Contributed by Peggy Petrillo

Our Behavioral Program is growing…

Dr. Jim Ball, Ed.D, BCBA-D has been involved and/or working as a consultant with our Behavioral Program at Durand for over 20 years. Dr. Ball is the President/Chief Executive Officer of JB Autism Consulting, is Chair of the National Board of Directors of Autism Society, and is also a Board Member on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. Dr. Ball has worked in the private sector for more than 30 years and has lectured nationally and internationally, provided expert testimony, and published in the areas of early intervention, behavior, consultation services, social skills, technology and trauma.

Dr. Ball has won numerous awards, including NYFAC’s Autism Inspiration Award, Autism Society Literary Work of the Year Award for his manual on social security employment for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, and Autism New Jersey’s highest honor, their distinguished Service Award.

His triple award winning book (2008 NAPPA Gold Award Winner, Finalist for the 2008 ForeWord Book of the Year and Gold Award Winner in the 2009 Independent Publisher Book Awards): Early Intervention and Autism: Real-Life Questions, Real-Life Answers, is a book that will guide parents through the child’s early years by providing sound advice based on over 20 years of experience in an easy to read question and answer format.

We thank him for his continued service here at Durand as we grow and expand our services.

Christine Schultz, MA, BCBA (pending) received her undergraduate degree at Plymouth State University receiving a BS in Psychology while working at the Spaulding Youth Center with children with developmental disabilities. She received her Masters Degree at Ryder University in Applied Psychology and started working in Mansfield Township Elementary School with Kindergartners with autism. Christine has also worked at Traina Behavioral Consulting for home and school for approximately 2 ½ years.

Now at Durand, Christine works full time with the emphasis on day programs and support in the group homes while being supervised by Jen Amoroso for BCBA Certification.  In her spare time, Christine is training her dog, Tucker, to be a service dog!

Danielle Pestridge, MA, BCBA, consultant with Interactive Kids, received her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Ryder University. She also has her Sign Language certification. Danielle has been in the field of autism for over 10 years. She started her career at St. John of God Community Service and also worked at DYFS for 3 years. She currently works part-time night shift at Kennedy Hospital in Cherry Hill as a Master Level Clinician assessing patients for mental health.

Among her accomplishments is a presentation at the Maryland Applied Behavior Analysis Association (MABA) on her master’s research on social skills of adult individuals on the spectrum. Danielle is currently working with Christine Schultz, developing the new Behavioral Program here at Durand.

In Danielle’s spare time she volunteers at the Weisman Hospital.

Of note …Danielle and Christine have submitted an abstract to be presented next year at Autism Speaks Conference in Atlantic City on data and research based on our program at Durand.