Meet our team
Whitney Buckley
PsyD. Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Buckley is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in working with children. She also works as a certified school psychologist, which gives her a unique insight into one of the primary environments in which your child has to function, as well as the evaluation process for special education and 504 eligibility and plan development. She conducts comprehensive psychoeducational assessments to determine children's unique learning and/or social emotional needs and develop recommendations to support them. She also provides individual and small group therapy and works with parents to address parenting or behavioral concerns. Dr. Buckley specializes in young children (toddler through late elementary school), particularly those on the autism spectrum. Her work with your child can develop social skills and the perspective-taking necessary to foster positive peer relationships. She also specializes in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, executive function weaknesses, poor self-esteem, selective mutism, attachment disorders, children with separated/divorced parents, and siblings with exceptional needs.
Music Therapy
Emily, co-director and clinical coordinator of Connecticut Music Therapy Services, is a board certified music therapist who has experience with a wide range of client populations, including children and adults with autism and neurological disorders, learning disabilities, multiple disabilities, NVLD, Alzheimer’s, dementia, PTSD, and depression. Emily received her bachelor of Fine Arts in Music from the University of Hartford’s Hartt School of Music, her Music Therapy Equivalency from Anna Maria College, and her master in Music Therapy from Temple University. Emily serves her National Organization as the co-chair of the AMTA Professional Advocacy Committee.
Stacy desabella
special education
Stacy has been in the field of special education for over 20 years specializing in Autism and related disorders. She is a founder and Co-Director of Bridge Partnership, LLC. Stacy received her Master’s degree in education from C.W. Post in Long Island where she participated in the university’s C.A.S.E. (Competencies in Autism for Special Educators) program. She was a special education teacher and behavioral therapist in home programs utilizing applied behavior analysis principals and techniques with staff from the Eden II Programs. She currently coordinates home programs providing supervision and therapy for students in both Connecticut and New York. In addition, Stacy is a founding member and Program Director of Harbor Light Foundation, Inc. which provides educational and therapeutic services to children with special needs.
richard P. Douglas
bcba
Rich Douglas is a founder and Co-Director of Bridge Partnership, LLC. He was an appointed member of the Special Action Committee on Special Education for the state of Connecticut and served in that role for 4 years. He has a Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Rich spent his first 11 years in the field working at a private school in Fairfield County that specializes in the treatment of children with autism. He has worked successfully to incorporate a multi-disciplinary approach to education utilizing principles and techniques found in a variety of related therapeutic models. Rich is experienced in developing and implementing school, home, and community-based programs for children with special needs and their families. In addition to his role at Bridge Partnership, Rich is a founder and Executive Director of Harbor Light Foundation, Inc.
Darci labash
special education consultation and Advocacy
Darci is the owner of LaBash Consulting and Advocacy, LLC, which provides special education consultation and advocacy to families. She received her master’s degree in special education from Fairfield University and is a certified special education teacher and Board Certified Advocate. Darci has extensive experience having worked in the field for over twenty years in the public, private and post graduation/early adult worlds. Darci has a strong knowledge base of special education compliance and academic standards. She utilizes creative thinking and strategizing to ensure the best supports in each and every domain area. As a mom herself, she knows the desire to do anything and everything for your child. She brings that passion to her clients and helps them become their own best advocate.
Denise leverty
speech & language
pathologist
Denise holds both a Bachelor and Masters degree from Loyola College and numerous post graduate credits in sensory integration, Prompt method, oral motor dysfunction, floor time, autism spectrum disorder, apraxia as well as speech and language disorders over her 20 years of experience in the field. She is full of energy and easily engages others around her. She prides herself on staying up to date to meet all the ever changing needs of the children she treats. She loves being part of a team and sharing information across disciplines to achieve the best outcome for the children she works with.
Kristi Nguyen
Occupational
Therapy
Kristi Nguyen OTR/L is the owner of OT-Kids, LLC. Kristi received her Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University in 2002. She has extensive experience treating children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Disabilities, and sensory processing dysfunction and holds advanced certifications in various treatment techniques including, Therapeutic Listening, Integrated Listening Systems (iLs) Handwriting Without Tears and Pediatric Yoga. Kristi has specialized training in numerous therapeutic approaches including DIR Floortime, visual vestibular treatment techniques and RISE (Reflex Integration Supporting Education). She has presented numerous in servicetrainings and provided professional development opportunities to Parents, educators, school administrators and clinicians throughout Fairfield County. Kristi is passionate about making a difference in the lives of every child she works with.
Music Therapy
Executive Director of Connecticut Music Therapy Services, LLC, Jennifer Sokira, MMT, LCAT, MT-BC has been a Board Certified Music Therapist since 2002. She has extensive clinical experience and background working with children with special needs, adults in hospice/palliative care, and with individuals who have experienced trauma. She has authored two chapters and a published research study and has presented locally, regionally and nationally on a wide variety of clinical and professional topics. A leader in the field, Jennifer she serves as President of the New England Region-AMTA, as chair of the CT State Task Force advocating for music therapy licensure, and nationally on the AMTA Ethics Board.
Katrina has been in the field of behavioral services for 20 years with a concentration on Autism Spectrum disorders. She received her Bachelors in Behavioral Science from Concordia College and received her BCBA from the University of Cincinnati. She has worked in a variety of settings in the course of her career, including public and private schools and students homes and communities. Katrina has experience establishing, implementing and supervising home, school, and
community-based programs for children ranging in age from preschool through adolescence. A special area of interest for her is the use and integration of assistive communication technology home and school settings.
Special education
Meghan holds a Masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education and a Bachelor of Arts in communication disorders. She holds dual certifications in both special education and general education in the state of New York. She has over 12 years of experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum and varying special needs. She worked in New York City for 10 years as a ABA lead teacher and field supervisor, ABA SEIT teacher, and Early Childhood specialist. She has extensive training as an ABA home and school based therapist, program developer, evaluator, RDI and play therapist, has led workshops and provided training for both clinicians and families. Since joining Bridge Partnership, Meghan has worked in both home and school settings as an ABA therapist.
music therapy
As a practitioner, Kelsy Gati has had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of clientele with specialized focus on early childhood and working with children with speech delays. Stylistically, Kelsy provides an energetic, supportive and collaborative environment that yields opportunities for self expression and growth. Kelsy is a board certified music therapist with an Undergraduate degree in Music Therapy and an MBA in Health Administration. As Senior Staff of the Connecticut Music Therapy Services team, Kelsy works with clients throughout the state and helps provide support and supervision to the CTMTS team.
music therapy
Megan Kellogg is a board-certified music therapist who has worked with an array of clientele ranging from infants to seniors. Megan has worked with clients in many settings including schools, homes, and hospitals. Her clinical background includes working with clients with visual impairments, developmental disorders, Autism, cognitive delays, memory impairment, Down Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy. Megan received her Bachelor of Music from Western Connecticut State University and her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling/Music Therapy from Lesley University.
ABA Therapist
Jennifer graduated from Fairfield University with a BA in Sociology and Anthropology. She holds a dual master's degree from Manhattanville College in Special Education and General Education. Jennifer is dual certified in both Special Education and General Education in NY state. Jennifer worked in the Bedford Central School District as a classroom teacher as well as with children with disabilities. Jennifer is a highly effective educator who creates a nurturing yet challenging environment where all children can successfully meet individual goals. She uses a multi-sensory approach in her practices in both small and large group settings. Jennifer is an enthusiastic educator who provides the essential tools and strategies to both children and their families to ensure their success during the various stages of a child's development.
Music Therapy
Cassandra Mulcahy - Cassandra Muchahy, MMT, MT-BC is a board certified music therapist who joined Connecticut Music Therapy Services in 2010. She has experience working with children, adults and seniors in adult and adolescent psychiatric settings, shelters, schools, community centers, nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and in their homes. Cassandra has experience working with individuals and groups who have been diagnosed with autism, neurological disorders, physical disabilities, learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, cancer, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, etc. Cassandra received her Bachelor of Music (BMus) in Music Therapy from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. She received her Master of Music Therapy (MMT) from Temple University’s Boyer College of Music in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Tammy holds a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Speech Pathology/Audiology and Early Childhood Education. She is well experienced working within both typical and special needs classrooms. Tammy specializes in working with children diagnosed within the autistic spectrum. She is very determined and successful at implementing behavioral plans and therapy in both inclusion and home programs. Currently, Tammy is a head teacher in a private preschool and working as a behavioral therapist in home programs.