Working together to support children and families

Ari has more than 15 years of experience in the human services field and is passionate about helping children and families access meaningful, individualized support and care. Ari received her Bachelors in Psychology, with a specialization in Developmental Disabilities and Human Services from UMass Amherst, and her Masters degree in Behavior Analysis from Simmons College. She has worked with individuals from ages 2-60 over the last decade and a half across a variety of settings, including homes, daycares, schools, and clinics.  What drew Ari to ANNA was the shared values for compassionate care, strong family partnerships, and practical systems that help organizations deliver high-quality services while maintaining a supportive culture for all. Outside of work, Ari enjoys reading, cooking, and finding new spots (ideally in Vermont) to hike with her dog and husband!

Dr. Ariana Boutain received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Master’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Science from the University of Kansas, and Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology from the University of Kansas. Ariana is a Doctoral-Level Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has been working with children with autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and related disorders since 2006. Dr. Ariana has presented at regional and national conferences on topics including the effectiveness of different prompting procedures on skill acquisition and the use of telehealth technology within parent training programs. Dr. Ariana has published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and the Behavior Analyst and has served as a reviewer for the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and the International Journal of Developmental Disabilities. Dr. Ariana has been a member of the Association for Behavioral Analysis International, the Illinois Association for Behavior Analysis, the Wisconsin Association of Behavior Analysis, and the Kansas Association for Behavior Analysis. In her spare time, Dr. Ariana enjoys performing in musical theater productions, cycling, and going on exciting adventures with her husband and twins.

Ashley is ANNA’s Director of Neurodiversity Integration, leading efforts to build a shared understanding of neuroaffirming values at ANNA, articulate how those values shape our approach, and support implementation across the organization. Her work draws on more than 15 years supporting neurodivergent children and families, as well as her lived experience as a neurodivergent person and parent. She is especially passionate about ensuring that the perspectives of autistic individuals have a meaningful role in shaping the systems designed to support them. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys watching the strangest documentaries she can find.

Ciara has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2020 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2024. After losing her job in a different field due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ciara decided to accept a position as a behavior therapist providing early intervention services in clients’ homes. Through this experience, she developed a passion for collaborating with families and service providers to foster children’s development. While pursuing her Master’s Degree in ABA, Ciara worked as a behavior therapist in public schools, through which she gained experience supporting students with various developmental differences. Ciara works at ANNA because she appreciates the naturalistic, family-centered approach! She is dedicated to providing therapy that emphasizes collaboration with caregivers as well as a child’s care team, and that promotes the generalization of new skills. One fun fact about Ciara is that she holds dual Irish citizenship and has travelled to Ireland annually since she was born!

As the mom of two autistic children, I bring firsthand experience navigating the often-overwhelming world of resources and services, along with a professional background in Early Childhood Education. That experience is a big part of what drew me to ANNA. I know how isolating it can feel when you’re trying to find the right support for your child, and I’m passionate about helping parents and caregivers feel less alone in that process. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my children, reading, and co-leading a Girl Scout troop. Thanks to my children's special interests, I’ve also developed an unexpectedly extensive knowledge of dinosaurs, Minecraft, and Pixar!

Emily is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at ANNA’s Weston clinic. She began in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis as a Behavior Therapist while pursuing her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Emily’s passion for working with children and their families led her to pursue her graduate degree in ABA from the University of Washington-Seattle and she became a BCBA in 2023. Throughout her 8 years in the field, Emily has supported learners aged 2 through 14 within the home, school, and clinical settings. Emily has a passion for teaching skills that foster children’s independence and prioritizes helping children find joy in learning. Emily was drawn to ANNA for it’s neuro-affirming approach to ABA which focuses on child-led and play-based learning by teaching kids through the activities that they enjoy most. In her free-time you can find Emily curled up with her cats working on various craft projects, making pottery, or hiking through forests enjoying the wildlife.

Emily Starvaski is the Clinical Director of the ANNA Center in Sudbury, MA. Emily brings over 10 years of experience in applied behavior analysis (ABA) supporting children and families across home, school, and clinical settings throughout Massachusetts. Emily’s passion for special education began in her own childhood, as she received services through an IEP, which inspired her lifelong desire to help others. While she originally envisioned a career in counseling, she discovered that ABA uniquely combined her love of teaching and behavioral science. Emily brings both clinical expertise and deep empathy to her work, providing individualized, evidence-based care that empowers children to build skills, confidence, and independence while supporting families every step of the way. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, staying up-to-date on pop culture, and squeezing in as much live music, comedy, and must-watch TV as possible.

Faith received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Salve Regina University in 2021 and then worked as a behavior technician across a variety of settings including in-home, clinic, school, and social skills groups. In 2023, Faith received her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University and became a BCBA shortly thereafter. Since receiving her BCBA certification, Faith has been providing in-home and clinic-based ABA services in the Greater Boston Area, collaborating with families to serve individuals with autism between the ages of 2 to 24. Faith’s journey began with the inspiration of growing up alongside a sibling with autism, and that personal connection continues to drive her passion for this field. Her experience fostered deep empathy and passion for helping others, which led her to pursue work directly supporting families and individuals with autism. Faith is proud to be part of a company whose mission aligns so closely with her own values – creating positive, lasting change through compassionate, individualized care. In her free time, Faith enjoys going to Pilates, traveling, and spending time with her family!

Heather has been involved in the field of ABA since 2014 when she first began helping with the Special Olympics in her hometown. While assisting with the Special Olympics, Heather was introduced to the role of the Behavior Analyst and was inspired to set on the path to become a BCBA, working first as both a behavior technician and registered behavior technician. As a BCBA, Heather has experience working in schools, in clinic and in homes. Heather aims to deliver ABA services that help children and their families grow, learn, and feel supported. She is excited to have joined ANNA because of the opportunity it provides to deliver ABA services that are more naturalistic and are enjoyable for clients! A fun fact about Heather is that her dog allergies haven’t stop her from having dogs who she loves to spend time with!!

Dr. Jenna Eilenberg is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with extensive clinical experience in developmental and neuropsychological assessment for young children. She also has a background in public health, which has shaped her research focus on promoting health equity and improving access to care for individuals with neurodevelopmental differences. Dr. Eilenberg received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Boston University. She completed her predoctoral internship at University of Colorado School of Medicine, where she received specialized training in interdisciplinary team evaluations for children with developmental differences. She deepened her expertise as a postdoctoral fellow at Children’s National Hospital’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, where she provided autism evaluations, individual therapy, and group therapy for neurodiverse children, adolescents, and young adults. As a diagnostic clinician at ANNA, Dr. Eilenberg is committed to providing neurodiversity-affirming developmental evaluations that center each family’s values and experiences. She is proud to be part of an organization where affirming and inclusive care is central to everyday practice. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family — including a brilliant 13-year-old Australian shepherd who keeps discovering new tricks!

Jiamin is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at the ANNA Center in Weston, MA. She earned her degree in Psychology and Education Studies from Brandeis University in 2022. Afterward, she worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in an ABA clinic, where a dedicated supervisor inspired her to pursue a career in ABA. In 2023, Jiamin started the Master of Science in ABA program at Regis College and will become a BCBA upon graduating in June 2025.

I have spent my career doing something most people try to avoid—working with health insurance companies. While insurance can be complicated and sometimes frustrating, I genuinely enjoy the challenge of navigating payer relationships, solving reimbursement issues, and finding ways to improve processes that support both providers and families. I’m passionate about helping organizations operate more efficiently on the back end so they can focus on delivering exceptional care. Outside of work, I'm an avid sweepstakes enthusiast. I've won everything from dream vacations to a brand-new car—proving that sometimes taking a chance really does pay off!

Kelly Mihalich is a Senior BCBA at the ANNA Center in Foxborough, MA, with over a decade of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Since beginning her career in 2013, she has provided services across a variety of settings, including center-based programs, public schools, daycares, in-home services, social skills groups, and early intervention programs. Kelly has worked with individuals from age 1 through 21 and holds a Master’s degree from Arizona State University. Kelly is passionate about helping children meaningfully access their environments, build relationships, and develop skills that enhance their independence and quality of life. She was drawn to ANNA’s Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) model because of its emphasis on social connection, child-led learning, and play-based experiences. Kelly believes that children learn best when they are engaged, having fun, and building skills through meaningful interactions. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and dog, Ozzie. A fun fact about Kelly is that she played ice hockey through college.

Kendall began her career in the field of ABA in 2022 where she worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) providing in-home behavior services. While working as an RBT Kendall pursued her master’s degree at Regis College where she ultimately graduated with her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2025. Since graduating from Regis, Kendall has been working as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) providing individualized, ethical, and evidence-based behavior analytic services to help children and their families learn and grow. Prior to her work as an RBT, Kendall worked at Boston Children’s Hospital for more than three years alongside speech-language pathologists who collaborated closely with BCBAs to provide augmentative and alternative forms of communication to autistic individuals. This experience strengthened Kendall’s love for the field of ABA and reinforced just how impactful it can be when implemented in a naturalistic and ethical way. Outside of work, Kendall loves to spend time reading and watching documentaries!

Matt is a BCBA at ANNA who has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2015, delivering services in public school, in-home, and in early intervention settings. Matt earned his Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Simmons University and became a BCBA in 2017. More recently, Matt trained professionals who support autistic individuals in learning physical and verbal strategies to help them prevent, minimize and respond to crises. Matt works at ANNA Autism Care because he loves to help children build skills that they will continue to use throughout their lives! Among many fun facts about Matt, one is that for a short while he was ranked in the top 2% of NHL13 players (the video game).

Mila is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 15 years of experience delivering evidence-based services to individuals and families across diverse clinical settings. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from La Salle University and a Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her background includes extensive experience as an ABA Service Provider and Lead Clinician within Pennsylvania’s Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS), where she supported individuals and families for over a decade. After relocating to Massachusetts in 2021, Mila established her private practice the following year. She joined ANNA in 2026, drawn to its focus on building on each child’s strengths and honoring individual learning styles. Outside of work, Mila enjoys traveling and connecting with people from diverse cultures.

Dr. Ngoc-Quynh Nguyen Wells is a pediatric neuropsychologist with expertise in developmental and behavioral health. At the Allied Network for Neurodevelopmental Advancement (ANNA), she specializes in conducting comprehensive developmental evaluations for young children, with a clinical focus on autism. In addition to her work at ANNA, Dr. Wells serves as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate and is affiliated with Baystate Medical Center. She is passionate about early identification and culturally responsive care, and is fluent in both English and Vietnamese. Dr. Wells completed her fellowship at The Ohio State University Nisonger Center in 2015. She works closely with families to ensure evaluations are thorough, compassionate, and lead to clear next steps for support and care.

Rachel Barron has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2013 and brings over a decade of experience delivering evidence-based services across residential, home-based, clinic, and school settings. She earned her Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western New England University and holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Hispanic Studies from Brandeis University. Rachel has supported individuals ranging from the early intervention age group through young adulthood and is known for her warm, grounded, and collaborative approach with children, families, and interdisciplinary teams. Rachel was drawn to ANNA’s commitment to Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI), its emphasis on learning through engagement, and its focus on compassionate, child-centered care. These values and priorities align with Rachel’s own belief that a child’s progress is strongest when learning occurs through meaningful connection and engagement. A passionate and compassionate clinician, Rachel approaches her work with deep respect for each child’s individuality and the unique strengths that every family brings to the table. She and her husband—who also works in the field of ABA—share a genuine dedication to helping people and building supportive, inclusive communities. Outside of work, Rachel loves spending time with her family and her beloved dog, Bamba, who (in her completely unbiased opinion) is the sweetest dog in the world.

I'm Rachel, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a passion for teaching communication using neurodiversity-affirming learning experiences for children. I have been in the field of ABA  for 11 years. I'm currently working on a memoir about my own experience with autism. Outside of work, I can be found taking my cats on walks in my neighborhood. My goal is to make a positive impact by helping others learn, grow, and feel understood.

Steve is a Senior BCBA at ANNA and has worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and early intervention for a combined 15 years holding various roles including RBT, BCBA, Senior BCBA, Clinical Director, and Consultant. Steve has provided ABA services both nationally and internationally in a wide range of age groups, settings, and cultures. As an undergraduate he gained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Ohio University and studied psychology abroad at Lancaster University, England. He achieved a Masters degree in Developmental Psychology from the University of London, England and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Steve is at ANNA because the company’s mission aligns with his passion to design and implement interventions in a child-led naturalistic environment focused on NDBI and family collaboration. Steve enjoys spending time with his wife Candace and puggy son Oliver, brewing his own beer, and traveling the world.