Amanda
Amanda is the founder and Executive Director of the Atlas Foundation for Autism and a special education teacher with over 18 years experience within the educational field. She is a SUNY New Paltz alumni and has completed the Administrative Certification Program from the College of Saint Rose/CITE. Amanda has worked with students ranging in age from 3 – 25 years old with an array of differences including Autism, Cognitive Delays, Emotional Disturbances (PTSD, Schizophrenia, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, etc.) and other learning and developmental challenges. Prior to Atlas, Amanda had co-founded and run the Emerge & See Education Center polishing the framework for the integrative model that now is the baseline for the Atlas' program philosophy. Amanda has been through certified trainings in ABA, TEACCH, BART, and multiple trainings in DIR/Floortime. She is proud to act as a liaison within the NY ASD and special ed community sharing resources, support, and heart with our incredible students, families, and other community leaders.
Alex
Alex has been working with children & young adults with diverse developmental differences for over 3 years now.He is a certified CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention)instructor. Alex truly respects the neurodiversity of the individuals he works with and hopes to be a driving force in bringing about more acceptance and positive change to our community.
Erica
A member of the Atlas community since 2015, Erica is proud to serve as Atlas’ School Director. With over 20 years of experience working with children with special needs in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric, BOCES, and non-public schools, Erica has a long history of helping students and families through investing in relationships. Erica received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Boston University, and her Masters in School Psychology from Rochester Institute of Technology. In addition to her certification as a School Psychologist, Erica became a certified RDI Consultant in 2009, and has also received certification in Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention, Cornell University's Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, and clinical training in administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS). Erica has presented at the Annual Relationship Development Intervention Conference, for the New York Association for Applied Behavior Analysis, and the Keyspan Lecture Series. One of Erica's most humbling positions is as the mother of two growing boys.
Laura
Laura received her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Springfield College and her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology from Roanoke College. She has worked with children between the ages of 18 months and 23 years old with various diagnoses including autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, Prader-Willi syndrome, cerebral palsy, and heart conditions. She is dedicated to providing an individualized, holistic approach when helping each child enhance their occupational performance in their school setting and other everyday environments. She also believes in the importance of promoting the carryover of skills and techniques by effectively communicating with other disciplines and families. Laura enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Dolores
Dolores received her Associates of Applied Science Degree from Mercy College, graduating from the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, followed by her Bachelor’s in Science. She has worked in the pediatric field for over 15+ years, as well as worked with the adult and geriatric populations. Dolores has a passion for helping children be able to participate in everyday activities. She continues to broaden her knowledge on various topics and diagnosis through continuing education classes including; sensory integration/processing, implementing play based therapy, an introduction to DIR/Floortime as well as strategies for various behaviors. Dolores’ interests are working with kids of all ages on their fine, visual motor, and executive functioning skills to increase success within their school and community settings, as well as provide ADL training. Additionally, Dolores collaborates with teachers as well as related service providers, in an effort to positively impact the students' achievements for optimal success and performance throughout the day.
Justine
Justine Parrinello received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders at Queens College. She received her master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from Long Island University Brooklyn Campus. She is a New York State licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from ASHA as well as a professional certificate as a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities (TSSLD).
Over the past 7 years, Justine has had the opportunity to professionally work with children 0-21 with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Delays, Feeding/Oral Motor Disorders, Apraxia, Hearing Impairments, Fluency Disorders, Medically Fragile Children, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Cognitive Delays, Receptive & Expressive Language Impairments, Pragmatic Language Deficits, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. and Articulation/Phonological Disorders.
Justine is passionate and excited about working with all her students to reach their highest potential and communicate in the most functional and effective manner possible!
Alyssa
My name is Alyssa Fisher and I am the new speech therapist joining to wonderful team at Atlas. I am a New York native and I earned my masters degree at New York University (Go Violets!). I have always had a passion for the Autism population and I have been lucky enough to work with kids of all ages on the Autism spectrum throughout my time in undergraduate and grad school. I am a lover of all things coffee, chocolate, and all dogs! In my spare time, you can find me brunching outdoors or soaking up the sun in Central Park.
Michael
Michael D. Marsalis holds both a BA in Philosophy and a MSEd in Early Childhood Special Education from Hofstra University. Mr. Marsalis has a combined total of more than 20 years of professional experience in teaching/social services. He also is a co -author of research that was published in the book entitled, Person- Centered Planning Research Practice and Future Directions, by Steve Holburn and Peter M.Vietze. Mr. Marsalis is new Teacher at Atlas and looks forward to working in the school.
Taylor
Taylor is a college graduate from University at Buffalo with a bachelors degree in Education. She has worked with children of all ages and volunteered at many different organizations since the beginning of her high school career. She loves working with children and hopes to pursue a masters degree in special education. She is very excited about working at Atlas and hopes to gain more experience as the years go by.
Rona
Perry
Zoe
Rey
Rey Rivera has 10 years’ experience working with special needs children and adults ages 5- 20. He has worked in multiple capacities in serving our young people. His experience includes designing music and art activities and providing teacher assistance, and behavioral support. His main focus is the music and art program. He comes with 20 years of experience of music production in Hip Hop, R&B, dance, and electronic music. He is also a very talented artist whose style is very diverse allowing each student to express themselves freely because he firmly believes that art and music should flow naturally and organically. He says “You cannot force open the petals of a flower. When the flower is ready it will open itself up to you.”
Ariel
Loredana
Hello, my name is Loredana Tapia and I am an Educational Instructor at Atlas. I was born and raised in a small town in the Dominican Republic in a rather large family. After graduating High school I moved to New York to pursue a career in taking care of life’s important gift “children”.
I started from a very young age working with kids and I grew to love their different behaviors. I enjoy every aspect of teaching and have realized in my years they can teach us as much as we teach them.
I had five-year experience in the Applied Behavioral Analysis Model also, certified in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention.
I am dedicated to the social and emotional development of each child and made it my goal to make sure each child receives the best care and love they all deserve.
I am humbled and honored to be working at atlas. I am always open to meet and engage with parents and community members to support the school.
Daniel
I have worked with children of different backgrounds for several years and it has been an ever-rewarding and ever-challenging experience. Between a bachelors in speech language pathology, a masters in psychology my education and my own life experience, I have seen the need to being a pillar of strength and advocacy for children, especially in this community. I believe that with the support and guidance of others, anyone is capable of achieving success. I have a love for working with children and I look forward to bringing my experience to Atlas and to continue being an individual who supports others to be their best.
Rodney
Rodney Edwards has a BFA in Media Arts and Art Education from the School of Visual Arts. He is a Brooklyn NYC native. Rodney has been working with children and young adults with special needs, for 15+ years. His background consists of a Juvenile Counselor, Special Education Substitute Teacher, Psychosocial Assistant, and Crisis/ Behavior Specialist. He is well versed in Conflict Mediation, Classroom Management , and Crisis Prevention Management. Rodney is a self-taught visual artist, who has had several Art Exhibitions in the NYC area. He continues to welcome all opportunities and to learn new strategies, in promoting a positive and cohesive learning environment.
Krystle
Tiffany
Johanna
Lynn
Lynn received her bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Long Island University C.W Post. She is currently working on obtaining her master's in Special Education. She has been working with children with special needs for the past 5 years as a Teacher's Assistant and an ABA Therapist.
PJ
PJ has been bringing his inexhaustible enthusiasm for Music Education and Performance all over the Northeast for over a decade. From off-Broadway tours, to luxury cruise-liners to stages and classrooms near and far; he has played it all! PJ believes that music is for EVERYONE! Specializing in "Adaptive Music Instruction," a novel and expanding approach to Music Education/ Therapy, has given PJ the expertise and eclecticism to bring the importance of Arts Education to each and every student regardless of age, experience or neuro-typicality. PJ is so excited to bring the joy of music-making to the Atlas family!
Tyler
My name is Tyler Scher and I'm excited to be a part of the Atlas team! I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelors in psychology and also hold an RBT certification to practice ABA therapy. I look forward to pursuing a Master's in Education to further develop my capacity for teaching. As the oldest child of 4, I have always had a passion and presence in helping children to both navigate through life and to achieve their goals. Some of my hobbies include playing sports, listening to music, hanging out with friends, and going to the beach.
Shantera
Hi, my name is Shantera Thomas and I have experience working with children of all ages. my specialty was working as a teacher for infants and preschoolers, which came naturally as I am also a mother of two. Until I was introduced to the wonderful world of Autism. Since then I have and will continue to gain experience/knowledge in Crisis management and ABA Therapy. I believe success starts in the home first! I'm excited for my position as an Educational Instructor at Atlas, because of how the parents and Teacher's unite for the children.
Carla
Carla received her Bachelors degree in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis and a minor in Education from Binghamton University. She then went on to receive her Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has worked in the field of ABA for 6+ years and has provided instruction as well as therapy for learners aged 3 to 21 with intellectual/developmental disabilities including Autism. Currently, she is working towards BCBA certification in order to foster growth and positive behavior changes in learners while removing the stigma of mental illness in minority populations.
Junisa
My name is Junisa Carr, I am from Harlem New York, received a Bachelor's Degree In child development from Empire State College. I worked with children since I was 13 years of age and teaching Is my passion.
I have a true passion for working with all types of learners !! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development—academic, social, language, and motor—is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment.
Ty
Ty Thompson is a native New Yorker living in Bergen County, New Jersey. A graduate of Virginia Union University, he is an educator with nineteen years experience in the field. His prior work history includes being a one-to-one, tutor, behaviorist, SAT test examiner, camp coordinator and SACC coordinator. He is also a published author of two works of fiction and a book of poetry. Ty is a consummate professional and team player who loves his students and strives for excellence in all endeavors. His hobbies include writing, music appreciation, sports card collecting and gaming.
School for Children with Autism Creates Personalized Curriculum -- Students deepen social-emotional development and communication skills.
Autism Speaks Staffer interviewed Amanda Leeder to discuss her work as a doctoral candidate in Fordham University's Applied Developmental Psychology program. She has employed behavioral, developmental and literacy-based...
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