A team of dedicated clinicians guiding your child’s growth with expertise and care.
As the Founder and CEO of The DATA Group, Tara is passionate about helping children and families build meaningful connections, develop essential skills, and reach their fullest potential. She takes a collaborative, relationship-centered approach to supporting young children with autism.
Tara is equally passionate about building and developing a team of dedicated clinicians who share this mission. She believes that when clinicians are supported through mentorship, collaboration, and ongoing learning, they are empowered to provide the highest quality care for every child and family they serve.
Tara earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Rutgers University, where she also completed her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) training. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), a certified Special Education Teacher, and is certified in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM).
Drawing on her experience in both education and behavior analysis, Tara developed the philosophy behind The DATA Group’s naturalistic, play-based model of care and the G-ESDM Integrated Preschool Program. This approach combines evidence-based ABA with child-led, natural learning opportunities to support growth across all areas of development.
My philosophy is rooted in connection and creating a sense of safety—meeting each child and family exactly where they are so children feel secure, understood, and ready to learn. I believe meaningful progress happens when children feel safe, supported, and empowered to engage with the world around them.
Families can expect a warm, collaborative partnership focused on individualized care, open communication, and celebrating every milestone along the way. My goal is not only to help children build skills, but to help them develop the confidence, relationships, and independence that allow them to thrive in everyday life.
Connecting with a child is my favorite part of what I do. I believe that when a child feels safe, understood, and genuinely connected, they are able to be present, explore, and learn. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a child discover new ways to communicate, connect, and engage with the people around them.
It is a privilege to partner with families throughout that journey. Being able to celebrate each milestone—big or small—and help children build confidence, independence, and joyful relationships is what inspires me every day.
As Director of the Early Start Academy, Lisa leads a dedicated team of BCBAs and RBTs providing individualized, high-quality services within the center. She is passionate about meeting each child where they are and guiding them—alongside their team—toward their fullest potential.
Families can expect a transparent, supportive, and deeply committed partner in their child’s journey. As a leader, Lisa thrives on mentoring her team and finds deep fulfillment in training staff and watching them develop new skills and grow with confidence in their roles.
Lisa holds a Master’s degree in Education and is dual-certified in Special and General Education. She has experience in public schools, in-home programs, and center-based settings, and is a certified provider of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM).
Seeing a parent’s face light up when their child achieves something they once hoped for makes every moment worth it.
Justine Puleo manages the financial operations at The DATA Group, overseeing billing, insurance coordination, payroll, and day-to-day financial processes.
She works closely with families to navigate insurance and billing, helping make the process as clear and manageable as possible. Behind the scenes, she keeps everything organized and running smoothly so the team can focus on supporting children and families.
Marlene Agostinho is the Office Manager at The DATA Group, helping keep the day-to-day operations at Early Start Academy running smoothly.
She’s often the first friendly face you’ll see—known for her smile, easy conversation, and can-do attitude. From coordinating schedules to supporting staff and families, Marlene brings a sense of calm, efficiency, and care to everything she does.
Her presence helps create a welcoming, organized environment where both children and families feel supported from the moment they walk in.
Dania works in our early intervention center, focusing on social skills and inclusive learning experiences. She loves celebrating small milestones, partnering with families and schools, and creating environments where children feel accepted, valued, and free to be themselves.
Dania is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst and a certified special education teacher with experience across public and private K–12 schools. Her professional interests include executive functioning, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and inclusive, community-based supports.
I find joy in watching children build friendships, embrace their individuality, and grow in environments rooted in kindness and compassion.
Mary works in our early intervention center as a BCBA Program Coordinator and Clinical Supervisor, supporting children in center and classroom settings. She focuses on building foundational skills in communication, play, social interaction, and independence.
Mary is especially passionate about helping young learners find their voices and supporting families with strategies that carry over into everyday life. Families can expect a collaborative, encouraging, and supportive partner in their child’s journey.
Mary holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Rutgers University and completed her BCBA coursework at the Florida Institute of Technology. She has experience across home-based and clinic-based early intervention setting and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Watching a child gain new skills and confidence—one small step at a time—is incredibly rewarding.
Amanda works with children in both center and home settings, using language-based play and naturalistic learning opportunities. In addition to her clinical work, she serves as the supervision coordinator, supporting future BCBAs as they grow in the field.
Amanda holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She has experience in early intervention, school districts, and working with AAC devices, and holds a supervision certification.
Seeing children beam with pride as they master new skills reminds me of the incredible potential in every child.
Kelsey works in our early intervention center and integrated preschool classroom, supporting communication, play, peer interaction, and early learning. She is collaborative, energetic, and consistent, and keeps learning fun and engaging. She is trained in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) and continues to develop her skills with a focus on group-based implementation.
Kelsey holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Rider University. Her experience includes center-based programs, supporting students in school transitions, and working in classrooms with children with multiple disabilities.
I love seeing children grow in their language and independence and watching them overcome challenges with confidence.
Tiara supports children in center-based and home settings, focusing on language and social development through play-based ABA. She is patient, engaging, and caring in her work with children and families.
Tiara holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Rutgers University. She has experience in both in-home and center-based programs and is bilingual, with experience supporting Spanish-speaking families.
This work has expanded my perspective on communication and taught me the value of inclusion, patience, and compassion. I’m grateful to learn alongside the children and families I support, and to be part of the meaningful progress and joy they experience every day.
Jennifer works in our center-based program, supporting social, play, communication, and early learning skills through play-based ABA. She collaborates closely with supervisors and caregivers to promote consistency across settings. She is passionate, dedicated, and brings a compassionate approach to her work with children and families.
Jennifer earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and began her career supporting older adults with complex mental health needs in a residential setting. She later entered the field of ABA, where she gained experience as an RBT trainer and completed her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. She is currently working in our center-based setting, continuing to build her experience supporting children.
I love watching the clients I work with overcome challenges that once caused them or their families such distress, and being able to do it naturally and independently, as if it were never a big deal — moments like that are why I love this job.
Jailynn is a Program Coordinator and the Coordinator of our Integrated Playgroups. She worked alongside our leadership team to develop the playgroup model and brings specialized training and experience in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). She is currently working toward her ESDM certification.
At our Early Intervention Center, Jailynn uses naturalistic, play-based teaching that follows each child’s lead and builds on their unique interests. She is passionate about creating engaging learning experiences while partnering with families through hands-on parent coaching, helping caregivers feel confident using strategies that support their child’s development at home and in everyday life. Her goal is to make learning joyful while fostering meaningful, lasting progress for both children and their families.
Jailynn holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and brings extensive experience across private schools, clinics, and in-home settings. She is currently working towards her ESDM certification.
Knowing that my support helps shape a child’s future and creates positive change for families gives this work deep meaning.
Anastasia supports children in our early intervention center and serves as the Coordinator of our G-ESDM Integrated Preschool Program. She helps lead our naturalistic, play-based preschool model, working closely with children and staff to create engaging, meaningful learning opportunities.
Anastasia enjoys helping children build skills through connection and play. She is trained in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) and continues to grow her expertise in group-based implementation.
Anastasia holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and currently preparing for her BCBA exam. She is also a certified special education teacher (Pre-K–6) and has experience across center, home, and school settings. She is trained in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), with a focus on group-based implementation within our integrated preschool classroom.
Seeing the moment when something “clicks” for a child—and celebrating that success together—is my favorite part of this work.
Kasandra supports children in center-based and home-based settings using naturalistic, play-based ABA therapy. She is passionate about creating individualized programs that meet children where they are while supporting meaningful growth. Families appreciate her calm, patient, and empathetic approach.
Kasandra holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and has experience across home, clinic, and school settings. She is currently preparing for her BCBA exam and has training in ESDM techniques, using play-based & relationship-focused strategies to support early learning.
Helping children and families grow in confidence, communication, and independence is what drives me every day.
Let’s take the next step together.
If this feels like the kind of support you’ve been searching for, we’d love to meet you. There’s no pressure, no commitment — just a safe space to start the conversation about your child’s growth.
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