Our Founders

I am the Co-Founder, Co-Owner of Spectra Support Services, LLC and the Moringa Institute: I serve as the Executive Director of Spectra Support Services, LLC and the CE Program Administrator for the Moringa Institute. My companies provide a variety of specialty care programs, mental health services, and professional training opportunities. To date, I established new creative arts therapy programs and behavioral health supports in settings such as residential homes, ambulatory healthcare settings, pediatric hospitals, pediatric rehabilitation centers, senior homes, homeless shelters, day programs, and schools. 

I began her career as a therapist by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Therapy from Duquesne University. I completed my clinical training with Deforia Lane, Ph.D. at the University Hospitals of Cleveland. I earned a Master’s in Music Therapy (MMT) from Temple University. Today, I am a board-certified music therapist, licensed professional counselor, a NADD certified clinician, certified MARI® practitioner and teacher, Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) trainer, and an approved trainer by the Family & Play Therapy Center to teach the introductory course to mindfulness-based play therapy. I am an active member of the Government Relations Committee of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association and for the NADD Accreditation and Clinical Certification Committee.

My areas of expertise include some of the following: dual-diagnosis for individuals with mental illness and co-occurring intellectual/developmental disabilities, trauma-informed care, non-violent crisis prevention and behavior management, music therapy, pain management, guided imagery, mindfulness-based play-family therapy, sand play, focusing, mandala assessment research instrument, cognitive behavior therapy, functional behavioral analysis, and eye movement and desensitization and reprocessing. I provide clinical supervision for established mental health professionals and therapists pursuing state licensure.
 

I am an advocate for the advancement of quality programming for people who have behavioral health needs. I find that I can influence this type of support through my leadership roles, government advocacy, clinical work, training programs, clinical supervision opportunities, and development of community programs that increase individuals' access to specialized health services. It brings It brings me great joy to serve my community in this way. 

My professional career as a social worker began over 20 years ago when I pursued a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work.  During my final year, I interned at the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council where I began my life-long role of advocating for persons with various intellectual and physical disabilities. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania and former licensed social worker in New Jersey. I spent some of my first years after graduation serving as a Behavior Specialist with Wyomissing Behavior Analysts, Ltd.  I am a Certified Autism Specialist and have presented at many local, state and national disability and Autism conferences. I have a passion for working with families, and particularly with those who find it difficult to create or access the supports they need for individual and family success.  I have experience working with all ages, from toddler to adult.  I provide Mindfulness Based Play-Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Behavior Plans and Therapy and Life Coaching as well as clinical supervision for those pursuing master-level licensure in Pennsylvania. I am a past- President of ASCEND: the Asperger and Autism Alliance for Greater Philadelphia and a member of  National Association of Social  Workers and Autism Society of America and Association Play Therapy. 

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I am a retired financial administrator and former Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who joined Spectra in 2022 after finishing a 36 year career in higher education finance and administration. I received my BS degree from the Smeal College of Business of Penn State University. Prior to Spectra, I was previously employed at Cabrini University and Drexel University. I held various positions including Vice President for Finance, Treasurer, and CFO; Vice President for Finance and Associate Treasurer; Comptroller and Associate Comptroller.  

Outside of my financial career, I enjoy doing various handyman and repair projects at both the home and the office and I hold a Certified Residential Electrician certificate from the Delaware County Community College. I have also been a volunteer in various capacities with our local troop and pack of the Boy Scouts of America since 2006.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and earned my degree in Master of Social Services from Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. Throughout my internships in clinical settings I noticed the difficulty my clients with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities faced when attempting to receive therapy services. There was frequently a struggle in finding a therapist that was able to meet the needs of this population and perform the same quality therapy work that “typical” individuals receive. It was when I came to Spectra that I found an agency that specializes in clinical service delivery to this population.  Additionally, I was able to experience a behavioral model performed using a therapeutic lens, with counseling interventions woven in to allow for both behavioral management and healing. 

I began working at Spectra in May of 2018 and currently perform the role of Director of Behavioral Health and I practice as a Psychotherapist. In my roles, I oversee the quality of care we provide our clients as well as support our talented clinicians. I conduct Functional Behavior Assessments, and create personalized Positive Behavior Support Plans using a strengths based approach. Clinically I utilize Mindfulness-Based Play-Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapies,  Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Creative Therapy, and Parts Work/Therapy. Everyday I learn from the individuals I work with, and feel honored to be a part of their journey.

My background includes recruitment, management, compliance, and volunteering for organizations that provide services to individuals who have intellectual disabilities. In 2021, I joined the Spectra team as a Human Resource Coordinator. I provide strategic guidance and leadership for all aspects of the human resources department. Spectra Support Services has allowed me the opportunity to work for a company that aligns with my passions and core values.

I joined the Spectra team in 2018 as a direct support professional and was promoted last year to the role of Manger of Day and Community Services. I have been working professionally with individuals who have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) since 2008. I graduated From Neumann University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and began my post college career as a Juvenile Probation Officer. After 5 years in the field, I recognized that I could make more of a difference to those who need it by changing fields to I/DD services. I began working for an I/DD residential facility as a direct support professional. I was promoted to the Daytime Program Coordinator/Medicine Administration Reviewer and later on to QIDP/ Treatment Manager. Day Program Manager. Within my roles, I enjoy watching and helping individuals grow and become part of the community.