Special Education Program Senior Staff

Ms. Appel started working at the Watson Institute in the spring of 2015 and has primarily worked with students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Prior to her employment at Watson, she worked as a TSS and in a learning support program in a public school district. Ms. Appel graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Penn State Behrend and obtained her Elementary Education K-6 certification from Edinboro University in 2011. In 2014 she earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education and Special Education Certification Prek-8 at Robert Morris University. Ms. Appel transitioned into the role of Team Coordinator during the 2021-2022 school year. During her time here at Watson, she has mentored several new teachers, helped pilot and implement the progress monitoring program at the Education Center in IEP Writer, and serves on various committees within the program. Ms. Appel is excited to continue her career here at the Watson Institute.

Claire joined the Watson Institute in the fall of 2017 as a Support Teacher and transitioned into her own classroom the following school year. During her time as a Support Teacher, she supported students with Multiple Disabilities as well as students with Autism. After transitioning into a classroom teacher role, Claire worked primarily with students with autism. In May of 2017, Claire earned her Bachelor of Science in Education: Elementary Education PK-4 and Special Education PK-8 and a Minor in Educational Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In December 2021, Claire earned her Masters of Science in Education: Reading K-12 from Slippery Rock University, along with a Reading Specialist Degree. At the start of the 2022-2023 school year, Claire was promoted to her current role as a Team Coordinator in which she is responsible for facilitating IEP meetings, supervising teachers and other professional staff, and working with families and school districts. Claire is excited to continue to support students, families, and staff while working in this position!

Erin Sterling Golec has more than 20 years of teaching and supervision in Special Education. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Duquesne University, a Master’s Degree in Early Intervention from University of Pittsburgh, and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Waynesburg University. She has been endorsed by Penn State University in Autism Education and was nominated for a Temple Grandin Award in 2012. Mrs. Golec taught at the Pittsburgh Public Schools and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit prior to her position at the Watson Institute and is a member of the Council for Exceptional Children. Mrs. Golec is married and her two sons attend Penn State University.

After working at the Watson Institute as an Instructional Aide in its Extended School Year (ESY) program in 2006, Katie joined Watson in 2017 first as an Instructional Aide, then as a Special Education Teacher at the Education Center in South Fayette. Katie’s background in behavior management, multi-sensory lessons, structured teaching, technology integration, student motivation and team collaboration helped her to transition to her role of Team Coordinator. She earned her undergraduate in Education from Slippery Rock University, with a dual major in Special Education and Elementary Education. Katie completed her Master’s Degree in Special Education, with an emphasis on autism, from Slippery Rock.

Ms. Kellick has over 20 years of experience working with students with special needs, their families, and various educational entities. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Florida Atlantic University, her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Shippensburg University, and has Supervisor of Special Education and Principal certifications. Ms. Kellick joins the Watson Institute as a Team Coordinator at the Education Center South.

Mrs. Kelm has worked at the Watson Institute since 2016, starting her career as a Special Education Teacher at the Education Center Sewickley before transitioning into the role of Team Coordinator. Mrs. Kelm earned her undergraduate degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, and a Master’s of Education from Carlow University specializing in Early Childhood Education and Special Education PK-8.  In 2017, Mrs. Kelm was nominated for the Temple Grandin Award and is also the co-creator of the Harbor Sleeve, a wearable sleeve which can be used by children with special needs and their educators or caregivers. Mrs. Kelm is excited to continue working with students at the Education Center!

Ms. Helman has been employed with the Watson Institute since 2011 when she took a job as a Speech Therapist at the Sewickley campus right out of graduate school. Andrea received her ungraduated degree from Geneva College and her Master’s in Speech/Language Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh. Andrea has spent her entire career at Watson working with children on the Autism Spectrum as well as children with challenging behaviors. She has presented at state and national conferences as well as given lectures on AAC at local colleges. In 2017 Andrea took over the task of placing all undergraduate and graduate student clinicians at both Education Center locations and overseeing their time at Watson. In the beginning of the 2018 school year, Andrea took over the role of Lead Speech Therapist for the Education Center Sewickley as well as Education Center South. Andrea is looking forward to continuing to serve our students as well as take on this new leadership role.

Deanna has been employed by the Watson Institute since 2005 and has held several positions over the years beginning as a certified instructional assistant and quickly moving into the support teacher role. Deanna taught in a secondary transition-age classroom for 10 years and transitioned to the Team Coordinator role in August of 2016. In the Team Coordinator role, she is responsible for running IEP meetings, supervising teachers and other professionals, and working collaboratively with families and local school districts. In addition, she is also the PASA Assessment Coordinator and the Transportation Coordinator at the Education Center Sewickley. She obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Clarion University and a Master of Science Degree in Early Intervention with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorder from the University of Pittsburgh. Deanna has also completed coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and was also a TEACCH trainer for many years. Throughout her time at Watson, Deanna has developed a passion for making a difference in the lives of students with special needs and their families, and she is excited to continue sharing her passion!

Taylor started her career at the Watson Institute working as an instructional aide during Extended School Year (ESY) in 2014. Since then, Taylor has supported students with special needs as a classroom assistant, and most recently as a special education teacher. Taylor earned her bachelor’s degree with a dual certification in General Education and Special Education from Robert Morris University and her master’s degree in Special Education from Slippery Rock University. Taylor was promoted to her current role as a Team Coordinator at the Education Center South in the fall of 2023. In this role, Taylor will continue to support Watson students and their families and will supervise teachers and other professional staff.

Ms. Bernsdorff has taught children with special needs since 2002. She graduated from Duquesne University with a B.S. in Education with certification in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Ms. Bernsdorff has taught students from preschool to 5th grade while she was in Virginia. When she returned to Pittsburgh, she taught at the Watson Institute’s LEAP Preschool starting in 2010. She received her Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology in 2015 and is currently finishing up her second Master’s in Supervision and Leadership. She joined the Friendship Academy family in 2019 to teach 5th to 8th grade emotional support. Ms. Bernsdorff helped set up and now oversees the kindergarten program at Friendship Academy.

Ms. Daniels has served children and adolescents in many different service systems for more than 30 years. Prior to joining Friendship Academy, she was the Education Director for Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC), overseeing WPIC’s Licensed Private Academic Inpatient School Program. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Special Education K-12 (Mentally and Physically Handicapped). Ms. Daniels currently works as a Program Supervisor and Coordinator for the Extended School Year Program (ESY) at Friendship Academy.

Ms. Oslosky has taught students with intellectual and emotional disabilities for more than 15 years and brings a wealth of expertise in the field into her new role as Program Supervisor at Friendship Academy. Ms. Oslosky earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her master’s degree in special education from Seton Hill University with specialties in Autism and Special Education. Ms. Oslosky joined Friendship Academy as an Emotional Support Teacher in 2015 and has been a dedicated, compassionate support to students throughout her years at Watson.

Lauren rejoined the Watson Institute’s school program for students with autism, WISCA, as a Program Supervisor. She previously taught as a full-time and substitute teacher in the WISCA program. Lauren graduated with her Bachelors degree in Elementary and Special Education and earned her Masters of Education in Special Education and Applied Behavioral Analysis from Slippery Rock University. With more than 10 years of experience working with children in-person and virtually, Lauren brings a variety of skills and learning approaches to her new role!

Jen Dixon-Wagner graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2004, and graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a Master’s Degree in Special Education K-12 in 2010. Jen was a teacher at an Approved Private School serving students with emotional/behavioral disorders for over 2 years. She joined the WISCA program in Sharpsburg as a classroom teacher in 2013, and moved to the school’s Bridgeville location in January 2018 when the WISCA program opened classrooms there. Jen transitioned to the role of Teacher Coach in 2019, and provided support for staff in all 3 WISCA locations. Jen is now a WISCA Supervisor for the Bridgeville location and looks forward to continuing to work with the students, staff and families of the WISCA program.

Sophia Barrett has spent more than 20 years supporting children and adolescents with behavioral challenges and is currently employed as an education consultant at the Watson Institute. She received her undergraduate degree in Social Work from Bethany College and earned a Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova South Eastern University. In her role as an education consultant at Watson, Sophia provides consultation, training and support of the PBIS model, which she developed, to school districts throughout Western Pennsylvania. Through her school-based consultations, PBIS helps provide systems to support students struggling with behavioral challenges.

Katie Bentz has worked in the special education field for nearly 20 years as a special education teacher at the Watson Institute’s LEAP Preschool and currently works at Watson as an Educational Consultant. Katie earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University, her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Duquesne University, and earned her certification in Early Childhood Education (PK-4) from the California University of Pennsylvania. As an early childhood education teacher, Katie has experience creating an inclusive classroom environment, implementing teaching strategies to support preschool children with autism and typically developing children, and has trained teachers in these teaching models.

Erica has over 15 years of experience working with families and students in various settings. She has been a psychiatric social worker for The Watson Institute Friendship Academy for more than ten years. She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Social Sciences from California University of Pennsylvania. Erica taught basic and advanced counseling courses at The University of Pittsburgh for six years in the Graduate School of Psychology and Education. She has vast experience in Family Structural Therapy and working with teens that have a dual diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and co-morbid mental health disorders. Erica currently serves as a consultant at Upper Saint Clair School District and a psychiatric social worker for the Watson Institute.

Lynne has been employed by the Watson Institute since 2005. She has been part of the Training and Consultation department since her hire specifically in the Community Based Instruction Program.  Lynne was hired as a Community Based Specialist and currently holds the position of Community Based Consultant. Lynne previously held the position of Transition Coordinator for the WISCA program for two years. Lynne came to Watson with 20 years of experience working with adults with disabilities in the areas of residential and employment.  Prior to moving to Pittsburgh Lynne worked for 11 years with individuals with brain injuries and their families as a Certified Brain Injury Specialist.  Lynne was part of a team that conducted a study: “Peer Support in the Community: Initial Findings of a Mentoring Program for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury and Their Families.” The study was published in The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation in 2002.

Abby has more than 10 years of experience working with students in a number of educational settings and is currently an Educational Consultant at the Watson Institute. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Cleveland State University, her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from George Mason University, and completed coursework toward certification in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT). Abby holds Pennsylvania certifications in Elementary (PK-4) and Special Education (PK-8) from Immaculata University. Abby has extensive experience working with students with Autism and as a behavioral support professional, implementing behavior strategies to support students with special needs.

Phil Mauskapf has worked as a music therapist in the mental health and medical field for more than 10 years and is currently an Educational Consultant at the Watson Institute. Phil earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Pittsburgh, a Bachelor of Arts in Music Therapy from Duquesne University, and a Master’s of Science in Music Therapy from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). Phil has presented on music therapy and its impact on individuals in both therapeutic and medical settings at symposiums and summits around the U.S. Throughout his career he has developed a mobile recording studio, using music creation and recording as a treatment for adolescents and children with mental health challenges. In his role at the Watson Institute, Phil works with the Duquesne City School District to provide school-based mental health support and to reduce stigma associated with mental health conditions.

Andee has worked in the field of special education for over 20 years and currently works as an educational consultant for the Watson Institute. She has a Masters of Education and M/PH Certification to work with students with mental or physical disabilities from the University of Pittsburgh. In her current role, Andrea provides training and consultation to educational teams serving students with disabilities in a variety of educational settings. Her areas of expertise include: autism and related disorders, inclusive practices, positive behavior support, naturalistic and structured teaching strategies. Prior to her work at Watson, Andee was an Early Childhood Consultant for the Early Learning Institute, Developmental Specialist for LEAP Pre-school and a Head Teacher for North Area Preschool. She has authored several journal articles and is a skilled presenter.

Lisa has worked with families, teachers and students in the field of special education for more than 25 years. She has a Masters of Education from the University of Pittsburgh. In her current position as an Educational Consultant at Watson, Lisa provides consultation and training to educational teams working with students with disabilities in a variety of settings. Her areas of expertise include: early intervention, autism and related disorders, inclusive practices, structured teaching and positive behavior supports. Prior to her work at Watson, she was a Developmental Specialist for LEAP Preschool. Lisa has also been a TEACCH trainer for a number of years and has co-authored several journal articles.

Rachel Schwartz is a doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) who has worked internationally creating and supervising programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. Rachel received her Master’s degree in Teaching and Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Georgia and her Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Pittsburgh. Rachel’s work interests include enhancing behavior analytic programming and exploring issues related to sexual education and quality of life. Rachel has published original research on these topics in several academic journals as well as magazines focused on issues of disability. In addition, Rachel presents at national, state, and local conferences and has participated as an expert speaker in the ADDitude webinar series. When she isn’t consulting, Rachel collaborates with the local medical community to promote resources for families with children with complex health needs.

Vanessa is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has worked with students with autism and related conditions in various educational settings. Vanessa joined the Watson Institute in 2021 as a Behavior Specialist with Watson’s WISCA program until she assumed the role of Educational Consultant in 2023. Vanessa earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Allegheny College and her Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Pittsburgh, and has taught multiple courses at the graduate level for the University of Pittsburgh’s Applied Behavior Analysis program. Vanessa brings a depth of experience in supporting students as part of a classroom team as well as through consultative behavior support to her role on the Training and Consultation team; her areas of interest and specialty include autism and related conditions, positive behavior support strategies and interventions, and data collection, visualization, and analysis.