David Celiberti, PhD, BCBA-D, is the part time Executive Director of ASAT and Past-President, a role he served from 2006 and 2012. He is the Co-Editor of ASAT’s newsletter, Science in Autism Treatment…
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He received his PhD in clinical psychology from Rutgers University in 1993. Dr. Celiberti has served on a number of advisory boards and special interest groups in the field of autism, applied behavior analysis, and early childhood education, and been an active participant in local fundraising initiatives to support after school programming for economically disadvantaged children. He works in private practice and provides consultation to public and private schools and agencies in underserved areas. He has authored several articles in professional journals and presents frequently at regional, national, and international conferences. In prior positions, Dr. Celiberti taught courses related to applied behavior analysis (ABA) at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, supervised individuals pursuing BCBA certifications, and conducted research in the areas of ABA, family intervention, and autism.
OFFICERS OF BOARD
Ruth Donlin, MS, President, is a Board Member of ASAT since 2010 and on the Public Relations Committee…
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She is a consultant in private practice based in New York, and has provided consultation to schools, agencies, and home programs for children and adults on the autism spectrum for 20 years. She has completed the course requirements for a PhD in Clinical Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute and is completing her dissertation. She presents on a variety of topics such as managing challenging behaviors, using visual supports, team dynamics, and social skill development at conferences regionally, nationally, and internationally. Ruth is Past-President of the Autism Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Association of Behavior Analysis International.
Mary Jane Weiss, PhD, BCBA-D, Vice President, is a Professor at Endicott College, where she directs the Master’s Program in Autism and ABA and is a mentoring faculty member in the Doctoral program in ABA. She also does research with the team at Melmark. She joined the Board of ASAT in 2018.
Maithri Sivaraman, PhD, BCBA, Treasurer is an Assistant Professor in the ABA program at Teachers College, Columbia University. She joined ASAT’s Board of Directors in 2024. Previously, Maithri led ASAT’s international dissemination efforts.
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Dr. Weiss has worked in the field of ABA and Autism for over 30 years. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Rutgers University in 1990 and she became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2000. She previously worked for 16 years at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers University, where she served as Director of Research and Training and as Clinical Director. Her clinical and research interests center on defining best practice ABA techniques, exploring ways to enhance the ethical conduct of practitioners, evaluating the impact of ABA in learners with autism, teaching social skills to learners with autism, training staff to be optimally effective at instruction, and maximizing family members’ expertise and adaptation. She serves on the Scientific Council of the Organization for Autism Research, is on the Professional Advisory Board of Autism New Jersey, is a regular reviewer for a variety of professional journals, and is a frequent member of service committees for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She is also a Past President of the Autism Special Interest Group of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, a former member of the Board of the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts, and a former Vice President of the Board of Trustees for Autism New Jersey.
Britta Gilmore Pomrantz , JD, PhD, Secretary, joined the board of ASAT in 2023. She is a licensed attorney and the proud and devoted parent of a young child with autism.
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Britta’s legal work has included criminal prosecution, appellate advocacy, attorney ethics enforcement, and institutional compliance. Across that time, Britta has maintained a persistent interest in the science of Applied Behavior Analysis and its applications in the treatment of individuals with developmental disabilities. Those interests assumed a new urgency and meaning when, in 2022, her own son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of three and a half.
Britta is a graduate of Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. She completed her doctorate in historical musicology at Princeton University after spending time in Hungary as a Fulbright Scholar. In 2007, Britta received her JD from Rutgers University. She is currently completing coursework for BCBA certification and finding out if you really can teach an old dog a few new tricks.
BOARD MEMBERS
Eric V. Larsson, PhD, LP, BCBA-D,
is a Board Member of ASAT since 2013. He is the Executive Director of Clinical Services at the Lovaas Institute Midwest, where he implements and researches a program of intensive early intervention services for families of children who suffer from autism.
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Dr. Larsson is a member of the Clinical Faculty in the Psychology Department at the University of Minnesota, where he teaches classes in Applied Behavior Analysis and in Autism. He is currently a board member of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and the Autism Recovery Foundation. He is the honorary President of the Fundaçion Planeta Imaginario in Barcelona, Spain. Dr. Larsson served as Associate Research Director of the NIMH Multi-site Replication Study of the UCLA Young Autism Project. He has supervised intensive early intervention services since 1983 and has consulted with over 250 programs and governmental agencies world-wide, particularly on the issues involved in insurance coverage of accountable ABA services. In Minnesota, he authored a law for Medicaid coverage of intensive early intervention for autism. He participated in the development of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board Guidelines for Health Plan Coverage of Applied Behavior Analysis Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder. In 2013 he received the Provider of the Year Award from Autism Speaks in Washington, DC. and the Jerry Shook Leadership Award from the California Association for Behavior Analysis (CalABA).
Erin Leif, PhD, BCBA-D, joined the Board of Directors in 2018, and is currently serving as the Media Watch Lead. In this role, she coordinates efforts to identify and respond to accurate and inaccurate portrayals of autism and its treatment in the media, through the association’s Media Watch initiative.
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Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Erin currently lives in the beautiful city of Melbourne, Australia. She is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Monash University, where she coordinates the Master’s of Education in Applied Behaviour Analysis course sequence. Prior to joining the Faculty at Monash, Erin held various clinic appointments at internationally-recognised organisations providing applied behaviour analytic education and treatment to children with autism and related conditions, including the New England Center for Children (Boston and Abu Dhabi) and the Lizard Centre (Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide Australia).
Erin obtained her PhD in Behaviour Analysis from Western New England University in 2012. She specialises in the design and delivery of early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) and in functional assessment and treatment of severe behaviours of concern. Her approach to EIBI and behavioural treatment is skill-based; designing individualised programs that focus on teaching functional and fundamental life skills, including communication, learning to learn and listening skills, social responsiveness, play and leisure, and toleration. She is passionate about making sure every child has access to appropriate, evidence-based supports to help build their functional independence. Erin is an avid animal lover and enjoys spending time with her two rescue dogs, Frank the Tank and Bentley, when not busy at work.
Preeti Chojar, MCA, has been a Board Member of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) since 2007 and currently serves as the lead on all of ASAT’s website efforts. This role includes uploading new content weekly, updating content when needed, developing new pages, and otherwise managing the site.
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When her son was diagnosed, she had no knowledge of autism. She educated herself by attending numerous conferences, asking questions and reading as many books and articles as possible. She worked hand in hand with the staff at her son’s schools and the team at home.
She is a software professional. She has used those skills, innovative thinking and her commitment to her son to develop and carry out an unrelenting path forward for him. Her level of involvement and commitment to science-based treatment has sustained over the years.
Lina Slim, PhD, BCBA-D, CCC-SLP Dr. Lina Slim is a dually certified SLP & BCBA-D with over 30 years-experience, in behavior interventions working with individuals with developmental disabilities and speech-language and communication differences and disorders. She has worked across a variety of school, home, clinical and hospital settings. She has been on the board of ASAT since 2020.
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Dr. Slim’s clinical practice focuses on supporting culturally and linguistically diverse families and their children with autism, providing training and supervision to families and practitioners across different disciplines, nationally and internationally. Her workshops, trainings, clinical and research interests focus on disseminating best practices in the application of the science of behavior analysis to improve speech-language and communication skills, support individuals with a wide range of medical and educational differences including persons with autism and their families, and promote Interprofessional Culturally Aware, Responsive and Person-Centered Collaborative Practices (AICARe-Collaboration). Dr. Slim is Founding Executive Director of ASAP – A Step Ahead Program, LLC, a consulting company specializing in behavioral interventions for individuals with speech-language and communication challenges, differences, and delays. Dr. Slim is Adjunct Professor at Endicott College and at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, in the ABA Program. Dr. Slim is Executive Member of the Speech-Applied Behavior Analysis (SPABA) ABAI SIG, and BACB® Subject Matter Expert on the Item Review Committee, a member of the Board of Directors of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT), Chief Communication Officer Liaison of Behavior Analysis SIG on Supervision to the ABAI (BASIGS), Board Member of ABAC, Inc., Internal Continuing Education Committee (ICEC). Dr. Slim presents and consults nationally and internationally and has published peer-reviewed research and book chapters. Dr. Slim brings a unique personal and behavior analytic perspective on interprofessional collaboration, cultural responsiveness, and humility, by drawing from her personal and professional culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as from her extensive clinical practice working with culturally and linguistically diverse families nationally and internationally.
Carolyn Sniezyk, MS, BCBA, LBA, joined the Board of ASAT in 2018. Carolyn has been working with individuals of all ages diagnosed with Autism and other developmental disabilities for more than 15 years.
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The majority of her experience has been with Crossroads Center for Children located in Schenectady, New York. Crossroads Center for Children is a private, non-profit school serving children age two to 12 years that utilizes the treatment philosophy of applied behavior analysis. Carolyn has filled many roles within this agency including teaching assistant, research assistant, consultant to public schools, and ultimately, Clinical Director. At this time Carolyn oversees all behavior analysts working at the Center and the Clinic, which provides insurance based ABA services to families in their homes or community.
Carolyn received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Environmental Science from Queens College in 2002. Shortly thereafter, she began pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Community Psychology from Sage Graduate School. In conjunction with taking courses to complete the Master of Arts degree, she also took courses through Sage Graduate School to fulfill requirements to sit for the board certification in behavior analysis exam. She completed her Master of Arts degree in Community Psychology in 2004 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2005. In 2008 she completed a Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology and Methodology from the State University of New York at Albany. In 2014 she attained her NYS license in applied behavior analysis.
She has had the opportunity to conduct and present research at various state and national conferences including the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis, the Association for Behavior Analysis International, and Behavior Analysis and Developmental Disabilities. One research projects has resulted in a professional publication. Carolyn has been volunteering for ASAT for approximately five years.
Beverley Sharpe joined the board of ASAT in 2019. Beverley Sharpe is the proud parent of a now 23 year old daughter with autism. She started an ABA Home Treatment program 20 yrs. ago, and has not looked back. Her daughter was mainstreamed in school and now has paid part time work, along with volunteer work.
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Beverley participated on two legal steering committees for judgments which helped children access treatment dollars, and access trained Special Education Assistants.
Beverley has been the Director of Families for Early Autism Treatment since 2010 This means she has done new parent intake, spoken to parents on Advocacy in the School System, and been a resource for parents, teachers and family members.
Kate McKenna, MEd, MSEd, MS, BCBA, LBA, has worked in Early Childhood Special Education for over 25 years, providing special education and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children and their families. She is an Adjunct Lecturer in the Special Education department at Hunter College, and a Field Supervisor for Hunter College graduate students completing their Student Teaching/Practicum experience. Kate joined the ASAT Board of Directors in 2020.
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Kate received a Masters in Child Study from the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study at Tufts University, a Masters in Special Education from Pace University, and a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis from Hunter College. In addition to New York State certifications in general and special education from Birth to Grade 2 and Grades 1-6, she holds a New York State Annotated Certification in Severe/Multiple Disabilities.
Kate is passionate about inclusion and supporting students in developing play, social, and language skills. She has led play groups with thematically based curricula that are designed to support children in expanding purposeful play, initiating and sustaining peer interactions, improving social communication skills, and developing friendships.
Kate grew up in Minneapolis and returns every year to go to the Minnesota State Fair. When not busy with work she enjoys singing, reading, and spending time with her family.
Frank R. Cicero, PhD, BCBA, LBA(NYS), is a New York State licensed psychologist, licensed behavior analyst and board certified behavior analyst with over 25 years of experience working in the fields of applied behavior analysis and autism spectrum disorders. He joined the Board of ASAT in 2020.
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He received his master’s degree in school psychology from St. John’s University and his doctoral degree in educational psychology from the City University of New York Graduate Center. Dr. Cicero is currently an assistant professor and ABA program director for Seton Hall University, New Jersey. Prior to this position, he served as the Director of Psychological Services for the Eden II Programs, an applied behavior analysis agency in the New York City area serving children and adults on the autism spectrum. Dr. Cicero has served on the board of the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis since 2000 in various positions including President of the Board in 2015 and 2016. Dr. Cicero continues a private practice for child/adolescent psychology and ABA as well as conducts program consultations in best practice treatment for autism, developmental disabilities and problem behavior. Dr. Cicero frequently conducts workshops and trainings nationally on a variety of topics within his fields of expertise including treatment of problem behavior, sexual education for individuals with ASD, toilet training, and ethical practice of behavior analysis.
Daniel Unumb, Esq, joined the Board of ASAT in 2023. Dan is an attorney and the parent of a child with autism. As President of the Autism Legal Resource Center, a national law and consulting firm, he represents professional associations, autism service providers, and individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families seeking access to
services and has briefed autism issues in state and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Dan previously served as Executive Director of the Autism Speaks Legal Resource Center
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Before beginning full-time autism advocacy, Dan was the Director of Litigation for South Carolina Legal Services, a 10-office, statewide legal aid program. He has served as an adjunct professor in Legal Writing and Advocacy at George Washington University Law School and the Charleston School of Law, and as an instructor at the Justice Department’s National Advocacy Center. Dan graduated from Northwestern University School of Law, and previously practiced with law firms in Boston, Washington, D.C. and Charleston, SC, as well as the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Dan is co-author of the law school casebook “Autism and the Law,” and has presented on legal topics
pertaining to autism at numerous conferences and trainings including the National Legal Aid and Defenders Association, the Autism Society of America, the Autism Law Summit, the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, ABAI, and the Council on Autism Services. Dan is the 2020 recipient of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s Michael Hemingway Behavior Analysis Award for his work in developing public policy related to behavior analysis and increasing access to behavior-analytic services.
pertaining to autism at numerous conferences and trainings including the National Legal Aid and Defenders Association, the Autism Society of America, the Autism Law Summit, the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, ABAI, and the Council on Autism Services. Dan is the 2020 recipient of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s Michael Hemingway Behavior Analysis Award for his work in developing public policy related to behavior analysis and increasing access to behavior-analytic services.
Kristina Gasiewski, MEd, MOTR/L, BCBA, received her Bachelor of Science in psychology and her Master of occupational therapy from University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. She went on to receive her Master of Education in autism and applied behavior analysis from Endicott College. She joined the Board of ASAT in 2022.
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Kristina is a school-based occupational therapist, and currently works at Melmark, an approved private school for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Being dually credentialed, her research interests include collaboration between occupational therapists and behavior analysts and bridging the gap in order to best serve individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Kristina is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association as well as the Association for Behavior Analysis International and has had the opportunity to present at both organizations’ annual conferences.
Nicole Stewart, MSEd, BCBA, LBA-NY, joined the board of ASAT in 2023. She is a behavior analyst and certified special education teacher who has been working with autism populations for almost 20 years. She has worked across many different settings and currently runs her own private practice in addition to serving as an adjunct at CUNY Hunter College.
Marianne Clancy returned to the Board of ASAT in 2024, having previously served on the Board for several years. Marianne’s interests include adult issues, meaningful education across the lifespan, and parent-professional alliances. Marianne is the mother of an adult son with autism and two daughters. She recently earned her masters is ABA, works in an educational setting as an RBT paraprofessional, and is striving to develop social/leisure opportunities for adults with autism.
IN MEMORIAM
In memory of Tristram Smith, PhD, BCBA-D,
In this series of tributes, we recognize the contributions of one of our longstanding and beloved board members.
In memory of Joe Forgione, MBA
Mr. Forgione joined the board of ASAT in 2002 and remained on as Board Member Emeritus following his retirement. Please learn more about this remarkable man, his background, and his commitment to a variety of causes here.