Staff Bios

Jaime Nicklas, M.S., BCBA
Educational Director
Jaime holds a Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. She has 10 years experience working with children diagnosed with Autism utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. She was a Clinical Supervisor for the Lovaas Institute for over 3 years and has consulted privately in the New York area. She served as a board member for the Brooklyn Autism Center Academy for 2 years prior to the school opening in September 2007. Jaime has been an instructor, workshop leader and ABA clinic supervisor for the Lovaas Institute. She has been in the field for 12 years.

Meghan Shawn O'Reilly-Green, B.A.
Team Leader
Meghan has been working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder for 8 years. Megan was trained by Ray Cepeda, BCaBA and has worked on cases for the Lovaas Intitute Early Intervention program and privately consults for families in the New York Area. She graduated with a Bachelors Degree in psychology from SUNY Purchase College in 2007.

Joseph Ricca, B.S.
Behavioral Instructor
Joseph holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at Cortland. He has five years of experience using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and three years of experience working with children with autism. He has worked in public schools as a reading instructor for children with learning disabilities and has created multiple fundraisers for children with pervasive developmental disorders.

Lhea Marie Welsh, B.A.
Behavioral Instructor
Lhea holds Bachelors of Art Degrees in English & Theatre from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has 3 years experience working with children diagnosed with Autism in a variety of environments. Lhea has been instructing at the Brooklyn Autism Center just over one year and works with Joe to make the "BAC Friends" peer socialization afterschool program the exciting and enriching program it is. Lhea LOVES sunshine!

Jacqueline Vidopio, B.A.
Behavioral Instructor
Jacqueline has three years of experience utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. She has worked as a behavioral therapist in home and classroom settings for private and public schools in California. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Azusa Pacific University.

Jacqueline Pinczewski, B.A.
Behavioral Instructor
Jacqueline holds a degree in Communications from the University of Massachusetts - Amherst. After beginning a career in Public Relations, she has decided to pursue her interest in education. She has previous experience working in a Special Education preschool classroom.

Talia Eapen, B.A.
Behavioral Instructor
Talia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Media Arts from the State University of Stony Brook. She completed coursework in Applied Behavioral Analysis while earning her degree. During that time she worked with children and pre-teens as Assistant Director of Religious Education for four years. She is interested in continuing her education in speech pathology.

Laura Vert, B.A.
Administrative Manager
Laura has a Bachelor’s degree in English and American Literature from New York University. She worked in marketing and social media before deciding to pursue a career in the non-profit sector. She is currently working towards a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Baruch College CUNY School of Public Affairs.

Dariush Mirbaha
Data Entry Assistant
Dariush graduated from Midwood High School in Brooklyn, New York. He has 4 years experience with computers, internet and is skilled in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Dariush is also studying HTML and creating web pages. In his spare time Dariush enjoys editing and learning about ninjas.