Please Scroll down for the bios of Susan Varsames, Josephine Giardina, Nancy Guberti, Nicole Barone, Christina Miele, and Marisa Lifrien.

Susan Varsames, M.A. Ed.

CURRICULUM VITAE

Undergraduate degree: New York University: 1983 in Educational Psychology and Special Education

Graduate degree: New York University: 1988 in Early Childhood Special Education

• School district consultant/staff trainer for special education programs for 20 years with empahsis on creating classrooms where ABA, Floortime, and TEACCH methodology are utilized.
• Trainer for Applied Behavioral Analysis for Westchester County Dept. of Health/Early Intervention Unit as well as several public and private schools.
• Program director for early childhood special education programs for 20 years.
• Consultant and advocate for special education district committee meetings.
• Team leader for multi-sensory evalutaions for children with special needs.
• Conference presenter in the field of autism and early childhood intervention strategies/Monthly presenter for parent groups for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders/PTA presenter/SEPTA presenter.
• Member of the Council of Exceptional Children, Autism Society of America, NY Autism Network, NYSABA, Autism Research Institute, and Developmental Delay Resources.
• Author of several articles and publications in the field of educating, advocating for, and providing services the population with learning disorders.
• Adjunct professor for N.Y. Chiropractic College and Bank Street College of Education teaching Early Childhood Assessment, Applied Behavioral Analysis, and Understanding the Learner with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
• Trained in the ultilization of Sensory Integration techniques to enhance language and learning skills, and NDT/neuro-developmental techniques, and HANDLE training (Holistic Approach to Neuro-Developmental Learning Efficiency).
• Trained in developing and implementing the use of augmentative communication systems including technology and PECS.
• Trained in Advanced Listening Therapy for learners with auditory processing and motor dysfunction through Vital Sounds.
• Trained in DAN! (Deaf Autism Now!) Protocols for parent training and referral purposes and has attended annual conferences.
• Founder and owner of Holistic Learning Center, LLC. combining nutrition, special education, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Sensory Integration Occupational Therapy, Social Groups, CranioSacral Therapy, Dolphin Assisted Therapy, and parent training.
• Trained in CanioSacral Therapy (Intro.class and CranioSacral I and II, and SomatoEmotional release, and Bio-Acquatics for working with Dolphin Assisted Therapy) through The Upledger Institute.
• Board Member for Foundation of Education of Children with Autism and Whole Child.
• Board Member of Eastchester Communities That Care (ECTC), a nationally funded group that assesses teen risk factors and works to provide community protective factors to supprt healthy behaviors in teens.
• Board Member of Eastchester Beautification Foundation (EBF) that promotes town events for youth and community aesthetics.
• Board Member of Heartsong, a non-for-profit servicing children with special needs in the areas of art therapy and music therapy.

Conversational Spanish and American Sign Language.

Proficient with Augmentative Communication Techniques.

References available upon request.

Josephine Giardina, M.S., Ed.

Josephine Giardina is the Educational Coordinator and Consultant. Josephine received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and grades 1-6 from Concordia College in 2003. She received her Master's Degree in Special Education birth-grade 6 from Long Island University in 2006. Josephine also received training in ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis), Listening Therapy, TEACCH Training and is certified as a Reiki I and Reiki II practitioner.

At the center, she coordinates the educational services for our children being seen in districts and in their homes, and is an expert at organizing classrooms and homes to promote optimal functioning for children with special needs. Additionally, she is an excellent parent trainer while she provides an array of support and networking information for parents to pursue.

Nancy’s passion is to educate and empower parents with children that have been diagnosed with special needs such as PDD, ADD, ADHD, LD, sensory issues and other biomedical disorders of their dietary needs. As a mother of a child with severe allergies, weakened immune system and liver dysfunction, she has first-hand experience with many specialized diets such as Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free, Dairy Free, Yeast-Free, Low Phenol Diet, natural detoxification protocols and supplement regimens. Taking into account the stress placed on the caregivers, parents should also be on a natural and healthy regimen. Children, Women and Family Wellness programs are customized to meet their needs to assist in bringing back balance in the body. Health Food Store outings and kitchen make-over as in the form of "spring cleaning" are available to clear up any confusion when starting a special diet. 

Nancy Guberti is a certified nutritionist and healthy lifestyle coach.

Nicole Barone

Nicole Barone is a Special Education Teacher who received her Master's Degree in Elementary Education (Grades 1-6) and Special Education (Grades 1-6) from Manhattanville College in 2007.  Nicole also received  her certification in Birth-Grade 2 in regular and special education in 2009.  Nicole is trained in Applied Behavioral  Analysis (ABA) and has attended professional development workshops in: Biomedical and Nutrition workshop, Top Techniques for Working with Children who have Sensory Dysfunction, the Bridge between Research and Neurology and its Application to Clinical Practice, and Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies.

At the center, she provides one on one ABA services in school and home settings.  In addition, she implements behavior plans and provides behavioral intervention to students in the classroom.

Christina Miele

Christina Miele is a level 3 Teacher's Assistant.  Christina is pursuing her Master's Degree in Childhood Education (grades 1-6).  Christina graduated from Mercy College with her Bachelor's  Degree in Behavioral Science.  Christina is trained in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).

Marisa Lifrien

Marisa Lifrien is a Special Education Teacher and Behavioral Intervention Consultant.  Marisa received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, grades 1-6, from The Catholic University of America in 2004.  She received her Master's Degree in Special Education grades k-6 from The College of New Rochelle in 2007.  Marisa also recieved training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and has attended Professional Development workshops in: TEACCH Training; Biomedical Nutritional Workshops; The Bridge between Current Research in Neurology and Its Application to Clinical Practice; Top Techniques for working with Children with Sensory Dysfunction; and Understanding Social and Behavioral Development of Children Facilitation of Play Skills.

Marisa specializes in behavioral intervention consultation and services, as well as parent training.