About Us
About Us
The Autism diagnosis rate has grown to 1 in 59 individuals affected. We are committed to helping every family meet their individual battle head–on.
Applied Behavioral Analysis is a discipline that requires highly–skilled professionals with a thorough knowledge of how to implement the therapy. That is, for ABA to work, it must be done skillfully.
Here at the Center, you can be sure that the professional working with your child is someone who is well-trained, and working under the direct supervision of an experienced BCBA. We believe that your child deserves the very best treatment during this critical window of opportunity in development, and we are committed to your child reaching his or her full potential. No other ABA Center in the area offers more experience administered directly to your child.
Since the Center was founded, we have been committed to the idea that success for your child and for your entire family begins with a place everyone looks forward to coming to. The Center is a place that makes daily achievement and real progress not just a possibility, but inevitable.
Our 7,000 square foot facility is bright, energetic, and family friendly. Our goal is for your child do feel good about coming to the Center so that he or she will be most available to learn and achieve each day. We believe inculsion is critical, which is why our own children have grown up here right in the Center preschool along with yours. Our on-site preschool allows access to socialization with typical peers and prepares your child for future steps, routines, and expectations.
The Autism diagnosis rate has grown to 1 in 59 individuals affected. We are committed to helping every family meet their individual battle head–on.
Applied Behavioral Analysis is a discipline that requires highly–skilled professionals with a thorough knowledge of how to implement the therapy. That is, for ABA to work, it must be done skillfully.
Here at the Center, you can be sure that the professional working with your child is someone who is well-trained, and working under the direct supervision of an experienced BCBA. We believe that your child deserves the very best treatment during this critical window of opportunity in development, and we are committed to your child reaching his or her full potential. No other ABA Center in the area offers more experience administered directly to your child.
Since the Center was founded, we have been committed to the idea that success for your child and for your entire family begins with a place everyone looks forward to coming to. The Center is a place that makes daily achievement and real progress not just a possibility, but inevitable.
Our 7,000 square foot facility is bright, energetic, and family friendly. Our goal is for your child do feel good about coming to the Center so that he or she will be most available to learn and achieve each day. We believe inculsion is critical, which is why our own children have grown up here right in the Center preschool along with yours. Our on-site preschool allows access to socialization with typical peers and prepares your child for future steps, routines, and expectations.
At The Center, We Understand No Two Children are Alike.
Our Staff
Our senior leadership has been together since the birth of The Center. Each person brings two decades of experience in shaping highly customized therapeutic programs to each and every family. No two children are alike – we know this. You can be sure that all services are designed and implemented with the understanding of your child’s specific needs, strengths, areas for growth, and, just as importantly, personality.
Lynn Hartigan, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Founder, Executive Director
With over 20 years of hands on experience in the field of autism treatment, Lynn Hartigan is an expert in designing customized therapeutic programming that supports and benefits her clients and their families. She has been the privileged recipient of mentorship and training by many thought leaders in the field of behavior analysis and Autism treatment. Lynn is a regular guest lecturer at local universities and provides behavior analysis training and professional development to public and private schools throughout Connecticut.
In 2002, Lynn founded The Center for Growth & Development at the urging of her clients, who had witnessed the progress their children were making under Lynn’s guidance. Over the course of nearly two decades, The Center has grown to be an industry leader.
Lynn graduated magna cum laude with a degree in psychology from Fairfield University, where she was a stand out developmental psychology research assistant, teaching intern, and a member of the phi beta kappa honor society. Lynn was selected by university professors to lead one of the first ABA home programs in CT, a program which replicated UCLA’s autism treatment model. Following graduation, she completed Applied Behavior Analysis coursework focused on Verbal Behavior with Dr. Vincent Carbone, and earned her BCaBA in 2005. Lynn went on to earn her BCBA after completing her Master’s Degree in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University.
Nicole Nemchek, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
assistant director, clinical supervisor
Nicole is a Connecticut state licensed, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) here at The Center for Growth & Development, where she has worked since 2006. She holds a Masters degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University and obtained her BCBA in 2010 through Pennsylvania State University. Nicole and Lynn have been working together since 1998! Nicole is famous at The Center for her kindness, wisdom, and laser focus precision in everything she does. Nicole runs our college internship program and is responsible for the training and evaluation of new ABA therapists.
Jillian Cano, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Jillian holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development from UCONN, and a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Special Education from SCSU where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She is a Connecticut Certified Special Education Teacher (K-12). Jillian went on to complete her BCBA coursework through The Pennsylvania State University and Jillian joined the Center in 2009, where she has been a key player in the success of countless students. She brings two decades of special education experience, as well as expertise in IEP development, curriculum modification, and inclusion in regular education settings, to the Center. Additionally, Jillian provides supervision to Center staff members who are pursuing BCBA certification. Jillian is known for her good-natured ability to embrace and navigate any challenge.
Elizabeth McManus, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Liz was the Center for Growth & Development’s first employee back in 2002! She holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Fairfield University, and completed her BCBA coursework through Florida Institute of Technology. Additionally, Liz is a Connecticut Teacher, Certified in Special Education, Kindergarten through 8th grade. Liz brings decades of experience, outside-the-box strategies, infinite patience, and creative problem-solving skills to each child’s program.
Pamela Konareski, BCBA, LBA
CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Pam has been dedicated to utilizing ABA therapy to help children with Autism and their families for over 25 years. She has been a part of our team at The Center since 2004. Pam received her Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an Emphasis in Autism from Ball State University in 2016. She thrives in working in a capacity of supporting parents and caregivers as they navigate challenges with their special needs child, while also working in close coordination with behavior technicians in order to ensure consistency in treatment implementation. Pam is known for her tenacity and determination; traits she employs to ensure that each individual she works with reaches their fullest potential.
Melissa Avery, BCaBA
BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONIST
Melissa is a seasoned member of the Center who is also a Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst. Melissa originally joined the Center as an intern back in 2004, and has been a beloved staff member ever since. As an undergraduate, Melissa earned her Bachelors Degree from UMass Amherst, and completed her coursework in Behavior Analysis through Pennsylvania State University. Melissa has worked with students throughout the tri-state area.
Meghan Stoeffel, M.Ed.
PRESCHOOL HEAD TEACHER
Meghan joined the Center in 2013 after many years working as a public school kindergarten teacher. She holds Bachelor Degrees in Early Childhood Education and English as a Second Language from James Madison University, and a Masters Degree in Special Education from Leham College. She is a NY certified Birth to 2 teacher, and a CT DPH certified Daycare Head Teacher. Meghan’s easy-going nature and breadth of experience in both special education and regular education make her the perfect lead in our inclusion preschool classroom. Meghan is adored by all of her students, both Center clients and Center staff children, who participate in our preschool program.
Josephine Tirado
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND HUMAN RESOURCES
Josie has dedicated herself to a career in serving individuals with special needs and their families. Josie’s experience includes providing one-to-one therapy to children and young adults on the Autism spectrum, and is an avid volunteer and community organizer for groups that support families affected by Autism and other disabilities. Josie has a broad knowledge of ASD and related disabilities, as well as educational, recreational, and financial resources for individuals and families with special needs. Prior to working at the Center, Josie served in the finance and healthcare industries in administrative and operational roles.
Our Mission
In 2002, The Center for Growth & Development was founded on the promise and commitment to helping children with an Autism diagnosis reach their fullest potential. We have been recognized as the pre-eminent experts in all Autism related services beginning with expertly implemented ABA therapy. Our dedicated facility also provides the perfect environment to administer related services including Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.
Over the years, our highly educated and dedicated therapists have lovingly helped hundreds of children and their families through customized programs designed to address the unique learning and behavior challenges of each individual.
Contact Us
email Us
If you would like to consider you child for enrollment or have any further questions.
hello@thecenteraba.com
call us
Feel free to call us with any questions about The Center for Growth & Development.
203-563-9360
visit us
We accept new clients on a rolling basis throughout the year, contact us to set up a visit.
11 Grumman Hill Road, Wilton, CT
Start Your Journey
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about The Center for Growth & Development!
Contact Us
email Us
If you would like to consider you child for enrollment or have any further questions.
hello@thecenteraba.com
call us
Feel free to call us with any questions about The Center for Growth & Development.
203-563-9360
visit us
We accept new clients on a rolling basis throughout the year, contact us to set up a visit.
84 Danbury Rd. Wilton, CT
Start Your Journey
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about The Center for Growth & Development!
Start Your Journey
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about The Center for Growth & Development!
Contact Us
email Us
If you would like to consider you child for enrollment or have any further questions.
hello@thecenteraba.com
call us
Feel free to call us with any questions about The Center for Growth & Development.
203-563-9360
visit us
We accept new clients on a rolling basis throughout the year, contact us to set up a visit.
84 Danbury Rd. Wilton, CT
