John A. Toscano is the President & CEO of Commonwealth Autism Service (formerly The Autism Program of Virginia, TAP-VA), a position he has held since January 2002. Before coming to Virginia, John spent three years working internationally to improve autism services in Malaysia and in England. John started his experience in autism in 1981 and developed a large residential and day service for adults in New York. Concurrent to his work in autism, John also was a full-time faculty member in social work for 18 years at Siena College and the University of New York at Albany. John has traveled extensively observing and consulting with autism services both in the US and across Europe, and has spoken at numerous local, state, national, and international conferences. His particular areas of interest include: Paradigms of care and the rights of people with autism; Bridging the gap between agency ethos and practice; Program design and implementation; and bio-medical interventions in autism. John was appointed by Governor Mark Warner to the Virginia Olmstead Task Force and the Oversight Advisory Committee (2002-2005) and to the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (2004-current). John earned his MSW degree from Adelphi University in 1975, and his MBA degree from Sunderland University, England in 2000. He is also a grandfather of a child with autism--Joey.
 

Jessica Philips, M.A., BCBA| Vice-President of Program Services

Jessica began working with individuals with autism in 1994. After completing her undergraduate degree in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, she earned a Master’s degree from the Applied Behavior Analysis Program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. While in graduate school, Jessica worked with individuals displaying severe behavior disorders on the Neurobehavioral Unit at The Kennedy Krieger Institute. She joined Commonwealth Autism Service in 2003. Jessica has taught coursework in applied behavior analysis as an adjunct instructor through The University of Mary Washington. She sits on the Virginia Autism Council and has received a certificate in nonprofit management through Virginia Commonwealth University.

Donald Oswald, Ph.D.|Director-Diagnostics and Research

Donald Oswald is the Director of Diagnostics and Research at Commonwealth Autism Service. Dr. Oswald is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience working with people with autism spectrum disorders. He obtained his PhD in clinical psychology in 1989 from Virginia Tech and completed a clinical internship at the Yale Child Study Center. Dr. Oswald has been active in teaching and research related to the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. For the past 20 years, he was on the faculty in the Department of Psychiatry at Virginia Commonwealth. While there, Dr. Oswald collaborated with Commonwealth Autism staff in creating the Transdisciplinary Assessment Clinic to provide diagnostic assessment services to young children and their families. He served on the Commonwealth Autism Service Board of Directors for twelve years before joining the staff in 2010. Dr. Oswald is an Independent Trainer for the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and the Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised and has provided training workshops on these instruments throughout the state of Virginia.
 

Becky Bowers-Lanier, M.Ed., MPH |Legislative Affairs Liaison

Becky is the president of B2L Consulting, LLC, and in her role, provides public policy and grassroots advocacy consultation to Commonwealth Autism Service. Her expertise lies in assisting non-profits with a health focus. A nurse by training, Becky holds bachelor’s (cum laude) and master’s degrees in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s in public health from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a doctorate in higher education administration from the College of William & Mary.

Susan Cross|Executive Services Coordinator

Susan joined the staff in January 2006 and has previous experience working with agencies and providers that serve at-risk children and their families. Having raised a son with TBI since he was 12 years old, she recognizes the many challenges that face parents of children with autism. Susan attended classes at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in the liberal arts program.
 

Kristen Davis, M.A.|Clinic Coordinator

Kristen joined Commonwealth Autism Service in August 2011. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English/Professional Writing from Old Dominion University. Kristen began working with school age on the autism spectrum in a school setting as well as in home tutoring. She has previous experience working for a nonprofit organization. Kristen is the Clinic Coordinator for the Diagnostic and Assessment Clinic and handles information and referral.

Tracy Gravely|Operations Coordinator

Tracy joined Commonwealth Autism Service in July 2001, and has extensive office management experience in both residential and outpatient settings in the mental health field. Tracy attended Hampton University. Tracy currently handles our Human Resources, Information Technologies,  Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivables.  

Christine Berman Holland, M.S. BCBA|Learning Institute Coordinator

Christine joined Commonwealth Autism Service in 2007 and is currently the coordinator for The Learning Institute.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and a Master of Science in behavior analysis from the University of North Texas. Christine has worked with individuals with autism and developmental delays since 1996 and has provided services to individuals and their families in a variety of settings including home, school, and community.  She has conducted numerous trainings on behavior analysis and autism for service providers and caregivers across the state. In addition, she has taught university coursework in applied behavior analysis. She is currently pursuing a certificate in nonprofit management through Virginia Commonwealth University.

Carol Minter, BSW|Community Outreach Coordinator

Carol joined Commonwealth Autism Service in April 2010. For the past 8 years, she worked at a non-profit organization providing operational and case management in a school setting for at-risk adolescents with intellectual & developmental diagnoses including Autism and Aspergers. Carol earned her bachelor's degree in social work from Mars Hill College.
 

Michelle Greenspan, M.S., BCBA|Behavior Analyst

Michelle joined Commonwealth Autism Service in January 2009. She received her B.S. in psychology at the University of Central Florida, and earned an M.S. in behavior analysis from the University of North Texas. She has provided direct care support as well as consultative services to individuals with autism ranging from toddlers to adults. She has worked with individuals with autism and their families since 2001 and has provided services in schools, residential facilities, vocational day programs, homes, and center-based treatment programs.  

Janet Johnson|Administrative Assistant

Janet joined Commonwealth Autism Service as a staff member in July 2008 after having worked for Commonwealth Autism Service in a volunteer capacity when it was just getting started in Bedford. She has been involved for many years in the activities of the Disabilities Resource Network as well as other support and advocacy organizations for individuals with disabilities. She has extensive experience with autism as her 18-year-old son is on the spectrum.  

Dorothy Narodny B.A.|Lifespan Connection Coordinator

Dottie joined the Commonwealth Autism Service staff in January 2002, having previously worked in the fields of special education and disabilities advocacy for over thirty years.  Dottie is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and holds Collegiate Professional Licensure from the Virginia Department of Education with endorsements in learning, intellectual, emotional, and severe disabilities, and speech-communication. She completed the Graduate Academic Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (University of North Texas).  She is also a Certified Work Incentives Specialist Advocate. 

Heather Overstreet, B.A.|Administrative Assistant

Heather joined Commonwealth Autism Service in January 2009 as an administrative assistant and has previous office and public relations experience with other nonprofit agencies. She graduated from Lynchburg College in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies. Heather has been interested and familiar with autism spectrum disorders for the past nine years due to her mother’s work with special education children.  

Didi Zaryczny|Public Safety Training Coordinator

Didi was a member of the Commonwealth Autism Service Advisory Council for many years before becoming a staff member in 2004.  Her professional experience includes being the Central Virginia Family Educator/Advocate, where she helped families and individuals with disabilities understand and access services. She has provided training to families/caregivers and professionals in understanding the IEP process, accessing local and state programs, data collection, understanding autism, collaborative programming, and many other topics. She is a member of various committees and groups supporting families with autism and other disabilities.  Prior to becoming the Public Safety Training Coordinator, Didi coordinated activities of Virginia’s Autism Action Groups across the Commonwealth. She is a Certified Basic Electronic Search Specialist and is the coordinator for the Public Safety Workgroup in Virginia.
 

Rachel joined the Commonwealth Autism Staff in February 2011, having previously worked with students with special education needs for over thirteen years. She is a Licensed Speech Language Pathologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has previously worked for a variety of individual consulting and therapy contracts, and has been a selected presenter at various conferences and workshops including professional development trainings for public schools, Regional and National Music Therapy Conferences, Commonwealth Autism Service’s annual conferences. In addition to her pursuits in special education, Rachel currently owns a children’s enrichment center in Richmond, VA (Romp n’ Roll) with her husband and serves as Executive Director of the CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation created in loving memory of her daughter, Charlotte. Rachel supports Caroline and Westmoreland Counties and participates on the CAS Diagnostic and Assessment Team in Richmond.

Meredith Geier, M.S., BCBA|Behavior Analyst

Meredith began working with Commonwealth Autism Service in February 2008.  She received her B.A. from North Carolina State University and her M.S. in rehabilitation counseling and psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Meredith completed post-graduate work in applied behavior analysis from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.  Meredith has been providing services to children and young adults with autism and their families in a variety of settings including school, home, and community since 2001.

Katherine Robinson, M.T. |Autism Specialist

Kitti joined Commonwealth Autism Service in July 2011. She received both her B.A. in Spanish and M.T. from Virginia Commonwealth University. In 2009 she completed a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders.   She began working with children with autism as a teaching assistant at Faison School for Autism in the self-management program and later became a teacher in the intensive educational and behavioral intervention program.  She completed her coursework for BCBA certification from Florida Institute of Technology.  Kitti supports Harrisonsburg City Schools and participates on the Regional Autism Assessment Team.

Kara Hartman, M.S., BCBA  |Behavior Analyst

Kara joined Commonwealth Autism Service in September 2011.  She received her B.S. in psychology from North Dakota State University and her M.S. in Behavior Analysis and Therapy from Southern Illinois University.  Kara’s most recent experience has been supporting adults with developmental disabilities in group home settings.  She has also worked in a variety of others setting with individuals with challenging behavior.  Kara is a board certified behavior analyst.  She supports Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County Schools.

Kate Masincup, M.S., BCBA|Behavior Analyst, Regional Leader

Kate joined Commonwealth Autism Service in 2007 and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has worked with individuals with disabilities using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis since 1999.  Kate earned her B.A. in psychology from George Mason University and her master's in behavior analysis from Florida State University.  She has provided services to individuals with special needs in home programs, school districts, group homes, and autism centers in Florida, California, and Virginia, providing them with the necessary skills and education to help them be successful in their communities.  Additionally, her experience as a program director for an autism program and a school consultant has enabled her to work closely with families, teachers, and other therapists to provide them with the necessary training to implement best practices for their children, students, and clients.  Kate has also presented at local, state and national conferences on implementing ABA principles within the home, community, and school.  

Brent Martin, M.S., BCBA|Behavior Analyst

Brent joined Commonwealth Autism Services in August of 2011 and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. He earned both his B.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida State University. He has provided in-home behavior therapy to children on the autism spectrum, and has provided ABA services to students within a school district in Florida. In addition to his experiences working with children, Brent has experience working with adults with autism and other developmental disabilities in group homes and residential facilities. Brent has also worked in child welfare in the state of Florida, and has provided numerous trainings to parents, teachers, and caregivers on the basics on the principles of behavior. Brent supports Lynchburg City Schools.

Andrew Lightner, BCBA |Behavior Analyst

Andrew joined Commonwealth Autism Service in August 2010.  He earned both his B.S. and M.S. from West Virginia University.  Although his early work involved educational design, Andrew became involved in the application of behavior analysis to assist individuals with developmental disabilities.  He has provided services to individuals with a wide array of disabilities, ages, and challenging behaviors.  Also, Andrew has extended experience training caregivers to implement effective behavioral programs.  

Christy Daly, M.Ed, BCBA |Behavior Analyst

Christy joined Commonwealth Autism Service in August 2010. She received her B.A. from Ohio State University, and her M.Ed. from Old Dominion University. As a graduate student, Christy began working with children with autism and other behavioral and developmental diagnoses providing behavior analytic services in center-based, home and school settings. While completing her master’s, she began pursuing her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification through Nova Southeastern University in Florida.

Elizabeth Gilmore, M.Ed., BCBA|Behavior Analyst, Regional Leader

Liz joined Commonwealth Autism Service in February of 2007 for the beginning of their partnership with the Southeastern Collaborative Educational Programs (SECEP).  After completing her undergraduate degree in psychology at Wells College in upstate NY, Liz moved to Boston to work for Melmark New England.  After two years in the field she began pursuing her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification and master’s degree in behavioral education at Simmons College while working as an alternative education teacher for the Merrimack Education Center.  Liz has spent time assisting with social skills groups for children with autism at Advances Learning Center in Newton, Massachusetts and as a Lead Behavior Liaison with the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School District in North Carolina. She is also the Owner/Managing Director of EMG Consulting, LLC which provides ABA consultation services in the Hampton Roads area.  

Michele Kissinger, M.S., BCBA|Behavior Analyst

Michele joined Commonwealth Autism Service as a behavior analyst in August 2007. She has worked with children with autism for the past six years as a teacher and therapist. Michele received her bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education, followed by teaching English to at-risk students for two years in California. She received her master's degree in special education with a focus in autism and applied behavior analysis from Penn State University as part of an Autism Specialist Fellowship. As a graduate student, Michele worked as therapeutic staff support at a group home for individuals with mental health diagnoses and an ESL teacher for State College Community Education. Upon graduation from Penn State University, Michele began a middle school autism program as a special education teacher at Stafford County Public Schools in Stafford, Virginia. In addition to her current position, Michele is pursuing a doctoral degree from the College of William and Mary in Educational Planning, Policy, and Leadership in Special Education Administration.
 

John Prickett, M.A., BCBA|Regional Autism Assessment Team Coordinator

John obtained his B.A. in psychology from West Virginia University in 1996. Shortly after graduating, he began working at the May Center for Child Development, a residential facility for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. John worked there until 1998 and subsequently moved to Portland where he aided in establishing a school-based program for young children with autism until the spring of 2001. Simultaneously, John earned his master’s degree in counseling psychology (behavior analysis track) from Pacific University. During the course of completing his master’s degree and for several subsequent years, John provided school and in-home consultation services for children and adolescents with autism through both a community-based clinic and a private practice that he shared with his wife and a colleague. In the fall of 2006, John moved to Virginia to work as a behavior analyst in a residential facility. He worked there until being hired by Commonwealth Autism Service in the summer of 2009. John is currently the Autism Services Coordinator/Behavior Analyst for Page County Public Schools and is also the Coordinator for the Shenandoah Valley Regional Autism Assessment Team.

Shonnet has been working with children with special needs of all ages since 1994.  She has worked in various settings, including residential treatment facilities, day treatment programs, private schools, public schools and in families’ homes.  She has also provided various levels of support for children at these settings, including direct care support, teaching, case management, therapy, and consultation. Shonnet has taken on directorial positions as well in establishing and overseeing a private school and a behavioral consultation private practice for children on the autism spectrum.  She received her B.A. in psychology from West Virginia University and her M.A. in counseling psychology in the behavior analysis track from Pacific University in Oregon.  Shonnet began working for CAS in July of 2008 and serves as the Autism Services Coordinator and Behavior Analyst with Shenandoah County Public Schools.  Since then, she has become a member of the Shenandoah Valley Regional Autism Assessment Team.  In addition, Shonnet has established autism programs within her division’s schools to provide more training, education and expertise for teachers and paraprofessionals of students on the spectrum.  She also supervises candidates pursuing their BCaBA certification and is part of the Competent Learner Model initiative in her schools.  Shonnet works closely with staff and families to provide coordination of effective services for students on the autism spectrum.

Autumn joined Commonwealth Autism Service in August 2009. After receiving a dual B.A. in psychology and art from Mount Union College, she earned an M.S. in behavior analysis and therapy from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Autumn has provided behavior analytic services for over 8 years to individuals with autism in specialized centers, public and private schools, and in family homes. Autumn’s additional experience in behavior analysis includes residential treatment centers, adult developmental workshops, and intensive behavioral in-home family preservation/reunification. Autumn has received additional training on the utilization of the VB-MAPP, the analysis of verbal behavior, and transition services to adulthood. Autumn will also be involved with the implementation of the Competent Learner Model within the NREP early childhood special education program. Autumn has also presented behavioral research at the local, state, national, and international level, and is a member of ABA International .
 

Chrissy joined Commonwealth Autism Service in July 2011.  She received both a B.A. and M.A. in Linguistics & Rhetoric from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and then went on to obtain her M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Mercyhurst College. Chrissy has provided behavior analytic services to individuals with autism from 18 months to 21 years of age in specialized institutions, public and private schools, and families’ homes.  She has extensive training and experience in the analysis of verbal behavior, and has worked with individuals with a wide range of developmental disabilities and challenging behaviors.  Chrissy will be involved with the implementation of the Competent Learner Model within the NREP special education program.