New child-friendly facility elevates standard of care for pediatric patients by expanding access to specialized therapy and supporting recovery for hospitalized children
VALHALLA, NY – February 2, 2026 – Westchester Medical Center Health Network’s (WMCHealth) Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital today announced the opening of its new pediatric rehabilitation gym, a child-friendly therapy space designed to strengthen inpatient rehabilitation services for children affected by acute illness, injury, surgical procedures, and complex medical conditions.
Made possible through generous philanthropic support, the new gym provides a safe, engaging environment for specialized physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The space is designed to help children improve mobility, build strength, regain independence, and benefit from rehabilitation services without the need for transport to off-site facilities — supporting a smoother, more consistent healing process.
“This dedicated space allows us to deliver highly specialized rehabilitation therapies in a setting that feels warm, welcoming, and truly tailored to children,” said Vera Tsetlina, MD, Medical Director of Pediatric Physiatry at Westchester Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine and Pediatrics at New York Medical College. “We are deeply grateful for the philanthropic support that brought this vision to life and strengthened our ability to help children reach their functional goals.”
“Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital is founded on the belief that children heal best when their physical, emotional, and developmental needs are met together,” said Erika Berman-Rosenzweig, MD, William Russell McCurdy Physician-in-Chief & Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at WMCHealth; Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at NYMC School of Medicine. “This new rehabilitation gym enhances our multidisciplinary approach and ensures families across the Hudson Valley have access to exceptional pediatric rehabilitation close to home, should their children become hospitalized.”
The gym is equipped with child-sized therapy tools, adaptive equipment, and activity-based features that encourage movement through play — an essential component of pediatric healing. The space also provides opportunities for families to learn exercises and techniques to continue at home, helping children maintain progress beyond their hospital stay. By expanding inpatient rehabilitation capabilities, the pediatric rehabilitation gym reinforces Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital’s role as the region’s leading provider of advanced pediatric care and enhances the overall patient and family experience.