Special Education Schools Team Leadership
Samantha Generalovich, M.Ed. | Program Director, LEAP Preschool
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Samantha is the Program Director at the Watson Institute’s LEAP Preschool, bringing with her more than a decade of experience working in the special education field. Samantha attended West Virginia Wesleyan College for both her undergraduate and graduate school studies, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education K-6, and her Master’s Degree in Multi-Categorical Special Education K-12. She also earned her Supervisory Special Education Certificate from Slippery Rock University. Samantha started at the Watson Institute’s Friendship Academy as a classroom teacher, then served as the Educational Liaison of Friendship Academy, working with more than 30 local school districts to coordinate enrollment, IEPs, intakes, and tours of the program; and most recently as the Education Director of Friendship Academy. She is certified in Applied Behavior Analysis and has had experience working in both the public school system and charter schools before assuming her role at the Watson Institute.
Jennifer Do, M.Ed., MA, LPC | Program Director, WISCA Programs
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Mrs. Do has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art Therapy from Mercyhurst University and a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy with Counseling Specialization from Seton Hill University. She recently obtained her Master’s Degree in Education with her Certification in Special Education from Carlow University. She began her career as a mobile therapist working with individuals on the autism spectrum. She later moved into outpatient therapy and seeing individuals through private practice. When she moved back home to the Pittsburgh area, she worked as a Mental Health Clinician in a partial hospitalization program classroom for early childhood students for six years. She joined the Watson Institute WISCA program in 2015, where she began as the behavior specialist for the program. She has presented at conferences on topics ranging from art therapy with individuals with autism, special education in the classroom, and most recently at the PDE conference poster session on restorative practices.
Heather Bigney, Ed.D. | Education Director, Friendship Academy
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Heather Bigney joined the Watson Institute as Friendship Academy’s Education Director after working as the Coordinator of Special Education for an area school district. Heather earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Slippery Rock University, her Master’s in Educational Administration from Point Park University, and her Education Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Heather has a wide range of experience working in educational administration, as a teacher in a classroom setting, and supporting at-risk youth in a residential setting. Heather’s experiences have taught her that she can make a difference in a child’s life using the skills she has learned!
Alexandra Wilkes, LSW, HSV | Director, Psychological Services & Program Director Friendship Academy
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Alexandra Wilkes is the Program Director of Friendship Academy and the Director of Psychological Services at the Watson Institute. Mrs. Wilkes has over 20 years of clinical behavioral health experience, most recently serving as the Vice President of Clinical Services at Glade Run Lutheran Services. She rejoins Watson after having served as the Clinical Coordinator/Managed Care Coordinator at Friendship Academy from 2007-2015. Mrs. Wilkes earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. Mrs. Wilkes also has a Home and School Visitor PA Education Certification from the University of Pittsburgh. Mrs. Wilkes also taught several classes over the course of six years as an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Education in the Department of Psychology in Education.
Rayna Knox, M.Ed. | Program Director, Education Center South
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Mrs. Knox first worked for the Watson Institute during the summers of 2005-2007 through the Extended School Year program. She joined the Education Center Sewickley in 2016 as a Team Coordinator and transitioned to the Education Center South when it opened in 2017. Rayna holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary/Special Education from Slippery Rock University, and a Master of Science degree in Language and Literacy from Kaplan University as well as a certificate in Special Education Administration. Prior to joining the Watson Institute, Rayna taught special education in other settings, both in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Rayna has led professional development sessions, mentored and supervised several new teachers, was nominated twice for the Dorchester County Teacher of the Year award, and led several school-wide initiatives in her previous placements. She is also an NCASES site reviewer. Since being at Watson, Rayna has enjoyed working with the impressive staff and exceptional students!
Michele Trettel, M.Ed., TVI | Executive Director, Education Centers
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Michele has been employed by the Watson Institute since 1995 and has been a Program Director since 1997, and Executive Director since 2020. She was previously a behavior therapist and continues to act in the capacity as a teacher of the visually impaired for students at Watson. Michele spent eight years in early intervention as a developmental specialist, itinerant TVI, and classroom teacher. Michele also holds a Supervisor of Special Education certification, completed the Applied Behavior Analysis Program through Penn State and holds a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. As the Executive Director, Michele’s major responsibilities include overseeing and supervising all of the day-to-day operations of the Education Center Sewickley and Education Center South, ensuring a quality educational program for students with disabilities. Michele spent her first 21 of her 29 years with Watson, in the Sewickley Education Center program and helped this program grow. Michele supervises the TVIs at each site, completes evaluations using The Range, provides services to students with CVI, and presents to and educates staff and parents on CVI and visual impairment. Michele also consults to school district programs. She has grown up around special education, having had a sibling with special needs, and truly loves her work!
April Kelm, M.Ed. | Program Director, Education Center Sewickley
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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, and now her current role as Program Director. 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. She earned her Supervisory Special Education certificate from Slippery Rock University. 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!
Education Center (Sewickley & South) Senior Staff
Ashton Appel, M.Ed. | Team Coordinator
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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 Connell, M.Ed. | Team Coordinator
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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!
Katie Kamauf, M.Ed. | Team Coordinator
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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.
Lisa Kellick | Team Coordinator
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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.
Taylor Modzelewski, M.Ed. | Team Coordinator
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Taylor Modzelewski began working at the Watson Institute in 2022 as a support teacher and transitioned into her own classroom during the same school year. During her time as a teacher, Taylor worked in a Transition Life Skills Classroom. Prior to her employment, Taylor worked as a teacher with students with Autism and as a Behavior Support Professional for adults with disabilities. Taylor’s educational journey began at Slippery Rock University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education in May 2014. She continued her academic pursuit with a Master of Education in Autism, completing her studies in spring 2020. Taylor was promoted to the role of Team Coordinator during the 2023-2024 school year. In this capacity, Taylor facilitates IEP meetings, supervises staff, and works with families and school districts. Taylor is passionate about working with the families and their students to help them reach their full potential and plan for their futures!
Brandon Pappalardo, M.Ed. | Team Coordinator
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Brandon began his career at Watson as an ESY staff member in the summer of 2018, shortly after earning a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education – Social Studies from Edinboro University. That fall, Brandon accepted a full-time position as an instructional aide and has been a dedicated member of the Watson team ever since. He also earned a Master of Science in Special Education (K-12) from Slippery Rock University. In August 2020, Brandon transitioned into a teaching role at Watson and has demonstrated unwavering commitment to supporting students with disabilities throughout his time as a teacher. Brandon is excited about his most recent transition into the role of Team Coordinator in which he can continue to provide consistent support to students and staff at the Education Center South.
Andrea Rubin, M.A., CCC-SLP | Lead Speech Therapist
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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 Stock, M.Ed. | Team Coordinator
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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 Veltum, M.Ed. | Team Coordinator
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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.
Friendship Academy Senior Staff
Amanda Bernsdorff | Program Supervisor
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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.
Victoria Daniels, M.Ed. | Program Supervisor
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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.
Kristen Oslosky, MS.Ed. | Program Supervisor
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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.
WISCA Senior Staff
Miles Bennington, M.Ed. | Program Supervisor
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Miles Bennington earned his Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Slippery Rock University in 2016, and his Master of Education in Educational Leadership from LSU Shreveport in 2023. Over his career, spanning private and public education institutions, he has excelled in teaching Autistic and Emotional Support settings, employing research-based practices and intuitive decision-making to optimize student outcomes. His commitment to empowering exceptional learners is evident through his 5+ years as a Special Education Teacher at WISCA. Miles is now a WISCA Supervisor for the Sewickley location, bringing passion to his work by supporting his team in delivering specially-designed behavioral, social and emotional supports and instruction. Miles prides himself of applying these same principles to help his students achieve exceptional outcomes.
Lauren Casselberry, M.Ed. | Program Supervisor
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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!
Jennifer Dixon-Wagner, M.Ed. | Program Supervisor
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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.
Special Education Consultants
Ron Bell, PhD., NCSP
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Dr. Bell is a licensed clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist supporting children and adolescents with Emotional Disturbance and Autism in a partial hospitalization/outpatient setting. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, for several years Dr. Bell worked as an investigator before earning a PhD in School Psychology at Duquesne University in 2013. His specialties include childhood aggression, neurodevelopmental disorders (including ADHD, Autism, Intellectual Disability), anxiety and depression, and trauma. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Watson Institute and is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. He has co-authored articles and book chapters in various publications. Dr. Bell conducts therapy in a private practice setting and works in the Training and Consultation Department at Watson.
Kathryn Bentz, M.Ed.
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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 Caprini, M.A.
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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 Ireland-Knight
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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 Martello, M.Ed.
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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.
Phillip Mauskapf, MS, MT-BC
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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.
Sarah Mauskapf, MA, MT-BC, ATR, LPC
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Sarah is a professional counselor, board-certified music therapist, and registered art therapist with over a decade of experience in mental health and educational settings. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Therapy from Slippery Rock University and dual Master of Arts degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy from Pennsylvania Western University. Sarah joined The Watson Institute in 2020 as a music therapist for the Education Center South and WISCA programs, later transitioning into her current role as a Mental Health Consultant. Her work focuses on social and emotional learning (SEL), and she developed the Arts-Based Learning of Emotion Regulation (ABLER) curriculum to support emotional literacy and growth among neurodivergent learners. In addition, Sarah is an active board member of the Pennsylvania Art Therapy Association, advocating for the creative arts therapies statewide.
Rita McClafferty, M.S. Ed.
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Rita McClafferty has worked in special education throughout her career in many roles including certified instructional aide, special education teacher, behavior specialist consultant, autism support coordinator, and special education consultant. She has worked for the Watson Institute for over 20 years. Through her many years of experience, she has worked with students of varying disabilities and with students who have multiple disabilities, including those that are medically fragile. She has mentored and supervised several new teachers, classroom aides, and therapeutic support staff. Currently, Rita coordinates services for students receiving home-based instruction. Rita earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education as well as a Master of Science degree in Special Education from Duquesne University. Rita is an experienced educator, trainer, and consultant in special education and her work supports individuals with multiple disabilities and their families.
Andrea Morris, M.Ed.
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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 Plastino, M.Ed.
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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, Ph.D., BCBA-D
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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 Thomas, M.Ed., BCBA, LBS
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Vanessa is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has worked to support learners with autism, mental health disorders, and other social, emotional, and behavioral support needs in a variety of educational settings. 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 Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leading. Vanessa joined the Watson Institute in 2021 as a Behavior Specialist with Watson’s WISCA program until she assumed the role of Education Consultant in 2023. Vanessa brings a depth of experience in supporting students and staff as part of a multidisciplinary 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 trauma-informed behavior analysis, applied educational neuroscience, and systems of data collection, visualization, and analysis.