Meet our team
Stacy desabella
special education
Stacy has been in the field of special education for over 20 years specializing in Autism and related disorders. She is a founder and Co-Director of Bridge Partnership, LLC. Stacy received her Master’s degree in education from C.W. Post in Long Island where she participated in the university’s C.A.S.E. (Competencies in Autism for Special Educators) program. She was a special education teacher and behavioral therapist in home programs utilizing applied behavior analysis principals and techniques with staff from the Eden II Programs. She currently coordinates home programs providing supervision and therapy for students in both Connecticut and New York. In addition, Stacy is a founding member and Program Director of Harbor Light Foundation, Inc. which provides educational and therapeutic services to children with special needs.
richard P. Douglas
bcba
Rich Douglas is a founder and Co-Director of Bridge Partnership, LLC. He was an appointed member of the Special Action Committee on Special Education for the state of Connecticut and served in that role for 4 years. He has a Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Rich spent his first 11 years in the field working at a private school in Fairfield County that specializes in the treatment of children with autism. He has worked successfully to incorporate a multi-disciplinary approach to education utilizing principles and techniques found in a variety of related therapeutic models. Rich is experienced in developing and implementing school, home, and community-based programs for children with special needs and their families. In addition to his role at Bridge Partnership, Rich is a founder and Executive Director of Harbor Light Foundation, Inc.
Kailey Brennan brings over ten years of experience in special education and behavior analysis to her work at Bridge Partnership. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education with a minor in Psychology from High Point University, and a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with a focus in Autism from Endicott College. Kailey is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and holds active teaching licenses in Connecticut, New York, and North Carolina.
Kailey is known for her strong organizational skills, collaborative mindset, and client-centered approach. She is deeply committed to supporting both children and families through individualized, evidence-based interventions. In addition to her clinical work, Kailey plays a key role in mentoring staff and fostering a supportive, high-quality therapeutic environment where growth and learning are central to the mission.
BCBA
Denise DeStaso is a highly respected Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 20 years of dedicated experience in the field of special education. Throughout her distinguished career, Denise has worked with children and adolescents with a wide range of developmental and behavioral challenges, including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and emotional and behavioral disorders.
She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, from Boston College and a Master's Degree in Special Education from Long Island University.
Denise began her career as a special education teacher, where she developed a passion for individualized instruction and positive behavior support. Her commitment to evidence-based practices led her to pursue advanced training in applied behavior analysis (ABA), earning her BCBA certification in 2015. Since then, Denise has served in various roles, including classroom teacher, behavior specialist, consultant, and program supervisor, across public schools, private clinics, and community-based settings.
Special education
Meghan holds a Masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education and a Bachelor of Arts in communication disorders. She holds dual certifications in both special education and general education in the state of New York. She has over 12 years of experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum and varying special needs. She worked in New York City for 10 years as a ABA lead teacher and field supervisor, ABA SEIT teacher, and Early Childhood specialist. She has extensive training as an ABA home and school based therapist, program developer, evaluator, RDI and play therapist, has led workshops and provided training for both clinicians and families. Since joining Bridge Partnership, Meghan has worked in both home and school settings as an ABA therapist.
Tammy is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of dedicated experience in her field. Armed with a Bachelor's Degree in Speech Pathology/Audiology and Early Childhood Education, she has honed her expertise through nine years as a head teacher in a private preschool and as a behavioral therapist. With a specialization in assisting children on the autistic spectrum, Tammy adeptly implements behavioral plans and therapy strategies in various settings, including home and school inclusion environments. In her role as an ABA therapist, Tammy leverages her exceptional communication and organizational abilities to provide effective support to students facing behavioral and academic challenges. She ensures that interventions are meticulously tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual under her care, promoting structured and targeted progress. Outside of her professional pursuits, Tammy finds joy in her roles as a devoted wife and mother of four. Her diverse experiences and unwavering dedication make her an indispensable asset to Bridge Partnership, where she plays a crucial role in providing vital support to the children and families within her care.
ABA Therapist
Janee Robinson is a dedicated professional with 24 years of experience in the field of special education. She spent years working at a private school that specializes in the education of children with autism, where she has played a crucial role in developing and implementing tailored educational programs. Janee excels in collaborative environments, working seamlessly with multidisciplinary practitioners to create comprehensive support systems for her students. Her extensive expertise and commitment to teamwork have significantly contributed to the success and progress of the children under her care.
ABA Therapist
Stephanie is a dedicated ABA professional with over 25 years of experience working across all age groups. She has supported individuals with autism in both home and school settings, using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis to develop and implement individualized interventions that foster meaningful growth. Stephanie excels in promoting communication, independence, and positive behavior change, while collaborating closely with families, BCBAs, and educators to ensure consistent support across environments. Her extensive experience, compassionate approach, and commitment to best practices make her a valued member of any team.
ABA Therapist
Jennifer is a dedicated professional with 29 years of experience in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Jennifer has extensive expertise working across diverse settings, including school-based programs, birth-to-three early intervention services, and clinical environments. Passionate about fostering positive behavioral outcomes, Jennifer is committed to individualized support and evidence-based practices that empower individuals and their families.
ABA Therapist
Mike is a dedicated special education professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Comprehensive Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University. He is a certified special education teacher in the state of Connecticut and has experience working with students of all ages and a wide range of abilities, including individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, and diverse learning needs. Mike is pursuing his Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Western Connecticut State University, further deepening his commitment to evidence-based practices that promote meaningful change in the lives of his students. Throughout his academic and professional journey, Mike has demonstrated a strong passion for advocacy and inclusion. While at SCSU, he served as President of Outreach Unlimited, a student-led organization focused on raising disability awareness on campus and supporting college students with disabilities through advocacy, education, and access to resources. Mike brings empathy, energy, and a team-oriented mindset to every setting he works in. His mission is to help individuals reach their full potential by using compassionate, individualized supports grounded in the science of behavior.
ABA Therapist
Coming Soon
ABA Therapist
Olivia earned a Bachelor's degree in Autism Behavioral Studies with a minor in Special Education from Saint Joseph's University, where she was honored with the prestigious Autism Behavioral Studies Award for being the top student in her major. Olivia is deeply committed to promoting positive behavioral outcomes and is currently on track to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). With a strong academic foundation and a passion for evidence-based practices, she is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the field. Olivia's focus on understanding the unique needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder drives her mission to create inclusive and supportive environments.
ABA Therapist
Nikki holds a Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus in Comprehensive Special Education (K–12) from Southern Connecticut State University. She brings nearly a decade of experience working with children with Autism and developmental disabilities across preschool, elementary, and middle school settings.
Currently, Nikki splits her time teaching Special Education at Aspire Living and Learning Academy and working as a behavioral therapist here at our clinic. Nikki creates individualized education plans, collaborates with clinical teams, and delivers ABA-based instruction tailored to each student’s needs. She is well-versed in assistive technology and tools including PECS, Proloquo2Go, Boardmaker, and the Unique Learning System, and is PMT certified.
Known for her creativity, dedication, and collaborative spirit, Nikki is passionate about helping every student thrive in a supportive and structured learning environment.
ABA Therapist
Lauren earned a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Delaware and holds dual teaching certifications in General and Special Education in Connecticut. With a passion for helping others, she has worked in specialized classrooms, gaining hands-on experience with evidence-based interventions that support student growth, independence, and confidence.
Lauren values building strong, trusting relationships with clients and their families while ensuring her approach is rooted in science. She is currently working toward a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and is on track to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) by March 2025. Dedicated to using behavior-analytic principles, Lauren is committed to helping clients thrive through thoughtful, evidence-based strategies and personalized support.
ABA Therapist
Christel Hoydic joined Harbor Light with 25 years of expertise in special education. Previously, she dedicated 18 years as a social skills teacher at a private school for children on the autism spectrum, where she developed innovative curricula for students aged 4 to 21. Her diverse experience includes in-home support, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and community-based learning. Christel is passionate about empowering students to thrive and brings a deep well of knowledge and experience to the Harbor Light team.