Senior Leadership
Dr. Christopher Manente
Executive Director, RCAAS; Associate Professor of Clinical Practice, GSAPP Applied Psychology Department
Christopher J. Manente, Ph.D., BCBA, is the Founding Executive Director of the RCAAS and an Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice at the Rutgers Graduate School of Applied Professional Psychology (GSAPP). Dr. Manente's previous roles included serving as an Assistant Professor of Education at Caldwell University, as a consultant supporting students with ASD in schools throughout New Jersey, and serving as the Senior Program Coordinator of Adult Services at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center (DDDC) at Rutgers University. Dr. Manente has authored articles in peer-reviewed journals, coauthored book chapters, and has presented at numerous local, national and international conferences on a variety of topics related to the advancement of community-based educational, vocational, and residential opportunities for older learners with autism.
Dr. Joshua Langberg (he/him)
Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology & Director, CYSEW
Joshua M. Langberg, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, Professor of Psychology, and Director of the GSAPP Center for Youth Social Emotional Wellness (CYSEW). Dr. Langberg joined Rutgers in 2022 after working at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where he was the Associate Director of Operations for the Clark-Hill Institute for Positive Youth Development and served as the Associate Dean for Research and Operations for the College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS) at VCU form 2018-2021. He received his PhD in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of South Carolina and completed his predoctoral internship at Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Langberg started his career at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) and transitioned to VCU in 2011.
Dr. Vanessa Bal
Karmazin and Lillard Endowed Chair in Adult Autism, GSAPP Associate Professor, GSAPP Associate Professor; Director of RCAAS-PSC; RCAAS Co-Director of Research
Vanessa H. Bal, Ph.D., earned her M.Sc. in neuroscience from the University of Oxford and her doctorate in psychology from the University of Michigan. She also completed her clinical psychology internship at the University of Michigan and a postdoc in human genetics at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Bal's research program emphasizes a lifespan perspective to furthering understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adulthood. She employs a variety of approaches to measure and track outcomes and predictors of outcome at different stages of development. In addition to expanding knowledge in these areas, Dr. Bal is leading several projects to develop and refine methods to assess and quantify clinical phenotypes. This includes studies evaluating both biological and behavioral approaches that may be useful in screening and diagnosis, tracking of symptoms across development, and evaluating response to treatment. By emphasizing a multidimensional, lifespan perspective, her research aims to delineate relationships between dimensions of social-communication, language, cognition and emotion in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders in order to inform the development of targeted interventions that capitalize on individual strengths in order to promote well-being for individuals with ASD across the lifespan.
Ian Bober
Senior Coodinator for the College Support Program
Ian Bober, M.A., BCBA, has a long history of working with autistic children and adults at Rutgers University. After starting as a preschool classroom assistant at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center’s Douglass School, Mr. Bober went on serve as Program Coordinator for the Douglass Adult Program. Here he oversaw all clinical activities, specializing in ABA-based vocational and life-skills training for adults with autism, as well as the development and implementation of intervention for challenging behaviors. Mr. Bober came to the RCAAS in 2019 to work in the SCALE program as a Behavioral Technician, then as an Acting Supervisor and Behavior Analyst for the program. In summer of 2022, Mr. Bober accepted the position of Senior Program Coordinator for the CSP, where he now oversees all operations in the facilitation of academic and social support for enrolled Rutgers University undergraduates on the autism spectrum.
Meet the CSP Coordinators
Erin Walker, MSW, LSW
Assistant CSP Program Coordinator
Erin (she/her) holds a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology with minors in History and Elementary Education from West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania and an MSW with a concentration in Policy and Management from Rutgers University. Erin was also a Fellow in Rutgers School of Social Work’s Aging and Health Certificate program. Erin interned for the Division of Aging Services in Trenton working with New Jersey’s Task Force on the Abuse Against Older Adults and People with Disabilities on helping identify policy and procedure problems within New Jersey and finding better ways to service both communities. Erin also interned with Yachad, a Jewish organization for people with disabilities in Manhattan, New York facilitating social skill groups as well as creating a self-advocacy class for adults with disabilities. Since graduating, Erin worked with the older adult population in a skilled rehab/long-term care facility in Denver, Colorado as the Social Services Director. Erin also worked for a domestic violence and sexual violence agency providing education to the community and high schools about the signs of domestic and sexual violence in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Before to returning to Rutgers, Erin worked for Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters in Boston, Massachusetts as a clinical match specialist working to match adults with disabilities to a volunteer friend in the community. Erin is also a licensed social worker (LSW) in the state of New Jersey.
Sydnie Goshin
CSP Graduate Student Coordinator
Sydnie Goshin is a Graduate Student Coordinator for CSP at Rutgers University. She earned her BA in Child Advocacy at Montclair State University with a minor in Social Work. Sydnie is obtaining her Master’s in Social Work at Rutgers University School of Social Work. Sydnie has a background in Developmental, Individual-differences, and Relationship-based floortime therapy with children on the spectrum and hopes to get her LCSW after graduation and continue to work with children and young adults.
Ryan Legendre
CSP Graduate Student Coordinator
Ryan Legendre is a Graduate Student Coordinator for CSP at Rutgers University. Ryan earned his BA in Psychology from Rutgers University with a minor in History. He is enrolled in the MSW program at Rutgers University School of Social Work. He has prior experience working with children on the spectrum as a fitness mentor. His long term goal is to earn LCSW and work as a therapist with kids and young adults, with a focus in mental health.
Jane Matto
CSP Graduate Student Coordinator
Jane Matto is a Rutgers graduate student who will be earning her Master’s Degree from the School of Social Work in 2024. She studied psychology as an undergraduate and has previously been involved with the College Support Program. Last year, she worked as an intern at the Child Study Team at Hightstown High School where she helped assess students with IEPs. She is very much looking forward to working with the College Support Program and hopes that she can help make students with autism navigate their college experiences.
Jazmine Tatis
CSP Graduate Student Coordinator
Jazmine Tatis is a Graduate Student Coordinator at Rutgers-CSP. Jazmine graduated from Kean University with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She is enrolled in the MSW program at Rutgers University School of Social Work. Jazmine is a first-generation American who speaks Spanish fluently. Her long-term objective is to earn LCSW and work as a therapist for adolescents and youth.
Jasmin Trenfield
CSP Graduate Student Coordinator
Jasmin Trenfield is a Graduate Student Coordinator for CSP at Rutgers University. Jasmin earned her bachelor's degree at Dickinson College majoring in Psychology and minoring in Africana Studies. She is currently enrolled in the Rutgers University School of Social Work. She possesses a deep passion for supporting and championing the needs of diverse groups. Once Jasmin obtains her LCSW, she intends to focus on making resources more effective and accessible to those in need of them.
If you are interested in being a part of this team and gaining valuable experience within the field of autism research and support, please see our CSP Training and Research page. *URL needs to be changed.
Meet the CSP E-Board
Our Peer Mentors play an enormous role in the experience of students enrolled in CSP. The individuals below have exemplified extraordinary leadership and comprise our Peer Mentor Executive (e-)Board, which includes the following positions: Co-Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary, Academic Liaison, Event Planner, and Social Events Chair. We invite you to meet our current and past Peer Mentor e-Board members and read their heartfelt testimonials about what the CSP has given back to them!
2023-2024's CSP E-Board
As a rising senior and President of the College Support Program, I am grateful for the incredible journey I have had so far. Since joining as a sophomore, I have witnessed first hand the power of the community and resources cultivated through the CSP. Having seen the program's impact, I am thrilled to be at the helm, steering our initiatives towards even greater heights. As President, I am committed to fostering a strong sense of belonging and support amongst our students. With an unwavering dedication, I aim to strengthen our student support network, ensuring that every member feels empowered to thrive academically and socially. I am particularly excited about the upcoming year as we look ahead to an exceptional lineup of community building events in store. By facilitating meaningful interactions and fostering an environment where everyone feels involved, we will continue working to ensure that every student can make the most of their college experience. I am privileged to serve in this role and look forward to working hand in hand with a strong E-board and other passionate peer mentors as we strive to create a brighter and more inclusive future for students on the autism spectrum at Rutgers.
My name is Nicole Podlog and I am a rising Junior at the School of Arts and Sciences, and am part of the honors college as well. I am majoring in Psychology and minoring in cognitive science. I learned about CSP through the psychology majors GroupMe, and signing up for this program has been one of the best decisions I have made a Rutgers thus far. I have had the chance to create close relationships with both my mentee and the other mentees within the program. I am so excited to be Vice President this year and hangout with all the mentors and mentees this upcoming school year before I graduate! The CSP has been a major part of my college experience and has given me the chance to meet so many amazing people and make memories that I will always hold near and dear to my heart.
My name is Maha and I'm a rising Junior majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Psychology. I initially learned about the College Support Program (CSP) from a fellow Peer Mentor who spoke highly of the experiences she had in the program. After joining CSP myself last year, I was able to truly connect with my mentee and form meaningful relationships with other peer mentors. I can confidently say that CSP offers a tight-knit community for students and staff to come together and I look forward to what is in store as both a Treasurer and Peer Mentor this upcoming 23-24 school year.
As someone with a sibling on the autism spectrum, my heart has always gravitated towards supporting the community in the capacity that it has helped my own family. To find such a diverse community is rare, and to be a part of a program that encourages students to thrive in not only their academic career, but throughout their lifespan, is a privilege. I am grateful to be a part of the College Support Program because it has given me the opportunity to build friendships in a place where everyone is accepted, and their strengths are celebrated. Knowing that I can help play a positive role in another person’s life, whether that be as a friend or a friendly face in the crowd, will always be the most rewarding experience of all.
My name is Shravya Kamaraju and I am a rising senior at the School of Engineering, majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in psychology. I have always had an interest in working in the fields of neuroscience and behavioral sciences. I have made so many friends through this program and I have enjoyed going to events and meeting so many new people! I am really looking forward to continuing my participation in Eboard as social chair, and am so excited to contribute to the furthering of this program along with the rest of this year's Eboard. I have grown so much as a person through my experiences with the CSP program. I would not be the person I am without the memories I've gained from working with this amazing group of people.
My name is Pranita Sannidhi, and I am a rising junior double majoring in Cell Biology and Psychology. I initially signed up for the CSP Peer Mentor program as an opportunity to learn more about autism and interact with the neurodivergent population at Rutgers. Becoming a CSP Peer Mentor has given me the chance to connect with likeminded, vibrant individuals and to learn more about ASD. I enjoy participating in events and interacting with the RCAAS community, and I am excited to continue doing this as the CSP Academic Liaison.
Have a question for an e-Board Peer Mentor? Email them at csp-pmboard@gsapp.rutgers.edu.