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:

Areas of expertise include:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.

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.
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.

Kaleigh MacGowan

Behavior Interventionist

Kaleigh began working at Arise as a Behavior Interventionist in 2025. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies from Fitchburg State University and is currently working toward her master’s degree in Special Education. Kaleigh has worked with children in a variety of educational and behavioral settings. During the
summers of 2021 and 2022, she worked as an ABA Technician in a summer school program.
From 2022 to 2024, while attending college, Kaleigh worked as a Behavioral Interventionist
providing ABA services. In addition to her part-time work at Arise, she currently works as a full-time paraprofessional in an elementary school, where she provides support to students with diverse learning and behavioral needs.

In addition to her professional experience, Kaleigh has coached softball and mentored children
for several years. She has also worked at multiple summer camps in an inclusion setting. Kaleigh is passionate about helping children grow, learn, and access more reinforcement in their environment by creating positive, supportive relationships with each child and their family.

Outside of work, Kaleigh enjoys CrossFit, spending time with friends, and continuing to learn and grow as an educator.

Sean Vassell

Behavior Interventionist

Bio coming soon…

Victoria Butler

Behavior Interventionist

Bio coming soon…

Luisaura Garcia

Behavior Interventionist

Bio coming soon…

Chelsea Smith

Behavior Interventionist

Chelsea Smith joined the Arise Team in 2025. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Emerson College, and brings experience as a pre-school teacher, kindergarten teacher and a volunteer at Massachusetts General Hospital supporting individuals on the pediatrics floor. Chelsea’s enthusiasm for helping children beams in her work and has been a welcomed addition to the Arise team. She loves children, finds working together with families quite pleasurable, and has a goal to continue to help improve the lives of those she supports. For hobbies, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her dogs, reading, and hiking.
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.

Ellie Tyska

Behavior Interventionist

Ellie attended Bates College, where she played women’s soccer and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy. Throughout her time at Bates, Ellie developed a passion for working with children and adolescents and supporting them as they learn, grow, and build confidence. Prior to joining ARISE, she gained extensive experience working with children in educational and home settings.

Ellie has also worked as a camp leader at Champion Soccer School, where she has enjoyed coaching and mentoring children while creating a fun, welcoming, and supportive environment for campers. She especially values building meaningful connections with the children with whom she works and finding ways to help each child feel comfortable, confident, and successful.

Ellie went on to attend Brandeis University, where she earned her Master’s degree in Psychology. She is excited to bring her education and experience to her work at ARISE and looks forward to continuing to learn from children, families, and colleagues. In the future, Ellie hopes to further pursue her passion for psychology by returning to school to earn an additional degree in counseling or social work.

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.

Devon Fanning

Behavior Interventionist

Devon joined ARISE in 2026 as a behavior interventionist. She is currently a student at Bunker Hill Community College, pursuing a degree related to the field of psychology/mental health and child development. She has spent several years working with children of all ages and caring for animals. Away from work and school, she advocates for mental health and enjoys learning about different cultures and languages. She is thrilled to be a part of a company that provides an opportunity to further her education, be curious, and to work with families and children.
Olivia Juarez

Behavior Interventionist

Olivia Juarez joined the Arise team in 2026. In addition to her hands-on experience in the field of behavior analysis and special education, Olivia holds a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Prior to working as a special education teacher for 4 years for elementary, middle, high school-aged students, Olivia serviced as a paraprofessional for the high school special education setting for 4 years. She also worked with Easter Seals as a case coordinator for home services. Olivia has a teacher’s certification from Texas and is CPR certified. She also worked for a Family Protective Services call center, where she managed calls for several agencies.
As Olivia recently finished her schooling, she is looking forward to finding her favorite hobby. Thus far, she has tried crochet, reading, embroidery, glass painting, puzzles, and bedazzling.

Curtis Judson

Behavior Interventionist

Curtis began working at Arise in 2026. He is a Psychology student at UMass Lowell (Class of ’27) focused on research and behavioral analysis, with hands-on experience in coaching, community service, and team leadership. A former high school state champion and tennis team captain, Curtis has since coached youth athletics and led tennis camps, translating on-court leadership into a broader interest in how people learn, communicate, and work together. This interest extends into volunteer work with local community organizations, reflecting a consistent commitment to service beyond the classroom. Combining a psychology background with real-world coaching and leadership experience, Curtis is drawn to work that supports the growth and well-being of children and adolescents and enjoys creating environments where young people feel encouraged and supported.

In Memoriam

Michael Donovan, B.A., M.Ed., BCBA

Good afternoon,

I could not be more proud to speak on behalf of such an amazing person. I had the pleasure of employing Mike for the past 7 years. When I met Mike in my office for the initial interview, it took all of 2 minutes to realize that he was a great fit for the company, especially when he spoke of his willingness to learn and passion for helping people. The only restriction he gave during the interview was that he would like to continue volunteering at the aquarium, something that made the hire a slam dunk.

Mike was not only caring, reliable, compassionate, loyal, and patient in his work. He also went on to get his master’s degree in applied behavior analysis and passed the national certification exam to become a behavior analyst (on the first try), something very difficult to do. He credited me and others for helping him along the way, although he did all the work, even saying, “I really could not have done it without your support and mentoring, and the support of the many great BCBAs at Arise- and an extra shout out to Melissa on being my direct supervisor and helping me prepare for this. I look forward to continuing to learn and become a good and ethical BCBA with Arise!” “I really love working for Arise and am grateful to have found a meaningful career path with this company and in the field of ABA.”

There is much to say about Mike. Always the first to thank us for the office trainings and events and never missed an opportunity to be a class act. He has made me better, he has made others in the company better, and he will always be the high mark for anyone else who works with us. Our last conversation was him speaking about the support of his family, apologizing for needing to miss more work (annoying was the word he used), and thanking me and others on the team for the continued support. As I said in response, “No problem, buddy, get some rest and thanks for all you do.” Mike, thank you!

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