Jennifer joined the UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) in November, 2011. She received a BA in Psychology in 2006 and an M.Ed. in Exceptional Education in 2007, both from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. Jennifer started working with children on the autism spectrum in 2003 as an in-home specialist with Matthew’s Center for Visual Learning in Manassas, VA. As an in-home specialist, Jennifer implemented ABA based programs to increase client skills and decrease unwanted behaviors with a specific emphasis on facilitating communication in children that were not vocal by using the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).  Jennifer moved to Florida in 2007 and worked as a teacher for students with autism in grades 1-5 through 2013.  In 2013, Jennifer left her position with OCPS to begin a full time position with CARD. She received her Applied Behavior Analysis certification in 2019.  Jennifer’s specific interests are applied behavior analysis, including students with autism in the general education classroom, building independence skills in adolescents and adults with ASD, and utilizing PECS to facilitate communication in children that are not vocal.  In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to the gym, cooking, and spending time at Walt Disney World with her family.

Financial: employed with UCF CARD. Non-financial: None to disclose