Meet Our Staff

 Candy Diamond-Krupitsky MS, OTR/L, CHT is a dedicated occupational therapist with extensive training and experience in hand therapy. She completed her Master of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy at Shenandoah University and pursued specialized training in the rehabilitation of traumatic hand injuries at the University of Maryland Medical Center and the Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Maryland.  Candy honed her skills over several years of practice at a sports medicine and rehabilitation facility, where she focused on upper extremity rehabilitation. Her commitment to excellence led her to earn the prestigious credentials of Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), signifying her advanced knowledge and expertise in hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder rehabilitation.  In 2001, Candy founded Hands On Therapy, LLC in Pikesville to address the occupational therapy and hand therapy needs in her community and several years later locations in Catonsville and Whitemarsh were established.

In 2020, Candy was diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis.  Frustrated by the lack of progress with conventional approaches, after 7 months of pain, she embarked on a personal journey to explore alternative therapies to alleviate her discomfort. Driven by her own experience with tennis elbow, Candy delved into these alternative treatments with determination. Three weeks after implementing these new approaches, she experienced a remarkable resolution of her pain and regained full strength in her affected limb. This transformative experience fueled her passion for these unconventional methods.  Energized by her newfound relief, Candy integrated these innovative techniques into her practice and ensured that all therapists at Hands On Therapy were trained in these methods.  Candy's personal journey of overcoming persistent pain has not only shaped her treatment philosophy but has also led to the implementation of an alternative approach to traditional treatment. Her dedication to exploring alternative therapies underscores her commitment to providing the highest quality care to her patients. She has a passion for treating unexplained pain and emphasizes that therapy should not be painful to be effective. Candy values collaboration and takes a multidisciplinary approach to pain resolution. She works closely with orthopedists, chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, massage therapists, athletic trainers, physiatrists, rheumatologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, and hand surgeons to provide comprehensive care to her patients. By leveraging the expertise of various practitioners, Candy ensures that each patient receives personalized, holistic treatment tailored to their unique needs.

 Tara Carloni MOT, OTR/L, CHT has been a valued therapist at Hands On Therapy since 2002. She holds a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from Texas Woman's University in Houston and began her training at the renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital. Tara furthered her expertise in upper extremity rehabilitation at the Curtis National Hand Center and at Luminus Health and has earned the coveted credentials of CHT. She is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Beyond her professional pursuits, Tara enjoys traveling, staying active, and indulging her passion for live music by attending concerts.

Sarah Nepini, OTD, OTR/L is a highly qualified occupational therapist who earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Towson University. With a passion for weight training and a keen interest in resolving pain for gym enthusiasts, Sarah pioneered the "Gains without Pain" program at Hands On Therapy.  Sarah's expertise extends to the evaluation and treatment of upper extremity pain, post-surgical rehabilitation for orthopedic patients, and neurological rehabilitation. She excels in problem-solving for upper extremity pain in young athletes and is dedicated to providing tailored exercise programs and proximal training to prevent pain and dysfunction across the lifespan.  Having been a collegiate volleyball player and growing up playing tennis, Sarah has a deep-rooted love for sports. She continues to stay active by playing soccer and has recently developed an interest in Muay Thai. Sarah's personal experiences with athletics further enrich her understanding of her patients' needs and inform her approach to therapy, ensuring comprehensive care and optimal outcomes at Hands On Therapy.

Erin Waters, MS, OTR/L, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for holistic care to her role at Hands On Therapy. She obtained her master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Towson University and gained valuable experience working with lymphedema patients at the GBMC lymphedema center before joining the team.  Erin's love for art and ceramics shines through in her work, as she possesses a keen eye for detail, particularly in assessing patients' musculoskeletal alignment during evaluations. Drawing from her diverse skill set, Erin has expanded her therapeutic approach at Hands On Therapy by incorporating techniques such as kinesiotape application and manual treatments to address fascial and neural tension.  Furthermore, Erin's commitment to personalized care is evident in her dedication to developing meaningful exercises and activities tailored to each patient's interests and needs. Her holistic approach to therapy, combined with her artistic sensibility and attention to detail, ensures that patients receive comprehensive and effective treatment at Hands On Therapy.

Katelyn Kerr OTD, OTR/L is a dedicated occupational therapist who earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Towson University. With previous experience in a multi-level care setting, Katelyn is passionate about equipping her upper extremity patients with the adaptations and skills needed for independence and aging in place. Known for her gentle approach and compassionate care, Katelyn excels in working with post-surgical patients, ensuring their comfort and progress throughout the rehabilitation process. She finds fulfillment in witnessing her patients experience a reduction in pain and improvement in their daily activities, reflecting her commitment to their overall well-being.  Outside of her professional endeavors, Katelyn enjoys reading, running, hiking, and listening to music. Her diverse interests and compassionate nature complement her dedication to providing exceptional care to her patients, ensuring they achieve optimal outcomes and quality of life under her guidance.


Lauri Jenkins, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, brings a wealth of experience and a diverse background to her role at Hands On Therapy. With a bachelor’s degree in history and psychology, Lauri has accumulated over 25 years of experience working in various settings, including community settings, hospitals, and cognitive/vocational rehabilitation programs.  Known for her holistic approach to upper extremity therapy, Lauri is skilled in utilizing soft tissue techniques such as guasha and tuning fork to address fascial restrictions and swelling, providing comprehensive care to her patients. Her passion for healing and her inquisitive nature drive her to continually seek innovative ideas to improve patient outcomes.  Outside of her professional endeavors, Lauri enjoys decorating, running, and nurturing her orchids. She is a cat lover and has recently discovered a new passion for pickleball. Lauri’s diverse interests and commitment to excellence make her a valuable member of the Hands On Therapy team, where she strives to empower her patients and enhance their quality of life.

Alyssa Rose COTA brings a unique perspective and a fresh approach to her role at Hands On Therapy. As a graduate of CCBC's Occupational Therapy Assistant program and with a bachelor's degree in Deaf Studies and Linguistics from Towson University, Alyssa has a deep understanding of the importance of hand function, particularly in her work with the Deaf community.  Passionate about finding innovative ways to support her clients and reduce their pain while enhancing their independence,  Alyssa's dedication to her patients is evident in her commitment to ongoing professional development.  Outside of her professional pursuits, Alyssa leads an active lifestyle, indulging in hobbies such as kayaking, rollerblading, hiking with her dog, riding motocross, reading, and playing music. Her diverse interests and boundless energy make her a valuable asset to the Hands On Therapy team, where she strives to empower her patients and help them achieve their goals.

Our Office Administrator, Shannon and Office Assistant Marci, and our Techs Briana and Taylor welcome our clients to the facility. Our team will go above and beyond to ensure you are treated with respect and dignity and help to provide a calm, comforting and healing environment. (under construction)
  

Availability

Office hours vary in each location

Monday:

Availble

Tuesday:

Available

Wednesday:

Available

Thursday:

Available

Friday:

Available

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed