A Team Dedicated to Baby Development
Milestones and Moments emerged from a collective passion for early childhood development and a shared vision among experienced pediatric occupational therapists.
Our practice began with a simple mission: to make expert developmental support accessible to all families—not just those with identified concerns.
“We created Milestones and Moments as a place where every baby could benefit from the science of early development, where parents could find both expertise and empathy, and where developmental therapy felt like play rather than work.
-Nicole Ecker, Founder of Milestones and Moments
Our Approach: The Science Behind the Play
Unlike generic baby classes or basic developmental checkups, our comprehensive assessment process identifies subtle opportunities to optimize your baby’s development before challenges emerge.
By addressing the underlying foundations of skills, rather than just the skills themselves, we help babies develop more efficiently and joyfully.
Neurodevelopmental Therapy
Understanding how your baby’s brain forms crucial connections during sensitive periods
Sensory Integration
Supporting your baby’s ability to process and
respond to sensory information
Attachment-Based Practices
Recognizing that secure relationships are the foundation for all development
Motor Learning Theory
Facilitating optimal movement patterns through carefully sequenced activities
Family-Centered Care
Empowering you as your baby’s most important developmental partner
Meet Our Visionary
Nicole Ecker, MS OTR/L is an Occupational Therapist with over 15 years of experience. She discovered her love for Occupational Therapy in her freshman year of High School at their annual career day. She began volunteering for the presenter, Anne Buckley-Reen, that very next week. After volunteering and working at that practice for four years she began her studies at college and graduate school in the pursuit of becoming an OT. Nicole holds a BA in Psychology, a BS in Health Sciences and MS in Occupational Therapy. She has worked in pediatrics for her entire career. She began with the NYC Department of Education and has been there over 17 years. Nicole also worked in sensory gyms and in home care through the Early Intervention program.
In her work with older school age children Nicole realized the incredible importance of the first year in a child’s life. All the development that occurs in that year paves the way for motor skills in the future. With a real passion for babies and development she began Milestones + Moments to help babies and their families never miss a milestone or a moment of connection.
Nicole is constantly learning and improving her skills to provide the very best care. She is trained in Craniosacral Therapy and has gone through mentorship and trainings with B.Mentored and Baby Begin focusing on identification and treatment of tethered oral tissue (TOTS) or lip & tongue ties, pre and post release therapy, primitive reflexes, body work, cranial nerves, lactation and feeding assistance, plagiocephaly and torticollis.
Start the adventure today.
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Developmental Assessments
Comprehensive evaluations of your baby’s motor, sensory, cognitive, and
social-emotional development -
Group Classes
Small-group developmental
play sessions organized by
age and skill level -
Specialized Programs
Targeted support for specific concerns like tummy time resistance, crawling
difficulties, or sensory sensitivities -
Individual Therapy Sessions
One-on-one sessions tailored
to your baby’s specific
developmental needs
“At Milestones and Moments, we don’t just care for babies—we help shape the adults they’ll become. Every movement, every interaction, every moment matters. We’re honored to be part of your family’s developmental journey.”