Center for Autism and Related Disabilities

Kristin V. Christodulu has extensive clinical and research experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities. She is a licensed psychologist in two states (Maryland, New York), and is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University at Albany - State University of New York. She received her B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. all in psychology from the University at Albany. Dr. Christodulu has presented papers and published manuscripts in the areas of sleep disturbances in children with disabilities, school mental health, psychiatric emergencies in children, and bullying and victimization. In the recent past, she has served as a consultant to the New York Autism Network and the Center for School Mental Health Assistance. She currently serves as a consultant to the New York State Department of Education. She has been a Consulting Editor for the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, the Journal of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps, the Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, and the Journal of Youth and Adolescence. Dr. Christodulu is active in the American Psychological Association (APA), the Maryland Psychological Association (MPA), and the New York State Psychological Association (NYSPA).

Erin Berical received a B.A. degree in psychology from the University of Rochester and a Master of Science in Education degree in School Counseling from the College of Saint Rose. Her professional experience includes working as a counselor in the Vermont school system with students having autism spectrum disorders. Erin has worked as part of a multidisciplinary team to develop behavior plans and special education plans, and has counseled individual and small groups of students in social skills, self- management, and classroom behavior skills.

Lisa received a B.A. degree in French literature from Middlebury College. She has several years experience working with elementary and middle school Parent Teacher Associations. She has also spent a great deal of time volunteering to bring arts education into local schools to benefit children with and without disabilities.

Jamie Caligure, B.S., Education Specialist

Jamie Caligure received a B.S. in Elementary Education and Middle School English from the State University of New York at Oswego. His professional experience includes 10 years of teaching at the elementary and middle school level. He also taught children on the autism spectrum in a special education class that focused on including students in regular education classes with their same-age peers. While teaching, Jamie worked as part of a team to design interdisciplinary curricula and positive behavior support plans. He has also developed trainings for teaching reading in middle school.

Jerilyn Jesco received her B.A. degree in psychology from the State University of New York at Albany. She has experience working with adults with developmental and learning disabilities, including autism. Jerilyn worked as a residence counselor and a community support counselor for Wildwood Programs. She has worked with individuals promoting independence, self-esteem, and community integration in both a residence and an independent living setting. Jerilyn also gained experience working with individuals with mental illness through her internship at the Capital District Psychiatric Center.

Kristin Knapp-Ines is a licensed mental health counselor (FL) and a board certified behavior analyst. She received her B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Tuebingen in Germany. Dr. Knapp-Ines’ professional experience includes over 15 years of behavior analytic assessment and intervention methods with children and adults with developmental disabilities, including autism. As part of her role as a faculty member at the University of South Florida and as a behavioral consultant in private practice, she gained extensive experience in training parents, residential staff, and teachers in behavioral interventions.

Katherine Miller received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the State University of New York at Cortland. Katherine’s interest in the field of human services began when she volunteered in a residential community for individuals with disabilities in rural England; she now has over 15 years professional experience in organizations serving children and adults with different needs. Katherine’s background includes administration of residential programs in both New York and Maryland. She has worked in several programs specific to autism, including providing treatment utilizing the Lovaas model of Applied Behavior Analysis. Katherine has recently returned from six years in the Republic of Ireland where she managed programs aimed at preventing at-risk children from entering the care system, and provided employment training and advocacy for marginalized minority groups.

Suzanne Milnes, M.A., Graduate Assistant

Suzanne Milnes received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN and a Master of Arts degree in clinical psychology from the University of Albany, SUNY. While at Purdue University, Suzanne worked as a research assistant in a social psychology lab studying social cognitive phenomena underlying stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. Suzanne is currently enrolled in the clinical psychology doctoral program at UAlbany. She has worked as a graduate assistant in the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities for the past 2 years during which time she has been involved in the recruitment and facilitation of various research and training projects including the Positive Family Intervention Project, the Sibling and Parent Workshops, and the Parenting Education Series. When Suzanne is not working at the Center for Autism, she is studying eating disorders and obesity at UAlbany’s Eating Behaviors Lab. Suzanne has recently taken a special interest in positive behavioral approaches to mealtime difficulties among children with developmental disabilities.

Noelle Scarantino, MS.Ed., Education Specialist

Noelle Scarantino received a B.A. degree in psychology from Siena College and a Master of Science in Education degree in Childhood Education from the College of St. Rose. She has worked in both special education and inclusion classrooms for the past 2 years. Noelle also assisted in teaching students on the autism spectrum in a special education class that concentrated on social skills and language development. In addition, she has worked as an Employment Specialist at the Rensselaer chapter of the ARC with both adolescents and adults with severe developmental disabilities. While working in Troy High School, Noelle facilitated internship and employment opportunities as well as community integration for individuals with disabilities. Noelle gained experience working with dually-diagnosed residents at Unity House, where she facilitated skill development in social relationships, daily living activities, and community integration.

Lindsay Washington received her B.A. in Psychology from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. She worked at the University of Washington as a research assistant on a NIH-funded pediatric pain project investigating pain in children and adolescents with chronic disabilities. Lindsay gained clinical experience working with children on the autism spectrum by working as a tutor at the Experimental Education Unit at the University of Washington. She also worked as a therapy assistant for the University of Washington Early STAART Intervention Project, which focused on providing services to toddlers with autism. She is currently a doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at the University of Albany, State University of New York.

Erica Weichsel received a B.A. in psychology from Siena College and a Masters in Social Work from the State University of New York at Albany. Her professional experience includes working as an intern counseling individuals with special needs and their families at the Center for Disability Services. She also worked as an intern with Schonowe Preschool providing case management services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. For over three years, Erica was employed at St. Colman’s Home where she worked with adolescent males with autism in a residential setting. She has worked with individuals in developing independence throughout different aspects of their lives, including daily living skills as well as communication skills.