Our Therapists

Meet Our Team
of Experts

Meet the dedicated therapists at Sargent Child and Family Services who are committed to providing comprehensive support to children and families.

Catherine Sargent, MS, LMHC, LABA

PRESIDENT AND LEAD CLINICIAN

Catherine Sargent, MS, LMHC, LABA

PRESIDENT AND LEAD CLINICIAN

Catherine (Kate) Sargent is the founder of Sargent Child and Family Services and has a strong belief in treating the whole child and valuing family contributions. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, a Graduate Certificate in Early Intervention, and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. She is currently a doctoral student in the Counseling and Psychology program at Lesley University. Kate’s extensive experience includes working in early intervention, research, and private practice. She also presents workshops and training in the South Shore region. Kate enjoys yoga, paddleboarding, indulging in oysters, and beach visits in her free time.

BettyAnn Burghardt, MS, BCBA, LABA

CLINICAL DIRECTOR AND LEAD CLINICIAN

BettyAnn Burghardt, MS, BCBA, LABA

CLINICAL DIRECTOR AND LEAD CLINICIAN

After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Rhode Island, BettyAnn Burghardt found her true passion in working with children. With nine years at Sargent Child and Family Services, she holds a Master’s Degree in Behavior Analysis from Simmons University. BettyAnn uses her knowledge in Applied Behavior Analysis to enhance the lives of her clients. She loves spending time with her family and friends, exploring the outdoors, and exercising.

Katie McLaughlin, MS, BCBA, LABA

ASSISTANT CLINICAL DIRECTOR AND LEAD CLINICIAN

Katie McLaughlin, MS, BCBA, LABA

ASSISTANT CLINICAL DIRECTOR AND LEAD CLINICIAN

Katie McLaughlin, a certified crisis prevention trainer, supports client success in an ABA-based program. Katie has experience working with children ages 2 to 18. Katie graduated with her Master’s in Behavior Analysis from Simmons University. Katie loves spending her free time with her husband, daughter, and two rescue dogs.

Kristen Kelly, MS.Ed., BCBA, LABA

SOCIAL SKILLS GROUP DIRECTOR, LEAD CLINICIAN

Kristen Kelly, MS.Ed., BCBA, LABA

SOCIAL SKILLS GROUP DIRECTOR, LEAD CLINICIAN

Kristen Kelly, with a Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis from Endicott College, has worked with children facing behavioral and social challenges since 2010. After discovering her passion for the field through experiences as an ABA therapist and RBT, Kristen applied her ABA therapy skills in South Shore school systems before joining Sargent Child and Family Services. Outside of work, Kristen enjoys spending time with family and friends at the beach or their family cottage in Maine.

Rita Larkin, BA

DIRECTOR OF TEEN PROGRAMS, ABA THERAPIST

Rita Larkin, BA

DIRECTOR OF TEEN PROGRAMS, ABA THERAPIST

With a background in Sociology and Education from Bridgewater State University, Rita Larkin serves as a teen program coordinator and ABA Therapist. Currently writing her Master’s thesis at Endicott College, Rita enjoys reading, dancing, and spending family time.

Meghan Andersen, BS

CAREGIVER LIAISON, ABA THERAPIST

Meghan Andersen, BS

CAREGIVER LIAISON, ABA THERAPIST

After earning her psychology degree from Bridgewater State, Meghan Andersen found her calling in Special Education and home-based ABA therapy. She currently serves as a caregiver liaison and ABA therapist, and enjoys beach trips, reading, and baking in her downtime.

Karen DeMartino, M.Ed.

SENIOR ABA THERAPIST, PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR

Karen DeMartino, M.Ed.

SENIOR ABA THERAPIST, PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR

With a rich educational experience spanning 20 years, Karen DeMartino brings her expertise as an ABA therapist for family needs in the South Shore area. Karen finds relaxation in her morning beach walks, yoga, hiking, and exploring different countries.

Sasha Daniels, M.Ed., BCBA, LABA

LEAD CLINICIAN

Sasha Daniels, M.Ed., BCBA, LABA

LEAD CLINICIAN

Sasha Daniels holds a Master’s Degree in Education of Applied Behavior Analysis from Endicott College. With dual Bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology from Keene State College, Sasha has extensive experience supporting students with special needs in various environments. Rapport building as an educator influenced Sasha’s passion for behavior analysis. In her free time, she relishes spending time with family, playing softball, undertaking DIY projects, exploring the outdoors, and reading.

Aliona Borunov, MS, BCBA, LABA

LEAD CLINICIAN

Aliona Borunov, MS, BCBA, LABA

LEAD CLINICIAN

Aliona Borunov pursued her Master’s in Social Psychology before changing her focus to developmental psychology and individualized education. Combining her passion for working with young children and her experience in Montessori and private preschool settings, Aliona earned a master’s degree in Behavior Analysis from Simmons University. Now a BCBA, she loves uncovering the hidden potential in every child and educating families about behavior analysis principles. In her spare time, Aliona enjoys spending time with her children, fishing, reading, practicing yoga, and photography.

Denise Morisseau, MS, CCC-SLP, CEIS

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Denise Morisseau, MS, CCC-SLP, CEIS

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Denise received her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northeastern University. She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Denise worked for over 15 years in early intervention and is a Certified Early Intervention Specialist in the State of Massachusetts. Using a holistic approach, Denise considers speech, language, and communication issues and how other factors may impact them. Denise lives on the South Shore with her husband, two children, their cat, their dog, and their fish. In her free time, Denise enjoys going to the beach, reading, and spending time with her family.

Erika FitzGerald, MS, CCC-SLP

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Erika FitzGerald, MS, CCC-SLP

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Erika Hodlin holds a BA in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences from the University of Connecticut (2016) and an MS in Speech Language Pathology from Emerson College (2019). As a dedicated speech-language pathologist at Step One Early Intervention, Erika is passionate about collaborating with families to set meaningful goals for their child’s communication development. In her free time, Erika loves exploring the South Shore, trying new foods, and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Kathleen May, MS, OTR/L

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Kathleen May, MS, OTR/L

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Kathleen “Kate” May is an experienced, certified occupational therapist, specializing in serving children from pre-kindergarten to the 5th grade. Degree holder from the University of Vermont and Tufts University, she exercises her expertise in treating children with an array of disabilities. Outside of work, Kate resides on the South Shore with her loving family.

Jennifer Chipman, BS, OTR/L

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Jennifer Chipman, BS, OTR/L

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Jennifer Chipman is a passionate occupational therapist, possessing a rich career spanning 20 years. Educated at Bay State and Salem State College, she offers expertise in helping children with various disabilities enhance their skills for achieving greater independence. Apart from her work, Jennifer lives a fulfilled life with her family on the South Shore.

Elizabeth Randall, MA

Director of Music Therapy, Music Therapist

Elizabeth Randall, MA

Director of Music Therapy, Music Therapist

Elizabeth (Libby) Randall received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and music performance from Providence College. After graduating Providence, Libby obtained her Masters in mental health counseling with a concentration in music therapy from Lesley University. She has worked at Step One Early Intervention since 2015 and Sargent since 2018, where she serves children and their families with various needs. Libby uses music in her therapeutic relationships to achieve goals across all areas of development. She values the work she does in the family system and strives to provide a safe space for children and their families to explore and learn through music. In her free time, Libby enjoys spending time with family and friends and trying new restaurants around Boston.

Shannon Harper-Bison MA, MT-BC

MUSIC THERAPIST, MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Shannon Harper-Bison MA, MT-BC

MUSIC THERAPIST, MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Shannon received her master’s degree in mental health counseling with a specialization in music therapy through the Expressive Arts Therapies program at Lesley University in 2024. For Shannon, the combination of counseling and music therapy feels like the synthesis of lifelong interests and the convergence of multiple paths. As an MT-BC (music therapist-board certified), she is now pursuing licensure in mental health counseling. She lives on the South Shore with her husband and four sons and finds various ways to get outside, find connection, engage in the arts and ideas, and savors occasional solitude.

Alexxa Fucito, MS

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Alexxa Fucito, MS

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Alexxa Fucito is an accomplished mental health counselor, with a penchant for honing children, teens, and parents’ individual and relational development. Alumna of UMass Boston, she enjoys painting, socializing, and finding peace in music during her downtime.

Kayla Moore, BA

SENIOR ABA THERAPIST

Kayla Moore, BA

SENIOR ABA THERAPIST

Kayla Moore, an ABA therapist, excels in providing home-based services to children with Autism since 2013. Graduated from Curry College, Kayla enjoys outdoor activities, family outings, and spending time with her pets.

Jessica White, BA, RBT

ABA THERAPIST

Jessica White, BA, RBT

ABA THERAPIST

Jessica White graduated from Wheelock College in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in art, specializing in education and minoring in autism studies. She has worked in public school programs for many years, supporting the education of students with varying diagnoses, including; autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and social-emotional needs. Jessica has had her credentials as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) since 2019. Her years of experience have exposed her to various Applied Behavior Analysis approaches and their profound impact on individuals with ASD and related conditions. Her passion for this field drives her to continue making a difference through both school- and home-based therapy. Beyond her professional life, Jessica dedicates her free time to crafting, baking, and making memories with her husband, CJ, their daughter, Lilah, and their two dogs.

Daniel Quintero, BS

ABA THERAPIST

Daniel Quintero, BS

ABA THERAPIST

Daniel Quintero transitioned to the educational field after receiving his Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Bridgewater State University. Daniel, who enjoys coaching boys AAU basketball, spends his professional life serving children with Autism.

Shannon Baker, BS

ABA THERAPIST

Shannon Baker, BS

ABA THERAPIST

Shannon Baker left the business world to pursue her passion for child behavior analysis. With a career spanning 18 years, Shannon enjoys fitness, yoga, and travel when not working with children on the autism spectrum.

Rosie Ruley

ABA THERAPIST

Rosie Ruley

ABA THERAPIST

Seasoned in the field, Rosie Ruley brings her 12 years of experience working with kids to her role as an ABA therapist. Known for her humor and sincerity, she spends her free time with family, cherishing every moment.

Michelle Miller, BA

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT / OFFICE MANAGER

Michelle Miller, BA

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT / OFFICE MANAGER

Michelle Miller is a proud graduate of Boston Latin School. She then received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Massachusetts Boston. After volunteering as a Sunday school teacher for three years, she realized she wanted to work with children, and has enjoyed doing so professionally since 2015. Michelle enjoys spending most of her free time with family and friends. She is an avid Boston sports fan, enjoys dining out, and especially loves to travel.

Our Therapists

Our Therapists

Meet Our Team
of Experts

Catherine Sargent, MS, LMHC, LABA

BettyAnn Burghardt, MS, BCBA, LABA

Katie McLaughlin, MS, BCBA, LABA

Kristen Kelly, MS.Ed., BCBA, LABA

Rita Larkin, BA

Meghan Andersen, BS

Karen DeMartino, M.Ed.

Sasha Daniels, M.Ed., BCBA, LABA

Aliona Borunov, MS, BCBA, LABA

Denise Morisseau, MS, CCC-SLP, CEIS

Erika FitzGerald, MS, CCC-SLP

Kathleen May, MS, OTR/L

Jennifer Chipman, BS, OTR/L

Elizabeth Randall, MA

Shannon Harper-Bison MA, MT-BC

Alexxa Fucito, MS

Kayla Moore, BA

Jessica White, BA, RBT

Daniel Quintero, BS

Shannon Baker, BS

Rosie Ruley

Michelle Miller, BA

Start Your Child's Journey to Success Today!

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Our Therapists

Our Therapists

Meet Our Teamof Experts

Start Your Child's Journey to Success Today!

Menu

Get in touch

Social

Meet Our Team
of Experts