Behavior Technicians
Provides one-on-one therapy with your child by implementing the individualized treatment plan created by the supervising BCBA. The BT has the role of creating a positive and fun learning experiece for your child.
Michelle Hand
Lead Behavior Technician
Hi, I'm Michelle! I currently have a Masters Degree in Elementary Education. I have been working with children for many years. I have worked in a daycare teaching children from infancy to preschool. I prior experience in ABA includes working in the public school setting ranging from grades K-4. My goal is to one day become a BCBA.
In my free time I love to go to the lake or the beach, spend time with my family and friends, and read books!
Holly Thibeault
Lead Behavior Technician
Hello! My name Holly. I have been working in the field of ABA for some years in both clinical and home settings with clients of all ages. I received my Registered Behavior Technician certificate after working in the field for under a year. My prior experience is in early childhood education. I truly enjoy watching my clients progress and am glad that I can be a stepping stone for them to learn. I have plans to go back to school to become a BCBA. I enjoy reading, going on walks, and spending time with my son and family. I hope to continue to learn daily in the field.
Melany Felix
Behavior Technician
My name is Melany, and I am pursuing a master's degree in applied behavior analysis at Capella University with a concentration in organizational behavior management. I have a bachelor's in sociology from UMass Lowell. I have worked in schools and ABA simultaneously for the past 5+ years. I recently transitioned from my program manager position at Lawrence High School to dive full-time into ABA and my practicum. In my free time, you can find me at the gym or hiking with my 3-year-old mini Goldendoodle!
Savannah Gravely
Behavior Technician
Hi, I’m Savannah! I began my career in early childhood education, creating sensory-based activities for kids from infants to grade school. I then spent five years working in ICU healthcare, which taught me a lot, but I found myself missing the energy and joy that children bring. Now, I’m so excited to be doing meaningful work that supports kids as they grow with confidence and connection. I grew up in Maine and love going home for bonfires with my family. In my free time, I enjoy yoga, the gym, and spending time outdoors.
Josh Calgaro
Behavior Technician
Hi! My name is Josh and I'm pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Italian Studies at UMass Lowell. I have an immense passion for mental health advocacy, LGBTQ+ pride, and helping people through tough times. I love making a positive difference in the lives of others and I'm very passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles and self-growth! When I'm not working, I love to sing, play music, and go to concerts!
Megan Muse
Behavior Technician
Hello, my name is Megan and I’ve been a behavior technician for a few years. I have worked with children for over fifteen years, as an aid in school settings as well as nannying. I have a younger brother on the spectrum who is my motivation for what I do today. I love helping families and children navigate through life a little easier. I hold an associates degree in psychology. I am a freelance artist and love to bring art work into the world of ABA. My favorite thing about ABA is teaching individuals and families what they are capable of doing, and helping them to achieve it!
Maria D'Urso
Behavior Technician
Hi, I'm Maria! I'm currently in college pursuing a career as an echocardiographer. My passion for working with children with autism began in high school, where I gained hands-on experience and discovered how rewarding it is to help others learn and grow. What I love most about this field is building connections and supporting children as they develop independence and confidence in their skills. Outside of work and school, I love traveling, experiencing new things, and spending time with my family and my dog. I'm also fluent in German. In the future, I plan to return to school to pursue a career in special education, and I'm excited to continue learning and making a meaningful impact along the way!
Aidan Dowd
Behavior Technician
Hi! My name is Aidan, I am currently enrolled at UMass Lowell, and am pursuing a degree in clinical psychology. I am passionate about helping other people, guiding others, and building skills. I have always enjoyed working with children in the past and find the time spent to be very fulfilling. I graduated from Concord Carlisle High School and am from Concord, Massachusetts originally. Some things I enjoy are exercising, motorcycle/car building & racing, playing hockey, and spending time with family and friends.
Valentina Pena Gutarra
Behavior Technician
Hi, I'm Valentina! I recently graduated from Middlesex Community College with a degree in Psychology. I am a Registered Behavior Technician and truly enjoy spending time with the kiddos I work with. I love helping them build new skills and seeing them thrive. Working as an RBT for BEST allows me to continue to further my experience in this field and I look forward to growing alongside my clients and colleagues. In my free time, I love going out to eat, exploring new places , and spending time with my friends and family!
Paige Ward
Behavior Technician
Hi, I'm Paige! I am a Registered Behavior Technician at BEST ABA as well as a student at Fitchburg State University, where I will be graduating soon. I have over three years of experience working with children on the spectrum and truly enjoy supporting their growth and development. I find it rewarding to see clients make progress, build new skills, and form meaningful connections along the way. Outside of work, I enjoy taking walks, spending time with my family, and relaxing with a good movie.
Ashlyn Murphy
Behavior Technician
Hi, I’m Ashlyn and I am a behavior technician at BEST ABA! I am currently pursuing a degree in psychology. My passion for this field began at an early age, as I grew up with family members on the spectrum, which inspired me to want to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals with autism. I value strong communication skills, positivity and patience, and I value building supportive connections that encourage growth and learning! In my free time I love to read, paint, and spend time with my family and friends.
Daniella Pichardo
Behavior Technician
My name is Daniella Pichardo, and I am a Behavior Technician at BEST ABA. I recently earned my Associate’s Degree and am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a concentration in Behavior Analysis. I am an EEC Certified Teacher with over four years of experience working with children on the spectrum.I am passionate about helping children grow, develop essential skills, and reach their full potential. Making a positive difference in their lives is truly rewarding. I am trilingual, speaking English, Spanish, and French. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my family and have a strong passion for home decor and interior design.
Taylor McDonough
Behavior Technician
Hi! My name is Taylor, and I am a behavior technician at BEST ABA. I am completing my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in mental health counseling and a minor in behavioral neuroscience. I am particularly interested in biopsychology and the influences on behavior, and I hope to continue to incorporate these interests into my professional journey. I am the oldest of four children, with my youngest siblings being just 3 and 6 years old, who inspired me to work with children and have made me quite familiar with how to help them learn and grow. In my free time, I spend time with my family and my rabbit, Stuart, as well as reading and being outside!