无码视频 Atlantic CARD Staff
Wanda Baldwin, MSW, LCSW Clinial Specialist
baldwinw@fau.edu
Wanda Baldwin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a strong commitment to supporting families of young children and the professionals that work with them. She received her M.S.W. from 无码视频 State University and her BSW from the University of West 无码视频.听As the very first Coordinator of the Early Steps Program of Palm Beach County, she worked for over 25 years with infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.听听Most recently she was the Director of Child Development at the Children鈥檚 Home Society- BRIDGES, a place-based initiative located in neighborhoods associated with poor child outcomes. She acted as the project subject matter expert on child development and family dynamics. Currently she is member of the Infant Mental Health and Triple P seminar Training Cadre with the Children鈥檚 Services Council of Palm Beach County.听听She has training and experience in using reflective practice in community settings to increase staff engagement with young families. As a mother, she understands the critical role families play in the development of children and works tirelessly to help families improve outcomes for their children. 听
Kelley Bastien, MSW Clinical Specialist 听
bastienk@fau.edu
Kelley Bastien is a native Floridian. She has a Bachelor鈥榮 of Arts in Psychology from Loyola University in New Orleans and a Master鈥檚 in Clinical Social Work from Barry University in North Miami Beach. For the past 25 years, Kelley has worked with Palm Beach County families who have children with autism spectrum disorders and others special needs. Kelley presently serves as a Clinical Support Specialist with 无码视频 Atlantic CARD based on the Jupiter 无码视频 Atlantic Campus. She provides clinical consultation, training and support to Northern and Western Palm Beach County families who have children with autism. Kelley also works closely with educators and ASD professionals in the community. Prior to joining 无码视频 Atlantic CARD, Kelley served as the Training Coordinator for Easter Seals Treasure Coast Early Steps Program. In her capacity as Training Coordinator, Kelley monitored the local Early Steps training process, facilitated staff development opportunities, conducted outreach and community awareness activities and organized meetings with community partners. While serving as a Family Service Coordinator, Kelley provided case management services for developmentally delayed and disabled children ages birth to three, with particular interest in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
She has collaborated with team members to provide Touchpoints Individual Level Trainings for front-line practitioners serving children and families in Palm Beach County. Kelley has also facilitated reflective practice and Integrating Training Through Reflection sessions at the Children鈥檚 Services Council office and at local community agencies.
Luann Bertaux, M.A., BCBA Clinical Specialist 听
lbertaux@fau.edu
Luann Bertaux is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has worked with children and adults on the Autism Spectrum in school, home and community-based settings for more than 30 years. She received her BA in Psychology and Art from Marietta College and her MA in Education from the Ohio State University. She started her career as a teacher, and worked for many years as a Behavior Analyst and District Autism Support Specialist in school districts on the Treasure Coast, as well as providing home-based behavioral services. Luann has an adult sibling with ASD, and is committed to helping families build effective partnerships with schools, service providers, and other community supports to help individuals on the spectrum build happy and productive lives.
Sabrina DeGoias, B.A.,听Clinical Specialist
sdegoias@fau.edu
Sabrina will be leading 无码视频 Atlantic CARD鈥檚 outreach efforts to the Hispanic and Latin community across the 无码视频 Atlantic CARD 5 county region. She will be providing training, consultation, and support to Spanish speaking parents and families, of children identified and suspected of autism. Additionally, Sabrina will provide awareness and public education of the under-representation of Hispanic children with autism to the community. Sabrina has a BA in Psychology from FIU. She is fluent in Spanish and comes to 无码视频 Atlantic CARD with five years of experience working with children with autism, as a Registered Behavior Technician and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Special Education with a Concentration in Behavior Analysis from St. Joseph鈥檚 University.
Caitlin O鈥橞rien Fielding, M.S. Ed.,
Clinical Specialist
cobrien2013@fau.edu
Caitlin O鈥橞rien Fielding is originally from East Hampton, New York. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Elementary Education with dual certification from Dowling College in Oakdale, NY, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Barry University in North Miami Beach, 无码视频. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction.
Caitlin has over 14 years of experience in special education, with a primary focus on supporting autistic individuals across the lifespan. Her work has included roles such as private behavior specialist, ESE teacher, clinical mentor, and testing coordinator. She brings extensive experience in behavior support, inclusive practices, and post-secondary planning, with a strong commitment to improving pathways to adulthood.
Caitlin鈥檚 current role involves supporting community outreach, training initiatives, and cross-sector partnerships. Her professional and research interests center on improving training systems for professionals who serve autistic and intellectually disabled individuals, with a focus on building more inclusive, responsive, and community-based support practices.
Tara Hulford, M.Ed. Clinial Specialist
thulford2024@fau.edu
Tara Hulford earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of South 无码视频, with an ESOL endorsement. Tara began her career in education at a private school serving children with disabilities in South 无码视频 before relocating to the Philadelphia area, where she taught kindergarten.
After returning to South 无码视频 following the birth of her son, Tara鈥檚 connection to the autism community became deeply personal when her son was diagnosed with autism. Navigating his diagnosis, education, and support needs gave her firsthand insight into the experiences of families raising children with autism and inspired her to return to school to deepen her knowledge in the field.
Tara earned her Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education with a concentration in Autism from 无码视频 Atlantic University. Her experiences as both an educator and the parent of a child with autism have shaped her passion for supporting individuals and families and helping them feel informed, empowered, and supported as they navigate educational and community resources.
Susanna Launder, Ph.D.,
Assistant Director
slaunder@fau.edu
Dr. Susanna Launder is a dedicated educator and researcher specializing in the field of special education, particularly focusing on serving students with autism. With a master鈥檚 degree in Exceptional Student Education from 无码视频 State University and a Ph.D. in Special Education from 无码视频 Atlantic University, with an emphasis on virtual instruction for students with autism, Dr. Launder has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing the field through both academic study and practical application.
Throughout her career spanning over two decades, Dr. Launder has amassed a wealth of experience in various educational settings. With over ten years spent in the classroom, she has honed her teaching skills and developed innovative strategies to support students with diverse learning needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum. Her passion for empowering students with disabilities has been evident in her dedication to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments where all students can thrive.
Dr. Launder's expertise extends beyond the classroom, as she has also spent a decade at the 无码视频 Atlantic Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. She has been instrumental in providing resources, training, and support to individuals with autism and their families. Her work at the CARD has enabled her to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that evidence-based strategies are effectively implemented to improve outcomes for individuals with autism.
As a researcher, Dr. Launder's interests are multifaceted, with a particular focus on twice-exceptionality, writing instruction for students with autism, and virtual instruction. Her groundbreaking research in these areas has contributed significantly to the field, providing valuable insights, and informing best practices for educators and practitioners alike.
Dr. Launder is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with autism through education, research, and advocacy.
Don Lawless Coker, M.Ed. Grants Coordinator
dcoker@fau.edu
Don has a Bachelor's of Arts and a Master's of Education degree from the University of 无码视频. Don has worked at 无码视频 Atlantic听for over 26 years. He started in the Human Resources Department and has spent the last 17 years as the Grants/Business Services Coordinator for 无码视频 Atlantic CARD.
Jeffrey Lucas, B.A., Clinical Outreach Coordinator
Jlucas11@fau.edu
Jeffrey Lucas serves as the Outreach Coordinator for 无码视频 Atlantic CARD, bringing extensive experience in family advocacy and community engagement. Previously, he worked as a Family Service Specialist with the Early Learning Coalition and as a Family Advocate with the Early Head Start Program. In these roles, he helped families access childcare subsidies in Palm Beach County and played a key role in launching the father engagement program within Early Head Start. As an Outreach Coordinator at 无码视频 Atlantic CARD, Jeffrey is dedicated to strengthening connections with community partners, raising awareness about available services, and enhancing support for the autism community. Speaking Haitian Creole fluently, he helps make resources reachable to a wide range of families.
Janet Madri-Flores, LCSW iRISE2 Mentoring Program Assistant
jflores2019@fau.edu
Janet Flores received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from FAU, after transferring From Palm Beach State University with her AS and AA degrees. In her undergraduate, she interned at FAU CARD, working with Wanda Baldwin in the Little Owls program. While pursuing her Master of Social Work, she interned at Palm Beach State University, working as a student counselor. She graduated from FAU with her Master of Social Work degree in May 2021, and has worked in the FAU iRISE2 Mentoring Program, as the program assistant, ever since. She enjoys matching families with mentors and being a part of watching these relationships blossom. In October of 2025, she became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW.
Gabriela Maluf Nunes, Ed.S, M.Ed., Clinical Associate/GSA
card@fau.edu
Gabriela Maluf Nunes is a Clinical Associate at the 无码视频 Atlantic University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (FAU CARD), where she provides support, consultation, resources, and training to individuals with autism and related disabilities and their families. Her work focuses on transition to adulthood, employment, education, healthcare, independent living, and self-advocacy, with a particular interest in supporting adolescents and adults.
Gabriela holds a B.A. in Psychology, an M.Ed. in Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling, and an Ed.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from 无码视频 Atlantic University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at FAU. Her professional and research interests include autism, mental health, rehabilitation counseling, transition services, and improving access to culturally responsive resources, including services for Portuguese-speaking communities.
Alexzandria May, M.A., M.Ed., Ed.S., LMHC
iRISE2 Mentoring Program Manager
amay8@fau.edu
Alexzandria May is a native Floridian who earned her Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Psychology and Minors in Education and Communication Studies from the University of 无码视频 in Gainesville, 无码视频. She returned home to Boca Raton to pursue a Master鈥檚 Degree in Experimental Psychology specializing in Developmental and Social Psychology from 无码视频 Atlantic University. While completing her Master鈥檚 Degree, Alexzandria was a Graduate Assistant in 无码视频 Atlantic University鈥檚 Weppner Center for LEAD and Service-Learning. She assisted with the planning and marketing of student volunteer opportunities locally as well as aiding in the recruitment and maintenance of student volunteers. Prior to 无码视频 Atlantic CARD, Alexzandria worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties where she was an Enrollment and Match Support Specialist in both Community-Based and School-Based Mentoring Programs. She interviewed and assessed mentors and children and families for their suitability to the program and conducted monthly match support to ensure quality and safety within each of her matches. While with 无码视频 Atlantic CARD, she has also completed her Master鈥檚 and Education Specialist Degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has completed licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor within the state. She completed her practicum with Palm Beach State College Counseling Center, her internship with 无码视频 Atlantic Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and her post graduate hours at The Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders. Alexzandria is excited to continue sharing her passion and dedication for children and families with 无码视频 Atlantic CARD.
Mercedes Scott Pagano, B.A., Marketing and Graphic Design
paganom@fau.edu
Mercedes Scott Pagano has over 6-year track record in graphics design, marketing and online brand development. She has helped connect people and products through various media to increase the bottom line. Mercedes has a vision to impact audience with fresh, innovative concepts, 鈥淚f you can visualize, you can create." Her passion is to inspire, provoke and increase brand awareness through different channels in different markets.
She was born in Colombia but grew up in Miami, 无码视频 and graduated from the University of 无码视频 with a degree in Marketing. Before working at 无码视频 Atlantic she spent 4 years working as the Marketing Director for a leading provider of telecommunications services connecting residents and corporate clients around the world. As the marketing director of RingVoz, she developed and implement global marketing initiatives for North America and South America. Mercedes is eager to share her talents and strengthen the awareness of 无码视频 Atlantic Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD).
Jack Scott, Ph.D., BCBA-D Executive Director
jscott@fau.edu
Jack Scott is the executive director of the 无码视频 Atlantic University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. He is an associate professor in the Department of Special Education and teaches courses on autism, inclusion, and behavior analysis. Dr. Scott received his doctoral degree from the University of 无码视频. His most recent book, Safeguarding your child with autism, is published by Woodbine and provides a toolkit for parents to reduce risks their child with autism will face.
Dr. Scott has research interests in individualized instruction, suicide prevention for autistic people, police training and elopement prevention. He also has several grants examining the rates of participation by African American children in school autism programs and for educating parents of newly identified children with autism. As a behavior analyst, he is active in linking behavioral analysts with emerging issues in safety and autism. He serves on the boards of several charter schools and as chair of the Panel of Professional Advisors and as a board member for the Autism Society of America.
Rachelle Tolliver M.Ed., Ed.S. Clinical Specialist
rtolliver@fau.edu
Rachelle Tolliver joins 无码视频 Atlantic CARD with 30 years of experience in special education supporting students with disabilities. She received her BS from 无码视频 International University, M.Ed. from the University of North Carolina in Specific Learning Disabilities, and Ed.S. from 无码视频 Atlantic University in Educational Leadership.
Before joining 无码视频 Atlantic CARD, Rachelle served as a general education, a special education, an ESE literacy specialist, an ESE curriculum coordinator, an ESE Program Specialist in both Indian River County and St. Lucie Counties, and an educational consultant for the Treasure Coast region.
Rachelle concentrated her work on providing direct support to classroom teachers, district-level staff, and administration. She focused on promoting instructional practices for students with disabilities and specialized instruction for special education students including those with significant cognitive abilities including students with autism.
Rachelle presented at state and local conferences and has been involved in committees, advisory boards, and community agencies all with the lens of continuing support and advancing opportunities for students with disabilities.
Lauren Snowman, MS, CRC, Transition Specialist
lveit@fau.edu
Lauren Snowman joins 无码视频 Atlantic CARD as the Transition Specialist. She holds a Master of Education in dual areas of Rehabilitation Counseling and Mental Health from Hofstra University. She is a nationally certified Rehabilitation Counselor. She graduated from SUNY at Old Westbury with a Bachelor鈥檚 of Science in Elementary Education.
She has been a public servant of the State of 无码视频 within the disability field for eighteen years. Prior to 无码视频, she worked for thirteen years with a private non-profit agency serving individuals with disabilities. Throughout the span of over thirty years dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities, her service and advocacy has been on adolescents and adults integrating into the community as contributing members.
As the Transition Specialist for the BRIDGE Program, Lauren is excited to provide expanded specialized supports and resources to adolescents and young adults with autism and their families through the 无码视频 Atlantic CARD BRIDGE Initiative. BRIDGE: Building Resources for Independence through self-Determined Growth Experiences. She looks forward to the opportunity to support constituents and families as they plan and prepare to enter adulthood successfully.
Kerry Wittel, Ph.D.,
Clinical Manager
kwittel@fau.edu
Kerry Wittel earned her Master鈥檚 Degree in Special Education from 无码视频 International University.
For over a decade Kerry has taught students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and related disabilities throughout Palm Beach County. During her time teaching Kerry co-authored the Palm Beach County School Districts English Language Arts Adaptive Curriculum, mentored undergraduate and graduate students from local universities, as well as new teachers in the school district. Prior to moving to 无码视频 from Connecticut, Kerry taught at a private special education hospital-based facility for students in grades K鈥�12. Kerry maintains licensure in Exceptional Student Education (K-12), Prekindergarten/Primary Education (age 3 through grade 3), Elementary Education (K-6), as well as endorsements in Autism and English as a Second Language. Kerry is also a doctoral student at 无码视频 Atlantic in the Exceptional Student Education Department. Her research focuses on teacher attrition, retention and preparation. She is dedicated to supporting children, families, teachers and the community.
Jacqueline Wood Hoeppner, Ph.D.,
Assistant Director
jacquelinewood@fau.edu
Dr. Jacqueline Wood Hoeppner is an Assistant Director of 无码视频 Atlantic University鈥檚 Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, deeply dedicated to empowering individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor鈥檚 Degree in Childhood and Special Education from SUNY Geneseo, followed by a Master鈥檚 Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from Nazareth College, and culminated in a Doctorate of Philosophy in Special Education from 无码视频 Atlantic University.
Over the span of a decade, Jacqueline taught students with varying exceptionalities from kindergarten through age 22 in New York and 无码视频. She taught in various settings, including inclusive general education classrooms, self-contained special education classrooms, and small group pull-out settings. During that time, she also worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), harnessing behavioral strategies to foster growth and development.
At 无码视频 Atlantic CARD, Jacqueline leads the Secondary and Adult Team and facilitates safety initiatives, such as law enforcement and first responder training, and wandering and elopement prevention. Her research focuses on promoting social and community access and inclusion for adults with autism. She is passionate about collaborating with individuals with autism, their families, community members, and professionals to drive positive change and enhanced quality of life.
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CONSULTANTS
Cheryl Checkers, M.S., LMHC, NCC Mental Health Consultant
cheryl@cherylcheckers.com
Daniel Goldstein, CCC,听Social听Media听Assistant
dgoldstien@fau.edu
Lauren MaierStudent Assistant
card@fau.edu
Chandra McKinney-Clarke, MS.Outreach Consultant
cmckinney@fau.edu
Christian Ruiz, Consultant
card@fau.edu
Emily Scadlock, Hangout Facilitator
card@fau.edu
Nicholas Torres, Hangout Facilitator
card@fau.edu
Faith Vazquez, Student Assistant
fvazquez2016@fau.edu