. Myrna lives by many quotes. Here are two:

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of your dreams.”-Eleanor Roosevelt

“Life does not need to be perfect to be wonderful.”-Annette Funicello