Meet The GAMUT Team
Marycate McDonough, M.S.Ed, BCBA, LBS
Marycate was introduced to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) when her nephew was diagnosed with autism over 30 years ago. Seeing the dramatic effects of intense early intervention, she has devoted her life's work to ensure students with autism receive quality, individualized programming, and care. She received her Master of Science in Education from Temple University, is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), as well as a Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS).
Khouri Li, M.S.Ed, BCBA, LBS
Khouri began her journey with GAMUT in 2012 while concurrently pursuing her Master's Degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Temple University. Subsequent to obtaining her BCBA certification in 2015, she has continued her professional trajectory with GAMUT, progressively advancing through various roles, commencing as an ABA therapist and culminating in her current position as the Director of Educational Services.
Khouri bears the responsibility of ensuring GAMUT's unwavering commitment to delivering superior quality services through the implementation of comprehensive training programs, effective supervision, and meticulous oversight of internal systems. She possesses extensive experience as a BCBA in both general and special education settings, having worked with a diverse range of students and diagnoses. Additionally, she plays a pivotal role in maintaining the high standards of service delivery by managing several of GAMUT's educational contracts throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. In addition to being a BCBA, she holds an LBS license and is also a certified Safety Care Trainer.
Angela (Daubert) Shouler M.S., BCBA, LBS
Angela has been working with students on the autism spectrum for over ten years in a variety of roles, including Teaching Assistant, ABA Therapist, Teacher, and Behavior Analyst. While working as an Autistic Support Teacher in the Philadelphia public schools, she was introduced to Applied Behavior Analysis as a research-based intervention for her students.
Within her classroom, she implemented ABA with the support of a BCBA who inspired her to pursue a Master's degree with a concentration in ABA. Angela has been with GAMUT since June 2015, working in both early intervention and school-age settings. She holds teaching certificates in both Elementary and Special Education, completed her Master of Science in Education from Temple University in 2013, and is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS).
Meredith Viola, M.S., BCBA, LBS
Meredith holds a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the Pennsylvania State University, as well as a master's degree in School Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. While pursuing her master's, she was introduced to Applied Behavior Analysis and decided to additionally pursue her certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
She joined GAMUT in 2014 and has experience in developing and implementing educational programming related to skill and language acquisition and reduction of problem behaviors for students up to the age of 21. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) as well as a Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS).
Kelly Garrahan, M.S., BCBA, LBS
Kelly began practicing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in 2013 when she obtained her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Saint Joseph's University. Before obtaining her Behavior Specialist License (LBS) she worked as an ABA therapist in the Kennett Consolidated School District for the Chester County Intermediate Unit. During her time (2013-2016) as an ABA therapist, she provided direct instruction to students, ages 6-13, in an autistic support classroom.
Kelly earned a Master's degree from Saint Joseph's University. Shortly after completing her graduate work in June 2016, she became an ABA therapist with GAMUT under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Now a BSC with GAMUT, Kelly works tirelessly to provide her clients and their families the best services to improve behaviors and create independence through ABA techniques. Her experience practicing ABA and the time she has spent working with students as a dance instructor since she was 15 years old has provided her the desire to help others reach their most unique goals.
Kaitlyn Giannini, M.A., BCBA, LBS
Kaitlyn began working at Gamut in 2014 as a Personal Care Assistant, which inspired her to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst after seeing the success and effects of ABA. Kaitlyn received her Master of Arts in Special Education from Ball State University in 2016. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS).
Amanda Lee, M.S., LBS
Amanda became interested in ABA when she was working in childcare during college. She graduated from Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. After college, she held different positions working with students on the spectrum, such as a TSS, teaching assistant for an Intermediate Unit, and then as a Behavior Specialist. She graduated with her Master's in Psychology and a specialization in ABA. She is continuing her education because of her passion for the amazing work ABA therapists do every day and the incredible progress the students and their loved ones experience.
Nancy Brown, M.S., BCBA
Nancy started her career at a school for students with developmental disabilities. She began as a paraprofessional and then rose to become a substitute teacher. It was then she was introduced to the transformative power of ABA, as she worked in crisis management to reduce maladaptive behaviors and teach replacement behaviors.
She received her undergraduate degree from Rowan University, with a specialization in ABA, and then received her Master's in ABA from Drexel University. She has worked with a wide range of ages from three years to adulthood and with varying diagnoses within the residential, educational, and behavioral health settings.
Sarah Millai deBerardinis, M.Ed, BCBA, LBS
Sarah started working for GAMUT in 2017. While working as an ABA therapist, she earned her Master's degree in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from California University of Pennsylvania. Now working as a Behavior Specialist Consultant (BSC), she has been given the opportunity to gain a variety of experiences that include intervening on challenging behaviors, developing interventions/skill acquisition programs, creating data collection procedures, overseeing 1:1 staff, and performing evaluations such as functional behavior assessments and the VB-MAPP.
With her clients, Sarah's main goal is to produce meaningful behavior change through appropriate program development based on scientific data, while also considering the unique and individual needs of each student when making clinical decisions. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) as well as a Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS).
Lindsay DiGiorgio, M.S., BCBA, LBS
Lindsay started working with students with autism after graduating from Shippensburg University. During her time working as a TSS, she was introduced to ABA through one of her students' service providers. Seeing the progress that her student was making was impactful, which sparked an interest in learning more about ABA as a science. That was when she decided to enroll in an ABA masters program. She started working as an ABA therapist at GAMUT in 2018, primarily in the early intervention setting. She then finished the graduate program at Capella and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) as well as a Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS). She enjoys seeing the meaningful progress her students make each day.
Alyssa Martin, M.S., LBS, RBT, and BCBA Candidate
Alyssa joined GAMUT in 2020 after receiving her bachelor's in Psychology from Arizona State University. She began her journey at GAMUT as an ABA therapist supporting students with their individual needs and transitioned into a teaching assistant role where she was able to work with several students through the implementation of their tailored positive behavior support plans. She also worked as a hiring specialist to bring quality talent to GAMUT. Alyssa became interested in becoming a BCBA and began at Capella University in 2021 in a Master's program in applied behavior analysis. Once finishing her Masters, she became a Licensed Behavior Specialist at GAMUT, where she creates and trains staff on implementing plans for students of varying ages and abilities. Alyssa is currently a BCBA candidate.
Rachel Ronkainen, M.S., BCBA
Rachel Ronkainen possesses a Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Saint Joseph's University and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Her professional journey commenced as a special education teacher, where she diligently served students with disabilities. Upon obtaining her Bachelor's degree in Special Education and Elementary Education, Rachel transitioned to the role of a middle school learning support teacher. Subsequently, she assumed the position of an early intervention special education teacher, which introduced her to the field of ABA. Rachel's passion lies in working within community schools, where she collaborates with teachers to implement behavioral analytic strategies tailored to the unique needs of their students. Through her expertise and dedication, Rachel strives to enhance the lives of these individuals.
Jacqueline Montemuro, Master of Education, Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Jacqueline received her Bachelor's degree in elementary and special education from Saint Joseph's University in the year 2010, and promptly commenced working in the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) after graduation. She holds a Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Jacqueline possesses extensive experience in providing behavior-analytic services to individuals aged 3 to 21. She joined the GAMUT team 2023 and is currently providing services in the early intervention setting.
Vitaliya Dokhvat, Master of Arts, Licensed Behavior Specialist
Vitaliya Dokhvat commenced her employment with GAMUT in the year 2017, shortly after completing her undergraduate studies in Neuroscience at Temple University. Following graduation, she embarked on a mission trip, where she dedicated her efforts to working with children in orphanages afflicted with developmental delays and neurobiological disorders. This experience inspired her to pursue professional opportunities in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Vitaliya initiated her career at GAMUT as an ABA therapist in a preschool setting. Subsequently, she transitioned to a teaching assistant role, where she provided ABA services in a classroom under the guidance of a classroom instructor. In 2021, Vitaliya attained her Master's degree from Ball State University, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis. She subsequently obtained her Behavior Specialist License (LBS) and commenced working as a Behavior Specialist Consultant (BSC) in 2023.
Presently, Vitaliya is actively enrolled in GAMUT's BCBA candidate supervision program, demonstrating her commitment to continued professional development in the field of ABA.
Ashley McHugh, MA, BCBA
Ashley found a love for behavior analysis while working with individuals with Autism at a summer camp. She has worked with many different ages from 3 to 77. She began her career working with kids and then gained experience being a Lead Behavior Analyst for an Adult Services program. She has experience working with highly behavioral individuals and loves being able to implement a plan that results in positive behavior change. Ashley will go above and beyond to make sure her clients and families feel supported. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Whitney Austin, MA, BCBA
Whitney joined the GAMUT team 2023. In 2011, she commenced employment as a paraprofessional, working with children diagnosed with autism and developmental disabilities. Upon receiving training in the implementation of behavioral plans and witnessing the positive outcomes of ABA programming, she was inspired to pursue a career as a Behavior Analyst. In 2019, she earned a Master of Arts degree in Special Education, accompanied by Graduate Certifications in Applied Behavior Analysis and Response to Intervention from Ball State University. Whitney holds the credentials of Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Specialist.
Samantha Fagan MS, BCBA
Samantha holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from Stonehill College, as well as a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from The University of Dayton. While completing her undergraduate degree, Samantha volunteered with the Special Olympics coaching swimming, basketball, and soccer. This valuable experience led Samantha to pursue her first job as a behavior therapist where she was introduced to the science of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Samantha is currently a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and started her career with GAMUT in the summer of 2024. She brings with her valuable experience across the home, clinic, and school settings managing high intensity behaviors. Samantha has years of experience developing interventions, creating skill acquisition programming, overseeing 1:1 staff within the private and public sectors, as well as executing functional behavior assessments to functionally and effectively support student development. Samantha loves to bring laughter and fun into each classroom and to every student that she has the pleasure of working with.
Sarah Benton, M.S., LBS
Sarah began her career in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2017 when she joined the GAMUT team as an ABA Therapist, while also earning her Master’s Degree in Behavior Analysis from Saint Joseph’s University. During her time as a therapist, Sarah provided one-on-one behavior therapy to children with Autism under the supervision of a BCBA. Sarah is a now a Licensed Behavior Specialist and Behavior Specialist Consultant, working closely with teachers, parents, and multidisciplinary team members to provide quality support and individualized treatment for each child. Through evidence based intervention, Sarah is dedicated to helping her clients develop essential social, emotional, and behavioral skills in both early intervention and school-aged settings.
Caitlin Smith MS, BCBA, LBA, LBS
Caitlin holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Holy Family University, as well as a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Drexel University with a concentration in Autism Studies. She has worked in various settings in her time in ABA such as the clinic, home, school and community with children and adolescents ages 18 months to 17 years of age.
Caitlin holds a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification, is licensed as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in the state of NJ (LBA), and is licensed as a Behavior Specialist in the state of Pennsylvania (LBS).
As a BCBA, Caitlin has gained a variety of experience that includes behavior reduction and skill acquisition programming, creating and implementing data collection systems, conducting various assessments (VB-MAPP, ABLS, AFLS, Vineland, FBAs), school consultation, overseeing 1:1 staff, parent training, and supervising BCaBA/BCBA candidates.
Caitlin credits her passion of working with children and adolescents with ASD to her time as a camp counselor. She gravitated towards working with those who needed a little extra support and from there focused her education and career on helping with those with disabilities. Caitlin finds the most joy when seeing her students thrive and live happy and fulfilling lives.
Makayla McIlvee M.S., LBS, BCBA
Makayla embarked on her journey in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in 2021 after earning a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. She then pursued a graduate degree in Counseling, with a concentration in ABA, at Arcadia University. Throughout her graduate studies, Makayla gained hands-on experience as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), working in diverse settings such as schools, homes, and communities. It was during this time that Makayla discovered her passion for working with students with autism, and decided to work towards becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). In 2023, she joined GAMUT as an RBT, where she worked in early intervention classrooms with children diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities.Â
After completing her Master's degree, Makayla obtained her Behavior Specialist License (LBS) and shortly thereafter became a BCBA. Her combined experience in the field of counseling and ABA informs her practice as a behavior analyst. Makayla is dedicated to offering trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment tailored to the unique needs of each individual she serves. She firmly believes that every client possesses distinctive strengths that can be harnessed to foster meaningful and lasting behavioral change.
Cailyn Schmidt
Cailyn began her career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in 2020 as a behavior technician at an autism clinic in Wisconsin, where she quickly developed a passion for the field. She soon transitioned to the role of Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), which she held for four years while working in a variety of settings, including clinics, homes, and schools.Â
Cailyn holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Education and Educational Services from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She then pursued graduate-level coursework in the School Psychology doctoral program at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, including the necessary BCBA certification coursework. Cailyn earned her Master’s in School Psychology in 2024 and became a Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS). Cailyn spent a year working as an RBT with GAMUT before advancing to her current position as a Behavior Consultant. As a BCBA candidate, she continues to work with students of all ages and needs, using evidence-based practices to promote positive behavior change while considering the psychological factors that may influence behavior and ensuring targeted support that fosters success for every student.
Human Resources
Bethany Carr, M.S.Ed, LBS
Bethany joined the GAMUT team in 2018 while she was pursuing her Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. She started with GAMUT as an ABA Therapist supporting students in the early intervention and school-age programs. Upon earning her Master's, Bethany moved into the Behavior Specialist Consultant role, where she created behavior plans and programming for students of varying ages and abilities. In 2021, she transitioned into the Human Resources Manager role to support the growth of GAMUT. Since working in the HR department, she has enjoyed creating a supportive work environment for the therapists at GAMUT and assisting them in pursuing their career goals!
Kayla Murray
Kayla joined the GAMUT team as an ABA Therapist in 2017. She entered the field of ABA after attending Millersville University and working in an IU Early Intervention Verbal Behavior classroom but quickly fell in love. Kayla worked as a paraprofessional, ABA Therapist, and RBT throughout Delaware County for 6 years. She became the GAMUT Safety Care trainer in 2020 and realized her passion for assisting and training incoming GAMUT staff. Kayla moved into the Hiring & Training position in 2021 and enjoys finding qualified staff who love ABA as much as she does.
Bernadette Carey, RBT
Bernadette found a passion for ABA when she graduated from college and landed a job as an ABA Therapist. She earned her degree from Alvernia University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Science with a minor in psychology and concentration in Special Education. She
earned her RBT and continued to practice as an RBT throughout Delaware and Montgomery counties for six years. Bernadette has worked alongside many wonderful therapists throughout the years and wanted to play a role
in making sure that the students we serve receive high-quality services. She joined the GAMUT HR department in March 2024 and is looking forward to helping expand the GAMUT team.