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.  

Meaghan earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a minor in Psychology from Geneva College. In addition to being center coordinator, Meaghan also runs several of the social skills groups at Hope. She has years of experience working one on one as a Therapeutic Staff Support for children with autism, Asperger’s, Down syndrome, ADHD, and behavioral issues. She has also volunteered her time working in different settings with children such as after school programs, summer camps, alternative
housing for children, and schools.

Audrey earned a Bachelor Degree in Speech and Communication Studies with a minor in Journalism from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. After graduating from college Audrey worked as a Legislative Aide to a Pennsylvania State Senator for 3 years handling constituent and media relations, event planning and administrative duties.
Audrey went on to work for the global headquarters for Siemens Water Technologies as a
member of their Master Data Team, where she handled customer relations and internal
global requests for the company.

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Stacie completed coursework at both The Pennsylvania State University and The University of Pittsburgh to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She then went on to pursue her Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology at The University of Pittsburgh where she also graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Stacie has several years of experience working with the pediatric population in various outpatient rehabilitation centers. She has worked with children from birth to age 21 years with a variety of speech and medical diagnoses including: autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, ADHD, expressive and receptive language, articulation, fluency, cleft palate, pragmatics, and genetic disorders.

Stacie is recognized as an Adjunct Clinical Instructor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Duquesne University for her dedication and time supervising students working towards their master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Stacie also supervises master’s degree students from The University of Pittsburgh.

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Jenna earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and her Master of Arts degree in Speech/Language Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh. Jenna has years of experience working with children of all ages in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, and home environments. In addition to The Hope Learning Center, she also works as a full-time speech therapist for a local school district’s early intervention program. Jenna’s therapeutic interests include early language development, apraxia of speech, functional communication development in children with autism, and multidisciplinary team approaches to therapy. She is also experienced in working with children and adolescents who use alternative communication devices. During graduate school, Jenna completed intensive internships that focused on children with fluency disorders and children with multiple disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, sickle cell disease, and Fragile X syndrome.

Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in English and Communications from Slippery Rock University and a master of science in Speech-Language Pathology from Duquesne University. In addition to The Hope Learning Center, Amanda also works as a school-based speech therapist for the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and at a skilled nursing facility. In college, Amanda was the recipient of the Scholar Athlete award, a member of Slippery Rock’s women’s soccer team and she belonged to the Golden Key
National Honorary at Duquesne. Amanda is trained in vital stimulation for treating dysphagia (swallowing disorders), group therapy for increasing pragmatic skills in children with autism, and language learning for the classroom.

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Emily attended Clarion University, where she graduated Magne Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She graduated with honors from California University of PA, where she earned a Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders. Throughout her graduate program, Emily worked with children in a variety of settings, which included a Language and Learning Center Preschool, the Washington School District (grades 3-12), and California University’s Speech and Hearing clinic, where she provided individualized therapy to pediatric clients. She has experience working with children with articulation disorders, severe language delays, and those on the Autism Spectrum.

Kylie received a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and a Master of Science degree in Speech and Language Pathology, both from IUP. During graduate school, Kylie gained experience working with several different populations in various settings such as a school for children with special needs, a specialized clinic and a hospital. She has also worked one on one at inclusive summer camps that enable children with autism to be integrated among their typical peers. Kylie is skilled in working with children with autism and early childhood language disorders.

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Eileen earned an associate degree in Occupational Therapy at The Community College of Allegheny County. Eileen has over 13 years experience providing Occupational Therapy services to children ages birth to 18 years of age with various diagnoses that include Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Sensory Integration Dysfunction, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Besides working at the Hope Learning Center she also works in an outpatient setting at a facility in the South Hills. Eileen is part of a multidisciplinary
team that includes Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists and Physical Therapists. Eileen also has a background working in Early Intervention for 5 years. She implemented age appropriate activities for children 3-4 years of age in a group setting.

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Jamie has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s of Education degree in Early Intervention with an Autism Specialization. Jamie also has Special Education and Middle School Mathematics Certificates. Jamie attended Allegheny College for undergraduate studies and University of Pittsburgh for graduate studies. Jamie’s experience include: an internship at The Early Learning Institute, an inclusive preschool, home-based internship at Achieva, following an early intervention therapist, and Student Teaching at Pine-Richland Middle School in a 7th grade learning support classroom. Jamie was the recipient of the Aimee Chesler Fredette Memorial Award from the University of Pittsburgh for dedication to special education.

Chelsea attended Duquesne University and University of Pittsburgh for undergraduate and graduate studies. She earned her Bachelor degree in Psychology and is pursuing her Master Degree in Early Intervention with an Autism Specialization. Chelsea is proficient in American Sign Language and completed an internship at Pressley Ridge School for the Deaf as a special education aide. She has previously worked as a camp counselor for children with special needs.

Katy earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from La Roche College, where she graduated Cum Laude, and a Master of Science in elementary education from Duquesne University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Katy has spent the last 10 years providing remedial reading and math support as a teacher/tutor for students of all ages. She also worked as a substitute teacher in the North Allegheny School District. Katy is trained in several Orton-Gillingham-based reading programs and is also trained in the Lindamood Bell Visualizing/Verbalizing Comprehension Program.

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