Behavior consultants

Michael Magnotta, BCBA, LBA

Michael is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). He received his Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from Central Connecticut State University and his Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism from The Sage Colleges. In October 2021, Mike became certified in PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). This system allows children to communicate with the use of pictures and will ultimately encourage the development of speech. 

Michael began his career working with at risk youth and young adults with autism in 2014. There he worked as a life skills coach and was dedicated to teaching vocational and functional life skills. Currently, he enjoys working with young children to increase functional play skills, communication, and behavior reduction. 

Michael has been with MRA since 2017 and is a compassionate and driven person who enjoys assisting others. 

Katherine Dussan, BCBA, LBA

Katherine is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from West Virginia University and Masters in ABA from the University of Saint Joseph. In October 2021, Katherine became certified in PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). This system allows children to communicate with the use of pictures and will ultimately encourage the development of speech. 

Katherine began working as a toddler teacher and then moved on to a paraprofessional/mental health worker role in a special education school. 

It was at that school that she began working with children on the autism spectrum and implementing behavior plans. While doing this, Katherine grew a passion for her job and became a Registered Behavior Technician. Once getting this certification, she continued to implement behavior plans while also creating academic programs. As Katherine learned more about ABA she knew that this was what she wanted to pursue a career in. 

Alex Lynch, BCBA

 Alex is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She received her Bachelors in Psychology from State University of New York (SUNY) at Geneseo and her Masters in ABA from Russell-Sage College. In college Alex volunteered at the Mt. Hope Family Center where she organized developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Additionally, Alex facilitated group parent training sessions surrounding special education advocacy and self-regulation. 

Alex found her passion for ABA while working as a direct support professional for children with autism. Following graduation, Alex worked as an ABA therapist in New York while pursuing her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism from The Sage Colleges. Alex loves that the role of ABA therapist allows her to combine her passion for behavior with her creative and fun spirit.

Alex recently moved to Connecticut and is looking forward to learning and growing at MR&A. She is most excited to work with her new kids/team and explore her new city!

Mackenzie Curley, BCBA

Mackenzie graduated from Monmouth University in May of 2020, with a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies and a Minor in Biology. In college, she was President of an honors society. Mackenzie also traveled to Guatemala for service, where she focused on building a health and wellness facility for a local community. She found her passion within this field while working at The Kennedy Center. She planned and participated in group activities for children and adolescents with ASD and other disabilities.

Mackenzie is a graduate ABA Masters  program at the University of Saint Joseph and has recently passed her BCBA exam. She has been so fortunate to have gained the knowledge and experience thus far as an ABA Therapist and is looking forward to what lies ahead!