About Us
Ashley Satenstein, MS OTR/L CHT
Ashley is an occupational therapist (OT) and certified hand therapist (CHT). Her in-depth experience in both outpatient and inpatient orthopedic settings gives her valuable insights to her client-centered approach while working with a variety of diagnoses. She is skilled in treating neurological and orthopedic injuries of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. Ashley employs an evidence-based rationale for treatment and is passionate about helping her patients obtain the best possible outcomes. She is a clinical supervisor for occupational therapy masters students completing Level I fieldwork. Her passion for the science of hand therapy ultimately led her to found the NYC Hand Therapy Journal Club, creating a space for therapists to discuss peer-reviewed journals and keep up with current research findings. Ashley is also a Certified Ergonomics Assessment Specialist (CEAS®), and is skilled at identifying risk factors and determining solutions and opportunities for improvement. She is a proud member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and American Society of Hand Therapists.
B.A. in Psychology, University of Rochester
M.S. in Occupational Therapy, Downstate Medical Center
Richard Whalley, OTD OTR/L CHT
Richard is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) with expertise in the treatment and management of orthopedic, peripheral nerve, tendon, and other soft tissue conditions related to hand and upper extremity injuries. He holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) with a specialization in hand and upper extremity research and rehabilitation. Richard’s professional background includes working with underserved poly-trauma populations requiring extensive post-operative, multi-phase rehabilitation. He also brings valuable experience in pediatric care, where he has developed specialized skills in treating developmental and orthopedic conditions that impact handwriting and school performance. In addition to his clinical work, Richard is a dedicated educator and mentor. He supervises master’s and doctoral students during their Level I and Level II fieldwork placements and regularly provides guest lectures to graduate programs. Richard is also a frequent presenter at national conferences on hand and upper extremity topics. His scholarly work includes peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and magazine contributions. In 2019, he was honored with the American Society of Hand Therapists’ (ASHT) ‘Best Scientific Poster Award’ for his original research. Passionate about innovative therapy solutions, Richard incorporates 3D design and printing technology and a variety of materials to develop personalized adaptive devices, exercises and orthotics, enhancing patient outcomes.
B.S. in Human Development, Binghamton University
OTD, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine
Over four decades ago, Ann Lang, an Occupational Therapist (OT) and trailblazer in the specialized field of hand therapy, began her practice on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Achieving the distinction of becoming a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) in 1991, she was among the inaugural class of CHTs. Over time, Ann cultivated strong affiliations with hand surgeons and physicians across New York City and the tri-state area, transforming her modest solo-practitioner clinic into a vibrant and thriving private practice, earning her the endearing title of “the best on the west.”
Determined to perpetuate her legacy of excellence, Ann extended her expertise to her daughter, Ashley, in 2015, marking the genesis of “Lang Hand Therapy.” As the practice flourished, and with Ann’s eventual retirement in mind, Ashley and Ann welcomed Richard to the team in 2020. Richard had the opportunity to work alongside and be mentored by both Ann and Ashley, further ensuring the continuity of the “Ann Lang” brand of hand therapy. In 2022, Ashley officially assumed the role of Clinical Director and Practice Owner of Lang Hand Therapy.
Today, under Ashley Satenstein MS OTR/L CHT’s leadership, alongside her associate Richard Whalley OTD OTR/L CHT, Lang Hand Therapy remains dedicated to delivering exceptional, highly specialized, and compassionate care to its patients. Addressing a broad spectrum of upper extremity conditions, from post-surgical recovery to chronic issues, the practice offers personalized care that recognizes the individual impact on physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Consideration is always given to the patient’s desired return to specific activities and tasks.
Building upon Ann’s years of unwavering dedication to hand therapy, Lang Hand Therapy has fostered a healing environment that blends individualized care, group psychosocial support, creativity, precision, and evidence-based approaches. This distinctive approach has consistently resulted in optimal outcomes and high patient satisfaction, solidifying Lang Hand Therapy’s reputation as a beacon of excellence in hand therapy in New York City.
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