Leadership
An Unparalleled Team
The Capstone Center was founded and is led by four doctoral-level, BCBA®-credentialed directors. Both doctoral- and masters-level BCBA-credentialed clinicians and teachers round out the team—providing extensive experience and support to learners, parents/caregivers, and educators. Our individualized services are rooted in evidence-based practices to help children and young adults with ASD and I/DD live their fullest lives.
Sharon A. Reeve, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA (NY)
Executive Director
Sharon is a visionary and recognized expert in helping children with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities. She has dedicated herself to children from diagnosis to adulthood across all skills levels and their families for more than 25 years. Sharon is a consultant for school- and home-based programs that center on early intervention, behavior reduction and “functional academics”—the skills most needed to secure employment and community-based living. She leads and conducts research investigating topics that foster the necessary social skills that people with autism spectrum disorder need for meaningful interactions with others and regularly publishes and presents her work. Sharon serves on multiple editorial boards and advisory boards, and has appeared as an advisor on local and national TV news programs. She coordinates the graduate programs in applied behavior analysis at Caldwell University where she is also a full-time professor. Sharon believes: “Children and adults with autism deserve the opportunity to live their lives to their fullest potential.”
Jason C. Vladescu, Ph.D., BCBA-D, NCSP, LBA (NY)
Director
With more than a decade of experience as a BCBA and certified school psychologist, Jason has been helping learners with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities improve their lives. He is an avid proponent of early behavioral intervention where targeting a child’s challenges in the formative years helps to improve their lives for the future. Jason’s further research focuses on refining staff training and elevating academic instruction to better meet the needs of children and parents. He currently serves on the editorial boards for the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and School Psychology Quarterly, among others. He is a professor and teaches at the graduate level. Jason feels that “changing a child's developmental path can transform their lives and the lives of their families.”
Ruth M. DeBar, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA (NY)
Director
For more than 20 years, Ruth has developed interventions to address severe behavior associated with ASD. Using a collaborative, family-centric approach, Ruth specializes in training and workshops for parents and professionals. Her current research focuses on quality-of-life issues, such as leveraging client preference and choice, assessing the function of challenging behaviors, and enhancing play and leisure skills. Ruth is a graduate-school professor who has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis. She strives to give people with autism the tools to live the richest and most independent lives possible. Ruth’s words to live by: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”
April N. Kisamore, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA (NY)
Director
April brings more than a decade of experience in behavior analysis to those with ASD. Her research focuses on therapies for learners to improve communication and social skills to curtail problem behavior—to live more fulfilled and community-engaged lives—and achieve greater independence. April works with parents to develop effective strategies to create a healthier and happier family life. She has been published in peer-reviewed journals at the local and national level, including the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, and serves on the editorial board for The Analysis of Verbal Behavior. April is dedicated to “unlocking communications challenges for our kids, and helping them discover all their capabilities.”
An Unsurpasssed Clinical Team
Under doctoral-level leadership, The Capstone Center's clinical teams provide individualized, end-to-end care for our children and young adults.
Casi M. Healey, M.A., BCBA
Clinical Director
Casi has been working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder for over 20 years. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a certified New Jersey school psychologist. Casi oversees the Capstone clinical teams. She nurtures a collaborative, family-focused staff to assure that learners are supported with the most effective and compassionate care that they need. Casi’s expertise extends to public school districts, private schools, and home-based programs. In addition, she serves on multiple advisory boards for persons with disabilities.
Nicole F. Lehman, M.A., BCBA
Assistant Clinical Director
Nicole has been working with individuals with autism as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst for over ten years. Nicole gained clinical experience at Caldwell University’s Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis. She developed her skills as a staff trainer while she was a graduate assistant. Nicole is committed to supporting an effective clinical environment. She assists with day-to-day operations, assessment of behavior, development of intervention plans, and staff training. Nicole believes a “collaborative approach with staff and parents benefits everyone.”