Asha Persaud earned dual bachelor degrees from Penn State University in Psychology and Spanish and a Masters of Science in School Psychology from Duquesne University.  Ms. Persaud currently completed coursework in Behavior Analysis at Penn State University.

With over 10 years of research experience, Ms. Persaud has trained extensively in diagnostic assessments and behavioral interventions.  Ms. Persaud is the Research Coordinator for the Center for Excellence in Autism Research at the University of Pittsburgh.  She is responsible for administrating the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and coordinating a research project on language processing in individuals with autism.  Ms. Persaud has several years of experience as a TSS, BSC, and Regional Director of a wraparound agency, specializing in autism spectrum disorders.  As an educational consultant for several school districts, Ms. Persaud has given presentations and trained teachers and aides on inclusion strategies in the regular education classroom and assisted in the development of behavior plans.  Ms. Persaud was the Director of Autism Services for The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, where she offered consultation and training services to families and staff.

Ms. Persaud has been involved in the Autism Speaks “Walk Now for Autism” for several years and is currently a Co-Chair for the School Teams.  She is the President of The Hope for Autism Foundation, a non-profit company founded to benefit families and individuals affected by autism spectrum disorders.  

Katie Anthony earned a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and went on to pursue a master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. 

Katie has worked with children for many years in a variety of settings. Most recently she has worked in both school and private sites providing evaluations, treatment development, and direct therapy for articulation, language, and fluency disorders. Katie has had the opportunity to work as part of several multi-disciplinary teams to train professionals as well as parents on the importance and methods of early intervention programs.

Tricia Michaels earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s of Occupational Therapy from Duquesne University.

Ms. Michaels has over 13 years of experience providing Occupational Therapy services to children of all ages and a wide variety of diagnoses.  She worked as an out patient clinic therapist for two years providing evaluations, standardized assessments, treatment, and consultation to children and their families.  She has most recently worked in an approved private school servicing students from ages 3-21 with a variety of diagnoses including: Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Neurological Impairment, Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Sensory Integration Dysfunction, and Cortical Visual Impairment.  Ms Michaels was part of a multidisciplinary team that developed and implemented Individualized Education Plans. She also provided direct Occupational Therapy services using various strategies including Sensory Integration, TEACCH, therapeutic listening, handwriting, and community based instruction and life skills training.