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Senior Supervisory Team
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
Sarah Lajoie, MS BCBA BA
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.
Student Analysts, Registered Behavior Technicians and
Behavior Technicians
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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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Amanda Weed, RBT/Student Analyst
Amanda Weed is a driven and empathetic individual with almost 15 years of experience working with special needs individuals. As a mother of four, her personal journey took a significant turn when her daughter received an autism diagnosis and began ABA therapy. Witnessing the life-changing impact of this therapy inspired Amanda to pursue a career where she could offer the same support to other families. This passion led her to the ABA field, which she describes as her true calling.
Amanda has earned her paraprofessional certification in Maryland, her CNA/GNA, and her RBT certification. She is currently furthering her education at Capella University, working towards her bachelor's degree in psychology with an undergraduate specialization in ABA and her future BCaBA.
In her downtime, Amanda enjoys expressing her artistic side through painting and crocheting, and is even learning the craft of tattooing. The opportunity to witness the growth and development of her clients is what fuels her dedication and makes her work so deeply rewarding.
Keira Moore, RBT
Keira is a new member to our team, but definitely not new to ABA. More is coming soon on Keira!
Christiana 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.
I’m originally from PG County, Maryland, and just recently made the move from sunny Florida. I’ve been a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) for 7 years now, and I truly love what I do. I lead my work with creativity, humility, and a whole lot of prayer.
I’ve always had a heart for kids and wanted to gain more experience working with them in the field of psychology. I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University, and I’m currently working on my Master’s in Theological Studies at Westminster Theological Seminary. My long-term goal is to become a Biblical Counselor, focusing on supporting individuals with special needs.
What I love most about working in ABA is watching our clients grow and seeing how that growth transforms their families’ lives too. It’s incredibly rewarding.
When I’m not working, you can find me reading, writing poetry, painting, playing guitar, or just spending time with my family and friends. I’m also super passionate about pouring into the younger generation and finding ways to give back to my community.
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