Model Me Kids Story

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Model Me Kids Story

As a therapist for young children with Autism, Model Me Kids President Susan Klein saw first hand the need for social skills training tools that used visual support. She developed Model Me Kids videos based on her experience working in home-based programs involving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a teaching method that breaks down skills into small parts and uses positive reinforcement to motivate appropriate behavior. The videos and supporting curricula materials reflect the approach of breaking down skills to make them understandable for children on the Autism Spectrum.

Susan Klein, President

Susan Klein is the President of Model Me Kids, which she founded in 2004. Prior to Model Me Kids, Susan spent several years working in home-based ABA programs with young children with Autism under the supervision of Behavior Consultants from CSAAC (Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children). Susan graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Resource Development Team

Beth Garigen, M.Ed., CAS, LMHC
Beth received her B.A. in Psychology at Buffalo State College and her Masters of Education in School Counseling from the University at Buffalo. She is licensed as a Mental Health Counselor. Her background includes work with developmentally disabled children in residential and day program settings. Beth is currently the School Counselor at Warsaw Elementary School in Warsaw, NY and maintains a private practice as a Mental Health Counselor.

Michele Harrington, MS, CCC-SLP
Michele earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from Cortland College. She received a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Adelphi University. Michele has been a Speech Language Pathologist for more than ten years. As the Speech Language Pathologist for Sunrise Drive Elementary School in Sayville, NY, she currently works with several students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Kathleen Maggio-Straub, MS
Kathleen received an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development from Suffolk Community College. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education from Dowling College. For more than twelve years, she has worked with children and adults with Autism in public schools, private agencies, as well as residential settings. Kathleen currently serves as the Internal Autism/Behavioral Consultant for Sayville School District in Sayville, NY. In this role, Kathleen consults with school staff regarding how to implement behavior modification techniques, the development of appropriate IEP goals, how to address sensory and social issues, and the incorporation of visual supports in the classroom. Kathleen conducts in-service training workshops to further support staff working with children with Autism, and developed the District's best practices social skill resource guide book.

Deidre Rabuck, Special Education Teacher
Deidre received her B.A. in Special Education, with a focus on Severe Disabilities, from the University of Maryland. She is currently obtaining her Masters degree in Autism and Severe Disabilities from Johns Hopkins University. Deidre has been working with children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders for fifteen years. She began working with individuals with Autism in home-based discrete trial teaching programs as a Therapist and Team Leader. Deidre began her classroom teaching career in the Applied Behavior Analysis Program at the Ivymount School, Rockville, MD. She is now a special education teacher at the Kennedy Krieger School, Baltimore, MD, where she has worked with high functioning adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders for the past nine years. She also works as a technician and family trainer for individuals and their families who receive Autism Waiver services.

Rachel Rambach, MM, MT-BC
Music Therapist Rachel Rambach Rachel received her B.A. in Music at Rollins College and her Masters of Music Therapy from Illinois State University. She is a board-certified music therapist, specializing in work with children who have diagnoses on the autism spectrum. Rachel created the music therapy program at the Hope Institute for Children & Families in Springfield, Illinois, where she works full time in addition to maintaining a private practice.

Jason Straub, MS
Jason has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Stony Brook University and a Masters Degree in Special Education and Reading Dowling College. He has been working with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder ranging in age from preschool to adulthood for the last thirteen years. He is currently employed as a Special Education Teacher in the South Country School District on Long Island. He serves a variety of students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.