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Meet Our Team

Clinical Leadership Team

Dr. Casey Nottingham, BCBA-D, LBA, Ph.D

Senior Clinical Director, ABA Therapy Program 

With over a decade of dedicated work in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Dr. Nottingham brings a profound commitment to both clinical excellence and advancing the field. Her journey began at Caldwell University, where she earned M.A. and Doctorate degrees in ABA, igniting a passion for furthering the therapeutic impact of this science. Dr. Nottingham’s profound knowledge, developed through years of experience, is balanced by her approachable and personable demeanor. 

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Emily DuCoin, M.S., BCBA, LBA

Director of Home and Community Services 

Backed by a strong academic foundation, degrees from Rowan & Capella Universities, and extensive field experience, Emily drives quality improvements as a Director of Quality and Supervision at GentleCare Therapy.

With over seven years of experience in the field, including extensive work as a clinical supervisor and trainer, Emily brings a depth of knowledge and a practical understanding of diverse settings including homes, schools, communities, and centers.

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Kristina Peterson, M.S., BCBA, LBA

Center Clinical Director

Kristina Peterson stands out as an exceptional program director, bringing to the table over 18 years of invaluable experience in the fields of special education, applied behavior analysis, and school consultation.

Her career is marked by a profound ability to develop and implement highly effective programs designed to cater to the diverse needs of learners. This expertise consistently translates into positive outcomes, a testament to her strategic and compassionate approach.

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Jessica Viscuso, M.S. Ed.

Director, PA Early Intervention Dept. & Curriculum Coordinator, ABA Child Development Program

Jessica brings over a decade of experience to GentleCare as a professional in the field of special education, with a specialization in supporting students with autism spanning across various stages of development. With a diverse background within the education sector, Jessica has honed her skills as a teacher, leader, and advocate. 

Throughout her 10-year career as a Special Education teacher, Jessica has demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering holistic learning environments and providing tailored support to students with diverse needs. 

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Executive Leadership and Administrative Team

Morris Wachs

Chief Executive Officer 

Torrie Martin

President of
Business Operations

Priscilla Jimenez

Staff and Client Onboarding Supervisor

Priscilla Jimenez is a healthcare and behavioral services professional specializing in client onboarding, care coordination, and program management.

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Kala Giannone

 Intake Coordinator

Kala is a highly driven individual with a deep curiosity for science and a strong desire to make a positive impact. he is committed to using her knowledge of biology and her deep compassion to help support the growth and well-being of the children here at GentleCare.

Read More

Desiree Kearse

Center Supervisor

Desiree’ currently serves as Care and Intake Coordinator for GentleCare Therapy. In her role, Desiree’ manages the schedule for clients and staff, as well as handling intake inquiries for new patients.

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Carol Lingo

Billing Manager

Results-driven healthcare professional with extensive experience ensuring timely reimbursement, accurate coding, and data integrity in fast-paced healthcare settings, with 20+ years in medical billing.

 

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Dr. Casey Nottingham, BCBA-D, LBA, Ph.D

Senior Clinical Director, ABA Therapy Program

With over a decade of dedicated work in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Dr. Nottingham brings a profound commitment to both clinical excellence and advancing the field. Her journey began at Caldwell University, where she earned M.A. and Doctorate degrees in ABA, igniting a passion for furthering the therapeutic impact of this science.

Dr. Nottingham’s profound knowledge, developed through years of experience, is balanced by her approachable and personable demeanor. This is demonstrated in her leadership roles and her expertise in building client-centered ABA programs across diverse settings, from homes and therapy centers to community environments in New Jersey. Her focus on individualization and effective collaboration ensures optimal outcomes for each client.

Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Nottingham actively contributes to the field through research. Her research on the use of instructive feedback and staff training has been accepted and published in respected, peer-reviewed journals like the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and Learning and Motivation.  She frequently shares her knowledge at conferences, inspiring others with her insightful presentations. But Dr. Nottingham’s knowledge isn’t merely theoretical. She translates it into impactful programs that transform lives.

Dr. Nottingham is deeply invested in empowering future generations of ABA practitioners. She fosters their development through various avenues, including: Mentoring graduate students through research committees, teaching graduate ABA courses, creating webinars and trainings, and establishing and implementing high-quality clinical supervision and training practices.

This seamless integration of research and clinical practice is a core value for Dr. Nottingham. Her current research and clinical interests revolve around optimizing instructional efficiency, identifying best practices for staff and caregiver training, individualizing programs, facilitating effective collaboration across service providers, and addressing behavioral challenges during sleep and mealtimes.

Dr. Nottingham embodies the spirit of a dedicated Behavior Analyst, constantly striving to improve practice, inspire others, and ultimately, make a profound difference in the lives of individuals. 

Outside of her work, she has taken up photography and playing the cello. In her free time, she can be found trying to get the perfect shot of a bird in flight or working on her cello bow hold.

Dr. Casey Nottingham, BCBA-D, LBA, Ph.D

Senior Clinical Director, ABA Therapy Program

With over a decade of dedicated work in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Dr. Nottingham brings a profound commitment to both clinical excellence and advancing the field. Her journey began at Caldwell University, where she earned M.A. and Doctorate degrees in ABA, igniting a passion for furthering the therapeutic impact of this science.

Dr. Nottingham’s profound knowledge, developed through years of experience, is balanced by her approachable and personable demeanor. This is demonstrated in her leadership roles and her expertise in building client-centered ABA programs across diverse settings, from homes and therapy centers to community environments in New Jersey. Her focus on individualization and effective collaboration ensures optimal outcomes for each client.

Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Nottingham actively contributes to the field through research. Her research on the use of instructive feedback and staff training has been accepted and published in respected, peer-reviewed journals like the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and Learning and Motivation.  She frequently shares her knowledge at conferences, inspiring others with her insightful presentations. But Dr. Nottingham’s knowledge isn’t merely theoretical. She translates it into impactful programs that transform lives.

Dr. Nottingham is deeply invested in empowering future generations of ABA practitioners. She fosters their development through various avenues, including: Mentoring graduate students through research committees, teaching graduate ABA courses, creating webinars and trainings, and establishing and implementing high-quality clinical supervision and training practices.

This seamless integration of research and clinical practice is a core value for Dr. Nottingham. Her current research and clinical interests revolve around optimizing instructional efficiency, identifying best practices for staff and caregiver training, individualizing programs, facilitating effective collaboration across service providers, and addressing behavioral challenges during sleep and mealtimes.

Dr. Nottingham embodies the spirit of a dedicated Behavior Analyst, constantly striving to improve practice, inspire others, and ultimately, make a profound difference in the lives of individuals. 

Outside of her work, she has taken up photography and playing the cello. In her free time, she can be found trying to get the perfect shot of a bird in flight or working on her cello bow hold.

Emily DuCoin, M.S., BCBA, LBA

 Director of Home and Community Services

Backed by a strong academic foundation, degrees from Rowan & Capella Universities, and extensive field experience, Emily drives quality improvements as a Director of Quality and Supervision at GentleCare Therapy.

With over seven years of experience in the field, including extensive work as a clinical supervisor and trainer, Emily brings a depth of knowledge and a practical understanding of diverse settings including homes, schools, communities, and centers.

A meticulous reviewer and insightful collaborator, Emily excels at conducting comprehensive clinical reviews, providing targeted feedback to therapists, and implementing best practices. Her thorough analytic skills inform the creation of impactful goals and programs, ensuring each child receives individualized therapy that maximizes their potential.

Emily believes in the power of evidence-based, individualized ABA therapy. She champions a naturalistic approach that makes learning an enjoyable experience for all participants. Her skilled communication bridges the gap between therapists, families, and stakeholders, cultivating a unified team that empowers every child to thrive. Whether analyzing data, coaching therapists, or interacting with families, Emily consistently demonstrates her dedication to helping children reach their full potential. In her free time, you can find her embarking on new adventures with her dogs and cheering on Philadelphia’s sports teams.

Emily DuCoin, M.S., BCBA, LBA

Clinical & Autism Center Director

Backed by a strong academic foundation, degrees from Rowan & Capella Universities, and extensive field experience, Emily drives quality improvements as a Director of Quality and Supervision at GentleCare Therapy.

With over seven years of experience in the field, including extensive work as a clinical supervisor and trainer, Emily brings a depth of knowledge and a practical understanding of diverse settings including homes, schools, communities, and centers.

A meticulous reviewer and insightful collaborator, Emily excels at conducting comprehensive clinical reviews, providing targeted feedback to therapists, and implementing best practices. Her thorough analytic skills inform the creation of impactful goals and programs, ensuring each child receives individualized therapy that maximizes their potential.

Emily believes in the power of evidence-based, individualized ABA therapy. She champions a naturalistic approach that makes learning an enjoyable experience for all participants. Her skilled communication bridges the gap between therapists, families, and stakeholders, cultivating a unified team that empowers every child to thrive. Whether analyzing data, coaching therapists, or interacting with families, Emily consistently demonstrates her dedication to helping children reach their full potential. In her free time, you can find her embarking on new adventures with her dogs and cheering on Philadelphia’s sports teams.

Kristina Peterson, M.S., BCBA, LBA

Center Clinical Director

Kristina Peterson stands out as an exceptional program director, bringing to the table over 18 years of invaluable experience in the fields of special education, applied behavior analysis, and school consultation. Her career is marked by a profound ability to develop and implement highly effective programs designed to cater to the diverse needs of learners. This expertise consistently translates into positive outcomes, a testament to her strategic and compassionate approach.

Kristina is a skilled leader with a commitment to collaborative practices, continuous staff development, and the creation of inclusive learning environments. Her colleagues and peers consistently note her positive demeanor, which contributes significantly to her effective professional interactions and the overall harmonious atmosphere of the teams she leads.

Her varied work experience provides a comprehensive foundation for her leadership roles. This includes the oversight of clinic-based services, where she has provided essential clinical support and supervision while expertly managing daily operations.

Alinoel Navia, M.S. CCC-SLP

Senior Clinical Director, Speech Therapy Program

With nearly a decade of dedicated expertise in the speech-language field, Ali shines as a sought-after Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). Combining her profound knowledge with a contagious energy, she empowers children to thrive in communication. Ali received her Master’s degree from Seton Hall University and is licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

More than just a practitioner, Ali is a champion for communication. Her clinical expertise encompasses a wide range of areas, including: Evaluating and treating language delays, both expressive and receptive, Helping children master speech sound production, Offering support for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) users, Nurturing positive peer and adult social interactions, Addressing fluency challenges and feeding difficulties.

Her experience encompasses diverse settings; from hospitals, clinics, classrooms, private practice, and Philadelphia’s early intervention programs. Ali’s passion extends beyond individual therapy sessions. She actively collaborates with families, educators, and other professionals to create a holistic support system for each child. 

Committed to continuous learning, Ali is ASHA-certified and boasts years of valuable supervisory experience. In 2019, her dedication to professional development was recognized with the prestigious ACE (Award for Continuing Education), placing her among a select group of SLPs who actively prioritize ongoing learning. Her journey of knowledge includes valuable training in PROMPT, PECS Level 1, DIRFloortime®, Hanen More Than Words®, and SOS Approach to Feeding.

When not empowering young voices, Ali enjoys Philadelphia living, where you might find her playing with her beloved pets, taking a Pilates class, or diving into a true crime book.

NLA Trained Clinician logo
ASHA Certified Member

Jessica Viscuso, M.S. Ed.

Director, PA Early Intervention Dept. & Curriculum Coordinator, ABA Child Development Program

Jessica brings over a decade of experience to GentleCare as a professional in the field of special education, with a specialization in supporting students with autism spanning across various stages of development. With a diverse background within the education sector, Jessica has honed her skills as a teacher, leader, and advocate. 

Her expertise lies in developing and implementing specialized curriculum and programming aimed at meeting the unique needs of students on the autism spectrum. Her compassionate approach and keen understanding of child development enabled her to foster meaningful and positive outcomes for young learners. Her collaborative approach and strong communication skills have made her a trusted resource among her peers.

In her previous role at the Philadelphia School District, Jessica demonstrated exceptional teaching skills while managing a full class of students in autistic support and intensive learning support classrooms. She skillfully designed and differentiated daily lessons in core subjects and extracurricular activities. Notably, Jessica implemented the STAR and SRA curriculums, including Language for Learning, Reading Mastery, and Connecting Math Concepts.

Prior to her work at the Phila School District, Jessica served as a Lead Teacher at the NHS School for Autism in Philadelphia. In this role, she demonstrated her expertise in administering formal assessments, including VB-MAPP and Brigance Developmental Inventory. Moreover, Jessica played a crucial role in training and supporting classroom assistants and 1:1 behavior technicians, equipping them with the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and best practices.

She received her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Finance from La Salle University and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Pace University. In her free time, Jessica enjoys exploring the Philly restaurant scene and spending time outdoors with her family.

Jessica Viscuso, M.S. Ed.

Director, PA Early Intervention Dept. & Curriculum Coordinator, ABA Child Development Program

Jessica brings over a decade of experience to GentleCare as a professional in the field of special education, with a specialization in supporting students with autism spanning across various stages of development. With a diverse background within the education sector, Jessica has honed her skills as a teacher, leader, and advocate. 

Her expertise lies in developing and implementing specialized curriculum and programming aimed at meeting the unique needs of students on the autism spectrum. Her compassionate approach and keen understanding of child development enabled her to foster meaningful and positive outcomes for young learners. Her collaborative approach and strong communication skills have made her a trusted resource among her peers.

In her previous role at the Philadelphia School District, Jessica demonstrated exceptional teaching skills while managing a full class of students in autistic support and intensive learning support classrooms. She skillfully designed and differentiated daily lessons in core subjects and extracurricular activities. Notably, Jessica implemented the STAR and SRA curriculums, including Language for Learning, Reading Mastery, and Connecting Math Concepts.

Prior to her work at the Phila School District, Jessica served as a Lead Teacher at the NHS School for Autism in Philadelphia. In this role, she demonstrated her expertise in administering formal assessments, including VB-MAPP and Brigance Developmental Inventory. Moreover, Jessica played a crucial role in training and supporting classroom assistants and 1:1 behavior technicians, equipping them with the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and best practices.

She received her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Finance from La Salle University and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Pace University. In her free time, Jessica enjoys exploring the Philly restaurant scene and spending time outdoors with her family.

Priscilla Jimenez​

Staff and Client Onboarding Supervisor

Priscilla Jimenez is a healthcare and behavioral services professional specializing in client onboarding, care coordination, and program management. As the Staff and Client Onboarding Supervisor at GentleCare Therapy ABA Services, she ensures seamless starts for clients and staff while optimizing scheduling and supporting clinical teams. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Priscilla is skilled in EMR systems, client communication, and operational efficiency. She is passionate about creating supportive, person-centered experiences that empower clients, families, and teams to thrive.

Dr. Casey Nottingham, BCBA-D, LBA, Ph.D

Senior Clinical Director, ABA Therapy Program

With over a decade of dedicated work in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Dr. Nottingham brings a profound commitment to both clinical excellence and advancing the field. Her journey began at Caldwell University, where she earned M.A. and Doctorate degrees in ABA, igniting a passion for furthering the therapeutic impact of this science.

Dr. Nottingham’s profound knowledge, developed through years of experience, is balanced by her approachable and personable demeanor. This is demonstrated in her leadership roles and her expertise in building client-centered ABA programs across diverse settings, from homes and therapy centers to community environments in New Jersey. Her focus on individualization and effective collaboration ensures optimal outcomes for each client.

Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Nottingham actively contributes to the field through research. Her research on the use of instructive feedback and staff training has been accepted and published in respected, peer-reviewed journals like the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and Learning and Motivation.  She frequently shares her knowledge at conferences, inspiring others with her insightful presentations. But Dr. Nottingham’s knowledge isn’t merely theoretical. She translates it into impactful programs that transform lives.

Dr. Nottingham is deeply invested in empowering future generations of ABA practitioners. She fosters their development through various avenues, including: Mentoring graduate students through research committees, teaching graduate ABA courses, creating webinars and trainings, and establishing and implementing high-quality clinical supervision and training practices.

This seamless integration of research and clinical practice is a core value for Dr. Nottingham. Her current research and clinical interests revolve around optimizing instructional efficiency, identifying best practices for staff and caregiver training, individualizing programs, facilitating effective collaboration across service providers, and addressing behavioral challenges during sleep and mealtimes.

Dr. Nottingham embodies the spirit of a dedicated Behavior Analyst, constantly striving to improve practice, inspire others, and ultimately, make a profound difference in the lives of individuals. 

Outside of her work, she has taken up photography and playing the cello. In her free time, she can be found trying to get the perfect shot of a bird in flight or working on her cello bow hold.

Kala Giannone

Patient Services Office Coordinator

Kala is a highly driven individual with a deep curiosity for science and a strong desire to make a positive impact. he is committed to using her knowledge of biology and her deep compassion to help support the growth and well-being of the children here at GentleCare. Inspired by the essential role family plays in her life, she brings a caring and empathetic approach to every environment she is a part of. Kala firmly believes that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and she is committed to providing the support needed to help them achieve their goals both at home and within the community. Her personal motto is: “Happy to help!” With vast experience in health administration and an intense work ethic, Kala skillfully manages a significant workload gracefully. 

Desiree Kearse

Care and Intake Coordinator

Desiree’ currently serves as Care and Intake Coordinator for GentleCare Therapy. In her role, Desiree’ manages the schedule for clients and staff, as well as handling intake inquiries for new patients. She also supports efforts throughout the organization to support smooth transitions and effective communication

Prior to joining GentleCare as a Care Coordinator, Desiree’ served GentleCare as a behavioral technician, and also held social work positions at various organizations such as Gloucester County Division of Social Services and Acenda Integrated Health. Desiree’ also has experience in administrative duties from previous roles as an intern and her role as an administrative assistant. Desiree’ graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Rowan University in 2020 and her Master’s in Business Administration from Eastern State University in 2023.

Desiree Kearse

Center Supervisor

Desiree’ currently serves as Care and Intake Coordinator for GentleCare Therapy. In her role, Desiree’ manages the schedule for clients and staff, as well as handling intake inquiries for new patients. She also supports efforts throughout the organization to support smooth transitions and effective communication

Prior to joining GentleCare as a Care Coordinator, Desiree’ served GentleCare as a behavioral technician, and also held social work positions at various organizations such as Gloucester County Division of Social Services and Acenda Integrated Health. Desiree’ also has experience in administrative duties from previous roles as an intern and her role as an administrative assistant. Desiree’ graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Rowan University in 2020 and her Master’s in Business Administration from Eastern State University in 2023.

Desiree Kearse

Care and Intake Coordinator

Desiree’ currently serves as Care and Intake Coordinator for GentleCare Therapy. In her role, Desiree’ manages the schedule for clients and staff, as well as handling intake inquiries for new patients. She also supports efforts throughout the organization to support smooth transitions and effective communication

Prior to joining GentleCare as a Care Coordinator, Desiree’ served GentleCare as a behavioral technician, and also held social work positions at various organizations such as Gloucester County Division of Social Services and Acenda Integrated Health. Desiree’ also has experience in administrative duties from previous roles as an intern and her role as an administrative assistant. Desiree’ graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Rowan University in 2020 and her Master’s in Business Administration from Eastern State University in 2023.

Carol Lingo

Billing Manager

Carol Lingo is a highly accomplished Medical Billing Specialist with over 20 years of experience ensuring timely reimbursement, accurate coding, and data integrity in healthcare. A results-driven expert in EHR and medical billing software, she is proficient in ICD-10, CPT-4, and HCPCS Level II coding, consistently optimizing revenue cycles and achieving high accuracy. Her expertise includes Medical Billing & Coding, Revenue Cycle Management, Healthcare Administration, Healthcare Regulations & Compliance (HIPAA), and Data Quality & Integrity. As Billing Manager at Gentlecare Therapy, she manages authorizations, eligibility, claims submission, and payment posting.  Previously, as Coding Supervisor at Inspira Health, she optimized coding workflows, increased efficiency, and significantly reduced coding hold days. Carol holds a Master of Health Informatics from Purdue Global University.

Ashley Soskin

Director, Marketing & Community Engagement

Ashley currently serves as Director of Marketing & Community Engagement for GentleCare Therapy. In her role, Ashley develops a high-level strategy for all GentleCare social media channels and marketing initiatives with the goal of creating highly viewed posts and content to generate brand awareness. She also supports efforts throughout the organization that foster and cultivate community relationships by actively engaging with local initiatives, partnerships, and charitable efforts that make a difference and create a long lasting, positive impact in the community.

Prior to joining GentleCare, Ashley held marketing positions at various healthcare organizations such as Bancroft, First Children Services and Autism New Jersey respectively. Ashley has experience in web development, event planning, social media management, content creation, videography and digital media. Additionally, she also led the Employee Engagement Committee for First Children Services and is a member of the AMA Philadelphia Chapter and Social Media Day PHL. Ashley graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Film, TV & Radio with a minor in Sociology from Rider University in 2016.  In her free time, Ashley enjoys traveling and cheering for the Philadelphia Phillies.