ACHIEVING REALISTIC INTERVENTIONS AND STRATEGIES FOR EVERYDAY

About Us

Support That Builds Independence and Resilience

Using a multi-model approach from evidence based practices, our main focus is to help others maximize their skills of independence through adaptive change. This is done by focusing on people’s strengths and abilities through the use of behaviorally analytic principles, which includes positive reinforcement, choice making, extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Promoting healthy outcomes and self-management skills is of utmost importance in our work.

At ARISE Consulting Service, Inc., we strive to provide the best consultation services available to children, adolescents and adults who present challenges in the following areas: behavior, fitness, learning, attention, education (IEP), social/emotional, and cognitive.

What We Do

Our clinicians offer a wealth of experience in providing support for those in need.

The ARISE team includes:

  • Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)
  • Licensed Applied Behavior Analysts (LABA)
  • Teachers
  • Coaches
  • Educational Advocates
  • Special Educators
  • Personal Trainers

Areas of expertise include:

  • Autism Spectrum
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Oppositional Defiance
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Anger Management
  • Coping Skills
  • Anxiety
  • Self-Advocacy

Meet the Team

Get to know the dedicated experts committed to helping you succeed.

Kevin Russo

M.A., BCBA, LABA, President

Kevin is owner and President of the Corporation. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports/Fitness Administration from UMass Boston in 1988 and a Master’s Degree in Critical and Creative Thinking from UMB in 1996. His Master’s thesis (published and copyrights 1996) was on Applying Critical and Creative Thinking to Sports Psychology and Motivation. Kevin’s relative coursework included: Advanced Cognitive Psychology, Multiple Perspectives in the Classroom, Education Curriculum and Design, Moral and Social Issues, Critical Thinking, Educational Intervention, and Issues in Educational Evaluation.
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Michelle Heffron

B.A., Operations Coordinator

Michelle brings a wealth of experience working with children and adolescents across multiple environments. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a minor in Psychology from Framingham State University. Michelle worked as a full time Social Coach at a private therapeutic day school, and now serves as Operations Coordinator at Arise. She also previously held a role of Assistant Teacher with Middle and High school aged students at a private school. She joined the ARISE team in March of 2017 and continues to work with students and families across several school districts, as well as serving as Operations Coordinator full time.
Jennifer Monaghan

MEd, CAGS, BCBA, LABA, Director

Jennifer Monaghan is an experienced behavior analyst, adjustment counselor and special needs teacher. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology, Special Education and Elementary Education from Marist College. She attended UMass Boston, majoring in Mental Health Counseling, and received her Master’s Degree in Education in 2002. Jennifer is a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and licensed applied behavior analyst (LABA). Jennifer has worked as a mental health counselor at Help, Inc, and as a teacher at Westwood Lodge Hospital and the Lighthouse School. Jennifer worked at READS Academy as a school adjustment counselor for several years before joining ARISE. Jennifer joined the ARISE staff in 2006 and continues to be invaluable to the corporation in her role of Director of ABA Services.
Manny Morais

B.S., RBT

Manny Morais joined the ARISE team in 2019 as an ABA provider. He received an Associates of Arts degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences from Middlesex Community College and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. Manny previously worked as a Paraprofessional for a public school system in the Boston area. Manny is committed to providing quality care to those whom he supports. Since joining the team, Manny has also obtained certification as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). He will pursuing his Master’s in Social work in the fall.
Jenn Hegerich

M. Ed., BCBA, LABA, Director

Jenn received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Gordon College and her Master’s of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from Western New England College. Jenn has worked as an educator and counselor in various school systems and hospital settings since 2005. She began working at ARISE in 2016 and currently serves as a Director of ABA Services.
Meghan Sutton

M.S., BCBA, LABA, Director

Meghan has worked in several capacities and settings in the field of ABA, including Accept Collaborative, RCS in Natick, and Amego, Inc., where she helped support students both at school and at home. Meghan currently serves as a Director of ABA Services at ARISE. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Simmons College. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA). She has been an asset to the ARISE team since she began in 2013.
Alison Malcolm

B.A.

Alison received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Florida International University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She received her Teaching Certificate from Framingham State University. Alison has worked in the public school system since 2012. She began working at ARISE in 2013. In addition to supporting ARISE families, Alison is a Special Education professional aide for Wellesley Public Schools.
Michelle Graham-Freeman

M.Ed., BCBA, LABA

Michelle received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Framingham State College and her Master’s of Education from University of Massachusetts at Boston. She also earned a certificate in Non Profit Management from Lasell College. Michelle is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst (LABA). Michelle worked as a production foreman for Charles River ARC for 3 years. She then became the Assistant Director of Clinical Services for the May Institute for 1 year before being promoted to Director of Day Services. She has been in her current position since 2006. Michelle is also a PMT trainer (Psychological and Physical Management techniques) as well as a CPR/ First Aid Trainer for The May Institute. Michelle began working at ARISE in 2009.
Taisha Garrett

United States Navy

Taisha was recommended to ARISE from a trusted colleague, and has proven to be a “gem” for those whom we support. She has also worked in the public school system as a paraprofessional in the field of special education. Taisha served active duty in the US Navy for 4 years and was deployed for 6 months to fight for our country on the George Washington CVN73. She began working at ARISE in 2020. In addition to supporting ARISE families, Taisha volunteers in several capacities on behalf of those whom we serve.
Melissa Vigliotti

M.S., BCBA, LABA

Melissa Vigliotti joins ARISE with a background in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. She received a Bachelor’s degree from Georgian Court University In New Jersey and her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Simmons College. She worked in an Integrated Preschool and currently works for Newton Public Schools, in addition to working at ARISE. Melissa has worked with children in a variety of educational and programmatic settings, including Private School. Melissa’s expertise in the field of ABA has been a asset to families and their children, as well as staff at ARISE. Melissa became a BCBA in 2019, and has since also become licensed.
Spencer Pettiglio

  

Spencer has been working at ARISE since 2022. He has worked in several capacities with children. In addition to his work with ARISE, Spencer is a teaching assistant for a local school district. He also worked in a supervisory capacity for a local recreation department, as well as regular staff for an afterschool program, and served as a wrestling coach for a town youth program. We are happy to have Spencer on the ARISE team where he will apply his passion and teaching skills to his approach when providing ABA services.
Jillian Russo

B.S., M.S., BCBA, LABA

Jillian attended Lesley University, where she played women’s volleyball and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Human Services. Prior to joining ARISE, she worked in several capacities working with children with developmental challenges. Jillian also worked at another agency providing ABA services to children of various ages, as well as an afterschool program in a public school setting. Jillian also attended Endicott College, where she received her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Jillian obtained her BCBA certification and Massachusetts license (LABA) in 2024. In her spare time, Jillian enjoys working out and reading about ABA.

Jillian is currently enrolled in the PH.D. Program for Applied Behavior Analysis at Endicott College. 

Andrea Ickes

B.S., BCBA

Andrea received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Salem State University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She joined the ARISE team in 2022, bringing her experience as a manager and provider. She currently serves as a behavior interventionist in the school and home setting, and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at Endicott College. Andrea also has a wealth of experience in the retail management field.
Jessica Russo

B.S., M.Ed., BCBA

Jessica attended Lesley University, where she captained the women’s tennis team and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Prior to joining ARISE, she worked in several capacities working with children with developmental challenges, including a public school setting. Jessica also worked part time at another agency providing ABA services to children of various ages. Jessica provides support for several families and she applies her passion and teaching skills to her approach when providing ABA services. She also obtained her Masters at Endicott College, where she studied Applied Behavior Analysis. Jessica became a BCBA in 2024. In her spare time, Jessica coaches college tennis.
Michael Donovan

B.A., BCBA

Michael Donovan joined the ARISE team in 2018 as an ABA provider with a background in service and management. He received a BA from Occidental College in English Literature. Michael has been a coach/referee for Play, Leadership and Youth (PLAY), helping to support challenged youths through physical activities and sports. Michael’s background in the field of human services has been an asset to families and their children, as well as staff at ARISE. In addition, Michael is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Endicott College.
Karen Manning

M. Ed., BCBA, LABA

Karen received her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services (Magna Cum Laude), and a Master’s degree in Education, both at UMass Boston. She has more than 25 years of experience in human services, and she is a certified and licensed behavior analyst. Karen has helped people at all levels and has extensive experience working in day habilitation programs, in addition to supporting children, teachers and families in the school and home settings.

B.S.

Cameron DeMarco
Cam received his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management/Education from University of Massachusetts Amherst. Cam has been with ARISE since 2023. He is also a teaching assistant teacher at the High School level. We are happy to have Cam on the ARISE team, as he has experience working with children of a variety of ages, as a coach and referee. Cam provides support for several students and families using principles of ABA.
Sarah Gauthier

B.S., M.Ed., BCBA

Sarah attended Bridgewater State University, where she majored in Education and Communication. She joined the Arise Team in 2019. Sarah also has a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, and she has experience working with children with an array of skills. Sarah works collaboratively with teachers and families, proving ABA services across settings. Sarah obtained her BCBA certification in 2024.
Henry Mendez

  

Henry began working for ARISE in 2023. He has worked in several capacities working with children, adolescents and adults. In addition to his work with ARISE, Henry has attended Suffolk University, where he studied global cultural communications. We are happy to have Henry on the ARISE team, as he continues to provide support to several students and families in the school and home setting.
Nataly Avendano

B.S.

Nataly graduated from Bridgewater State University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. She joined the ARISE team in 2022, and works in both the school and home settings. Nataly enjoys working with her students and families to support their mission of using ABA to replace challenging behavior with more desirable options. She plans to pursue a career in the field of ABA and/or Psychology.
Olivia Mignosa

B.A.

Olivia received her Bachelor’s Degree in English, Women’s Studies from Suffolk University. She joined the ARISE team in 2024. Olivia currently works during the day in a special education school setting, in addition to supporting students and families at ARISE. She has a vast background as an ABA tutor at several levels, and we welcome her arena of skills to the ARISE team.
Yorlenis De Jesus Olivero

Behavior Interventionist

Yorlenis began working at Arise in 2024. She has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is currently working towards her master’s degree in clinical social work. She has previously worked as a nanny and tutor for children with special needs and she has over 7 years of experience doing so prior to joining the Arise team. In her spare time, Yorlenis enjoys traveling, eating at different restaurants, going to the gym and walking.

Victoria Butler

Behavior Interventionist

Bio coming soon…

Devika Kataky

Behavior Interventionist

Bio coming soon…

Kaleigh MacGowan

Behavior Interventionist

Bio coming soon…

Daniel Neumann

Behavior Interventionist

Dan joined the Arise team in 2024. He has 14 years of experience, including 5 years working with children. Dan has a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Michigan and is currently enrolled in a Master’s degree program (Master’s of Applied Behavior Analysis, Endicott College). Dan has worked for 2 years as a Professional Aide in Bemont, MA, and 1 year as a Behavior Technician at Newton Public Schools. He also served as an after-school program group leader for 3 years, and as a camp staff member at a Camp in Sudbury, MA for 2 years. Dan enjoys hiking, playing basketball and golf, following professional sports, and trivia. He is passionate about working with children and helping them learn and grow.

Sean Vassell

Behavior Interventionist

Bio coming soon…

Chelsea Smith

Behavior Interventionist

Bio coming soon…

Darlin Duarte

Behavior Interventionist

Darlin joined the ARISE team in 2025. She is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in English and also holds an Associate’s degree in Psychology.

Darlin brings six years of experience working with children of various ages and is passionate about supporting their growth and development. She approaches her work with care, patience, and a strong commitment to learning.

In her free time, Darlin enjoys crocheting and loves the creative process of making something from scratch. She also enjoys swimming and staying active.

Luisaura Garcia

Behavior Interventionist

Bio coming soon…

Ellie Tyska

Behavior Interventionist

Bio coming soon…

Valeri Aranya

Behavior Analyst (BCBA, LABA)

Valeri Aranya is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Applied Behavior Analyst with seven years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. She has worked across a wide range of settings including public schools, center based programs, nonprofits, and private agencies. Her professional experience includes direct therapy, clinical supervision, assessments, caregiver consultation, and providing ABA training for therapists, RBTs, and aspiring BCBAs.

Valeri holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Psychology from Florida State University and earned her Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis from Simmons University. She has extensive experience working with children and young adults ages 3 to 25 with developmental disabilities and is committed to providing thoughtful, individualized, and evidence based care.

Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Valeri maintains strong ties to her family and travels back each year to visit. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active through snowboarding, biking, tennis, and pickleball. She also loves traveling and spending time with her dog.

Susan Solecki

Behavior Analyst (BCBA, LABA)

Susan joined the Arise team in 2025 in a part time capacity. She has been a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) since 2010. She was at HMEA from 2008-2013, practicing as a clinical coordinator for home services and school consultation from 2008-2009 and became the assistant director through 2009-2013. Susan is currently employed at Amego, Inc. in the role of Director of Consultative Services. Susan received her bachelor’s degree at Rhode Island College and graduated with a bachelor’s in special education in 2003. She then continued to Northeastern University to obtain a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA) while working and gaining valuable experience at the New England Center for Children. Susan has worked with children from 1-21 years of age. In addition to being in the field for 25 years, Susan is a licensed behavior analyst in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In her spare time, Susan enjoys being a mom. When she has time, she also enjoys playing volleyball, skiing, and sitting on the couch and binge watching different tv shows! She also loves traveling with her family.

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