Zbigniew Golonka

Zbigniew Golonka, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is the Director of Behavioral Services in Connecticut. Dr. Golonka, a licensed psychologist, provides behavioral consultation services to a number of Connecticut schools, agencies, and families as well as supervising staff that provides services to children on the spectrum. Dr. Golonka is one of the founders of the Institute's collaborative master's degree program with Fitchburg State University. The degree is designed to provide students with a master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). He has taught courses in ABA and supervised students to obtain ABA competencies as identified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Dr. Golonka has taught research, and supervised master's degree projects. His professional experience includes serving as a Behavioral Consultant for Columbus Medical Services, Clinical Supervisor at the Biobehavioral Unit at Children's Hospital in Philadelphia, Supervisor of the Neurobehavioral Stabilization Unit of Bancroft Neurohealth in New Jersey. He obtained his Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Iowa.

Liz Lyons Sellinger

Liz Lyons Sellinger, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is the Director of Education and Applied Behavior Services in Connecticut. Liz previously served as a Program Director in the school consultation division at IPPI, providing behavioral and academic consultation to local school districts at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of intervention. In 2010, her team opened the IPPI Learning Academy, where she served as the Director/Chief Administrator for the last 8 years. Dr. Sellinger received her Ph.D. from the University of Southern Mississippi in the area of school psychology with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis. Prior to joining The Institute, Dr. Sellinger provided school consultation services (including school wide positive behavior supports) to a number of schools in the state of Mississippi. In addition, she completed her pre-doctoral internship at the May Institute with a focus in children with autism and children with traumatic brain injury. Her current areas of interest include Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) and performance management at all levels of an organization.

Barry Morgenstern

Barry Morgenstern, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is the Director of Research in Connecticut. His responsibilities include designing and implementing applied research projects related to ABA, effective teaching strategies and efficient and successful methods of staff training. He also provides behavioral and educational consultation in classrooms in several schools. Dr. Morgenstern has extensive experience working for and with school systems implementing intensive ABA services for children with autism and is the former Executive Director of the Bay School in California, a school for young children with autism. Dr. Morgenstern formerly held the position of Assistant Professor at Mercy College, teaching courses in special education and applied behavior analysis. Dr. Morgenstern received his Ph.D. in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis at Ohio State. His research interests include motivational operations and effective methods of staff training.

David Gallaway

David Gallaway, Psy.D., BCBA-D, is a Program Director for The Institute in Connecticut. Dr. Gallaway is a licensed clinical psychologist and board certified behavior analyst. For the past 15 years, he has been involved in the development and oversight of intensive education programs for children with autism and developmental disabilities. To date, nearly 400 children from diverse communities and backgrounds have benefited from these programs. Dave is also actively involved in research and dissemination of professional knowledge in the areas of generative language learning and the treatment of challenging behavior. He is a strong advocate for the use of evidence-based interventions in both education and clinical practice. Dave completed his undergraduate work at the University of Connecticut and received his Psy.D. from the University of Hartford.

Lauren Swensen Meade

Lauren Swensen Meade, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is a Clinical Coordinator and obtained her doctorate in Developmental Psychology from the University of Connecticut, with a focus in language development in children with autism. Her responsibilities include curriculum development, behavior assessments, development of individualized behavior intervention plans, and staff training in ABA for both school based and home programs. Her research interests include the expansion of language and play skills.

Danielle Adams

Danielle Adams, M.Ed., BCBA, is a Clinical Coordinator for the Autism Program. Ms. Adams is responsible for curriculum development, staff and parent training in ABA methodology for both school and home programs. She received her Master’s in Education with a focus in Behavior Analysis from a cooperative training program between The Institute and Fitchburg State College in Massachusetts. Ms. Adams' research interests include staff training in applied behavior analysis.

Lauren Blackmore

Lauren Blackmore, M.S.Ed., BCBA, is a Clinical Coordinator for The Institute’s private, special needs school, The IPPI Learning Academy, as well as a number of district public school programs in Connecticut. She is responsible for conducting behavior assessments, creating individualized behavior plans, program development, and staff training. As part of her administrative internship Lauren has developed a Parent Committee at The IPPI Learning Academy and continues to facilitate parent outreach. Previously her work with children with autism and other developmental disabilities included classroom consultation with teachers on behavioral intervention and data collection, collaborative team teaching in an inclusion setting for students with Asperger syndrome and high functioning autism, as well as providing home-based ABA therapy. Lauren received her Master’s Degree in Education from Hunter College (CUNY), BCBA credentialing at the University of Massachusetts, and the Intermediate Administrator Certification (092) at Sacred Heart University.

Erica Carroll

Erica Carroll, M.Ed., BCBA, is a Clinician in the School-Based Autism and Behavioral Programs in numerous school districts throughout Connecticut. She received a master's of education degree with a concentration in applied behavior analysis from Fitchburg State College. Ms. Carroll has experience providing discrete-trial instruction, writing behavior plans, conducting functional behavior assessments, and conducting teacher, paraprofessionals, and parent training, as well as providing support for home programs.

Kathryn Cyr

Kathryn Cyr, M.Ed., BCBA, is a Clinical Coordinator. Kathryn received her Initial Educator Certificate and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Southern Connecticut State University, a Graduate Academic Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas and a Masters of Education from Post University. Her responsibilities include curriculum development, behavior assessments, development of individualized behavior intervention plans, and staff training in ABA. Kathryn's research interests include self-management and the use of Precision Teaching and Direct Instruction for teaching children with autism., M.Ed., BCBA, is a Clinical Coordinator. Kathryn received her Initial Educator Certificate and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Southern Connecticut State University, a Graduate Academic Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas and a Masters of Education from Post University. Her responsibilities include curriculum development, behavior assessments, development of individualized behavior intervention plans, and staff training in ABA. Kathryn's research interests include self-management and the use of Precision Teaching and Direct Instruction for teaching children with autism.

Diane Dean

Diane Dean, M.S., BCBA, is a clinical coordinator for the Autism Program. Diane is responsible for curriculum development, staff training and supervision, ongoing student skills and behavioral assessments. She obtained her Master's in Counseling with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from Nova Southeastern University. Diane has also been trained by PMT Associates as an in-house Coach of Physical and Psychological Management Training for the Institute. Her areas of interest include matrix training, staff training, cognitive skills instruction, and teaching children to use pronouns.

Trina Sarah Dizon

Trina Sarah Dizon, M.A., BCBA, received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Binghamton University, where she studied applied behavior analysis at the Children's Unit for Treatment and Evaluation. Later she received a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Queens College. Mrs. Dizon is also a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA). Formerly a tutor with the Institute for Child Development and a community training specialist with the Young Adult Institute, Mrs. Dizon has experience providing direct service to children and adults with developmental disabilities. With IPPI, she is a clinician for the school-based autism and behavioral programs, completes functional behavioral assessments, and develops and implements behavioral and academic programs.

Tracey Easton

Tracey Easton, M.S., BCBA ,is a Clinical Coordinator for the Autism Program. She is responsible for curriculum development, functional assessments, behavior intervention plan, as well as staff and parent training in applied behavior analysis. She obtained her Master’s in Special Education with a focus in Behavior Analysis from a cooperative training program between The Institute and Johnson State College in Vermont. Tracey is currently conducting research on the effectiveness of group contingencies for increasing pro-social behaviors.

Patricia Fitzsimons-Austin

Patricia Fitzsimons-Austin, M.S., BCBA, is a Program Director. Patricia has over 18 years experience applying the principles of behavior to special needs populations including children and adults with developmental disabilities and children with significant problem behavior and psychiatric diagnoses. She has authored or co-authored a variety of local and national presentations on the subjects of parent training, staff training, and teaching children with autism. Patty co-authored Parenting Tools for Positive Behavior Change, a 30-hour competency-based parenting curriculum. She has worked in the foster care systems in Florida and Connecticut and was the Director of Behavior Analysis Services at Connecticut Center for Child Development. She received her Master of Science degree in Behavior Analysis from University of North Texas. In 2007, she was named Outstanding Alumnus from University of North Texas’ Department of Behavior Analysis. Her current interests include research and practice in parent training, and in effective teaching and generalization of communication, social, and play skills in children with autism.

Kara Hann

Kara Hann, M.A., BCBA is a Clinical Coordinator for the Autism Program. She received a Masters in Teaching from Sacred Heart University. She graduated with a B.A in Psychology with a Minor in Social Work from Providence College. Kara brings with her more than 12 years of practical hands-on experience in the deliver of ABA services to children on the autism spectrum including program design, curriculum development, and supervision.

Liz Hatzenbuhler

Liz Hatzenbuhler, M.S., BCBA is a Clinical Coordinator providing services for the school-based autism program. She received her Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Saint Joseph and holds a cross endorsed teaching certificate in special and elementary education. Liz has a specific interest in the development of social skills, and recently presented her research entitled, Increasing Sociodramatic Play Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Via Peer-Mediated Matrix Training at the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT) annual conference.

Brian Kelly

Brian Kelly, BCBA, is a Clinical Coordinator for the Autism Program. He holds a Master's degree in Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from Endicott College. Brian currently provides training in ABA, behavior consultation, and coordination of academic and social skills programming for local school districts. He is responsible for conducting functional behavior assessments, developing behavior intervention plans, conducting skill assessments, providing staff and parent training, and designing and implementing individualized education plans for students with special needs.

Kim Lachowicz

Kim Lachowicz, M.S., BCBA is a Clinical Coordinator providing services in the school consultation program. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Saint Joseph. Currently, Kim provides behavior, social, and academic consultation to local school districts throughout Connecticut. Ms. Lachowicz is responsible for conducting assessments, functional behavior assessments, developing curriculum, the development of individualized behavior intervention plans, and training of school staff.

Julie Nichols

Julie Nichols, BCBA, is a Clinical Coordinator in the school-based Autism Program. Julie's responsibilities include development and implementation of IEPs, development of behavioral programming, and providing training and?consultation to school staff. Mrs. Nichols has helped to construct academic modifications and behavioral interventions for students with developmental disabilities in elementary grades through high school. She has her Master's degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Bethany Perra

Bethany Perra, M.Ed., BCBA, Clinical Coordinator for the Autism Program. She holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Behavior Analysis from a cooperative training program between The Institute and Fitchburg State College in Massachusetts. Bethany is responsible for curriculum development, FBAs, behavior assessments, the development of individualized behavior intervention plans, staff and parent training in ABA for school based programs and coordinating services across the school and home settings. Her research interests include verbal behavior and the use of Direct Instruction with children on the spectrum.

Mary Polino-Testone

Mary Polino-Testone, M.Ed., BCBA, is a clinical supervisor for the Autism Program. Mary has been with IPPI since 2002 and received her Master's degree in Education with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis through a cooperative training program with Fitchburg State College. She currently coordinates a school-based autism program conducting assessments, developing curricula and social-behavioral programming, and providing staff and parent trainings. In addition, Mary provides consultative services in the areas of academic, social, behavioral, independent living, and vocational skills for several school districts in Connecticut.

Christine Rebelo

Christine Rebelo, M.S., BCBA, Clinical Coordinator for the Autism Program. She holds a Master's in Education with a focus in Behavior Analysis from a cooperative training program between The Institute and Fitchburg State College in Massachusetts. Christine is responsible for curriculum development, FBAs, behavior assessments, the development of individualized behavior intervention plans, staff and parent training in ABA for school based programs and coordinating services across the school and home settings.

Tamara Shook

Tamara Shook, M.Ed.,BCBA, is a Clinical Coordinator for the Autism Program. Tamara is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She holds a Master’s of Education in Special Needs and Applied Behavior Analysis from Endicott College. Tamara currently works in school and home based programs. She is responsible for curriculum development, functional behavior assessments, behavior intervention plans, staff and parent training. Tamara has also been trained by PMT Associates as an in-house Instructor of Physical and Psychological Management Training for the Institute. Areas of interest for Tamara include self-management, staff and parent training. Tamara is a professional member of CT Association of Behavior Analysis and Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy.

Erica Smith

Erica Smith, M.S., BCBA, is a Program Director for the Autism Program. She is responsible for coordinating school-based autism services for numerous children across several schools. Erica has many years experience in providing educational service based on applied behavior analysis and is the current president of the Connecticut Association for Applied Behavior Analysis. She received her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern while working as a case manager/teacher in a home-based program at the New England Center for Children.

Mary Thompson

Mary Thompson, M.A., BCBA, is a clinical coordinator providing services in the school consultation program. Mary earned her Master’s degree in Psychology and a certification in Behavior Analysis at Southern Connecticut State University. Mary’s responsibilities include oversight in an intensive behavior support program, development and implementation of behavioral programming, consultation to school staff regarding behavior and IEP development, and training of school staff.

Heather Gagliardo

Heather Gagliardo, BCaBA, is a Clinical Coordinator in the Autism Program. Heather currently provides academic, social and behavioral consultation to local school districts. She has worked within the field of special education since 1998 within home, clinical, and public school settings. Prior to joining the Institute of Professional Practice, Heather worked at the Carbone Clinic where she learned a variety of effective teaching procedures and programs which utilized B.F. Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior. Heather graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Quinnipiac University and became a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst in 2004. She is currently pursuing a masters degree in Special Education and full board certification as a board certified behavior analyst.

Connecticut School & Consultation Professional Staff