who is reaching new heights?
Laina Matuch is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and the Director of ABA at Reaching New Heights. Laina received her Bachelor’s degree in education from Ohio University and Master’s from Cleveland State. Laina spent the first couple years of her career teaching in public schools and at Monarch Center for Autism. During these years, she developed a passion for behavior, why behaviors happen, and how it can be taught. She is so happy every day she spends at RNH, and is thankful to be able to work side by side with such incredible, kind, loving people. When Laina is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her fur baby (a three-legged rescue dog named Champion), reading, and she has become an avid gardener over the last few years. Laina is living the newlywed life and renovating their starter home from top to bottom. It’s a never ending project! She also has a burning passion for Mexican food, and would eat it every single day if she could! She thoroughly enjoys getting to know the kiddos and parents and working as a team to teach and foster growth!
Jen Craig is the Lead Registered Behavior Technician and the Clinic Manager at Reaching New Heights. Jen and Donna were co-workers in Solon City Schools and Donna knew she wanted her to be part of this new team. She has over 14 years of experience working with children, in grades K-12, including those with multiple disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Jen was instrumental in facilitating social skills and language groups where she used behavioral management skills and tools including visual schedules, token economies, and augmentative communication devices. Jen worked with a multi-disciplinary team that included a BCBA, Intervention Specialist, School Psychologist, Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, and Physical Therapist. Jen lights up when she sees a child succeed using the tools and strategies she has provided, and it is her passion to be able to help them reach their highest potential. When not at work, she can usually be found either playing with her cat, Jasper, having game night with her two adult children, or exploring the lakeside by kayak or foot
Dana Kane is the Director of Education at Reaching New Heights. In 2007, while studying Fine Arts at Ohio State University, Dana fell into her first ABA position working with individuals with Autism in their homes. She immediately fell in love with the field and quickly changed her major to study Human Development and graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Since graduating, she has worked as a teacher at the Monarch Center for Autism and the STEPs Academy as well as working extensively in homes and center based programs as a behavior therapist. Despite her background in Discrete Trial Training, Dana’s therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in play based and sensory integration models and she loves finding any opportunity to incorporate art and language development into her therapy.
When she isn’t working, Dana enjoys cooking at home with her boyfriend. She loves hiking and biking, and when she finds the time, still loves painting and printmaking.
When she isn’t working, Dana enjoys cooking at home with her boyfriend. She loves hiking and biking, and when she finds the time, still loves painting and printmaking.
Emily Burrows is a Registered Behavioral Technician at Reaching New Heights. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from John Carroll University. As a teen, she knew she wanted to work with children diagnosed with autism. Emily has volunteered with various organizations including Best Buddies, Special Olympics and at the UH Pediatric Oncology Unit. After graduating in 2018, Emily began working in the ABA field and became a Registered Behavior Technician. She finds it extremely important to incorporate play and sensory diets in a child’s routine. Emily loves watching each child grow and being able to be a part of that growth. When Emily is not at work, she enjoys taking her dog, Yogi, to different trails and parks to hike and run. She has been running for a little over a year and is getting ready for a half marathon in April. She also loves taking weekend trips with her boyfriend to visit her parents in Indiana.
Alyssa Erny is Behavior therapist at Reaching New Heights. Alyssa has a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Cleveland State and is pursuing her Masters and Psy.D degree in School Psychology from Cleveland State. She has worked with children since she was 12 years old and always knew that's what she would do as a career. Alyssa has experience as a Teacher's Assistant in a classroom with students identified as on the Autism Spectrum. Alyssa loves seeing children's brains working and thinking from a young age and is excited to be a part of their development. When she's not at work, Alyssa enjoys working out, yoga, playing with dogs(especially pugs), reading books on her Kindle and being surrounded by friends and family
Elizabeth Gallagher is a Registered Behavior Technician at Reaching New Heights. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech and Language Pathology and her Master’s Degree in Special Education, with emphasis in early intervention, from the University of Toledo. During an internship in college, she quickly fell in love with helping special needs children. She has been a Registered Behavior Technician for 12 years, helping children between the ages of 2-15. Elizabeth has experience in private school settings, daycare settings, and has also been part of multidisciplinary teams involving occupational and speech therapists. She brings passion and joy when working with her clients and loves seeing them succeed in every area of their lives. When not working, Elizabeth loves spending time with her husband and family. She has a strong passion for shopping, Mexican food and finding the nearest beach to search for sea glass!
Colleen Larned is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Reaching New Heights. Colleen has been a BCBA since 2011 and has worked with individuals aged 2 to 19 years within their clinic, home, school, or community settings. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Science and Disorders with a certificate in American Sign Language from the University of Pittsburgh and then went on for her Masters degree in Special Education and completed her coursework to become a BCBA at Mercyhurst University. Colleen’s passions within the field include early intervention, parent training and support, and using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help herself and others to lead an even happier life! Colleen lives in Solon with her husband and her three children. She enjoys crafting with her cricut maker and bullet journal, and spending time with her family going on outdoor adventures in their camper, hiking, biking, playing games, and finding ways to simplify life so there’s more time for laughter and fun!
Kara Miller is an RBT at Reaching New Heights. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Communication Disorders at Baldwin Wallace University. After graduation, Kara worked for Akron Community Learning Centers and the Monarch Center for Autism as an associate teacher. Kara quickly learned she had a passion for making a difference in the field of special needs, specifically autism and behavior management.
Every day, Kara comes to work with a positive and enthusiastic attitude. When she is not at work, Kara enjoys playing volleyball, exploring local restaurants, and traveling to new places (mostly the beach!).
Every day, Kara comes to work with a positive and enthusiastic attitude. When she is not at work, Kara enjoys playing volleyball, exploring local restaurants, and traveling to new places (mostly the beach!).
Andrea Neff is an RBT at Reaching New Height. She graduated from Ashland University with her Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education in 2007. The same year, her son was born with several medical complications and the first 4 years of his life, she spent providing his care with a team of skilled nurses, doctors, and therapists. In 2011, her son was diagnosed with autism, and her journey into ABA therapy began.
Andrea began working at a clinic in Colorado Springs as an RBT in 2018, attended Colorado University's Applied Behavior Analysis program, and became a BCaBA in February 2020.
Andrea is currently enrolled in coursework at Ball State University for a Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in autism. She plans to use her BCBA certification to improve the lives of families affected by autism in Northeast Ohio. She has a passion for training (parents, caretakers, siblings, community partners) because she understands firsthand the importance of working as a team to make s socially significant behavior changes.
Andrea lives in Hinckley with her husband and son. She can be spotted riding a tandem bicycle, Big Orange, with her son in warmer months, bird watching or spending time with family and friends.
Andrea began working at a clinic in Colorado Springs as an RBT in 2018, attended Colorado University's Applied Behavior Analysis program, and became a BCaBA in February 2020.
Andrea is currently enrolled in coursework at Ball State University for a Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in autism. She plans to use her BCBA certification to improve the lives of families affected by autism in Northeast Ohio. She has a passion for training (parents, caretakers, siblings, community partners) because she understands firsthand the importance of working as a team to make s socially significant behavior changes.
Andrea lives in Hinckley with her husband and son. She can be spotted riding a tandem bicycle, Big Orange, with her son in warmer months, bird watching or spending time with family and friends.
Ashley Saxton is a Behavioral Therapist at Reaching New Heights. Ashley is just finishing up her bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Kent State University and is hoping to enter a Master’s program in the fall. Ashley has experience working with typically developing preschoolers and school age children. She has recently found her passion for working with kids on the autism spectrum and the field of ABA as a whole. Entering the field so early in her career, Ashley is eager to grow and learn alongside wonderful coworkers at RNH! When she’s not working, Ashley enjoys baking, trying new restaurants, and gardening. She has a passion for coffee and loves to be outside, usually with her dog, Dash.
Katya Tawasha is a Behavioral Therapist at Reaching New Heights. Katya has her Bachelors degree in social work and is in grad school for Special Education with a focus in moderate/intensive needs. Katya knew she wanted to be in the field of special education since early high school. Katya was a teaching assistant for almost 4 years in a self-contained, separate facility setting. Being a part of change and doing meaningful work is what makes her the happiest. The field brings her so much passion and a drive to keep on working hard. When she is not working, she loves spending time with her dog Luna, hanging out with friends and family and watching Netflix!
""We had tried speech and OT therapies for our kiddo for over 2 years at two other places, but our child didn’t make progress. I threw a lot of money away before I talked with Donna, the owner of Reaching New Heights. How she has handled our child is heartwarming and we see the light at the end of the tunnel. Her assessments and goals are to the point. She talks to you and understands you like a friend who means well. Donna works very hard and treats all her patients as her own children. She is the greatest!
We also started ABA therapy for potty training at RNH six weeks ago. Heather understood what would work for our child as soon as she met him. And guess what? Our kiddo just started going potty this week. She never ceases to amaze me with her knowledge. Love her!
The whole RNH team is very good at communication. We have worked with most of Donna's team and we have come to the conclusion that she hires only the best. Since we started going there we have had countless numbers of tear jerking moments because our child is now excelling at all the goals and milestones. Hats off to this group of professional and compassionate women!"
-Mother
