directorS
Michelle Ragozzine, EdM, BCBA, LBA
Founder/Executive Director
Michelle is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in the state of CT. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Providence College and her Master of Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Michelle was initially trained in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) by Dr. Alan Kazdin at Yale University and later through the University of West Florida. While working directly for Dr. Kazdin, Michelle was trained in Parent Management Training (PMT). PMT is a highly successful, empirically supported parent education model designed to reduce behavioral excesses in children.
After leaving Yale, Michelle coordinated an ABA program for children over the age of three in the state of California. As the coordinator she trained and supervised other behavior analysts and direct therapy staff. Additionally she performed Functional Behavioral Assessments, completed developmental evaluations on children of all ages, and consulted regularly with school districts. While in California Michelle was trained in Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), a naturalistic ABA intervention used to teach children on the autism spectrum.
Since establishing MR&A in 2012, Michelle has provided extensive consultation to school districts to assist them in the creation of comprehensive special education programs that allow for a continuity of services utilizing ABA as the foundation. Additional specialties include Picture Exchange Communication (PECS), experimental analysis, staff training and supervision, program development, and positive behavioral support.
Caitlan Mezerewski, MA
Director of Staff Development
Caitlan earned her Master's Degree from the University of West Florida, where she completed coursework required to become a BCBA. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health from Southern Connecticut State University.
Caitlan began her career in ABA in 2009 providing services to children of all ages in school and home settings. Caitlan has worked for Michelle Ragozzine & Associates since the company opened in 2012. She has many years of experience providing Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) services to clients.
Caitlan works closely with each staff member and families giving extra support on all PRT based skills. Caitlan is dedicated, enthusiastic, and feels very fortunate to be able to work in a field that she feels so passionate about.
Kinder Freedman, BCBA, LBA
Clinical Director (Milford Office)
Kinder is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and the Clinical Director at MR&A. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the Sacred Heart University and her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from North Eastern University.
Kinder began her career providing ABA services as a behavior technician at a school designed for children and teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), developmental disabilities, and related neurological impairments. While working in the school environment, Kinder was trained directly by Speech and Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Board Certified Behavior Analysts in a variety of learning methodologies. After four years working in the school environment, Kinder continued her career as an ABA therapist providing direct 1:1 ABA therapy for children and teenagers in their homes and community environments.
Currently, Kinder practices as a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Connecticut. As of April 2020, Kinder earned the title of Clinical Director at Michelle Ragozzine and Associates. Kinder’s duties include overseeing and managing the therapeutic needs of all clients as well as being responsible for overseeing each caseload and making sure that therapist and consultant performance is being maintained while also monitoring program progress. Kinder is very excited for this new chapter and feels that she will greatly flourish in this position. Kinder’s current areas of interest include Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), functional-based interventions, and verbal behavior.
Kelly Vornkahl, BCBA, LBA
Clinical Director (Norwalk Office)
Kelly received her Master's degree from the University of West Florida and received her BCBA certification in November 2017. Kelly provides consultation to school districts and works with clients and families at home. She especially enjoys working in multiple environment and with clients to help increase their functional communication skills and teach replacement behaviors for maladaptive behaviors. Kelly has been with MRA since 2014.
Kelly received her bachelor’s degree from University of Bridgeport in Psychology. She worked as a therapeutic counselor in an outpatient hospital setting for about two years prior to joining the team at MR&A. She has also volunteered at the Center for Human Services.