Meet the BBI Team
Karin Torsiello
President
Karin Torsiello is a proud graduate of Florida Tech’s Applied Behavior Analysis program and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, child welfare advocate and entrepreneur.
Paula Antonelli
Vice President
Paula Antonelli is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and is the Vice President of Behavior Basics Incorporated, a behavioral sciences consulting firm based in Florida.
Kristy Kelly
Director of Operations
Kristy joined the Behavior Basics team first as a Registered Behavior Technician and grew into her current position as Director of Operations. Kristy grew up in a small town in East Tennessee with a large family.
Christanna Herren
Controller
Christanna Herren leads plays a key role in BBIs financial health and Humans Resources department. Her witty personality and lively spirit make her a great addition to the BBI executive team.
Maggie Terry
Brevard Director of Clinical Services
Maggie Terry is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from University of North Florida and Master’s Degree in Exceptional Student Education with an emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of West Florida.
Angelique Walsh
Regional Director of Treasure Coast
What seems like many moons ago today, I was lucky enough to find my passion at Florida State University.
Victoria LaMonica
Director of Training and Development
Victoria “Tory” Ryan is a Rockstar BCBA in the Brevard Region. Tory grew up in Colchester, CT. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College, majoring in Psychology, and minoring in Theatre. After graduating, Tory began working in residential settings.
Karen Shipper
Parent Education Program Supervisor
Karen Shipper has worked with Behavior Basics Inc. since 2011. Our goals are to provide professional parent instruction and delivery of the Secrets of Modern Family program.
Jennifer McLaughlin
Administrative Support Specialist
Jennifer McLaughlin joined Behavior Basics, Incorporated in 2019. She earned her B.A. in Philosophy from the University of San Francisco and her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) from the HR Certification Institute.
Kelly Schmader
Lead Behavior Analyst
Kelly Schmader studied Psychology with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis at Capella University where she also completed a master's degree. Kelly has 7 years of experience in the Applied Behavior Analysis field working with children ranging from 18 months to 21 years of age.
Matthew Giuliano
Lead Behavior Analyst
Matt Giuliano is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a minor in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology.
Kelly Entwistle
Lead Behavior Analyst
Kelly Entwistle is a Board Certified Behavior Analysis for Behavior Basics, Inc. Kelly obtained her degree from the University of West Florida. Kelly is born and raised in Florida and could not imagine living anywhere else. During Kelly’s free time, she enjoys going on runs with her dog, playing golf and watching sports, especially football.
Valerie Laverty
Lead Behavior Analyst
Val is originally from Long Island NY. She has a degree in education from birth to 6th grade in special education and general education. Val moved from Long Island to Florida in 2015 to pursue her Master’s degree in ABA and OBM. Val currently has experience in early intervention, school aged children, and early adolescence.
Nicole Popow
BCBA Resident
Nicole Popow is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in our Treasure Coast region! She is originally from Chicago and moved to Melbourne, FL to complete her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at the Florida Institute of Technology.
Natalya Gutierrez
BCBA Resident
Natalya Gutierrez is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in the Brevard Region ABA team at Behavior Basics. Natalya grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. While working as a lifeguard during her undergraduate studies, she had experience teaching those with special needs how to swim and developed a passion for these individuals.
Kristen Ryniec
BCBA Resident
Kristen Ryniec is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with Behavior Basics and is located in the Brevard Region. Kristen grew up in Chicago, IL. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in Speech and Hearing Sciences.
Michael Ice
BCBA Resident
Michael Ice is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with Behavior Basics and works in the Brevard Region. Michael obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and his Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology.
Meghan Callahan
Student Analyst
Meghan has been working as an RBT for over a year and is now enrolled as a graduate student at Simmons University studying the field of applied behavior analysis. Meghan received her bachelor’s degree from Palm Beach State college while playing on the women’s college softball team.
Tiana Smith
Student Analyst
Tiana Smith is a student analyst for the treasure coast ABA team at BBI since 2021. She earned her bachelor’s degree in human services, while mentoring children with past trauma in the school setting. She is currently completing her capstone (Master’s in ABA) at Capella university. She has a considerable interest in selective/restrictive feeding and incorporating health and fitness into the field of ABA. Her personality radiates warmth and confidence.
Priyal Patel
Student Analyst
Priyal Patel is a Student Analyst/RBT for the Brevard Region at BBI. She is currently in the Master’s program for Applied Behavior Analysis at the Florida Institute of Technology.
Bonnie Richardson
Parent Education Program Behavior Coach
Bonnie Richardson started as a Behavior Coach for Behavior Basics Inc. July 2018. Bonnie obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in Clarion, PA.
Melanie Banack
Parent Education Program Behavior Coach
Melanie Banack has been a Behavior Coach for Behavior Basics Inc. since 2015. Melanie obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development with a minor in Psychology from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.
Michael Hart
Parent Education Program Behavior Coach
Michael has been a Behavior Coach with Behavior Basics Inc. since August 2011. Michael began his career with Refocusing the Modern Family because of his strong desire to work with families in need and serve the community in which he was raised.
Haley Stevens
Parent Education Program Behavior Coach
Haley Stevens started as a Behavior Coach with Behavior Basics in March of 2020. Haley earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Auburn University in 2015.
Dee Vanduser
Parent Education Program Behavior Coach
Dee Vanduser started as a behavior coach with Behavior Basics Inc. in February of 2020. Dee holds a master’s degree in Marriage and Family therapy and a minor in Psychology, her bachelor’s degree is in Behavioral Science and Ethics from Mid America Christian University in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Jessica Norwood
Parent Education Program Behavior Coach
Jessica Norwood joined Behavior Basics as a Behavior Coach in September 2021. Jessica earned her Master of Science degree in Sociology from Valdosta State College and University in Valdosta, Georgia in 1992.
All team members are:
- Level 2 and screened for criminal background
- Screened on the national sex offender registry
Trainings required for all staff:
CPR/First Aid
Blood-borne Pathogens
HIV/AIDS
Core Competencies
Zero Tolerance
