Our ABA Team
The staff at Believe in Me makes utilizing a collaborative team approach an absolute pleasure.
Our staff members are expertly trained in early childhood development and behavior strategies (with on-going training occurring weekly). Our team is highly skilled and deeply passionate about the work we do.
Miss Kristen, MEd, BCBA, Coordinator of Internships and Colleges
Kristen graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science with a concentration in Community Mental Health and went on to obtain her Master’s of Education degree from Arizona State. Kristen currently holds a credential as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Kristen started working in the field as a paraprofessional in 2008 and has been a tireless advocate for children with special needs. Kristen has a vast experience in a variety of settings from in-home to schools. Each opportunity has provided her with a new skillset and she has a strong background in supporting teammates, assessing children’s strengths, and working closely with families to promote skill development at home. Her passion is working with children to help them succeed. Kristen is excited to work at Believe in Me to teach the children new ways to grow!
Miss Jessica, MA, BCBA
Jessica graduated from Rider University with a BA in Psychology. She then went on to earn her graduate degree from Seton Hall University where she received her Masters of Arts in Special Education with a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. Jessica currently holds a credential as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Jessica began her work in ABA as a behavior technician back in 2013. She has experience working one-on-one with children with autism within the home setting as well as a clinical/center based setting. Jessica is passionate about working with children at their earliest opportunity to help teach functional communication and activities of daily living that will help them thrive in everyday life!
Miss Randee, MS, BCBA, Supervisor of Candidate Quality Control
Randee graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis and then went on to get her graduate degree in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Randee currently holds a board certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Randee has worked with a variety of diagnoses and disabilities for individuals ages 1-16 within the home and school environments. Randee loves to teach functional communication skills to help children get what they want and need from others. She also loves to work with children’s motivation and incorporates programs into a natural play environment to help children learn.
Miss Julia, MA, BCBA
Julia graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Humanities degree and went on to get her graduate degree at Capella University. Julia has a Masters of Psychology degree with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis and currently holds a credential of Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Julia began working in ABA as an RBT in 2019, but has been working in the field of autism intervention long before her first job in the field. Before that, Julia worked as a personal support worker providing assistance to adolescents with autism and then championed the platform of autism awareness during her time spent competing in the Miss America program. Julia believes that if every child has an adult that believes in them, regardless of their disability, the possibilities are endless! She loves working with children and truly enjoys spending time with children of all ages but especially enjoys getting excited about what they’re excited about! Julia is passionate about ABA because she’s seen it work for kids of all ages and is excited to be a part of helping kids reach their full potential!
Miss Gabi, BS, MEd, BCBA, Staff Training Coordinator
Gabi graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She also has a Master’s degree in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis from East Stroudsburg University and currently holds a credential of Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Gabi has been working with children with Autism and developmental disabilities since she was in high school. Gabi is a certified Handle with Care instructor who trains the staff at Believe in Me, emphasizing a safe environment for children with behavioral challenges. As a Point Person at the center Gabi is able to pursue her passion to work with and help children with special and unique needs!
Miss Anabelle, BA, MS, BCBA
Anabelle graduated from Rider University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Elementary Education with a double minor in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. She then went on to obtain her Master’s in Psychology from what was then called Kaplan University (now known as Purdue University Global). Anabelle currently holds a credential as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), along with teaching certifications for Special Education, Preschool to 3rd Grade, and Elementary Education.
Anabelle started working in ABA as a paraprofessional for an after-school program in 2009 and she then became a teacher assistant for Eden Autism School from 2012 until 2016. Afterwards, she taught in a self-contained classroom for 2 years. Anabelle went to expand her skills within homes, schools, and within the community as a RBT. She then passed her BCBA in 2020 and has been working as a BCBA within a center for children with autism between the ages of 2-7 years old. Each opportunity has given Anabelle the skills needed to generalize ABA across settings and ages. They also gave her the ability to learn new skills along the way. She loves to teach functional communication, daily living skills, and social skills to the clients that she serves. She thrives on seeing her clients’ progress over time, and seeing them apply skills they have learned across settings and people as well!
Em, BA, RBT, Day Program Coordinator
Em is a Montclair State University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in special education with a major in Family Science and Human Development and a concentration in Families, Children, and School Settings. They are Believe in Me’s longest-standing employee and has been a part of the team since the beginning! Em previously completed an independent study running a preschool program and teaching other high schoolers how to create lesson plans and work with children. They have also spent time as a student teacher in a 5th grade resource classroom through Rider University. Em is excellent at developing instant rapport with children and loves facilitating lively games and activities to help children interact and build play skills!
Mr. Chris, RBT, Day Program Assistant
Chris is originally from Auburn, Alabama and moved to New Jersey in June of 2021. He spent his last four years in Alabama working at a day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the past year working on life and social skills with his clients in their own homes. He also coached Special Olympics Track and Field, Bowling, and Miracle League baseball during this time. Chris loves bettering the life of any child that he has the privilege of working with!
Miss Kymberley, BA, Little Believers Club Coordinator
Kymberley earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology with a Disability Studies minor from William Paterson University. She has always been inspired to help others and while in college she volunteered with children from ages 4-18 years old. Kymberley also worked as a student assistant in the William Paterson Transition Program where she supported students with intellectual disabilities while in class, also engaging with professors to ensure her students were provided with age- and developmentally-appropriate activities and games. Kymberley is honored and excited to be apart of team dedicated to helping children grow into their best selves!
Miss Melissa, BS, Event Coordinator
Melissa graduated with her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. After her undergrad, Melissa worked as an assistant data manager in the Pitt Parents and Children Lab, researching the development of early behaviors in certain environmental factors, and applying research in early interventions to prevent negative early behaviors. She went on to work as a BHT providing ABA in Pittsburgh for 3 years. Melissa worked in the school, home, and community settings with her clients and ran a social group in the evenings for children with Autism, ages 5-21, to support peer interactions. Melissa is very excited to join the Believe in Me family and work with the children!
Miss Madison, BS, Social Sprouts Coordinator
Madison graduated from Stockton University with a Bachelors in Psychology and plans on pursuing her Masters in Counseling this upcoming year. Madison worked directly with children ages 1-12 at a daycare center for over 2 years. As a recreational therapist at Alaris Health she created therapeutic programs in a safe and inclusive environment for all of her clients. The reason she chose to work with children is because she always remembers the teachers that wanted to see her succeed and grow as a kid, and she is happy to be doing the same with the Believe in Me team!
Miss Shannon D, BA, RBT
Miss Shannon is County College of Morris graduate and earned her bachelors degree in Psychology with a minor in Health and Society from Rutgers University, Shannon plans to obtain her Masters in social work with a major in psychology and a minor in business, with a Psy.D program on the horizon! Shannon has a passion for mental health and psychology. She has experience working with children including special needs through previous camps and child-care positions. Shannon adores working with children and helping them grow and learn!
Mr. Anthony, BA, RBT
Anthony graduated with an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice and later a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in 2019 from the University of Baltimore. He has prior experience working as a mental health worker in helping those with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities. Anthony entered the field of ABA in 2021, quickly advanced to a lead therapist and obtained his RBT credential. He is also interested in pursuing national accreditation in the next few years. Anthony is very passionate about helping others and loves nothing more than seeing his kiddos succeed!
Miss Kayta, BA
Kayta graduated from Bates College with a Bachelors of Arts in psychology and a minor in French. During her time in college she spent time doing research on adolescent and child therapy and is very passionate about the subject. Kayta hopes to further her education by pursuing a Master’s in counseling in the near future. She has extensive experience working with young children and greatly enjoys it. Kayta is thrilled to be a part of the Believe in Me team and make a positive impact on the lives of others!
Miss Thalia, Current Behavior Technician Student
Thalia was born in Puerto Rico and moved to New Jersey at a young age. Growing up in a family who fostered many special needs children, Thalia learned much about love and compassion. She had the opportunity to assist ABA therapists who worked with children in her home, which has given her valuable experience and knowledge in understanding and implementing ABA programs for children. Thalia became an advocate for her younger sister with special needs and was inspired to work with children who have diverse abilities and interests. She is very passionate about her job working with children and is determined to work diligently to ensure a great environment where every child can succeed!
Miss Kayla, BA
Kayla is a graduate of Ithaca College where she obtained her B.A in Psychology alongside a minor in Neuroscience. Since graduating, she has gained experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities as both a behavior technician and a direct support professional. She plans to pursue a Master’s degree in ABA in the near future in order to seek national certification. Kayla has always felt a strong passion for advocating for individuals of all ages with disabilities and believes everyone deserves the chance to maximize their potential. Kayla is thrilled to have the opportunity to help the little ones flourish!
Miss Shannon A, BA
Shannon graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and with a minor in philosophy. She has always been passionate about working with children and helping them reach their full potential. Shannon has experience interning as a behavioral research assistant and gained knowledge of ABA while working in a preschool. She believes in creating a comfortable and happy environment to help children grow and learn. Shannon is excited to pursue her career working in this field and to be a part of the Believe In Me team!
Miss Angie, MSW
Angela began her educational voyage at the County College of Morris in Randolph Township. She achieved dual Associate of Science degrees in Liberal Arts and sciences with a specialization in Humanities/Social Science and Child and Family Studies. Continuing her pursuit of knowledge, Angela enrolled at Ramapo College of New Jersey in Mahwah. Here, she focused her studies on Social Science and Human Services (SSHS) and achieved a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Angela recently graduated from the Master's program at Ramapo College of New Jersey with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Angela's professional journey has seen her working across various diagnoses and disabilities, supporting individuals in home and school environments. Her dedication to working with children has been a cornerstone of her efforts, fostering an environment where they can learn and flourish!
Miss Kellie, CDA, AA, RBT
Kellie graduated from Sussex Community College with her associate degree in psychology. She then plans on pursing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well! Kellie has dedicated the last 7 years to working with children of different developmental ranges as well as different abilities. In August 2022, Kellie had received her Childhood Development associate degree. This brings Kellie a wealth of knowledge when it comes to child development and different strategies on how to learn through play. Kellie believes that learning through play is the best way to learn in a warm and comforting environment. She is excited to gain even more experience in her dream field!
Miss Latasia, Auxiliary Police Academy Graduate
From a young age Latasia was heavily influenced by her parents’ careers. Her father worked as a special education teacher before becoming a Dean and her mother served as a counselor to teens on the spectrum. She often shadowed her parents which sparked her interest to work in the Autism field. Latasia has over 7 years of childcare experience including 2 years of ABA. She is currently attending Fairleigh Dickinson University double majoring in Law and Government and Criminology. She is planning to add a minor in Disability studies and plans to represent clients with developmental disabilities in the future!
Miss Carly, BA
Carly recently graduated from William Paterson University with her BA in psychology. She plans to start her masters program in Mental Health Counseling next fall to pursue her dream of being a mental health therapist! She has a passion for how the brain works and develops throughout childhood. She has years of experience working with kids and young adults with intellectual disabilities and mental illnesses. While at County College of Morris she worked with 17-26 year olds who have intellectual disabilities get acclimated to college as a Peer Mentor. She also gained experience through babysitting kids age 3 months-13 years old, working in after school programs, and summer camps. Carly is excited to join the Believe in Me team to help each child succeed in a safe, fun, and comfortable environment, as well as gain more skills and knowledge to obtain her RBT certification!
Miss Jessica, BA
Jessica studied Psychology with a concentration in Child Psychology at Sussex County Community College for two years. She went on to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a Minor in Psychology from William Paterson University. Jessica started working with children when she was a freshman in high school at Wallkill Valley Regional HS. She started as a volunteer camp counselor at Blue Mountain Day Camp. She continued to be a camp counselor each summer until she graduated. Jessica has 8+ years’ experience combined working with children and adolescents with special needs and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is looking forward to learning new skills as she works toward becoming certified as a behavior technician. Jessica is excited to join the Believe In Me team and being a part of each child’s journey to fulfilling their potential!
Mr. Colin, Current Medical Field Student
Colin is currently pursuing an education in the medical field at County College Of Morris. His high school years were very involved in a program designed to assist children with autism, where he provided support with their daily activities and offered guidance with care and patience. Colin's partner's family fostered children with autism and he would find his days spending much time with them. There he found fulfillment and joy in his interactions with these kids. This experience solidified his future in a career of helping children, ensuring they receive the care and assistance they deserve!
Miss Marie, BA
Marie graduated from Montclair State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Medical Humanities and had a double minor in American Sign Language (ASL) and Psychology. Having family members with disabilities gave her an insight into the field of ABA however it wasn’t until the fall of her senior semester that she realized that she wanted to provide services in any field to help those who are not able to express themselves. Marie has now worked in ABA for almost a year with children aged between 2-10 years old. She feels the most rewarding part of each day is having a child master a skill or find their voice. Her intended goal is to pursue Speech Pathology in the next 3 years. Marie says she would not be the person she is today if it wasn’t for all her educators that got her to this point. She hopes that everything she does will give any kiddo that same impact!
Miss Lea, RBT
Lea studied Psychology at Caldwell University and plans to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree with a concentration in Early Childhood Development. She has worked with children for over ten years, from volunteering as a youth group member through her local Boy’s and Girl’s Club, to being an Early Childhood Educator for the past four years. Lea has always had a passion working with children to help them grow, learn, and flourish! Lea is so excited to be a part of the team and have the opportunity to make such a positive impact in children’s lives!
Miss Anaya, BA, MA
Anaya graduated from Rider University in 2020 with a BA in Psychology. She then went on to complete her Master’s in Applied Psychology from Rider University and is working towards national certification. She started in the field as an intern at Eden Autism in Princeton, NJ and has been working as an ABA therapist for the past three years. She has worked in a variety of settings including home-based therapy and center-based therapy. She has worked with clients between the ages of 1-12 years old and loves taking the time to get to know her clients and build a strong relationship with them. Anaya is enthusiastic about joining the Believe in Me team and can’t wait to see her clients thrive!
Miss Ashley, BA, RBT
Ashley graduated from Centenary University with her Bachelors of Art in Psychology. She is currently enrolled in Florida Tech’s Behavior Analysis Practice program and will be working towards national certification. Ashley has extensive experience working with children of all ages. She teaches dance ages 3-18 and has worked as an ABA therapist with ages 2-6 prior to starting at Believe in Me! Ashley is so excited to join the Believe in Me team and work with all the children to help them grow!
Miss Shelby, BA, MS, RBT
Shelby is a Rutgers University graduate with a Master’s degree in Applied Psychology and a focus in ABA. She has been working in the field for 3 years and has found a passion in organizational behavior management (OBM). She is working towards becoming national certification and looks forward to positively shaping the ABA world to better assist clients. During her time at Rutgers, she unexpectedly began working with children and found it rewarding and exciting. Shelby looks forward to fostering connection and growth within this community and returning to school for her Doctorate soon!
Miss Gianna, BA
Gianna is an enthusiastic graduate from William Paterson University, with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Her passion for advocacy and building meaningful connections has driven her to gain more experience in the behavioral health field. Gianna is excited to start with the Believe In Me team and contribute to their mission. Gianna is on a path to earn her RBT certification and plans to pursue a Master’s degree in the future. Gianna is eager to apply her creativity and skills to support children in reaching their goals in and out of the center!
Miss Nathalia, BSW
Nathalia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Ramapo College of New Jersey and has built a solid foundation in the field through hands-on experience working with adults facing severe mental illness and children with disabilities. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work from the same institution, Nathalia is dedicated to advancing her expertise and skills. Additionally, she is actively working towards obtaining her RBT certification, underscoring her commitment to supporting children in reaching their full potential. With a passionate focus on helping young clients achieve their goals, Nathalia is eager to make a meaningful impact at Believe in Me, bringing both academic knowledge and practical experience to her role!
Mr. Matt, BA
Matt is a graduate of the University of Delaware and holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He has spent years working with children at summer camps and sports games, and has volunteered at Camp Royall, the nation’s oldest and largest camp for individuals with autism. Matt is currently working towards his RBT Certification and plans to work towards a master’s degree in a related field in the future. Matt is incredibly excited to be a part of the Believe in Me team and looks forward to employing his knowledge and enthusiasm towards his role with the team!
Miss Rachel, Current Behavior Technician Student
Rachel has been working with children as a baby sitter and private nanny for about 10 years, with ages ranging from 1 to 13. Rachel loves working with children, aiding them in their development through compassion, connection, and dedication for each child. She plans to acquire her certification to become an RBT and further her education in the behavioral development field. Rachel is so excited to make a positive impact on all children that she has the pleasure of working with and is so excited to further her journey here at Believe in Me!
Miss Taylor, BA, MA
Taylor is deeply passionate about working with children, drawing on extensive experience from years of babysitting, Bible schools, various volunteer roles, and one-on-one mental health counseling. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from Moravian University in Bethlehem, PA, Taylor has always been committed to understanding, advocating for, and supporting mental health and young minds. Currently, Taylor is wrapping up a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ, with graduation just around the corner in December. Taylor loves helping children discover their full potential and find their voices in a world where they are the future. Taylor is excited to have the opportunity to continue her passion as a member of the Believe in Me team!
Wren, BA
Wren graduated from Roanoke College in Virginia with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Wren has always had a passion for psychology and leading with compassion. They’ve volunteered with different organizations and individuals to work with children to encourage young writers and girls in STEM. After working hard to graduate early, they traveled the US and Europe and gained experience communicating through language barriers and problem solving. Their background in animal care taught them much about behavior, motivations, nonverbal communication, and patience. Wren is looking to pursue RBT training and a masters degree in order to continue working with children in the field of psychology. They are very excited to be a part of the Believe in Me team and look forward to using their creativity and passion to help children grow!
Miss Marlene, BA, MA
Marlene graduated from Bloomsburg University in 1993 with a BA in Biology. She then obtained her master’s degree in Elementary Education at Grand Canyon University. As her real passion is working with children who have autism, Marlene is currently completing a second master’s degree in special education for Applied Behavior Analysis at Arizona State University. She is planning to obtain her national certification next year. Marlene has worked as an ABA therapist for many years, both in school districts as well as in-home therapy with children ages 2-18. She loves being part of their learning experience and is excited to be a part of the Believe in Me Team!
Miss Ashanti, BS
Ashanti graduated this spring from Montclair State University with a bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in linguistics. She always wanted to work with children, and ever since starting in the ABA field she has loved every second of it. As a behavior technician, Ashanti has worked with children ranging from ages 4-12, adapting her therapeutic style to meet the needs of each child, and every part of it has been such a reward. She plans on furthering her career in the field by obtaining her master’s degree, and working towards national certification in the future. Ashanti is so thrilled to be joining this team and making a difference in the kiddos’ lives!
Miss Tiffany, Current Behavior Technician Student
Tiffany has over eight years of experience in child care as a head teacher working with children ages six weeks to 6 years old. Tiffany loves working with children while applying behavioral management strategies. She is well-versed in parent communication and collaboration and supporting children’s social and emotional development. She is planning to further her education and seek national certification. Tiffany is thrilled to be part of a team dedicated to helping children learn and grow!
Miss Cecilia, Current Psychological Sciences Student
Cecilia is a current student at the University of Connecticut with a major in Psychological Sciences and a Minor in Human Development and Family Studies. At school, she spends her time in the Cognition, Action, and Psychophysiology Lab studying childhood development as well as in the UConn Child Development Laboratories. She has many years of experience working with children and hopes to further her education. She is eager to gain even more experience in the field as she supports each child’s individual progress!
Miss Mikaela, Current Philosophy Student
Mikaela is a current student at Hobart and William Smith colleges pursuing a degree in philosophy with a focus on psychology. At school, Mikaela has organized numerous psychological research studies, and has found significant interest in mental health. She plans on obtaining an MSW and pursuing a career in therapy in the future. Mikaela has worked with children of all ages for over 10 years as a babysitter, camp counselor, and older sister. Mikaela adores children and cannot be more excited to join the Believe in Me team!
Mr. Ryan, BA
Ryan graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a major in Psychology, and minoring in Studio Arts. He has worked with children for many years at Morristown Beard Day Camp. During his time at MBS day camp, Ryan was awarded Camp Counselor of the Summer in 2019 and 2022. Along with this, Ryan has experience with babysitting young children, as young as ages 1 and 2. Ryan is dedicated to becoming a cognitive behavioral therapist in order to assist children and adolescents in need. At the center, Ryan knows that his love to work for children and dedication will be rewarding, as he looks forward to seeing the children around him grow and reach their individual goals!
Miss Vonesa, BA
Vonesa graduated early with her bachelor's degree in Sociology and Criminology from William Paterson University with a minor in Clinical Cognitive & Neuropsychology and in Anthropology. As one of the eldest in a large family, Vonesa has taken on the caregiver role from a young age. She loves taking care of children and understands how vital the early stages of life are, she finds joy in aiding children in these stages and watching them grow in every aspect of life. Vonesa has always enjoyed helping others in achieving their goals as well as those in need. She has spent time volunteering in beach clean-ups, park clean-ups, and as a tutor. During her undergraduate career, Vonesa interned at a Prosecutor's Office in the Special Victims Unit aiding in cases involving children which is where she was introduced to Forensic Psychology and to the psychology of Children and their emotional health. Vonesa is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology with the end goal of earning a PhD. As a Clinical Psychologist Vonesa plans to work with children and the adolescent community and plans to continue her research on Psychological Maltreatment in Children. Vonesa has been working as a part-time babysitter for 8 years and has been working as a Behavioral Therapist in ABA for the past couple months and has enjoyed every minute of it. She loves the field, she is so excited to begin and to join the team!
Miss Megan, Current Psychology Student
Megan is working towards her degree in Psychology at Muhlenberg College. She has worked with children in settings ranging from babysitting, summer camp volunteering, co-teaching dance classes, and, most recently, fieldwork experience in a 2nd-grade Autism support classroom. Her time in the Autism support classroom confirmed her passion for working with children with diverse abilities, interests, and needs. Megan plans to pursue a Master’s in Social Work, gaining clinical and advocacy skills to support vulnerable children, adolescents, and their families. Megan is thrilled to be a part of the growth and development of the children at Believe in Me!
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