Roots Team

I have been working alongside neurodivergent individuals and their families since 2007, when a summer job substituting in a preschool classroom for children on the autism spectrum unexpectedly changed the course of my life. Although I had always planned to pursue elementary education, that experience sparked a deep passion that has guided my career ever since. From there, I worked as a respite provider in Rhode Island while completing my undergraduate degree in psychology, gaining firsthand experience supporting children and families in their natural environments.

After graduating, I continued my work in both ABA and DIR-based classrooms as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher while earning my Master’s degree in Elementary and Special Education. I spent over five years as a high school special education teacher, supporting students through critical transitional years, before beginning my journey toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. I earned my BCBA credential in 2020 and went on to complete Level One DIR® training through Profectum, as well as a Certificate in Developmental Models of Autism Intervention from Montclair State University.

My approach is shaped not only by my education, but by nearly two decades of hands-on experience working directly with neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan. I believe deeply in a holistic, child-first model that honors each individual’s unique strengths, needs, and developmental path. True, lasting progress happens when we collaborate with a child’s entire village—families, caregivers, educators, and community supports. My long-term vision is to expand opportunities for adults over 21, empowering them to actively engage in their communities, build meaningful independence, and live full, connected lives.