Our Team | Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services

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.

Vanessa Bal

Karmazin and Lillard Endowed Chair in Adult Autism, GSAPP Associate Professor, 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.

Ian Bober

Senior Coordinator for the College Support Program

Ian Bober, M.A., BCBA, has a long history of working with autistic children and adults at Rutgers University.

RebeccaMae Bowers

Business Manager, RCAAS Program

RebeccaMae Bowers, M.P.A. is the Business Manager for the RCAAS program.

Jenna Budge

Behavior Analyst

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.

Amy Gravino

RCAAS Relationship Coach

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.

Julia Iannaccone

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

SungWoo Kahng

GSAPP Professor, Chair of the Department of Applied Psychology, & Director of Academic Programs in Autism and ABA; Co-Director of Research, RCAAS

SungWoo Kahng, Ph.D., BCBA-D is a professor, Chair of the Department of Applied Psychology, and Director of Academic Programs in Autism and ABA.

Courtney Kenney (Butler)

Behavior Analyst, RCAAS-SCALE Program

Courtney Kenney (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.

Robert LaRue

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.

Matthew Lucciola

Behavior Analyst, RCAAS - IOC Program

Matthew Lucciola, M.A.P., BCBA, has been working in the field of autism and related disorders for 10 years.

James Maraventano

Director of Community-Based Programming

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.

Nick Migliaccio

Behavior Analyst

Nick Migliaccio, M.A.B.A., BCBA, has been working in the field of ABA for five years with experience in schools, day programs, and clinic settings.

Lauren Pepa

Psychologist, Supervisor, Consultant, RCAAS-PSC

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

Administrative Coordinator, RCAAS Program

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 Scarpa

Behavior Analyst, RCAAS-SCALE Program

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

Behavior Analyst

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.

Erin Walker

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