Who we are
O'Brien CMC is a small team in Pleasantville, NY that teaches real-world skills through virtual reality technology. Participants ages 14 and up practice driving, fitness and job skills in realistic virtual settings, with a VR trainer beside them the whole time. Classes are in person, one hour long, and your first one is free.
How we teach
Everyone learns differently, so we start with you. We get to know your strengths and goals, then build a learning plan made just for you. Every session follows four steps:
1. Learn: your trainer teaches the skill and breaks it into small, clear steps.
2. Practice: you take that lesson into the VR simulation for hands-on practice.
3. Debrief: together we review how it went.
4. Next steps: we plan what to work on next.
What sets us apart is our trainers' knowledge, our technology, and the patience, kindness and empathy that bring out each person's best. We are one of the few places to offer VR driving, fitness and job-skills training under one roof.
In the news: The Examiner featured our VR training in August 2025. Read the article →
Meet the Team
Founder & Director
C.J. O'Brien
C.J. founded O'Brien CMC in 2022 to give people a safe, low-pressure place to practice the skills that matter to them. Since 2018 he has worked with people of all abilities, helping them build skills, confidence and independence. He designs every VR program so each participant learns at their own pace, with a trainer by their side.
Vocational Skills Trainer
Mark Benitez
Mark is a licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) and ABA therapist with years of experience in community habilitation. As our Vocational Skills Trainer, he helps participants practice job interviews, workplace conversations and everyday job skills in VR, one step at a time. His goal is to give every person the tools and confidence to reach their own goals.
Administrative Assistant
Angelica Dones
Angelica Dones is our administrative assistant and often the first person families talk to. She helps with scheduling, questions and getting you set up for your first class. Angelica brings over 9 years of experience in human services and holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Mercy College.