Engage Kidz Therapists

Patty Maxwell-Founder-M.Ed., M.S., BSL

Patty's commitment to becoming a Licensed Behavioral Specialist and Parenting Coach stemmed from her own journey coping with her daughter's learning and behavioral challenges. She found it extremely difficult and frustrating to find support & services that really helped families go from struggling to thriving while still making time for the rest of her family and herself.

Patty received her 1st master’s degree in Special Education from The University of Pittsburgh and 2nd master’s in Infant Mental Health from Chatham University. Patty is a Licensed Behavior Specialist and has been a developmental and behavioral consultant for Early Intervention Services for 14 years prior to starting Engage Kidz. She has also worked in many positions in the mental health field including Behavioral Therapist, Intensive Case Management and Family Based Therapist.

Patty’s various educational background and experiences have allowed her to work with a wide range of ages (birth through adulthood) and supporting an array of learning abilities including individuals with autism, learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, intellectual disabilities and emotional disorders.

Her passion is to support children and their families so that they can find peace and happiness.

Jodi Dugan-Director-M.Ed., BCBA, BSL

Jodi is a former Special Education Supervisor and certified Elementary Education teacher who discovered her passion for working with children when she volunteered as a summer camp teacher. During that experience, she observed a child with autism receiving support services and was deeply inspired. Motivated to make a difference, she applied for a Therapeutic Support Specialist (TSS) position and quickly realized she had found her life’s calling.

Jodi spent over 15 years with the same agency, advancing through several roles while continuing her education. Her positions included Therapeutic Support Specialist (TSS), Behavioral Support Consultant (BSC), and Behavioral Health Rehabilitative Services (BHRS) provider. She also served as a Special Education Supervisor and Behavioral Analyst at the agency’s private school. Additionally, Jodi supervised Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) fieldwork students for the University of Pittsburgh.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and Elementary Education certification from Washington & Jefferson College, followed by a Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Pittsburgh. Jodi has been a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since January 2011 and a Licensed Behavior Specialist since June 2013.

Today, Jodi works as a BCBA supporting children ages 2 to 14 with autism. She is known for her fierce commitment and dedication to the families, teachers, and students she serves.

In addition to her clinical work, Jodi provides BCBA/RBT fieldwork supervision, reflective supervision, and training/coaching on autism and behavior management. She is a certified Safety-Care Crisis Prevention trainer through QBS and conducts Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) for schools and early childhood centers. She enjoys using reverse brainstorming techniques to coach and support adults working in challenging classroom environments.

Jodi’s passion is helping children with autism grow as individuals and thrive in their homes, schools, and communities.

Jordan Dornin-Bs.eD.

Jordan’s passion for special education was sparked in high school, where she worked at a summer camp for children with special needs. Her dedication and natural leadership led her to become the camp director, a role that deepened her commitment to supporting children with diverse abilities. Inspired by the meaningful connections she built and the difference she could make, Jordan pursued a career in education. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, graduating with a solid foundation for her future work.

Over the past decade and a half, Jordan has had the privilege of working with students of all ages and abilities, including those with autism, emotional disorders, physical limitations, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral challenges. She has taught in emotional support, learning support, and autistic support settings, where she has developed personalized strategies to help each student thrive both academically and personally.

After leaving the classroom, Jordan transitioned to the field of early intervention, continuing to work with young children and their families. She gained valuable experience supporting children with developmental delays, equipping them with the tools for early growth and success. Jordan also worked closely alongside a psychologist specializing in adolescent disorders, gaining a deeper understanding of selective mutism. In addition, she holds training in infant mental health, which has further equipped her to support children and families from the earliest developmental stages.

Jordan is especially passionate about working closely with parents and caregivers. She is known for building deep, trusting relationships with the families she serves and takes a collaborative, team-based approach to ensure each child receives the most effective and compassionate support possible.

Today, Jordan is proud to be part of the Engage Kidz team, where she offers educational and behavioral services to children, families, and educators.

Meggan Fleming-M.Ed.

With over fifteen years of experience in special education, Meggan is a passionate and dedicated educator committed to supporting families, teachers, and caregivers. Her career began after earning a degree in Elementary and Special Education from Slippery Rock University. She started in an Easter Seals classroom, where her leadership and compassion quickly led to a promotion as an Integration Specialist. In that role, she guided families through the transition from Easter Seals programs into public school systems, ensuring continuity of care and support.

Meggan holds a Master’s Degree in Early Intervention with a specialization in Autism from the University of Pittsburgh. Her expertise lies in helping those she works with navigate challenging behaviors, creating more positive educational, social, and interpersonal experiences for children and those who care for them.

Meggan’s approach is collaborative, empathetic, and rooted in evidence-based practices—empowering families and educators to build brighter futures together.

Janelle Waag-M.Ed.

Janelle Waag holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Carlow University. With a strong academic foundation and years of hands-on experience, Janelle is a developmental and behavioral therapist dedicated to helping children thrive through early intervention.

She believes that timely, individualized support is key to unlocking a child’s full potential. Janelle partners with parents, educators, and children to navigate developmental and behavioral challenges with compassion and clarity. Her collaborative, strengths-based approach focuses on creating practical strategies and tools that support long-term success—at home, in school, and beyond.

Janelle’s professional background includes roles as a Therapeutic Support Staff (TSS), a preschool teacher in a special education setting, and a developmental and behavioral therapist in Early Intervention programs. She brings both empathy and expertise to every family she works with.

When she's not supporting children and families, you’ll find Janelle enjoying a good beach read and spending time with her two children

Nancy lehman-B.A. Psychology

Nancy is a seasoned early childhood professional with over 20 years of experience supporting children, families, and educators. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a graduate certificate in Infant Mental Health, along with certification in drug and alcohol counseling. Her career began working with juveniles in placement and in school-based prevention programs, but her path shifted after her own child received early intervention services. That personal experience ignited a passion for helping families navigate developmental concerns with empathy and confidence.

Since 2006, Nancy has worked extensively with children facing developmental delays, communication challenges, social-emotional struggles, and behavioral concerns. She partners closely with parents, caregivers, and teachers to build supportive environments and create individualized strategies rooted in strengths-based, trauma-informed practices.

Nancy’s approach emphasizes the power of relationships to drive positive change. She is trained in DIR®/Floortime and has significant experience supporting children with autism spectrum disorders and complex developmental needs. Her collaborative style empowers caregivers to feel confident and connected in their role, while always centering the needs of the child.

Grounded in curiosity and empathy, Nancy believes that “wondering” is the first step toward understanding—and that understanding leads to meaningful growth for both children and the adults who support them.

RACHAEL Lukon-MS, BCBA, LBS

With 20 years of experience in the BHRS/IBHS field, Rachael has worked with individuals ranging from 2 to 21 years of age, providing high-quality care and support. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has served as a Behavior Specialist since 2008 and a Licensed Behavior Specialist since 2012. Over the years, Rachael has held a variety of roles, including outpatient therapist, mobile therapist, strength-based therapist, Licensed Behavior Specialist, and Assistant Clinical Director, each role reinforcing her commitment to helping individuals with behavioral challenges.

Rachael earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Sociology in 2004 from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and began her career as a TSS working with individuals with autism, learning, and behavioral disorders. She later earned her Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Clarion University in 2008 and completed the ABA/CLM (Competent Learner Model) Advanced Competency Certificate Program in 2022, which helped her achieve her BCBA certification.

Currently, Rachael offers high-quality BCBA supervision to aspiring behavior analysts, focusing on ethical practice, clinical excellence, and individualized growth. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of behavior analysts and guiding them toward success in the field.

In addition to her supervision work, Rachael collaborates with camp staff and counselors at the Pittsburgh Zoo's Engage Kidz program, where she supports children with diverse behavioral needs in recreational settings. She also works within local school districts, utilizing data-driven behavioral assessments and interventions to promote student success. Rachael specializes in conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) to identify the underlying functions of challenging behaviors and develop personalized support strategies.

Throughout her career, Rachael has remained dedicated to advocating for and supporting families, teachers, and caregivers in managing challenging behaviors with compassion and respect. Her goal is to create hope and provide practical guidance for parents and children alike.

Outside of her professional work, Rachael enjoys spending time with her family, attending her son’s baseball games and her daughter’s gymnastics and cheer competitions. She values work-life balance and cherishes time spent with her loved ones.

JAN HOCULOCK-B.S. in Child Development and Family Relations, ECMH-E

Jan Hoculock is a Behavioral and Educational Therapist with over 12 years of experience supporting young children and their families. She specializes in early childhood development, working with children from birth through elementary school to foster emotional well-being, learning readiness, and strong relationships.

Jan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and Family Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an Early Childhood Family Associate Endorsement through the Pennsylvania Association for Infant Mental Health (PA-AIMH). Her approach is rooted in relationship-centered learning, informed by specialized training in Conscious Discipline and trauma-informed classroom practices.

A participant in Educators’ Neighborhood through the Fred Rogers Institute, Jan integrates Mr. Rogers’ enduring philosophy of respect, empathy, and connection into her work. Her professional experience includes leadership and teaching roles in Head Start, nonprofit preschools, and child care centers, where she has consistently created environments where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to grow.

Jan is deeply committed to supporting families and educators in nurturing each child’s emotional and developmental needs, laying the foundation for lifelong success.

AMY SUKAY-B.S. Communication disorders, M.S. Special education, Teaching cert. in speech correction

Amy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Edinboro University and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Waynesburg University. She is certified in communication disorders and is fluent in American Sign Language, skills that have greatly enhanced her ability to support a diverse range of children and families.

With over 23 years of dedicated experience in the field of early intervention, Amy has served in a variety of roles, beginning as a speech therapist and co-teacher before advancing to leadership positions as a preschool service coordinator and administrator. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering high-quality services and outcomes for young children and their families.

Amy's early intervention expertise includes overseeing multidisciplinary screening and evaluation teams, chairing Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and developing and delivering professional training programs for early learning partners. She has played an instrumental role in onboarding and mentoring new staff, as well as providing technical assistance and guidance to early childhood education partners to ensure the consistent delivery of best practices in service provision.

A passionate advocate for children and families, Amy focuses on building strong collaborative relationships and empowering families to play an active role in their child's development. She believes in meeting each child where they are, setting meaningful goals, and celebrating every success along the way. Her leadership style is grounded in compassion, expertise, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of each child she serves.

Amy’s work is driven by a steadfast belief that with the right support, every child can achieve their fullest potential. She is honored to partner with families and educators to create inclusive, supportive, and high-quality learning environments that lay the foundation for lifelong success.

KRISTIN MALIE-B.S. In Psychology and ED., CIMI (certified infant massage instructor)

If you had asked me at age three what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer was simple: “a mother!” Today, that answer hasn’t changed. I’m a proud mom to three incredible children who are each beginning their own journeys into adulthood, and I’ve been blessed to share my life with a loving husband—my partner for over half of my life.

Professionally, I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and a Certificate in Elementary Education from Saint Vincent College. For over 25 years, I’ve dedicated my career to working with young children and families, driven by a passion to encourage learning, foster growth, and create supportive, nurturing environments.

Two of my proudest accomplishments include building and launching a successful childcare center—from the ground up, including physical setup and curriculum development—and creating an education-based preschool and Pre-K program designed to support school readiness through meaningful, play-based learning.

I wholeheartedly believe in helping every child and family find their “right fit” when it comes to quality education, healthy socialization, and access to helpful family resources. This belief continues to inspire my professional growth. I’ve pursued ongoing education and training in areas such as Infant Massage Instruction (CIMI), Sign Language, Communication Development, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Play Therapy, and Classroom Management.

Whether you’re navigating the early years of parenting or looking for support in creating a strong foundation for your child’s development, I’m here to help guide, support, and walk alongside you on this journey.

ANGELINA BAKER-B.S. IN PSYCHOLOGY

Angelina is a passionate and driven Behavioral Therapist who is committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of children, families, and educators. With a deep understanding of behavior and learning, she strives to create meaningful, individualized strategies that support emotional growth, communication, and daily living skills across home, school, and community settings.

Angelina began her career in behavioral health in 2023, working as a Behavioral Health Technician where she provided Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children diagnosed with developmental and behavioral disorders. Her experience in direct one-on-one therapy fueled her passion for the field and led her to pursue her certification as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in 2024.

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a dual major in Criminal Justice from the University of Pittsburgh, where she developed a strong academic foundation in human behavior, developmental psychology, and social systems. Her unique background allows her to approach behavioral therapy with a well-rounded perspective, integrating both clinical insight and a justice-oriented mindset to support diverse populations.

Since joining Engage Kidz in July 2024, Angelina has worked closely with children, families, and educators to assess behavioral needs and implement evidence-based interventions that enhance learning and improve quality of life. She is known for her collaborative approach, working hand-in-hand with caregivers and educational teams to ensure strategies are consistent and sustainable across environments.

MELISA HICKEY-M.ED.,LBS,BCBA

Melisa Hickey earned her Bachelor of Education in Elementary and Special Education from St. Francis University and a Master’s degree in Education, specializing in Curriculum, from Gannon University. She is a Licensed Behavior Specialist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a strong background in both education and behavioral health. In addition to her clinical work, Melisa offers supervision for individuals pursuing BCBA certification.

Melisa transitioned into behavioral health full-time in 2013, becoming a Licensed Behavior Specialist. She discovered her passion for working with individuals on the autism spectrum while serving as a Therapeutic Support Specialist and Autism Support teacher. Since 2020, she has been a certified BCBA, working across various agencies within the Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) system.

Her focus lies in supporting families with newly diagnosed children through the early elementary years, helping them build strong foundations and achieve their goals. Melisa is dedicated to empowering families and believes in a collaborative, individualized approach to care.

Shannon day-B.S. in Psychology

Shannon is a compassionate and highly skilled Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with a strong background in psychology and education. With a year of experience delivering personalized ABA therapy, Shannon has worked extensively with children aged 10 and under, including those on the autism spectrum. Her expertise focuses on developing key skills such as language acquisition, daily living, reading comprehension, and fine motor coordination.

Shannon holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in education and is excited to continue her education, beginning her Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis in June 2025. Her ultimate goal is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), further enhancing her ability to provide impactful, evidence-based therapy.

At the heart of Shannon’s approach is her deep commitment to each child’s progress. She believes in creating individualized, meaningful learning experiences that celebrate both big and small milestones. Whether she’s helping a child improve daily life skills or reach new communication goals, Shannon takes pride in being part of each child’s journey toward greater independence and success.

JODIE OROWITZ-M.S. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Jodie brings over two decades of dedicated experience to her role as a pediatric occupational therapist, with a strong focus on early intervention. Since beginning her career in 2001 at The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh, where she worked as part of the Functional Feeding Team, Jodie has built a reputation for compassionate, family-centered care.

After gaining valuable experience in both outpatient and school-based settings, Jodie found her professional passion in 2008—working directly with families to provide in-home therapy services for infants and toddlers. For the past 17 years, she has delivered early intervention services across Westmoreland, Allegheny, Butler, and Armstrong counties, supporting children with a wide range of developmental delays.

Jodie specializes in sensory processing and feeding interventions, using a personalized approach that integrates therapeutic strategies into each family's daily routines. Her deep understanding of child development and warm, approachable demeanor make her a trusted partner to families navigating the early years of their child’s growth.

Whether she’s working on motor skills, sensory integration, or feeding challenges, Jodie’s goal is to empower both children and caregivers through hands-on support and clear communication. She is known for her warm smile, active listening, and genuine care for every child she works with.

BARB WARDEN-M.S. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Barb’s commitment to special education began early in her career as a teacher in an Easter Seals classroom. Inspired by her students’ perseverance and growing independence, she pursued advanced training to make a broader impact through occupational therapy.

She earned her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Duquesne University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Saint Francis University. Barb is a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist with over 25 years of experience in pediatric practice. Her work spans outpatient, inpatient, and school-based settings, and she has extensive experience supporting children with a wide range of diagnoses as part of multidisciplinary care teams.

Barb has also contributed to the academic community as an adjunct professor and guest lecturer at local colleges and universities.

Her professional goal is to help every child reach their fullest potential—maximizing independence and promoting success in the home, school, and community.

Outside of work, Barb enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, coaching, and volunteering in her local community.