About Us
Our Mission
To help children with autism achieve independence and gain confidence by providing the best-in-class ABA services. We will be with you every step of the way, guiding and supporting you, to ensure your kids learn life skills along with all goals that are set for them.
Why Autism Center of Excellence
We have created a culture that is open, energetic, intensely supportive and grounded in a relentless commitment to quality therapy for our kids. At the core of our success is a hand-picked, highly engaged staff, dedicated to the success of your child.
Our Clinical Team
Rachael Cain
(Senior Clinical Director)
M.S. – ABA, BCBA
Florina David-Colar
(Intake Director)
M.A., M.S., BCBA, LBA, QBA, BCASE
Florina David-Colar is the Clinical Intake Director, and a BCBA based in Durham, NC. Born in Transylvania, Romania, Florina developed a passion for psychology and helping others early on. With a B.S. in Clinical Psychology from Babes-Bolyai State University, she pursued a master’s degree in communications and human resources at David Ogilvy University in Bucharest. After graduating from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in California with an M.S. in Clinical Psychology, she specialized in Applied Behavior Analysis and conducted research on Joint Control. Florina has extensive experience working with individuals with ASD and related disorders, both in academia and clinical settings. She is an advocate for early intervention and verbal behavior programming. Currently residing in Cary, NC, Florina enjoys hiking, cooking, playing tennis, and spending time at her home in the south of France with her husband, son, and their Dutch hunter dog.
Zcharvay Ponton-Bey
(Clinical Director)
M.Ed, BCBA, LBA
Zcharvay (pronounced Sharr-Vay) Ponton-Bey is a Clinical Director and BCBA in Chester, VA. She is an RVA native who holds a B.A. in Psychology from Christopher Newport University. She began her ABA career right after graduation, working as a behavior technician. She later became a BCBA student and received her master’s in Special Education with a concentration in ABA from George Mason University. Her dedication to children with autism spans over eight years, a journey that has been both her passion and her world. She has worked with individuals from ages 2-17. Her professional and personal core values are deeply rooted in authenticity and understanding. With an outgoing personality, she is committed to building meaningful relationships with her colleagues and clients! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and painting.
Jessica Hudson
(Clinical Director)
M.A – ABA, BCBA
Jessica is the Associate Clinical Director and BCBA based in Durham, NC. Originally from Charleston, SC, Jessica has lived and worked in South Florida and all over the state of South Carolina, before making her way up to North Carolina and settling in Raleigh. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Florida International University and her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. Jessica has been in the field of ABA since 2008 and has worked in home, school, and center settings over the years. She enjoys and has extensive experience working with families to more successfully navigate the unique challenges that come with parenting. She has experience with individuals ages 18 months to 21 years old and, like Florina, is an advocate for early intervention and verbal behavior programming. Jessica is passionate about communication development in learners of all ages to ensure everyone has a chance at finding their voice.
Desirea Satterwhite
(Associate Clinical Director)
Ph.D. – ABA, M.A., B. S. in Psychology
Desirea Satterwhite is a dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Associate Clinical Director with a diverse background in psychology, criminal justice, and counseling psychology. Originally from Pennsylvania, she has proudly called North Carolina home for the past 15 years. After completing her service in the military, Desirea pursued her undergraduate degree in psychology and criminal justice, exploring her interests in various fields. During her studies in counseling psychology, she discovered Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and found herself captivated by the science behind it. Desirea’s journey in ABA began as a 1:1 technician, working closely with children on the autism spectrum. Her enthusiasm for ABA led her to advocate for parent involvement and support, recognizing the profound impact it has on the well-being of all children. She is particularly passionate about early childhood intervention, fostering collaboration between parents and schools, providing parent/caregiver training, and implementing functional communication training.
Carlton Sutton
(Sr. BCBA)
Ph.D. – Sp Ed, BCBA – D
Carlton holds a Master’s degree in behavioral disorders and a Doctorate degree in Special Education and Reading, with extensive training in applied behavior analysis from Columbia University, Teachers College. He has dedicated his career to special education, using behavior analysis to support individuals with emotional-behavior disorders, learning disabilities, and autism. Carlton has worked in various roles, including as an educator, school administrator, and behavior analyst in both home and community settings. With over 25 years of experience, he is passionate about implementing evidence-based practices and promoting independence and communication skills. In his leisure time, Carlton enjoys watching movies and dancing with his family, including his wife, four children, and their dog.
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Allison Holder
(BCBA)
M.C. – ABA, BCBA
Allison Holder is the Licensed BCBA based in Durham, NC. She has been proud to call North Carolina home for her entire life. She possesses a B.S. in Sociology with a concentration in families and intimate relationships from Appalachian State University, and an M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University. Allison has spent the last five years working in the field of psychology and behavioral health with learners ranging from 2 to 18. She has worked in residential homes, group homes, schools, and clinic-based settings. Allison is a fierce advocate in both her personal and professional life and strives to empower all children to both maximize their potential and find their joy. She believes in connection over compliance and utilizes an assent-based, learner-led intervention style to foster self-advocacy skills, functional communication, and trust.
Marissa Taylor
(BCBA)
M.A. – ABA
I graduated with my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati in 2018. I received my master’sthe in Applied behavior analysis from Purdue Global University in 2020. I have worked in the ABA field for over 3 years working directly with clients in early intervention stage. I have experience working with children ranging from ages 2-14 years old in a variety of setting (schools, homes, daycares and clinic). In my free time, I enjoy being around my friends and family playing games or watching movies. I am very excited to be apart of the Autism COE family, help my client’s and their families!
Alexandra Russo
(BCBA)
M.C. BCBA
Alexandra Russo has been working in the special education field for 8 years. After receiving her undergrad degrees in elementary education and special education, she started working in the field in various schools as a teaching assistant and head teacher serving children with all needs and on all different levels. Alex has always been a passionate advocate to the population she serves and wants more than anything to be able to give her learners the toolset to live fulfilling lives. In 2020 she decided to advance her career by pursuing a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis. Her passion continued and grew throughout her time in the master’s program and working in two different clinics. Alex is now a dedicated BCBA serving in the Richmond location. She has an advanced understanding of applied behavior analysis and an enthusiasm to keep learning.
Jessica Brown
(BCBA)
M.S. – BCBA, LBA
Jessica Brown is a compassionate Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst with a diverse background in psychology, customer service/interpersonal relations, and aba. Jessica is a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and an active participant in the community. After completing her bachelor’s program in psychology from Fayetteville State University, Jessica completed her master’s program (with a concentration in aba) from Kaplan University in 2013. Jessica’s journey in ABA began as a 1:1 registered behavior technician, working closely with children on the autism spectrum. Jessica is highly skilled in the areas of early childhood intervention, behavior reduction, parent/caregiver training, and implementing functional communication training.
Fritz Leonard
(BCBA)
M.S. – BCBA, LBA
Fritz Leonard, BCBA in Richmond, VA, has years in the Mental health and ABA field. Born and raised in Bronx New York, he holds a B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Leonard furthered his education at Purdue Global University receiving his M.S. with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Leonard enjoys working out, reading, eating healthy, networking, spending time with family and friends, and playing an assortment of card games.
Shamia Johnson
(BCBA)
M.S. – BCBA, LBA
Shamia Johnson is a devoted Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst. She has a background in psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. Shamia was born in Fort Bragg and raised in Fayetteville. She has remained an active participant in her community throughout her life. Shamia attained her bachelor’s degree from Fayetteville State University before completing her Master’s program at Capella and attaining her degree in psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Shamia used her bachelor’s degree to jumpstart her career, beginning in ABA as an RBT conducting 1:1 sessions with children and teenagers diagnosed with ASD. Shamia is skilled in the areas of behavior reduction, functional communication training, and early childhood intervention.