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Meet the Platinum Therapeutics Team
Senior Supervisory Team

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

Heather Nicolle, MA, BCBA, LBA
Clinical Director of Autism Services
Heather 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. Her Master's degree in Professional Behavior Analysis from the esteemed Florida Institute of Technology underscores her strong academic foundation and her unwavering commitment to the rigorous dissemination of best practices within the dynamic field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Heather's core professional mission is centered on meaningfully improving the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum and providing crucial support to their families, a dedication that permeates her leadership and clinical work.
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As the Clinical Director of Autism Services at Platinum Therapeutics, Heather plays a pivotal role in shaping the quality and effectiveness of the services provided. She expertly oversees the intricate processes involved in the development and precise implementation of comprehensive, evidence-based intervention programs that are meticulously tailored to address the unique strengths, challenges, and goals of each individual client. Heather's leadership extends to the cultivation of a high-performing team of professionals, including student analysts and dedicated Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT). She fosters a collaborative, supportive, and growth-oriented environment where teamwork and shared expertise are paramount in delivering exceptional services that promote increased independence, enhanced social communication skills, improved overall communication abilities, and a greater sense of well-being for the individuals they serve.
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Recognizing the continuous evolution of the field of ABA, Heather is actively engaged in providing robust training and ongoing supervision to both aspiring and practicing professionals. She is deeply invested in mentoring the next generation of behavior analysts and other allied professionals entering the specialized area of autism services. Within Platinum Therapeutics, Heather champions a culture of continuous learning and professional development, ensuring that all team members remain current with the latest cutting-edge research findings, adhere to the most effective and ethical best practices within the field, and consistently integrate anti-ableist principles into their clinical work, promoting respect, dignity, and self-determination for all individuals.
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In her personal time, Heather finds joy and rejuvenation in spending quality moments with her cherished family and the companionship of her two beloved dogs. She also enjoys the captivating narratives of thriller novels and embraces the enriching experiences of travel, broadening her perspectives and fostering personal growth. Heather remains steadfast in her commitment to making a tangible and positive difference in the lives of individuals with autism and feels a deep sense of purpose and honor in her role as the Clinical Director of Autism Services at Platinum Therapeutics, where she can effectively blend her passion, extensive expertise, and unwavering dedication to empower individuals and provide meaningful support to their families on their unique journeys.
BCaBA and Student Analysts

Dorothy Hawkins
BCaBA, Student Analyst
Dorothy has been in the ABA field since 2021. She moved to ABA after working in a daycare setting and wanting to try something new.
As for Dorothy's favorite parts about working in ABA, Dorothy loves that since the day to day is unpredictable--it challenges her to always perform to her best abilities and to keep learning. She also loves when her clients achieve something they work super hard on.​
On her days off, Dorothy likes to watch tv, do puzzles, color, paint, and spend time with family and friends.​Dorothy has obtained a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Mary Baldwin and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in ABA from Florida Tech.
Dorothy recently passed her Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst License as of December 2024!

Samantha Croote
RBT, Student Analyst, Clinical Operations Manager
I am the Clinical Operations Manager, as well as a studentt analyst and RBT. I work closely with the RBTs to ensure client success, provide trainings, and review all of our direct service notes.
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I began working in ABA in January of 2023. I obtained my RBT credential in December of 2023 and began working with Platinum in March of 2024. I recently graduated with my Master's of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from Eastern Kentucky University and am finishing my fieldwork hours soon to become a BCBA.
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In my spare time I like to do puzzles, listen to true crime podcasts, and make themed playlists.

Melissa Lopez
RBT, Student Analyst
Melissa found ABA while working in the school system in Arlington VA in 2010. She worked in a life skills classroom during the day and ABA in the evenings. For several years she took on both roles until she realized her passion was in Behavior Analysis. She is now 14 years strong in the field and has not looked back since.
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To Melissa, there is nothing quite like seeing the impact you make on both the clients and their families. It is her favorite part about her role as an ABA professional.
Melissa holds a Bachelors of psychology from the University of Charleston. Since graduating from UC, she worked in the field as an RBT for almost 13 years before deciding to further her education and pursue her BCBA license. She is currently enrolled at Florida Tech and will complete her Masters Degree in November of 2024. Her goal is to pass the board exam and finally be a Board Certified Behavior Analyst!
When Melissa has down time, she mostly enjoys hanging out with her 3 kids and her husband. Melissa's family are supporters of the Annapolis Blues and love catching their games! At home, Melissa is guilty of being a reality tv junkie--especially 90 Day Fiance.

Amber Rusko
Lead RBT, Student Analyst, Clinical Operations Manager
With a background in Psychology, Amber knew she wanted to find a career path that allowed her to help others. After some searching, she found the field of ABA. Amber has been in the field of ABA since 2020.
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What Amber enjoys the most about her role is seeing the day-to-day success of ABA implementation. From a client saying their first words or learning to tie their shoes, the little successes found in sessions are what she enjoys the most!
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Outside of work, Amber's guilty pleasures are listening to true crime and mystery podcasts and binge watching 90 Day Fiance. She also loves spending time with her 2-year-old son and exploring nature.
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Amber currently holds a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Howard University. She is currently pursuing her Masters in ABA at Florida Institute of Technology.
Administrative

Administrative Operations Manager, Billing and Scheduling Coordinator
Taleaitha Heier
Taleaitha is focused on the Billing/Scheduling side at Platinum Therapeutics. With a passion for creativity and design, Taleaitha brings a unique blend of skills and enthusiasm to their work.
Outside of the office, she is an avid enthusiast of landscaping design, often spending her free time creating beautiful outdoor spaces. She also enjoys horseback riding, a hobby that allows her to connect with nature and unwind.
In addition, Taleaitha loves cooking, experimenting with new recipes, and sharing meals with friends and family. Her hands-on approach extends to DIY projects, where she enjoys tackling home improvement tasks. Traveling is another one of Taleaitha’s favorite pastimes, as she loves exploring new cultures and destinations, broadening their horizons along the way.
With a well-rounded set of interests, Taleaitha values both creativity and relaxation, bringing a fresh and balanced perspective to her professional and personal life.
Taleaitha began her career in the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) field through a focus on billing and processing, where she quickly developed a deep understanding of the administrative side of the industry. With a keen attention to detail and a passion for supporting the smooth operation of ABA services, she has contributed significantly to ensuring accurate billing, claims processing, and maintaining records in compliance with industry standards.
Currently, Taleaitha is expanding her knowledge by working on RBT classes, where she is enhancing her expertise in behavior analysis techniques and applying them to improve client outcomes. Her dedication to both the operational and clinical aspects of ABA reflects her commitment to providing high-quality care and service.
Registered Behavior Technicians and
Behavior Technicians

Abigayle Smith, BT
Abigayle is a passionate professional from Calvert County, Maryland. She graduated from Huntingtown High School in 2024, and shortly after, she discovered Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a field that immediately resonated with her love for working with children. Abigayle has always enjoyed helping children grow and learn, having gained experience through babysitting and working in daycares. This hands-on experience led her to pursue a career in ABA, and she plans to further her education with a degree in psychology.
What she finds most rewarding about her work in ABA is witnessing the growth and progress of children, which brings her great joy and satisfaction. In her free time, Abigayle enjoys spending quality moments with family and friends, shopping, and, above all, relaxing at the beach.

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.

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.

Amanda Weed, RBT
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.