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Denise Rizzo-Ranieri, M.S. Ed., is President and Co-founder of Realizing Children’s Strengths (RCS). Denise is also Chief of Design & Innovation and is the President of RCS Learning Center’s Board of Directors. In her role she leads strategic planning, program development, external relationships, and ensuring students are at the center of every RCS initiative.
Denise founded RCS Behavioral & Educational Consulting in 1997 and was later joined by co-founder Louis Ranieri. During this time, Denise consulted with public school teachers in the classroom and with parents in their homes designing special education programs. In 2006, she opened RCS Learning Center with a goal of providing the highest quality of individualized behavioral and educational services for children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. A year later, Mini-Miracles Early Education & Child Care Center opened and in 2013 launched the Rising Stars Integrated Preschool Program.
Denise holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Plymouth State University and a Master of Science in Education from Simmons University. RCS Learning Center is one of three sister companies under Realizing Children’s Strengths alongside RCS Behavioral & Educational Consulting and Mini-Miracles Early Education & Childcare Center.
Natalie Sandmann, B.S., is the Chief Operating Officer for Realizing Children’s Strengths (RCS). She came to RCS in 2003 as Director of Operations for RCS Learning Center. With extensive experience in both non-profit and for-profit organizations, she is well-versed in the areas of accounting, payroll and human resources. She also serves on the Board of Directors for RCS Learning Center.
Natalie leads strategic planning and operations, including finance, development, and HR for Realizing Children’s Strengths. She is a member of the Metrowest Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools (MAAPS), and local networking organizations throughout the community. Natalie holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Keene State College. RCS Learning Center is one of three sister companies under Realizing Children’s Strengths alongside RCS Behavioral & Educational Consulting and Mini-Miracles Early Education & Childcare Center.
Dr. Christina M. King, Ph.D., BCBA, LABA, has been the Executive Managing Director for RCS Learning Center since 2017. Christina began at RCS in 2006 as a Supervisor, became the Assistant Director of the Learning Center after just four months, and served as the Director of RCS Learning Center from 2007 to 2017. She also serves on the Board of Directors for RCS Learning Center.
Dr. King also works as an adjunct professor at Simmons University in the Behavior Analysis Master’s Degree program. Prior to joining RCS, she worked as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in a variety of settings providing ABA services including, home-based, community, public schools as well as private schools. Dr. King is a published author and has presented or co-presented more than two dozen symposiums and poster sessions on a variety of topics related to the field of applied behavior analysis. Her areas of expertise include Applied Behavior Analysis, Verbal Behavior, Instructional Design, and Supervision.
Christina is a member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Massachusetts Association of Applied Behavior Analysis, Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy, Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, Council for Exceptional Children, and Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools and the Government Affairs Committee. She is proficient in American Sign Language and in addition to her BCBA and Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA), she is certified in First Aid and CPR and is trained in Strategies of Limiting Violent Episodes (SOLVE).
Dr. King holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Behavior Analysis, has completed coursework as an Educational Specialist in Moderate Special Education. She also holds a Master of the Science of Education in Behavioral Education from Simmons University. Christina earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Disorders with a Concentration in Deaf Education from Boston University’s Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation.
Colleen Yorlets, M.A., M.S., BCBA, LABA is the
Chief Clinical Specialist for Realizing Children’s Strengths
(RCS). Colleen joined RCS in 2007 as a Supervisor, was promoted to
Assistant Director in 2010, and Clinical Director of General Consulting in
2014. She oversees the training department and collaborates on
research and clinical projects. Colleen specializes in stimulus control,
stimulus equivalence, and verbal behavior, presenting at industry conferences
throughout the country.
Colleen serves as an adjunct faculty member teaching graduated
course in behavior analysis. In the past she has also served as a supervisor
for individuals completing their ABA fieldwork. She is a member of the
Massachusetts Association for Applied Behavior Analysts, Berkshire Association
for Behavior Analysis and Therapy, and Association for Behavior Analysis
International.
She holds a Master of Science in Behavior Analysis from Simmons
University, a Master’s in the field of Psychology from Boston University, and a
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Franklin & Marshall College. RCS
Learning Center is one of three sister companies under Realizing Children’s
Strengths alongside RCS Behavioral & Educational Consulting and
Mini-Miracles Early Education & Childcare Center.
Ranjini Govender, J.D., Ph.D., is the Vice President of Advancement for Realizing Children’s Strengths (RCS). Dr. Govender joined RCS in 2020 as Director of Communications and leads external communications and advancement for RCS including marketing, external relations, and brand development. Ranjini has been a non-profit and education leader for over 20 years as a classroom teacher, education law attorney, and non-profit executive director. Her prior experience includes leading the Massachusetts chapter of education advocacy group, Stand for Children; as Chief Partnerships Office at Next Level Social Impact, a local philanthropic fund; and as Vice President at FUSE Corps, a national nonprofit committed to equity through creating partnership with local government.
She has been cited in local media outlets including WBUR, Comcast Newsmakers, the Boston Business Journal, and the Boston Globe. Ranjini holds a Juris Doctor degree from Syracuse University, a doctoral degree in Education from Cornell University, and Bachelor of Science degrees in both Philosophy and Psychology from William Smith College. RCS Learning Center is one of three sister companies under Realizing Children’s Strengths alongside RCS Behavioral & Educational Consulting and Mini-Miracles Early Education & Childcare Center.
Jessica Smith, B.S., is the Director of Operations for Realizing Children’s Strengths (RCS). Jessica joined RCS in 2011 as the Human Resources Representative and in 2017 began her role of Director of Operations. She helps lead business administration specifically in the areas of building operations, information technology, and human resources.
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources from Bridgewater State University. RCS Learning Center is one of three sister companies under Realizing Children’s Strengths alongside RCS Behavioral & Educational Consulting and Mini-Miracles Early Education & Childcare Center.
Jacqueline Adams, M.S., BCBA, LABA, is the Clinical Director for RCS Learning Center. Jacqueline began her career with RCS Learning Center in 2008 as a Behavior Therapist, and in 2010 was promoted to the position of Program Manager. As a Program Manager, Jacqueline is responsible for the educational and behavioral programming for a variety of students at RCS. In 2014, Jacqueline also began her role as Vocational Coordinator. As Vocational Coordinator, Jacqueline is responsible for arranging on-and off-site vocational skills training and transition planning for RCS students aged 14 and older. Jacqueline’s areas of interest include behavior management, social and vocational skill programming, and verbal behavior.
Prior to joining the RCS team, Jacqueline taught in a variety of private schools and daycare settings. Jacqueline holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development with a concentration in early childhood education from Wheelock College. In 2010, Jacqueline received a Master of Science in Behavior Analysis from Simmons College, and went on to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2011.
Alex Barnes, M.S., BCBA, LABA, is a Clinician for RCS Learning Center. Alex began her career at RCS Learning Center in June of 2019. Since starting at RCS, Alex has held the positions of Behavior Therapist, Special Education Teacher, and now an Associate Clinician position. Throughout her time at RCS, Alex has worked with students of ages 12-22 and currently is the Clinician for 18-22 year old students with a focus on increasing their vocational skills. Alex holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from College of the Holy Cross. and a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Simmons University. Alex became a BCBA in 2021.
Lauren Bernier, M.S., Ed., BCBA, LABA, is the Manager of Transition & Vocational Services for RCS Learning Center. Lauren began her career at RCS Learning Center in 2015 as a Behavior Therapist, and has also held the positions of Special Education Teacher and Clinician. She transitioned into the role of Manager of Transition and Vocational Services in 2021. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from The University of Rhode Island and a Master of Science in Education in Special Education from Fitchburg State University. She also received a Graduate Certificate in Behavior Analysis from Fitchburg State University in 2018. Lauren became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2019.
Theresa Hayes, B.A., is the Human Resources Director for Realizing Children’s Strengths (RCS). She has served as the HR Director for RCS Learning Center since 2017. Her areas of expertise include employee relations and recruitment. Theresa has 25 years of experience in Human Resources in a variety of settings including, public, private, and nonprofit organizations in New York, Washington DC and Boston.
Prior to joining RCS Theresa was the HR Director for the Public Works and Transportation Departments in the City of Boston and the HR Manager at a Dorchester based not for profit health care center. Theresa holds a Bachelor of Arts from Ithaca College. RCS Learning Center is one of three sister companies under Realizing Children’s Strengths alongside RCS Behavioral & Educational Consulting and Mini-Miracles Early Education & Childcare Center.
Catherine Ianello, B.A., M.A., RBT, is an Associate Clinician for RCS Learning Center. Catherine began her career at RCS Learning Center in 2016. She started work as a Behavior Therapist and then moved into the role of an Associate Clinician in 2021. As an Associate Clinician she is responsible for monitoring students programs and evaluating data. Cat holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Integrated Liberal Studies from Curry College and a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis at Simons University.
Elizabeth Kelsey, M.S., BCBA, LABA, is the Program Director for RCS Learning Center. Elizabeth began her career at RCS Learning Center in 2006 as a Behavior Therapist and took on the position of Program Director in 2021. In her role Elizabeth is responsible for overseeing the operational policies and procedures at RCS Learning Center. Her areas of interest include teaching self-help and vocational skills, preference assessments, reinforcer selection and organizational behavior management.
Prior to joining the RCS team, Elizabeth worked with adults with disabilities in a day habilitation program and residential settings. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Disabilities from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She also holds a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University, and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2010.
June Lee, B.S., is the Finance Director for Realizing Children’s Strengths (RCS). June joined the team in 2014 and has 30 plus years experience with accounting and bookkeeping and 8 plus years in tax preparation. Her areas of expertise include Accounting, Finance and Bookkeeping. RCS Learning Center is one of three sister companies under Realizing Children’s Strengths alongside RCS Behavioral & Educational Consulting and Mini-Miracles Early Education & Childcare Center.
Erin Kostigen, Ed.D., BCBA, LABA, is the Educational Director for RCS Learning Center. Erin began her career at RCS Learning Center in 2009. Since starting at RCS, Erin has held the positions of Behavior Therapist and Special Education Teacher in the Learning Center, and Clinical Liaison in RCS Behavioral and Educational Consulting, LLC. In 2014, Erin started her role as Educational Director where she is responsible for overseeing the Special Education Team at RCS. Erin’s areas of expertise include math education and curriculum for students with special needs, health and sexual education, and inclusion facilitation.
Erin holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Mathematics from Lesley University and a Master of Education in Elementary Mathematics Education from Northeastern University. Continuing with her interest in Special Education, Erin received a Graduate Certificate in Behavioral Intervention in Autism from UMass Lowell in 2012, is licensed in Moderate and Severe Special Needs as well as Mathematics, and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2013. Erin earned her Doctorate of Education in 2020 from Northeastern University.
Vasiliki (Teddi) Remoundos, M.S., BCBA, LABA, is the Head of Admissions and Family Engagement for RCS Learning Center. She started her career at RCS in 2016 as a Behavior Therapist, and then took on the role of Clinician when she became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2018. In 2021 she took on a new position at RCS serving as the Head of Admissions and Family Engagement. Her areas of expertise include working with secondary aged students with specialized programming for behavior management, language and independent living skills. Teddi holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Northeastern University and a Master of Science in ABA from Northeastern.
We currently have openings for Behavior Therapists and Special Education Teachers.