ABA Therapists

Valentina Rocha, MA, RBT

Valentina graduated Sacred Heart University in 2017 studying both psychology and speech language pathology. She is bilingual in both English and Spanish. After graduating Valentina interned with Lindsay Scott SLP which is how she found her way to Michelle Ragozzine and Associates. 

Valentina has been at MR&A working as an ABA therapist since November 2017 and gained her masters degree in ABA at the Chicago School Of Professional Psychology to one day become a BCBA. Valentina is very dedicated and passionate about the field and is excited to see where the next few years take her. 

 Morgan Colombo, BA, RBT

Morgan graduated from Franklin Pierce University in 2019 with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology.  While attending, Morgan also minored in Public Health.  Morgan started working for MR&A during the summer of 2019. Since then she has worked in public schools, homes, the community and in MR&A's very own preschool. Within these settings Morgan has worked closely with related fields such as speech, OT, PT, and special education. She has also worked with many different clients ranging from preschool to teens.     

During her free time, Morgan coaches a nationally ranked cheerleading team through Milford Pop Warner. She loves coaching her young athletes and watching them reach their full potential. Morgan is very dedicated and passionate about this field and is excited to see where the future takes her. 

Jocelyn Daly, BA, RBT

Jocelyn is graduating from the University of New Haven in the spring of 2022 with a BA in Psychology and a Minor in Criminal Justice. She interned with MR&A for a semester and loved the experience she got from it.

Before joining the team here, she worked at a daycare in Massachusetts and that is where she discovered her passion for working with children. She is excited to be a part of this team because it combines her love of working with children and her love of psychology.

After completing her bachelor’s degree, she is planning on working towards her master’s to further her experience in the psychology field. She is looking forward to being an ABA therapist here at MR&A and learning everything she can from this experience!

Tyler Davis, BA, RBT

Tyler is graduating this summer from Southern Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. During his college years, he worked in multiple settings with children and young adults on the autism spectrum that ultimately led him down the path to becoming an ABA therapist.

In his free time, Tyler enjoys playing basketball and doing martial arts. He is also extremely passionate about working in the studio creating music

Kinsey Ratchelous, BS, RBT

Kinsey graduated from James Madison University in May of 2022, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Sciences and a Minor in Substance Use Disorder Education.

Previously, Kinsey has spent time volunteering at ACES Mill Road School, working with children with social, emotional and behavioral challenges.

Watching her mom have a career in the special education field has motivated Kinsey to pursue her own career working with children with special needs.

In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her rescue dogs Mickey and Rosie. Kinsey is super excited to be joining the MR&A team and begin her career as an ABA Therapist!

Tracey Saxon, RBT

Tracey studied Psychology at SUNY Rockland. While there she worked as a student facilitator. Tracey plans to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Communication at  Thomas Edison State University. 

Tracey trained in Mediation and had the privilege of attending many births.

Tracey has had several years of experience working with children as well as with teenagers on the spectrum in a work readiness program.

Originally from a coastal town in England UK, Tracey now resides in New England where she enjoys kayaking along the beautiful coastline here. 

She is looking forward to pursuing a rewarding career as an ABA Therapist as a member of the team at MR&A.

Leann Duggan, MA

Leann graduated from Central CT State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Geography. After graduation she taught first grade and then moved on to work in the public school system in an intensive resource room for students with ASD and other special needs. This is where she was introduced to the world of ABA. In working with this wonderful population of students, she decided to direct her career in the path of ABA and enrolled in WCSU's program. Leann then graduated in May 2021 with a master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Leann has also worked privately with children with ASD. In a wide variety of different environments, she enjoys experiences from shopping at a grocery store, going to birthday parties, visits to aquariums, to being an apprentice on a farm. Leann supports the students during the experience where needed but also allows them the ability to succeed independently and helps set them up for success for future dreams and goals! 

In her free time, Leann loves to hike with her dog Oliver. She also has a huge passion for art. Leann loves creating art and helping her students express themselves and give them a voice

through art. Leann is excited to join the Michelle Ragozzine and Associates team as an ABA Therapist and is eager to gain more experience in the field to one day obtain her BCBA certification.

Margarita "Maggie" Montiel, BA, RBT

Maggie graduated in 2022 from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Design Studies. After graduating, Maggie worked as a Special Education Associate at an elementary school, helping special needs children with academic and behavioral issues. During this time, Maggie realized how much she loved working with kids and

teaching them coping skills to better their lives both in and outside of school.

Being born in Chile, Maggie can speak some Spanish. She then lived in California as a child, Connecticut during her middle school years and then spent her high school and college years in Iowa. One day Maggie would like to pursue a career as an art therapist for children, where she can integrate her love for art, psychology, and child development.

In her free time, Maggie likes to read books, watch her favorite shows, care for her plants, and make art. She is also passionate about her spirituality and loves to spend time in nature.

Elizabeth Rogers, BA, RBT

Elizabeth graduated in May 2023 from Western Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Throughout her college education, she took numerous courses focusing on child, adolescent, and adult development where her desire to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals was reinforced. She has always wanted to help others in any

way she can and feels that being an ABA Therapist will help her accomplish this!

In her free time, Elizabeth likes to read books, draw or paint, and spend time with those close to her, including her pets. She has always had pets growing up, mostly cats, and also feels passionate about caring for animals.

Elizabeth is very excited to be a part of the MR&A team!

Cate DiRamio, RBT

Catelyn “Cate” will be graduating in 2025 from Sacred Heart University with her B.S in both Health Science and Political Science, with a minor in Human Rights and Social Justice, and a concentration in Global Health.

During her time in undergrad, Cate has taken numerous classes regarding psychology, sociology, mental and behavioral health and more. Before her studies Cate worked at an elementary school within the special needs department working hands on with children with developmental, behavioral, and emotional disabilities.

In the future Cate hopes to continue her work with children and go on to work in health care lobbying, hoping to be an advocate.

In her free time Cate likes to explore Connecticut and find new activities as she has recently moved here for school, originally from Marshfield, MA. When she is back home she enjoys going to the beach and into Boston or the cape.

Victoria Benedicto, BA, RBT

Victoria graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelors in Human Development and Family Science in 2022. In her time at Uconn she took classes specializing in development, child psychology and parenting.

In the past, Victoria worked in early education as a lead preschool teacher. Through this experience she worked closely with children and found a passion watching them learn and develop new skills. It was while working with children with special needs and developmental disabilities that she saw the importance of having specialists in their lives and wanted to pursue a career in the same field.

With her passion for children and wanting to help others, Victoria hopes to further her career as part of the MR&A team. In the future, Victoria plans to pursue a masters degree in either occupational therapy or applied behavior analysis.

Alexandra Gabbidon, BA, RBT

Alexandra (Alex) Gabbidon has graduated from the University of New Haven with a Bachelors in psychology. 

It was during her internship at MR&A that she discovered her passion for ABA therapy. Alex loved the kids and staff so much she jumped at the opportunity to work with the company.

In her free time, Alex is an amateur artist working on various projects, including but not limited to being a budding Inkmaster! She is also an animal lover and avid outdoors person.

Alex is super excited to now be a member of the team and start her career path with MR&A!

 Ariadne “Ari” Rosario, BA, RBT

Ariadne “Ari” graduated in 2024 from the City University of New York, Hunter College with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. 

During her undergraduate career, she worked closely with children and families while working at a community-based organization and at a dance studio. It was during this time that she realized she loved working with kids and decided to pursue her passion for psychology and working with children. 

In her free time, Ari loves taking Latin dance classes, reading, and hanging out with her loved ones.

Ari is thrilled to start pursuing an enriching career and working as part of the MR&A team! While working as an ABA Therapist, she hopes to make a difference in the lives of children and their families while also growing professionally and personally.

 Allison Catizone, BS, RBT

Allison graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 2023 with a BS in Biobehavioral Health. During her time there, she studied behavioral sciences, human anatomy & physiology and other psychology and biology related courses. After graduating, Allison worked as a Phlebotomist and Plasma Processing Technician.

Allison has several years of experience working with children of many different ages. She found through her bachelors she wanted to apply

her studies to children with autism and other behavioral disorders. In her free time, Allison loves exercising outdoors whether it is running, walking or hiking on different trails. She also enjoys

reading and spending time with her family and friends. 

She is very excited to be joining the MR&A team as an ABA Therapist.

Juliana Friguletto, BS, RBT

Juliana graduated from Sacred Heart University in 2024 with a Bachelor's degree of Science in

Psychology. 

While attending Sacred Heart, she became extremely passionate about her classes related to child and adolescent development.

Before joining our team, Juliana spent time babysitting, being a lifeguard and volunteering for

the Special Olympics.

Juliana is looking forward to pursuing a Masters degree in mental health counseling and is very excited to start her journey as an ABA therapist with MR&A!

Exteisis “Stacey” Sanchez, BA, RBT

Stacey graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minor in Sociology from the University of Connecticut in May of 2024. She always knew she wanted to work with children, and after taking several Psychology courses that had to do with children’s mental development, she decided to pursue a career in School Psychology.

She aims to gain experience working with atypical children before she takes this next step in getting her Master’s and has decided to join MR&A in order to set herself up for success! She wants to make a difference and learn new skills that will help her as she continues on in her career.

Stacey is bilingual as she speaks both English and Spanish fluently. In her free time, she loves to travel and spend time with her friends and family. She is eager to see where the journey at MR&A will take her and she is excited to form long-lasting bonds with the team!

Kiera Jeffreys, BA, RBT

Kiera has gained special education experience in multiple settings including public schools, preschools, and special education programs with ages 4-20. She has graduated from the University of Connecticut with her bachelors degree in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences. During her undergraduate studies, Kiera was able to take courses in American Sign Language, developmental psychology, and speech pathology. Kiera has a passion to continue her education and become a Speech Language Pathologist. She enjoys being a part of a multidisciplinary team and learning from other disciplines to become a well rounded therapist.

In her free time, Kiera enjoys walking outside with her two cats, Gizmo and Gremlin! She also enjoys everything spooky and true crime related.

Kiera is very excited to become a part of the MR&A family and is eager to learn more about ABA and PRT!

 Grace Russo 

Grace is currently a senior at Sacred Heart University studying psychology with a plan to continue onto receiving a masters in ABA, and eventually become an BCBA.

Through countless years of working with programs such as best buddies and special Olympics along with teaching various after school programs, Grace has developed a love for helping children. She finds joy in watching children grow and succeed, and loves to be a part of each child’s individual path.

Grace joined the MR&A team after developing a passion for ABA work, upon completion of working closely under a BCBA for a summer program. She is very excited to continue working with children in this field and with the rest of the MR&A team!

Saige McCarten, BS

Saige is a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice from Western New England University, eager to begin her career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Her passion for working with children and individuals with special needs stems from her experience volunteering with the Unified Cheer Team and supporting children with speech delays and developmental challenges.

Through both professional and personal experiences, she has gained valuable insight into working with neurodiverse individuals, including those managing ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and oppositional defiant disorder. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to creating positive, meaningful changes in the lives of others.

In her free time she enjoys coaching a youth cheerleading team and mentoring children further demonstrating her commitment to their growth and development. She plans to continue her education by pursuing a Master’s degree in ABA and becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Her ultimate goal is to help children and their families thrive by providing compassionate and evidence-based support.

 Peyton Cutolo, BS

Peyton received her undergraduate degree from UCONN in Human Development Family Sciences and Psychology in 2021. After graduating, she moved to Denver, Colorado and became a preschool teacher. While being a teacher, Peyton realized she wanted to work more one-on-one with children and decided to go back to school to get her masters degree in social work, which she will complete in 2025! She now resides back in Connecticut where she can also be closer to family. 

Throughout her time being a teacher and a nanny, Peyton has found her passion working with children and is excited to continue doing so at MR&A!

In her free time, Peyton enjoys spending time with friends and family as well as going on hikes with her boyfriend and their one year old goldendoodle Mosby! 

Madison Rodrigues, MA

Madison graduated with a master’s in elementary education in 2024, following her undergraduate studies in criminal justice for youth and family Services. Throughout her education, she developed a strong passion for working with children and families. Madison has gained valuable experience working in early childhood education and as a substitute teacher, where she discovered her love for supporting children’s growth and development. While working with children with developmental and behavioral differences, she recognized the importance of specialized support, which led her to pursue a career in ABA Therapy.

In her free time, Madison enjoys creative writing, cooking, and playing with her two cats, Goose and Lila. She is excited to join the MR&A team, where she is eager to make a positive impact by supporting children’s growth in a nurturing and empowering environment.

 Luke Sacramone, MA

Luke is a dedicated worker with a passion for supporting individuals and families. After earning a bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in psychology from Southern Connecticut State University in 2017, Luke began his career as a mental health worker. He then spent some time as an ABA therapist, honing his skills in behavior analysis and therapy.

In 2021, Luke earned a master’s degree in social work from Sacred Heart University, before beginning his current role as a school social worker in Bridgeport. During the past four years, he has been making a positive impact in this role, while also obtaining his LMSW certification.

In his free time, Luke enjoys playing in his weekly men’s hockey league and spending time with family and friends.

 Amanda King, MBA

Amanda graduated from Molloy University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, before going on to get her MBA in marketing. During her job search, she came across ABA and knew it was the perfect fit for her. She has always had a passion for helping others, especially kids. Throughout high school and college, she was involved in special education groups, which created the foundation of her passion for this field. 

Currently, Amanda is working toward her masters in Applied Behavior Analysis at Southern Connecticut State University with the goal of one day becoming a BCBA.

As a retired college athlete, Amanda enjoys staying active in her free time. She also loves photography and other creative hobbies. 

She is extremely excited to start her career in ABA and to be a part of the MR&A team!