WHO WE ARE
Our culture is driven by creativity, out of the box thinking, and pure enjoyment for what we do. Each team member is enthusiastic about the science of behavior and has a whole bunch of evidence-based tricks up their sleeves to make learning fun!
This wacky group of individuals has a work hard, play hard mentality that helps to drive our mission and ignites passion in each other. Our services are unparalleled because of their constant dedication and support, not only to our clients but to each other. Get to know them by scrolling down to read each bio and learn more about each PS team member!
MEET OUR TEAM
Registered Behavior Technicians work directly with clients, implementing programs designed by the BCBA. At Positive Synergy, all of our Behavior Technicians have, at a minimum, a bachelors degree, and are required to go through the Registered Behavior Technician training to become a certified RBT.
Board Certified Behavior Analysts have received their Masters degrees in related fields, and have passed the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam., as well as carry state licensure in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The BCBA handles assessments, develops treatment plans, and works closely with families and staff.
Speech & Language Pathologists have completed their masters degree in speech and language, and have passed their board examinations and carry both state and ASHA licensure. The SLP is in charge of providing direct speech services, as well as speech evaluations. All of our SLP’s provide AAC evaluations.
Medical & Educational Advocates are medical doctors & have gone through rigorous medical training, as well as additional training in special education laws & procedures. They can assist families in navigating the medical & educational systems in order to advocate for their child. All of our staff are CPR/First Aid trained, as well as Safety Care certified.
Margot Page
M.A., BCBA
Margot Page, M.A., BCBA Co-founder/Executive Director
Margot has been working with children with special needs since obtaining her master’s degree in Infant and Early Childhood Special Education in 1998. Her career began in Washington DC, working with infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children with intensive to moderate special needs. During this time, she began to notice an increasing trend in children with varying degrees of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Interested and troubled by this, Margot began her journey in understanding the disorder and working with individuals on the spectrum. This most recent development in Margot’s work, co-founding Positive Synergy, is realizing her career goal: bringing high quality Applied Behavior Analysis services to her community and surrounding areas.
Toye Adewuyi
B.A., RBT
Toye Adewuyi, B.A., RBT Registered Behavior Technician
Toye graduated with a Bachelor of science in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island in May 2020. Growing up he always knew he wanted to help people and have an impact on their lives. He is new to the field of ABA and is truly excited to be a part of a company with great values and support.
He is a strong believer in putting your best foot forward in all things you do. In his free time, he enjoys learning about cars, spending time with family and friends, and finding new experiences.
Taylor Barboza
B.A., RBT
Taylor Barboza, B.A., RBT Registered Behavior Technician
Taylor received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stonehill College in 2018. She served as a case manager for adults with physical disabilities, mental health conditions, and Traumatic Brain Injury before discovering Applied Behavior Analysis. Taylor loves learning new things and making learning fun and accessible for those around her. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University, with the goal of becoming a BCBA.
In her free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with her family, walking and training her dogs, and gardening.
Felicia Botelho
M.A., BCBA
Felicia Botelho, M.A., BCBA Clinical Supervisor
Felicia obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2011 and Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2014 from UMass Dartmouth. She has had experience working with individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities since 2008, and her experience has ranged from residential work, to supervisory roles in a day habilitation center, to parent training as a mental health clinician, and now as a behavior technician providing ABA services to children with Autism.
Felicia has a great passion to help serve those with special needs and loves to see progress in the individuals she works with. Outside of work, you can usually find Felicia with a good book in her hand. She enjoys reading, hanging out with family, and working on projects around her home.
Alexandria Brine
M.A., BCBA
Alexandria Brine, M.A., BCBA CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Alex holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Special Education from Bridgewater State University. In 2018, she graduated from Ball State University earning a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with a concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Her brother continues to be her biggest inspiration in her continuation to assist children and families. Growing up as a sibling heavily involved in her brother’s various therapies has given Alex a unique perspective into how ASD affects not only an individual holding the diagnosis but each member of the family in a variety of ways.
Alex’s work background includes providing care as a personal care attendant, 1:1 paraprofessional, social skills assistant teacher, substitute teaching assistant to children with exceptional needs. as well as a Registered Behavior Technician through Positive Synergy for three years prior to becoming board certified. When she is not working, Alex enjoys hiking with her boyfriend and fur child Remy, scrap-booking, antiquing, and traveling.
Sandra Bucci
B.A., RBT
Sandra Bucci, B.A. Registered Behavior Technician
Sandra is a graduate of Bryant University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Financial Accounting. After being an accountant for many years, Sandra was given the chance to become an emergency teacher for the Rhode Island Public Schools Department. It was through this opportunity that Sandra began her work with children.
Sandra worked in the public schools for 8 years, both as an emergency teacher and teacher assistant. She managed many classrooms of students with special needs.
When Sandra left the public schools department, she took a job with a teaching center for children with autism. It is here where Sandra became a Behavior Technician and later a Registered Behavior Technician.
Along with working in the teaching center, Sandra also started doing home based ABA and HBTS.
Today Sandra is a childcare provider and Behavior Technician.
In her free time, Sandra enjoys exploring the outdoors and being with family.
Kierra Cabral
A.S., RBT
Kierra Cabral, A.S., RBT Registered Behavior Technician
Kierra is a graduate of Bristol Community College with an Associate of Science in Human Services. She is currently studying at Bridgewater State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She started ABA therapy in January of 2021, where she found her passion to work with children. Kierra became a Registered Behavioral Technician in March 2021.
Kierra loves to travel and be outdoors going on walks with the puppies. She also enjoys cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Carol Chaippone
Carol Chaippone Billing & Health Insurance Specialist
Carol has recently returned to work after spending 5 years home with her three children. Along with her children she has two dogs and a cat. She is an avid animal lover and plans to rescue more animals soon.
In her free time, Carol loves to bake with her children and crochet blankets. Carol also enjoys playing with her children by the pool in the summer or just running around the yard. She is very close to her entire family and loves making large family dinners for everyone to come and enjoy.
Carol graduated from Bryant and Stratton in 2018 with honors in Medical Billing and Coding. While attending school she maintained a 4.0 GPA.
Devan Clark
B.S., RBT
Devan Clark, B.S., RBT Registered Behavior Technician
Devan graduated from Curry College with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology with a concentration in development in May of 2020. She started working with adults with autism at a day habilitation center in 2015, as a senior in high school and worked there all the way through college.
She knew once she graduated she wanted to switch and work with children to help them achieve greatness and watch them progress from a young age. She plans to attend Simmons University in the fall of 2021 to start her journey to get her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis and become a licensed BCBA. Working in the ABA field is all she can see herself doing. She hopes that everything she does is helping make a difference in someone’s life.
When not working she can be found at just about any concert, reading a book, writing, or playing with her four dogs.
Kathryn (Katey) Cohen
B.A., RBT
Kathryn (Katey) Cohen, B.A., RBT REGISTERED Behavior Technician
Katey graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2003; with a BFA in Film, Animation and Video. She is currently accepted into the Art Therapy Graduate Program at Lesley University and will be attending in the summer of 2022. She dreams of continuing to work with individuals with ASD and other sensory needs as an Art Therapist.
Katey fell into working with kiddos with ASD and has discovered a passion for assisting children learn and have fun while doing so. She had previously been working at an ABA program in Rhode Island as Behavior Technician since 2018. Katey lives in beautiful Cranston, RI with two amazing kids (ages 9 & 11), husband Mark and two very silly dogs. She loves spending limited free time throwing pottery, painting, knitting, gardening and hiking.
Rosie Derienzo
M.Ed., BCBA
Rosie Derienzo, M.Ed., BCBA SOCIAL SKILLS GROUP Coordinator
Rosie studied Autism/Applied Behavior Analysis and earned a Master of Education from Cambridge College in 2019. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and is licensed in the state of Massachusetts. Rosie first became interested in working with children while studying at Providence College for her undergraduate degree in Psychology. While attending Providence College, she worked in developmental psychology labs at both Providence College and Brown University. Her studies mainly focused on understanding how children learn through play.
Rosie is now the Social Skills Group Coordinator at Positive Synergy where she continues her work on teaching students skills in their natural environment through play activities. Rosie has experience working with students ages 18 months to 14-years-old. She enjoys working with students to increase their play skills and social communication with peers. Seeing her students build these skills and long lasting friendships is the most rewarding part of her job.
When not working, Rosie enjoys spending time with her family, taking her dog to the park, going to the beach, and reading as many books as she can get her hands on. Rosie continues to develop her skills in behavior analysis and teaching social skills groups. She is passionate about finding new ways to provide effective treatment on teaching social skills to children diagnosed with Autism.
Julie Duclos
A.S., RBT
Julie Duclos, A.S., RBT REgistered Behavior Technician
Julie graduated from Bristol Community College in 2010 where she earned her Associates in Science degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked in childcare programs ever since. Julie first discovered her passion to work with children while participating in the Disney College Program in 2005. Immediately upon returning from her program she changed her major from Art to Early Childhood Education. After working with children for 12+ years Julie decided she wanted to help children thrive beyond the classroom. She is new to ABA and excited to start a new adventure with Positive Synergy.
In her spare time Julie enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, family and friends. She also pursues a passion for travel. Julie loves all things Disney and Harry Potter. She also has an eye for art and enjoys photography, drawing and painting.
Amanda Dutcher
B.A., RBT
Amanda Dutcher, B.A., RBT Registered Behavior Technician
Amanda graduated from Rhode Island College with a degree in Psychology and minor in Theater. She began her career in a preschool setting before finding ABA and discovering how much she loved it. For the past 5 years she has worked in home and in schools using ABA. She has experience working with all ages, from toddler to teen, and understands the unique challenges that can come up with every age.
She believes in building a positive (and fun!) relationship with kids is the key to success. She loves seeing all the progress they are able to make and truly enjoys the opportunity to work with families. In her free time, she enjoys going to see musicals, playing music and spending time with her family and cats.
Matt Eccleston
M.A., LABA, Clinical Supervisor
Matt Eccleston M.A., LABA Clinical Supervisor
Matt has been working in the field of ABA since 2014. Starting out working primarily with teens, he has increased his scope of practice to include adults and young children!
Matt attended URI for both his Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Public Administration. After graduating, he stumbled into the world of ABA working in a residential program for 8.5 years. He found that working with individuals on the spectrum was a passion, and went back for his ABA certificate in special populations through UMASS Boston.
He applied what he’s learned and coupled that with his ability to pair with the clients and build a harmonious relationship. He believes the key to building lasting change is providing meaningful choice and motivating the individuals to want to learn and grow.
When he isn’t working, spending time with his family and friends is key, along with playing board games, reading, and nerding out on movies!
Sara Farley
MD
Sara Farley, MD Medical & Educational Advocate
Sara Farley recently returned to the working world after spending the last 10 years at home with her young children. With great coworkers all dedicated to improving the lives of children, Positive Synergy was the perfect fit. Sara joined our team in the spring of 2016 assisting with billing and administrative duties.
Sara completed a B.S. in Zoology at the University of Rhode Island after which she worked in medical research. She subsequently received her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine. She completed residency in pediatrics at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield MA and then stayed on for an additional year to do training in child advocacy.
In 2000 she and her husband moved to Vermont to practice medicine at a small rural hospital. She thoroughly enjoyed her time there practicing general pediatrics. The relationships she was able to establish with children and their families was exactly what had originally led her into Pediatrics.
Her husband’s career brought her back to Rhode Island in 2005. She has been home with her children since that time waiting for an opportunity that would allow her to juggle parenthood and advocacy for the health and well-being of children. In the future she hopes to return to an integrated practice within the Positive Synergy family.
Kelly Fehrenbach
CCPM
Kelly Fehrenbach, CCPM Certified Physicians Practice Manager
Kelly Fehrenbach has spent the last 5 years of her career in mental health billing, credentialing, and practice management. Prior to that, she worked in various roles within the healthcare human resources field.
She feels that mental health administration is her passion and plans to be in this field until she retires.
Mariah Ferretti-Pinheiro
CMA, BT
Mariah Ferretti-Pinheiro, Behavior Technician
Before working at Positive Synergy, Mariah became a certified medical assistant and worked in the medical field for several years including a pediatric office. She believes that there are opportunities every day to use empathy and patience to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
She has always had a love for working with children and is happy to be a part of a team that values the learning and growth of children the way Positive Synergy does.
In her spare time, she enjoys finding new hiking trails to explore, working on art skills, and most importantly spending time with my family, friends and kitties.
Kaitlyn Gallant
M.S., CC-SLP
Kaitlyn Gallant, M.S., CC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist
Kaitlyn is a board-certified speech-language pathologist. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders and Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology from Bridgewater State University. She has had experience working with individuals of all ages with complex communication needs.
She is passionate about alternative communication (AAC), and the use of technology in the development of foundational language skills for children who are non-verbal or emergent communicators. Kaitlyn prioritizes working within an interdisciplinary team to help individuals access their ‘voice’ and communicate confidently and authentically.
In her spare time, she enjoys going to the beach and spending time with her friends, loved ones, and pets.
Steve Gauthier
M.S., BCBA
Steve Gauthier, M.S., BCBA CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Steve has worked with children of all ages for the past 10 years of his life and would not have it any other way. He graduated from UMass Dartmouth with a bachelors in Liberal Arts and a passion to continue helping children grow and succeed.
After working for six years in residential programs, he found his calling when he stumbled about an ABA therapist position at Positive Synergy. He truly loves Positive Synergy, the team they have built, and the overall mission of this company.
He likes to help others in any way possible and believes that kindness is the key to a better world. He studied at Western Connecticut State University in the ABA Masters program and had earned is now a BCBA & LABA.
In his spare time, Steve enjoys hiking, playing sports, live music, and trying new things! He is a professional DJ on the weekends throughout New England and enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Bethany Gifford
MS, OTR/L, OT
Bethany Gifford, MS, OTR/L, OT Occupational Therapist
Bethany received a B.S in Kinesiology and a minor in Psychology from UMass Amherst. She received her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Bay Path University in 2018, then decided to move to San Diego upon graduating. After 5 years of working on the West Coast, she decided it was time to come back home.
She has experience working with people across the life span, however, has a true passion for the pediatric population. She places emphasis on a client centered and holistic treatment approach, and values collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. Her favorite part of the job is helping children and their families acquire confidence in foundational skills needed for the future. And OF COURSE seeing each child smile and feel proud of themselves in the process :)
In her spare time, Bethany enjoys being outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and reading a good book!
Zachary Goulart
BSW, RBT
Zachary Goulart, BSW, RBT Registered Behavior Technician
Zachary Goulart attended Bridgewater State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in social work. He started off interning at an Elementary school working hands on with the students and knew providing services for children was his dream job.
He believes that anything is possible when happiness and enthusiasm is brought into this line of work and he has plenty of both to spare. He likes to write, go on hikes, and spend time with family and friends.
Anna Holovnia
M.A., SLP
Anna Holovnia, M.A., SLP SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
Anna is a board certified speech-language pathologist. She obtained both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Anna completed one of her clinical rotations at a summer camp for children who use alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) and has experience treating both adults and children with complex communication needs. She places an importance on compassion for others and creating a learning environment that is specific to the needs and interests of her clients.
In her spare time, Anna enjoys drawing, painting, and spending time with her dog, Liz.
Olivia Johnson
B.A., RBT
Olivia Johnson, B.A., RBTRegistered Behavior Technician
Olivia loves to learn new things. She moved to RI in January of 2022 to start working on her master’s degree in school counseling from Providence College with the goal to eventually become a Doctor of Child Psychology. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Springfield College in May of 2021. Along with her drive to learn new things, she is absorbed in learning the unique ways individuals can acquire new skills as well as making this process accessible for all people.
When she’s not reading, she is exploring her new environment through hiking and long drives. She also enjoys taking care of animals and listening to music!
Nicole Jordan
MA, BCBA, LABA
Nicole Jordan, MA, BCBA, LABA
Nicole graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bridgewater State University. Shortly thereafter, she began her journey into Applied Behavior Analysis. She graduated with a Master’s degree with a concentration in ABA from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 2018 and became Board Certified in August of the same year.
Nicole has had the pleasure of providing services to individuals across the lifespan, from ages 2.5 to 22+, in various settings. It genuinely brings her joy to be able to provide a service that has been able to help so many individuals learn and grow! She is thankful, as well, to have had the pleasure of learning from families she has worked with and is always in awe by their patience, resiliency, and eagerness to provide the best care to their family member that is in need of support.
In her free time, Nicole enjoys listening to and collecting records, spending time with my family and friends, and catching up on the latest documentaries and comedy specials.
Lauren Lee
M.S., SLP
Lauren Lee, M.S., SLP Speech-Language Pathologist
Lauren received her Master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island in 2014. She began working with children with complex communication needs and behavioral challenges in a specialized day school setting immediately upon graduation. Lauren
primarily enjoys treating students with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities. She is passionate about implementing appropriate and effective
communication systems for nonverbal, or minimally verbal, clients.
She has utilized a wide variety of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems and supports her students. Examples include low-tech communication systems/supports (e.g., PECS, PODD, communication books/boards, etc.), mid-tech communication systems/supports (e.g., Go-Talk 4, Go-Talk 20, etc.), and high-tech devices (e.g., iPad loaded with communication applications such as Proloquo2Go or TouchChat).
As a therapist, Lauren strives to facilitate spontaneous and meaningful communicative interactions for her clients. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and walking with her dog Ruby & husband Alex. She also enjoys going to the beach, reading thriller/mystery novels, running, painting, drinking coffee, and decorating.
Nicole Lepage
B.S., SW
Nicole Lepage, B.S., Social Work
Nicole Lepage graduated in the class of 2021 from Bridgewater State University with a major in Social Work and a minor in Criminal Justice. She aspired to help individuals in some capacity. She finalized her senior internship at the Boys and Girls Club of Fall River and realized she loved working with children.
After graduating, she continued exploring working with children and fell in love with it. She is so excited to be a part of the team! In her spare time, she has a variety of hobbies.
She is an artist in Providence, loves to skate, read, and hang with her two cats!
Erica Little
BA, BT
Erica Little, Behavior Technician
Erica graduated from Salve Regina University in 2019 with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Special Education. She is passionate about helping others, especially children. After graduating from college, she worked as a Therapeutic Support Specialist for children with a range of mental health diagnoses at BAMS and has years of experience working with children with various needs.
When Erica is not working, you can find her adventuring outside. She enjoys long walks on the beach with her dog, Leo, while collecting sea glass and driftwood. Erica enjoys making artwork with the materials collected from the beach.
Nessa Mage
B.A., RBT
Nessa Mage, B.A., RBT Registered Behavior Technician
Nessa obtained her Associates Degree in Psychology in 2008 from Rhode Island College. In 2019, she completed her bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology from Roger Williams University graduating summa cum laude. Nessa knew early on that the field of autism would be her passion, however she began her career in related relevant fields.
She has 15 years’ experience working with adults and children of all ages with a wide range of complex diagnoses and disabilities, in both community and acute care settings. Nessa’s previous experience includes working as a Therapeutic Interventionist, HBTS/PASS worker, a CNA/PCA/HHA, Mental Health Specialist, and Family Support Skilled Worker before joining Positive Synergy as a Behavior Technician. Nessa has extensive experience in child communication skill development and natural environment training and education. She has always had a passion for helping people reach their full potential and believes that taking the time to build a relationship with a child is the key to unlocking barriers and ensuring future progress and success.
Nessa enjoys cooking/baking, crafting, spending time with friends, and raising tortoises. She hopes to have a new pet tortoise soon.
Willow Medeiros,
RBT
Willow Medeiros, RBT REgistered Behavior Technician
Willow has worked in childcare and education since she was 19. After graduating high school she went right into working in a private school as a classroom teacher’s aid for a preschool and kindergarten classroom, and doing after school programs for preschool to 8th grade. From there she went on to get her EEC teaching certification and worked as a lead teacher in preschool, toddler, and infant classrooms for three years. After working with kids for years and knowing it was what she wanted to continue to do and talking with friends who work in ABA, she found Positive Synergy!
When she’s not working, you can find her watching new movies, going to concerts, visiting food trucks, reading, or at the beach!
Nick Mendonca
BSW, RBT
Nick Mendonca, BSW, RBT Registered Behavior Technician
Nick attended Bridgewater State University and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. He started off his work in the field at Lifestream. He eventually found his calling working with kids when he got a job and worked for years as a paraprofessional at an elementary school. Through his schooling, Nick has also done counseling with kids at the middle and high school level.
Helping kids become the best versions of themselves has provided him with a sense of accomplishment in his career, and he hopes to continue to make a difference as a Behavior Technician. Nick enjoys friendly competition, and spending time outside.
Colin Moore
M.S., BCBA
Colin Moore, M.S., BCBA CLINICAL Supervisor
Colin obtained a master’s degree in psychology from Springfield College in 2010. He began working in ABA as a direct therapist and later began BCBA coursework. He has worked in school and home settings with children of all ages and diagnoses. In 2016, he received his BCBA licensure and he most enjoys reducing problem behaviors and teaching adaptive skills to children with ASD.
He strives to provide the best possible opportunities for each client in the areas that are most important to each child and family, and seeks to find solutions that lead to real growth. In his spare time, Colin loves hiking and exploring new places with his wife and dog, reading and spending time with family.
Nicole Piona
M.S., BCBA
Nicole Piona, M.S., BCBA CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Nicole graduated from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2005. After graduation, she was introduced to the special education field when hired as a paraprofessional in the public school district working 1:1 with a student with developmental delays. Through this experience Nicole developed a strong interest in helping children and families. Nicole continued to work with children in the early childhood education field following the birth of her son before finally jumping into the world of applied behavior analysis in 2009.
She graduated from Simmons College with a Masters of Science degree in Behavior Analysis in 2013 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2014. While servicing children in the Southcoast area, Nicole has also worked for Simmons College as a mentor for graduate students pursuing board certification. Her areas of interest include, language acquisition in children with autism utilizing verbal behavior, staff training and supervision, social skills training, and play based instruction.
She enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, camping, dancing, yoga, and all things musical theater.
Erin Quinty
B.S., RBT
Erin Quinty, B.S., RBT Registered Behavior Technician
Erin Quinty graduated with the class of 2021 from Johnson and Wales University with a degree in counseling psychology. She always thought she would become a forensic psychologist, since she is a true crime fanatic. After she completed her internship at an elementary school, where she was a mentor for kindergarten students, her career aspirations changed. She fell in love working with children and knew she wanted to continue working with them. She is thrilled to be working with kiddos as a part of the Positive Synergy family.
In her spare time, you can find her doing a variety of things. Those include working out, painting, cooking, watching lots of movies and traveling to Maine to spend time with family and friends!
Elizabeth “Lizz” Reed
B.A., Admin. Asst.
Elizabeth “Lizz” Reed, B.A., Admin Asst. Administrative Assistant
Lizz has always worked with kids her whole life. She graduated from Worcester State University in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She’s worked in all different settings from summer camps to preschool classrooms. Right out of college she worked here at Positive Synergy for about four and a half years doing direct ABA! She ended up exploring other options and working in a special education preschool classroom as her next adventure. But low and behold she’s back for more. Lizz has returned to Positive Synergy but instead she’ll be taking on a different role as our Administrative Assistant! Lizz’s favorite activities include having dance parties in her living room with her BFF/roommate Rielly, traveling far and wide, and going to the beach (her happy place). Make sure to give her a wave when you walk into the brand-new office building!
Celina Rodriguez
M.S., BCBA
Celina Rodriguez M.S., BCBA, CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Celina has been working with kids essentially since she was a kid herself! Between babysitting, volunteering at daycares, camp counseling, and the wide variety of teaching placements during undergrad, Celina has worked with kids of all ages (and young adults as well). She attended Salve Regina University and earned a degree in Elementary/Special Education in 2016. She had always wanted to teach and knew she wanted to focus on working with kids on the autism spectrum, but it wasn’t until 2017 that she stumbled upon the world of ABA while job hunting. After working in a school that utilized ABA for about a year, she realized just what she was meant to do! So she went back to school (Salve Regina, round 2!) and earned her master’s degree in ABA in 2020.
Celina has seen first hand what a good team of specialists can do for a child with autism. She has had the pleasure to see her older brother transform before her eyes throughout her life from a non-vocal little boy who used his little sister as a translator, to a grown man who will talk anyone’s ear off and has used his special interests to write and illustrate a children’s book! Celina is happy to help other kids learn, thrive, and reach their full potential – however that looks for them.
In her free time Celina loves to be outside, especially anywhere by the water. She is a frequent concert goer, enjoys crafting and creating, loves to eat (but not really to cook), and spending time with her cat named Dragonfly.
Danielle Santillo
B.A., BT
Danielle Santillo, B.A., BT Behavior Technician
Danielle graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2021 with a BA in Psychology and double minors in Sociology and Human Development and Family Sciences. She has a passion for helping others and knew that her future career would revolve around that passion. She worked as a case manager for over a year with adults of varying ages and disabilities before coming to Positive Synergy. She is drawn to the clear love shown by the company in helping children live their very best life. RBT is such an exciting and rewarding career to be a part of and she can’t wait to further her journey.
In her free time, she is either mixing up and serving drinks at her local golf course, hanging out with friends and family, cuddling her dog, watching scary movies, or reading.
Jillian Sardinha
B.S., RBT
Jillian Sardinha, B.S., RBT Registered Behavior Technician
Jillian graduated from Bridgewater State University in 2020 where she earned her Bachelors of Science degree in psychology. Having majored in both psychology and communications (media concentration) she discovered her primary passion surrounded psychology and wanting to make a difference in someone’s life. After hearing about Positive Synergy and how it is a career where she could help improve the wellbeing/lives of people/children, she realized it was the perfect fit.
Along with her love of psychology and working with children, she also enjoys spending time and going out with loved ones/friends and pets, as well as photography, creating videos, watching movies, going for drives and music.
Heather Soares
B.S., RBT
Heather Soares, B.S., RBT Registered behavior technician
Heather graduated from Bridgewater State University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. After she graduated she knew that she wanted to work with children, but she wasn’t sure exactly what she wanted to do.
Her friend who works at Positive Synergy told her that they were hiring and how fulfilling it is to help change lives. She immediately applied right away. This is how she started working in ABA. She really wants to help children who have ASD and make a difference in their lives and to know she was a part of that change.
Heather really wants to help kids achieve their goals and work up to their full potential. She truly enjoys watching them make progress. In her free time, Heather loves going to the beach, hanging out with family and friends, listening to music, going to concerts, going to spin classes and yoga.
Faith Swain
M.S., Human Resources Manager
Faith Swain M.S., Human Resources Manager
Faith is an experienced HR professional with a passion for cultivating thriving workplaces. With over 4 years of experience in the field, she has honed her expertise in talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organizational development. Faith’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce has driven her to champion diversity and inclusion initiatives within every organization she’s been a part of.
Prior to following her passion for HR, Faith focused her attention on social service positions, such as behavior analysis and case management. She is so excited that she can meld both her passions together! Faith holds a B.A in Psychology and Behavior Analysis from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, as well as an M.S in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University.
In her spare time, Faith likes to spend as much time outside as possible, hanging out with her family and dog, reading, and running.
Kayla Tracy
B.S., RBT
Kayla Tracy, B.S., RBT Registered behavior technician
Kayla Tracy attended Bridgewater State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She has worked with children all of her life from babysitting, to teacher, to her current position, Behavioral Therapist!
Working with children is her passion and she is very excited to have found a way to make a career of it! Her dream is to one day obtain her master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis. In her free time she loves being outside and the beach is her happy, go to place!
Chelsea Viveiros
M.S., CF-SLP
Chelsea Viveiros M.S., CF-SLP Speech & Language Pathologist
Chelsea earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Springfield College in 2018, she worked at a specialized school for children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. There, she discovered a passion for working with individuals with complex communication needs and empowering their voices. Continuing her journey, she joined a similar school as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant, where she practiced and expanded her skill set for three years. In May of 2023, she successfully completed her Speech Language Pathology Master’s program at Regis College.
Throughout her time in graduate school, Chelsea knew that she would eventually return to working with the same population. She possesses a strong passion for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and strives to establish new and effective ways for her clients to communicate. Additionally, she enjoys collaborating with professionals from different fields to ensure the best possible opportunities and outcomes, which is precisely what attracted her to Positive Synergy.
In her leisure time, Chelsea finds joy in reading, listening to music, pursuing photography, and spending quality moments with her friends, family, and beloved dog, Biscuit.
