Our Team
At ASUA, our faculty and staff are the driving force behind everything we accomplish.
Our team includes visionary educators, clinicians, leaders, and operational professionals who bring compassion, creativity, and purpose to every corner of our organization. Their commitment to inclusive, person-centered practice is what makes ASUA extraordinary, creating environments where innovation thrives and every learner is supported to grow.
We are grateful for the remarkable team that shapes our community each day and welcome future colleagues who share our passion for meaningful, transformative work.
If you are interested in joining the team, please see our Careers page for the latest opportunities available.
Executive Team
ASUA’s Executive Team provides the strategic leadership that guides the organization’s mission, vision, and long-term direction. With a focus on program quality, organizational health, and community impact, the team ensures that ASUA’s work remains innovative, compassionate, and aligned with the needs of the students and families we serve.
Working across all departments, the Executive Team facilitates cross-functional collaboration, oversees key operational and educational initiatives, and empowers leaders throughout the organization to advance ASUA’s purpose with clarity and care. Through forward-thinking planning and a commitment to fostering inclusive, people-centered systems, the Executive Team shapes the conditions that allow the entire ASUA community to learn, work, and thrive.
Chief Executive Officer
Jamie Jenkins
she/her
Special education, advocating for students with disabilities, and supporting families are my passions. Since joining A Step Up Academy (ASUA)…
Chief Program & Culture Officer
Jillian Winn, M.Ed., BCBA
she/her
Since joining ASUA in 2015, I’ve been dedicated to shaping a school culture grounded in trauma-informed, child-centered, and neuro-affirming positive…
Chief Operations & Innovation Officer
Kay Stauffer, SHRM-CP
they/them
I have been with ASUA since our founding and it has been wonderful to grow alongside the school. In my…
Administration & Operations
ASUA’s Administration and Operations team provides the essential services that support every location and program across the organization. This multidisciplinary group includes the Human Resources, Finance, Facilities, Technology, Communications, School Services, and Operations Teams.
Grounded in compassion and accessibility, this group designs and manages the operational frameworks that enable educators, clinicians, and staff to focus on delivering high-quality student programming. They steward critical processes, maintain safe and welcoming environments, uphold regulatory and fiscal responsibilities, and lead strategic initiatives that strengthen organizational capacity. It is through their work that ASUA remains a stable, responsive, and mission-driven organization where students, families, and staff can thrive.
Head of School, Flagship at Royal
Brenna Murphy
she/her
I’m so excited to serve as the Head of School at ASUA! Supporting teachers and building strong collaboration across our…
Procurement Coordinator
Ev Smith
they/them
I joined ASUA in the fall of 2019. I love feeling like I am truly making a difference in my…
Communications Coordinator
Abby Bock
she/her
Hello! I was brought in to join ASUA by founder Karen Misher! I have worked alongside Karen at Arcadia University…
School Services Team Lead
Chris DeWitt
he/him
I'll be one of the first faces you see when you come to visit, the voice on the other end…
School Services Coordinator
Khalis Russell
he/him
I have a calling working with children.
HR & Communications Assistant
Sophia Smith
she/her
I wanted to be a part of ASUA because I like that everyone is so nice here.
Custodian
Colton Ulrich
he/him
Hello! My name is Colton and I am a custodian here at ASUA. I enjoy creating a clean, safe, and…
Senior Accountant
Cindy Hutton
she/her
ASUA is an amazing school that provides critical resources to meet the individual needs of each child!
Marketing Coordinator
Matthew Durkin
he/him
Matt joins ASUA after a 12 year career in sales. He is excited to take his background and help grow…
Auxiliary Programs Co-Coordinator
Alyssa Gerold
she/her
After graduating in May 2023 I was worried about finding the “dream job” until I found A Step Up Academy!…
Facilities Team Lead
Jose Perez
he/him
Love what I do for all the Children and Staff
School Services Coordinator
Maya Sharp
she/her
I have been teaching and working in administration for many years in child care and Catholic sanctuary transitional housing for…
Custodian
David Teet
he/him
I like beautifying the place that I work at. I came to ASUA because I love the work that they…
Executive Assistant
Meiko Rivera
she/her
It's truly exciting to be apart of the ASUA team that focuses on the needs of other's. I am a…
Head of Human Resources
Erin Malinao-Smith, MBA, SHRM-CP
she/her
I’m a human resources leader who is deeply passionate about supporting mission-driven organizations through people-centered and equitable practices. I was…
Marketing Coordinator
Stephen G. Hesson
he/him
I am a marketing and communications professional that has a strong interest in supporting education and promoting cultural exchange between…
Auxiliary Programs Co-Coordinator
Amanda Supplee
she/her
So excited to be here! I can't wait to help create inclusive extracurricular activities for parents and students!
Custodial Team Lead
Jessica Anderson
she/her
I joined ASUA for growth and development, to experience more in my field, and to give my professional experience where…
Technology Specialist
Antoine Wilson
he/him
My interest in this field stemmed from a early teaching job i had at a day care back in 2018.…
Custodian
Kimberly Kennedy
she/her
Something that interests me is reading, I love reading and learning new things.
Executive Assistant
Lauren Vena, M.Ed.
she/her
Working at ASUA has provided me with a platform to share my passion for and dedication to advocacy and educational…
The Flagship at Royal
As ASUA’s central hub for curriculum development and instructional support, the Flagship at Royal brings together ASUA’s Senior Team, Behavior Team, Clinical Team, Instructional Faculty & Staff, and Creative Arts Department to provide a unified, collaborative educational experience for students from preschool through 12th grade.
These teams deliver individualized, integrated programming that supports each student’s academic growth, communication, and self-expression. Grounded in inclusive practices and student-centered teaching, the staff at the Flagship work across disciplines to create a learning environment where students’ strengths are recognized, needs are understood, and each learner is empowered to grow with confidence, independence, and engagement in their community.
Director of Academic Programming
Mason Clark, M.S.
he/him
I graduated from Temple University with a degree in music education, where I discovered a strong passion for special education.…
Director of Clinical Programming
Amanda Savastana, MS, OTR/L
she/her
The best part of my role at ASUA is watching our students gain confidence throughout the school year and find…
Lead Behavior Specialist
Ryan Schwendiman, M.A., BCBA
she/her
I have been with A Step Up Academy since September 2019. ASUA has shaped me into being more patient and…
Teacher
Erica Davis
she/her
I love working with children. I enjoy helping students discover new things and learn.
Art Therapist
Simone Lawrence, M.A.
she/her
I'm excited to provide unique opportunities to connect with our students while facilitating spaces for them to connect with one…
Teacher
Ian Pearsall
he/him
The thing that brought me to ASUA was the sense of community, where we get to know our students and…
Teacher
Michelle Wigley
she/her
What drew me to ASUA is the vision and mission we share for our students. I truly believe in the…
Behavior Specialist
Megan Conville, M.S., BCBA, LBS
she/her
I am a BCBA with an educational background and a commitment to compassionate, trauma-informed ABA. My time in the field…
Behavior Interventionist
Jacqueline Kaczmarczyk
she/her
I joined ASUA in 2023 as an Instructional Assistant because I wanted an opportunity to learn more about special education.…
Occupational Therapist
Kimberly Howell
she/her
I wanted to become an OT after observing another OT in a school similar to ASUA working with children diagnosed…
Occupational Therapist
Kelly Mancini
she/her
My name is Kelly and I am very excited to be a part of the ASUA team! As a part…
Speech and Language Pathologist
Dana Pilotti, M.S. CCC-SLP
she/her
I am passionate about making a genuine connection with students in order to support them in their communication goals. I…
Teacher Assistant
Isabel Bramhall
she/her
I have a B.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Music (Vocal Studies). Before joining ASUA, I worked with children…
Teacher Assistant
Shaquis Davenport
she/her
My passion for making a meaningful impact in the lives of students is what drew me to ASUA. I am…
Teacher Assistant
Kiersten Hilburn
she/her
I am passionate about supporting students through personalized, evidence-based approaches that foster communication, social-emotional growth, and independence. My interest in…
Teacher Assistant
Veromevie Sanoumega
she/her
What brought me to ASUA was my passion working with kids and being able to see the growth and development…
Registered Behavior Technician
Evan Beddia, RBT
he/him
I am a Temple University alum who is going on 3 years of practicing with RBT credential! I discovered ASUA…
Registered Behavior Technician
Suki Jung, RBT
she/her
An RBT in school to become a BCBA!
Registered Behavior Technician
Kionna Mitchell
she/her
I am currently in grad school for the ABA program with plans to be a BCBA. I am happy to…
Registered Behavior Technician
Ashley Reilly
she/her
I have been working in the field for 10 years. I started right out of high school.
Instructional Assistant
Shavonna Campbell-Cuyler
she/her
I’m Shavonna , I’m 30 Years Old. I’ve Been Interested In This Field Since I Was 18. I Always Wanted…
Instructional Assistant
Pioty Cymbalski
he/him
I was drawn to ASUA because of its mission to prepare students to become engaged participants in society through innovative…
Instructional Assistant
Amaya Ramsey
she/her
I chose to work at ASUA because of my passion for helping others, which first led me to earn my…
Instructional Assistant
Jules Tully
she/her
I am very excited to be starting my first year at ASUA as an Instructional Assistant! I like to spend…
Director of Behavioral Programming
Kayla Griffin, M.A, BCBA
she/her
Hi! I am the Director of Behavioral Programming at A Step Up Academy’s Royal/Flagship location, where I oversee our Behavior,…
Music Specialist/Creative Arts Coordinator
Brendan Schluth
he/him
As a creative arts coordinator at ASUA, I am passionate about using the creative arts to support the emotional, social,…
Teacher
Allison Boothman
she/her
I have been working with children for 10 years. Since the time I was in grade school, I have known…
Teacher
Stephanie Galdi
she/her
I have been a teacher at ASUA going on my third year. I love bringing a compassionate and discovery based…
Teacher
Thomas Manley
he/him
What brought me to ASUA was the opportunity to make an impact on so many lives. At ASUA I am…
Teacher
Ryan Rose, MSS
he/him
Before joining ASUA in the Summer of 2023, I worked in various education and social services settings. I did academic…
Teacher
Amanda Wisler
she/her
I love helping students prepare for their lives outside of the school setting and preparing them to have as much…
Behavior Specialist
Camryn McCloskey
she/her
I joined the ASUA team in February of 2023. I fell in love with working in the special education field…
Behavior Interventionist
John Patrick
he/him
Hi, I am looking forward to contuining student growth in my third year here at ASUA.
Occupational Therapist
Emily Knowles, MOT, OTR/L
she/her
My name is Emily Knowles and I am the occupational therapist for the lower school quadrant. I joined ASUA in…
Occupational Therapist
Madison Nix
she/her
Hi! My name is Madison and I am beyond excited to be joining the ASUA family as the Occupational Therapist…
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Ashley Bajer, COTA/L (She/Her)
she/her
I am so excited to join the team at ASUA this year as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. I have…
Art Specialist
Gigi B.
I've been a part of the ASUA community for a few years now, which has allowed me to expand my…
Teacher Assistant
Anastasia Gelin
she/her
This year will be my fourth year working at ASUA! I love kids and I love working with our students!…
Teacher Assistant
Emily Lazovich
she/her
I love working at ASUA. I enjoy working with this population and it's so rewarding when making a difference in…
Teacher Assistant
Alexandra Sluko, RBT
she/her
I was drawn to special education because I’ve always had a passion for helping kids reach their fullest potential, no…
Registered Behavior Technician
Natalie Cook, RBT
she/her
Hi my name is Natalie, and I am a Registered Behavior Technician. I am passionate about helping individuals achieve their…
Transition Registered Behavior Technician
Shannon Martinez
she/her
I am the Transition RBT, where I support students in building independence, confidence, and real-world skills in the classroom and…
Registered Behavior Technician
Zack Mozart
he/him
I have been in the Education field for over 4 years. I started my journey because of my passion with…
Registered Behavior Technician
Amarra Rosania
she/her
I came to ASUA to further my career and broaden my understanding of ABA. I love all things behavior and…
Instructional Assistant
Kelcie Casper
she/her
I am glad to be here and a part of the team here at ASUA. I am glad I get…
Instructional Assistant
Lucas Garcia
he/him
My name is Lucas Garcia and I always want to try to understand others. What brought me to ASUA was…
Instructional Assistant
Tamaryce Revell
she/her
My Name is Tamaryce Revell a 34 year old Aries with a free and nurturing spirit. I’m currently pursuing my…
Educational Coordinator
Monica Recalde
she/her
I have always worked in Education as a ESL teacher and also as part of the management team in different…
Director of Special Education
Tim Kurpiel
he/him
My name is Tim Kurpiel. I am the Director of Special Education here at A Step Up Academy. I am…
Lead Clinical Specialist
Alyssa Hughes M.S., CCC-SLP
she/her
Working at ASUA has continued to help engage our students in student-led, hands-on learning where growth comes from collaboration. My…
Music Therapist
Patrick Cronin
he/him
I have never looked back since I began working at A Step Up Academy! I graduated from Temple University in…
Recreation/Movement Therapist
Emilie Lauzon, CTRS
she/her
Movement has been within me since I was a little one. I danced my whole childhood and continued my studies…
Teacher
Lauren Maqboul
she/her
I am passionate about creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for students with autism and developmental disabilities. What drew me to…
Teacher
Jeff Vellner
he/him
I joined A Step Up in 2022. I have always had a passion for Special Education having grown up with…
Behavior Specialist
Matt Beach
he/him
I'm passionate in the delivery of evidence-based care for all children.
Social Skills Interventionist
Anna Baruffaldi
she/her
My interests include: child and adolescent psychopathology, development, cognition, behavior, research, and analytics. After graduate school, I was at a…
Occupational Therapist
Kara Fruscione DrOT, OTR/L
she/her
ASUA’s philosophy aligns with my commitment to strengths-based therapy. I believe every child has unique strengths which can be built…
Speech and Language Pathologist
Bailey Krewson M.S., CCC-SLP
she/her
Hi, my name is Bailey and I am very excited to be a part of this supportive and passionate team…
Speech and Language Pathologist
Lauryn Gaffney M.S.,CF-SLP
she/her
Hi! My name is Lauryn and I am a speech-language pathologist currently in my CFY. I am new to the…
Certified Speech & Language Pathology Assistant
Lauren Mayer, C-SLPA
she/her
I am so proud to provide accessible, neurodiversity-affirming speech therapy services here at ASUA! I enjoy building students’ confidence in…
Teacher Assistant
Isaiah Davenport
he/him
I have been working for ASUA since 2023. I have a B.A in Communications and Video and I have always…
Teacher Assistant
Greg Grasty
he/him
I entered the field of Special Education because I believe that all learners of all backgrounds and all levels of…
Teacher Assistant
Michelle Nugent
she/her
I’ve worked in education for twenty years, autistic support has always been my favorite, the small class sizes allow you…
Registered Behavior Technician
Rebecca Aupont
she/her
I love working with children and thrive to make a difference in others life.
Registered Behavior Technician
Stefanie Holcombe, RBT
she/her
I love working with children and I have been working with children with disabilities for about 5 years now. Also,…
Registered Behavior Technician
Andi Mead
they/he
Andi is a multimedia artist, and rock enthusiast who uses their creativity as a tool in the classroom. With over…
Registered Behavior Technician
Brianne Mulderig RBT
she/her
I have been working with our population for many years going from different locations such as schools, daycares and out…
Registered Behavior Technician
Shanita Vann
she/her
I am a dedicated Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with a passion for helping children grow and succeed. Energetic and hardworking,…
Instructional Assistant
Orlando Cleveland
he/him
Hi, I’m Orlando Cleveland, a psychology major who loves exploring how the mind works. I’m passionate about mental health and…
Instructional Assistant
Deja Hunt
she/her
I love working with children, helping people, and making someone’s day.
Instructional Assistant
Genevieve A. Robinson
she/her
As the Lower School Social Skills Liaison at A Step Up Academy, my own experience with a hearing impairment motivates…
Certified School Nurse
Christy Loveless BSN RN CSN
she/her
I am so happy to be part of the ASUA family. It is my goal to provide excellent care to…
Annex Separate Learning Center
The Annex Separate Learning Center provides a specialized lower school environment designed to meet the needs of young learners who benefit from highly individualized instruction, therapeutic support, and a structured, nurturing setting. Guided by ASUA’s methodology, the Annex team delivers cohesive, student-centered programming that supports foundational academic skills, communication, regulation, and social-emotional development.
The Annex faculty and staff work collaboratively across disciplines to ensure each learner receives targeted, responsive supports that honor their strengths and developmental needs. Through consistent, compassionate teaching and close coordination with ASUA’s broader educational and clinical teams, the Annex creates a stable pathway for growth, engagement, and early success.
Education Director
Jess Harron, M.Ed.
she/her
I have over 20 years of experience in education as both an art teacher and school administrator, with a focus…
Teacher
Gemma Freeman
she/her
Hello! I'm Gemma, and this is my second year as a lead teacher at ASUA. I'm so excited to keep…
Occupational Therapist
Tia Persolio, MSOT, OTR/L
she/her
My name is Tia, and I am the Occupational Therapist for the Annex location! I’m passionate about using play to…
Recreational Therapist
Holland Smith, CTRS
she/her
I have been working in pediatrics for over 10 years and love that A Step Up Academy is so specialized…
Speech and Language Pathology Assistant
Ariel Sanchez
he/him
I love all things speech. I do photography on the side for extra cash and extra fun and I love…
Registered Behavior Technician
Uminea McCloud
she/her
As the oldest of 4 kids, caretaking comes naturally to me and is something I take immense joy in. Advocating…
Teacher Assistant
Abby Logsdon
she/her
I am dedicated in supporting children build skills, increase independence, and individuality. ASUA values each student at the center, and…
Educational Coordinator
Cameron Hoke
she/her
It is a passion of mine to be able to help autistic children feel accepted, included, supported and build their…
Behavior Director
Emily Gramlich, M.Ed., LBS
she/her
Hi! My name is Emily Gramlich and I am the Behavior Director at ASUA Annex SLC! I have an BS…
Teacher
Bella Villeda
she/her
My #1 mission is to spark curiosity, foster a love for learning, and build a community where every student feels…
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Amanda Montgomery, COTA/L
she/her
My name is Amanda, and I am the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for ASUA's Annex location! I am passionate about…
Speech and Language Pathologist
Rebecca Kellogg, MS, CCC-SLP
she/her
I received my M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Columbia University in 2015. My favorite part of my job…
Teacher Assistant
Maggie Bianchini
she/her
As someone who has learning differences and had an IEP all throughout my school journey, it is my mission to…
Instructional Assistant
Elisa Isabel Gomez
she/her
Originally from Florida, I love being on the beach and in the sun. I’ve worked with special needs children for…
Instructional Assistant
Aayana Norwood
she/her
My interest in this field is deeply personal. Having two younger brothers on the autism spectrum has given me a…
Teacher
Sarah Bergman, M.S. SpEd
she/her
What drew me to ASUA was the strong sense of community and the school’s commitment to supporting students through a…
Behavior Interventionist
Noa Cohen
she/her
I am currently pursuing my BCBA License. As a current RBT, I have worked in several difference environments engaging in…
Art Therapist
Sonny Rimler ATR-P
he/him
My name is Sonny, I am an Art Therapist currently with my ATR-P and I am seeking my ATR and…
Registered Behavior Technician
Melody Moors, RBT
she/her
Passion for helping and teaching children.
Teacher Assistant
Taylor Stewart
she/her
I love to teach. I love to make a difference. I love to help students grow academically, socially and emotionally.
Instructional Assistant
Angela Greco
she/her
Mrs. Greco is a Philadelphia native who taught music and elementary in the Philadelphia school system. She has a beautiful…
Instructional Assistant
Eunice Niecy Vargas
she/her
It is a passion of mine to be able to help autistic children feel accepted, included, supported and build their…
A Step Up Institute
The team at A Step Up Institute brings together the administration, faculty, and staff who lead ASUA’s Transition, Clinical, Education, and Parent & Professional hubs. As a multidisciplinary group, they deliver programs that extend ASUA’s expertise across learning, development, and community engagement.
This team shapes the systems, practices, and services that support individuals across the lifespan, ensuring that ASUA’s methodology is applied with consistency, innovation, and compassion. Through cross-hub collaboration, they advance program quality, develop new models of support, build meaningful partnerships, and steward the Institute’s role as a center for knowledge-sharing and inclusive practice.
Grounded in a commitment to accessibility, the team at A Step Up Institute elevates ASUA’s work by translating research, experience, and student-centered approaches into effective services for families, professionals, and the broader community.
School Psychologist
Ian Mallaghan-Rasco, Ed.S., NCSP
he/him
ASUA offers an inclusive environment where students receive individualized, specialized support from caring staff. As a school psychologist, my job…
Special Education Teacher
Cameron Bullard
he/him
I've spent much of my career in Youth Programs and Summer Camps, starting as a summer camp counselor where I …
Program Facilitator
Kimberly Martin
she/her
I have been working in special education for a little over 10 years now. I love being able to help…
School & Community-based Social Worker
Kathryn McNamara, LSW
she/her
I live in Bucks County with my husband and our 3 kids, 2 dogs, and 1 cat. My son T…
Behavior Specialist
Bobby Swift
he/him
I knew that I wanted to work at ASUA since the first time I saw the school in person. This…
Program Assistant
Erin DeWitt
she/her
I have had the privilege of working as support staff in many different roles involved with special education for the…
Transition Director
Wilson Toruno M.Ed, LBS
he/him
I have always had an interest in Special Education and using my skills to help enrich the lives of students.…
Occupational Therapist
Lucy Evangelista, MSOT, OTR/L
she/her
I love working as an occupational therapist because there is never one right answer. The problem solving and creative thinking…