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Senior Supervisory Team

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Teresa Gingras, MS, BCBA, LBA, BA, BVA

Director of Clinical Services

Teresa Gingras, a dedicated and accomplished Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Platinum Therapeutics, uniquely blends over fifteen years of professional expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with the profound insights of being a mother of five, including a child with autism. Holding a Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in ABA and is licensed as a Behavior Analyst in Maryland, Texas, and Connecticut. 

 

Teresa's deep understanding of behavior analysis principles allows her to expertly conduct assessments, develop effective intervention plans, and oversee their implementation. Her exceptional leadership and business acumen have been pivotal in establishing Platinum Therapeutics as a reputable provider of cutting-edge ABA services within the community. In her personal time, Teresa cherishes spending time with her five children and husband, often visiting the local airplane museum, enjoying the outdoors, and listening to her oldest daughter play the violin.  

 

Teresa's personal journey has profoundly shaped her therapeutic approach and her strong commitment to advocacy. Her firsthand experience provides an unparalleled level of empathy for the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. This allows her to offer compassionate and clinically sound support, deeply attuned to their lived experiences. As a dedicated BCBA, Teresa consistently pursues professional development, staying current with the latest research and best practices. This commitment ensures that Platinum Therapeutics integrates innovative techniques and effective interventions, ultimately providing the most impactful and individualized care. Recognizing the importance of engagement, Teresa champions the integration of play and fun as essential components of the ABA process at Platinum Therapeutics.  

 

Teresa's remarkable leadership at Platinum Therapeutics fosters a nurturing, collaborative, and supportive environment for her team, promoting both personal and professional growth. Her strong interpersonal skills enable her to build effective partnerships with families, caregivers, educators, and other professionals, ensuring a comprehensive and cohesive approach to therapy. This collaborative spirit ensures that all stakeholders work together towards the individual's goals.

 

Beyond her professional role, Teresa actively contributes to the broader autism community through her passionate advocacy work. Driven by her personal and professional experiences, Teresa's expertise, compassion, and dedication make her a visionary leader and a trusted resource, making a significant and lasting difference in the lives of those she serves through Platinum Therapeutics and her tireless advocacy for a more understanding and inclusive world.  

Sources and related content

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Sarah Lajoie, MS, BCBA, BA, LBA - Hybrid BCBA

Sarah is a highly passionate and exceptionally skilled Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a rich and diverse professional background in providing comprehensive behavior analytic services across a spectrum of environments, including the home, community settings, and educational institutions. 

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Breana Parker, BS, BCaBA

I am a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) with four years of experience providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children and families. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis to further expand my clinical knowledge and continue delivering high-quality, evidence-based care.

I am passionate about ABA because of the meaningful progress it creates—supporting children in gaining independence and empowering families with effective strategies for everyday success. Watching clients build new skills and confidence is the most rewarding part of my work.

Outside of my professional role, I enjoy caring for my many houseplants, 2 turtles and spending time with my three sons.

Student Analysts, Registered Behavior Technicians and
Behavior Technicians

Syreeta Smith, RBT

Syreeta entered the field of ABA because she was looking for a career change that would serve a bigger purpose than herself. Syreeta has a passion to help children no matter the challenges they may face.

Syreeta started in this field in April 2024 and obtained her RBT credential in September of 2024. She has fallen in love with how amazing ABA changes the life of individual children to become independent and the best amazing versions of themselves!

 

Some of Syreeta's hobbies are spending time with her son, serving the community of Waldorf, and serving the Lord. She also enjoys going to the beach, monster trucks, drag racing, swimming, dancing, and anything that make her son happy.

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Syreeta graduated from Friendly High School in 2005. In 2007, she graduated from Sanford Brown with an Associates Degree for Allied Science. In August 2022 she started her Bachelors program in Psychology, specializing in Christian Counseling.

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Christiana (Tiana) Mankey, RBT

From her upbringing in rural-ish Maryland, where she spent her childhood alongside her mother's archaeology endeavors and later on dig sites, to her deep involvement in the local horse community, her early life was characterized by a blend of history and hands-on engagement. Working with horses in exchange for lessons and nannying on a farm, where she combined her love for children and animals, ultimately solidified her desire to pursue therapy for children. Her diverse passions extend to reading, working with alpacas and horses, and even participating in full-contact jousting, and she harbors a future goal of establishing a therapeutic riding program.

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Her journey toward Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) was inspired early on by a Babysitters Club book about a child with autism, a story that resonated deeply and ignited a lasting commitment to advocating for others and helping them find their voice. This early connection has now led her to transition from the world of horses to the fulfilling work of therapy.

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The most significant reward in her daily work is witnessing the children she supports flourish and develop a strong sense of self. Their increasing confidence is a powerful motivator and reinforces her dedication to this meaningful field.

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Keira Moore, RBT

Keira is a new member to our team, but definitely not new to ABA. More is coming soon on Keira!

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Jayda Hawkins, RBT

Hi! My name is Jayda, and I am a recent graduate of University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I am passionate about supporting children and families, with a strong interest in behavior and mental health.

As a mother to my one-year-old daughter, Nova, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the role that patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement play in a child’s growth and development. My personal experiences have strengthened my commitment to helping children thrive, which is what drew me to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

I am especially motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact—celebrating both big milestones and the small, everyday successes that lead to lasting progress.

Outside of my professional interests, I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my daughter, who keeps me active and inspired. I also value quality time with my family and loved ones.

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Vincent Constantino, RBT

Coming Soon!

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Abigayle Smith, RBT

Coming Soon!

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