The RCAAS is staffed by a highly experienced senior team highlighted below, including faculty and field experts, and supervised, trained Rutgers students who provide the support needed for our participants and students to fully integrate into Rutgers and the surrounding community.
RCAAS STAFF
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 RCAASand an Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice at the Rutgers Graduate School of Applied Professional Psychology (GSAPP). Dr.
Jenna Budge, Ed.D., LSW, BCBA-D, is a licensed social worker who has worked in the field of autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for over 15 years, providing evidence-based services in school, home, and adult settings.
Courtney Butler, M.S., BCBA, is a Behavior Analyst for the RCAAS-SCALE Program. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and earned her Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis at Western New England University in 2018.
Amy Gravino, M.A., is an autism sexuality advocate and Relationship Coach in the Center for Adult Autism Services at Rutgers University. She is also the President of A.S.C.O.T Consulting, which offers autism consulting, college coaching, and mentoring services.
Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice, GSAPP Applied Psychology Department;, Director of the Intensive Outpatient Clinic, RCAAS
Julia Iannaccone, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LABA, is a licensed psychologist who has worked in the field of autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for over 15 years, providing evidence-based services in inpatient, outpatient, school, consu
Director of Behavioral Services, GSAPP Clinical Associate Professor
Robert H. LaRue, Ph.D., BCBA-D, is a Clinical Professor at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University. He earned a dual doctorate in biological and school psychology from Louisiana State University in 2002.
James Maraventano, Ed.D., BCBA-D, received his B.A., Ed.M., and Ed.D. degrees all from Rutgers University. Dr. Maraventano has over 15 years of experience working with children and adults with autism and intellectual disabilities.
Lauren Pepa, Ph.D., BCBA, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Supervisor, and Consultant for the RCAAS-Psychological Services Clinic (PSC). She is a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) specializing in the assessment and treatme
Amy Santoro is the Administrative Coordinator for the RCAAS. Amy is a proud Rutgers Alumna holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication with a focus in Psychology.
Christeen Z. Scarpa, M.A., BCBA, is a Behavior Analyst and former Behavior Technician at the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services (RCAAS), where she delivers individualized supports in the community and vocational settings.
Kiet Tran, M.A.P is an acting Behavior Analyst for the RCAAS-SCALE Program with over 5 years of experience working in the field of autism and related disorders.
Senior Coordinator for the College Support Program
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 Rutger