Our Team

Ariana Cusack

BCBA, LBA

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Ariana received a dual certification in General and Special Education, with a degree in Psychology from Mount Saint Mary College. She received a Master's of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western Connecticut State University and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She is a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Connecticut. Ariana has been educating children for over 10 years and has been working in the field of applied behavior analysis since 2013. She has experience working with children and adolescents with autism and other developmental disorders, ranging from ages 2-18 years old, in both the home and school setting. Ariana has an enthusiastic and authentic way of implementing evidenced based ABA principles, strategies, and social/emotional learning. She is a dedicated educator who yearns to teach and support children to the best of their ability.

Patricia Gernert

BCBA, LBA

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Patricia Bradbury Gernert is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in Connecticut. Patricia has been working with students with Autism and other related disorders for 27 years. She has had the opportunity to work with ages 18 months up to 23 years of age. Patricia has had the privilege over the years to work in both the private and public-school sectors as well as developed and supervised private in-home Applied Behavior Analysis programs. Patricia holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Psychology and a Master's degree in Psychology. When Patricia is not working, she enjoys walks, movies and just hanging out with her family.

Alexandria Tomasini

BCBA, LBA

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Alexandria has been working with individuals who have intellectual and learning disabilities since 2009 and in applied behavior analysis since 2015. She earned her undergraduate degree in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University and her Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western Connecticut State University. She began working in a classroom with students who had social, emotional, learning, behavioral and developmental needs through the Connecticut public school systems. She transitioned into working with families in the homes in 2018. Her biggest goal has always been to see her clients succeed to their highest potential. Alexandria is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Connecticut. Alexandria loves everything sunflowers! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going hiking, traveling to the beach, and reading a good book.

Melissa Arconti

BCBA, LBA

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Melissa grew up in Danbury, CT and studied Psychology at Western Connecticut State University as an undergraduate. Upon graduating and being inducted into the PSY CHI International Honor Society in Psychology, Melissa began working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Melissa started her career as a Behavior Therapist working in a special education classroom in Stratford, CT then moving to the Monroe, CT school district to work with children in the general education classroom setting. This is when Melissa realized her passion for working with kids diagnosed with ASD. She began her master's degree at Ball State University in the hopes of becoming a BCBA. While in her master's program Melissa and her husband moved to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where she continued to work in the ABA field, this time, in the home setting supporting fellow military families and their children diagnosed with ASD. Melissa passed the board exam and started working as a BCBA in Camp Lejeune, NC until the end of her husband's enlistment, and moved back to Connecticut to be closer to family.

Melissa thinks of herself as an eager learner always wanting to improve and learn more on best practices to support children and their families navigate through everyday life.

Lauren Dannenberg

BCBA, LBA

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Lauren became interested in ABA after taking a learning class in my undergrad program. She then decided to pursue my BCBA after interning at the New England Center for Children. Lauren has worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for the past 14 years in home, clinic, residential, community and school settings.

Lauren's interests include organizational behavior management, staff training, teaching functional communication, and developing language skills. Lauren loves her job because she gets to be part of a team making changes with the children we work with and also providing meaningful training and guidance to our staff.

Heather Gray-Merrill

BCBA, LBA

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Heather has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for over 20 years. Heather realized her true passion for ABA when working in an elementary school with students with autism, it was at that moment that she realized Applied Behavior Analysis was the profession she was meant for. Heather is highly driven and knowledgeable in teaching individuals to build their skills in communication and reducing maladaptive behaviors. Heather focuses on parent training to best support and assist parents in constructing a positive environment for their children and supporting parents' to regain their confidence. Heather's years of experience include working in schools, homes, clinics and residential programs, as well as assisting individuals in building and maintaining employment.

Heather graduated with a degree in Human Service from Springfield College in 2009, became a BCaBA in 2015 and received her Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western Connecticut State University in 2018. Heather is a BCBA and a licensed Behavior Analyst in Connecticut. In Heather's free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Alicia DeSanti

BCBA, LBA

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Alicia DeSanti has been working with children for over twenty years. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from New York University and her Master's Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Queens College. She taught first grade In New York City and then English as a Second Language in Westchester to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. She obtained her post graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology and was a Developmental Therapist Associate working in homes with young children with autism and developmental delays before becoming a BCBA. Alicia loves traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Melanie Porter

BCBA, LBA

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Melanie earned her undergraduate degree from the University of CT and master's degree from Western CT State University. She has been working with individuals with behavioral and developmental disabilities for over eight years in multiple different settings. Melanie has experience working with individuals ages two-sixteen years of age, and has a strong interest in early intervention through natural environment teaching methods. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, and travelling.

Alyssa Kelly

BCBA, LBA

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Alyssa Kelly studied Sociology and Psychology at The State University of New York at Cortland as an undergraduate. She received a Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism from Russell Sage Colleges. Alyssa is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Licensed Behavior Analyst in Connecticut. She has been working in the field for over 10 years and has experience working with individuals in home, and in preschool, elementary, and middle school settings. In addition to her professional experience, Alyssa has volunteered at several athletic programs for children, adolescents, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. Alyssa is a dedicated BCBA who strives to support the behavioral, social, and academic needs of her clients and their families by using evidence based ABA principles. In her spare time Alyssa loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, gardening, and coaching field hockey.

Roxanne Dowe-Merchant

BCBA, RBT

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Roxanne Dowe-Merchant is a mother of 3 and has been in the field of ABA for 4 years (RBT for 3 years and BCBA since 2022.) She graduated from Capella University with a Masters in Psychology specialization in ABA and Child and Adolescent development and is passionate about early childhood intervention. Before becoming an RBT, she worked as a head teacher at a preschool for 10 years. She loves traveling to tropical places, visiting different beaches, learning about the culture and eating different cultural foods and tropical fruits. She also loves to garden and have girls night with friends.

Nicole Orrico

RBT

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Nicole received her bachelor's in psychology from Suny New Paltz in New York. While completing her undergraduate degree, she became certified as a Registered Behavioral Technician. She will be continuing my education at Russel Sage College to obtain a master's degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Her goal is to pursue a career as a Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst to further her education and help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder achieve their highest potential. She has been working in the field of Applied Behavioral Analysis for two years in a home setting. She has experience working with children and adolescents ranging from ages 5-17 years old. She is dedicated to teaching my clients a variety of skills to help them experience the best quality of life. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, painting and spending time with family.

Charlie Hettenbach

RBT

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Charlie has been working with the people in this organization for nearly Five years, and even at his age he have learned much on dealing with our clients. He has much respect for the staff, parents and guardians. He has seen tremendous growth from our clients and loves the challenge. There is much to accomplish and he looks forward to being part of that process.

Elsa Pepe

RBT

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Elsa has worked in the Danbury Schools 15+ years in ABA Programs/Specialized in ASD with Cusack Applied Behavior Analysis for 3.5 yrs ABA. Elsa has Specialized in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), she is certified in Mindfulness, CPI Certified (Crisis Prevention Institute), Certificate Yale University-Times of Uncertainty and Stress, Active Shooter-How to Respond Certified and is Bilingual.

Katie Power

RBT

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Katie Power started her ABA journey after graduating with her B.A in Psychology from Rowan University in Spring 2019. Shortly after working at a preschool, Katie took her early childhood education and psychology skills to join the CABA team as an RBT! It's been a perfect fit ever since and she is proud to be apart of an amazing company who's heart is making a difference, one child at a time.

Mary Ellen Vargo

BCBA, LBA

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Mary Ellen Vargo has worked in the field of autism for over 20 years. Her friend's son was diagnosed at 3 with autism. She was heavily involved in his early intervention and saw the tremendous impact it made on his life. He recently graduated college. She has been a Registered Behavior Technician since 2015.

She has been part of the CABA family for over 4 years.She's worked in a public school for the past 11 years in an autism program. She works with children ages 3-10. Simultaneously, she's worked in home programs with children from ages 6-19.

Her experience encompasses early intervention, academic and life skills. She has extensive knowledge of Verbal Behavior and Applied Behavior Analysis.

Samaya Saunders

RBT

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Samaya Saunders is a Registered Behavior Technician. She has been working with individuals with autism since 2016. She is currently pursuing a degree in Community Youth Development at Springfield College, while also working in home services and in the Waterbury school district. After obtaining her degree she will go on to become a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst.

Linda Viccaro

RBT

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Linda has been working for the New Fairfield school district for the past 5 years as a special education paraprofessional. This past year she has worked hard to receive her registered behavioral technician certification. She enjoys her work in ABA and has experience with ages 4-13. Her greatest joy is to see her clients succeed. She is proud to be a part of the CABA team and is looking forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of the people she works with. In her free time she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family and close friends.

Vanessa Shay

RBT

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Vanessa is a BT and she has been working with children as an educator most of her life. She started working in preschools but chose to take some time off to raise her 4 children. She is currently working in the public school systems applying behavioral analysis therapy. Although she enjoys working in the school, she prefers to work clinically in homes helping with fine motor dexterity, hygiene, and domestic capabilities.

Stephanie Wilson

RBT

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Stephanie graduated with a Bachelors in Social Science from Western CT State University in Danbury, CT. She has years of experience working with children of all ages. She has taught Pre K as well as substituted in grades K-5 in Tampa, FL. Returning to CT she started working for EdAdvance and working in New Milford Public Schools where she became certified as an RBT. She is looking forward to gaining more experience working with team CABA!

Erin Maida

RBT

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Erin will be graduating from Fitchburg State University in May 2023 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Special Education with a concentration of severe Disabilities K-12. She works as a paraprofessional and as an Educational Instructor at Cooperative Educational Services in Trumbull, CT during the Extended School Year sessions. Erin has also worked as a Community Support Professional for adults on the Autism spectrum. She has additional experience interacting with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder through pre-practicum hours at her university. Recently, Erin fell in love with the field of ABA and has decided to pursue a career in ABA services as well as teaching. In her free time, Erin enjoys baking, going for walks, and being with family. She looks forward to implementing the values of an RBT at CABA!

Leroy Johnson

Behavior Technician

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Leroy has been working with individuals with autism since 2015, in home programs and in public schools. In 2020, Leroy graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a Master of Science in Special Education, K-12, and from Western Connecticut State University with a Master of Arts in History with the goal of furthering his education by obtaining his BCBA certification. Leroy currently works at CABA and for Danbury Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher. Leroy enjoys working with children and watching them grow into successful members of the community. When not working at CABA or teaching in the classroom, Leroy enjoys spending time with his family as well as coaching high school football and track. His goal is to make a lasting and positive impact on everyone that he meets

April Duncan

RBT

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April Duncan Has been working in the field of ABA since 2016 and the team since 2019. Working in the field of special education and applied behavior analysis is such a rewarding job. For the past six years, April has worked at Danbury high school in the self-contained department working with children that Require instruction behavior management. April loves watching children grow with behavior modification and learning how to manage their emotions along with expressing themselves.

 

Kimberly Morais

BCBA Supervisee

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Kimberly currently works for Cusack ABA as a BCBA suoervisee with individuals with ASD. She also works full time as a case manager for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She also previously worked as a Social Worker in a Birth to Three Unit working directly with children with an array of disabilities. While in undergrad, Kimberly worked in a child development laboratory with infants and toddlers. After graduating college Kimberly worked as an employment specialist for individuals with disabilities.

Kimberly is also a graduate student at Western Connecticut State University obtaining a Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis. She is working towards obtaining her board certified behavior analysis certification. Kimberly received her undergrad degree at the University of Connecticut in psychology, human development and family sciences, and crime and justice.

 

 

 

 

Makayla Lindsey

 

Behavior Technician

 

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Makayla has been completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Russell Sage College and will be pursuing a masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis . She started her career with ABA in 2022 with Cusack Applied Behavioral Analysis. She loves when her clients make progress and leave each session with smiles. She loves to help and support families in ways to positively interact with their children in reaching positive behavioral outcomes.