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Founder & Executive Director

Jenifer T Peralta-Mercado MS Ed., Special Needs Advocate
Language: Spanish & English

Jenifer was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. She is a graduate of Mercy College where she earned her Masters in Early Childhood and Special Education (B-2nd grade). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology from Lehman College. Jenifer developed a more intense passion for working with children with special needs while working as a Head Teacher at The Goddard School. In 2014, Jenifer joined The Manhattan Children Center as an ABA instructor a year later she joined their behavioral clinic at The Manhattan Behavioral Center. Jenifer has served numerous capacities throughout her years in the education field as an administrator, classroom teacher, parent trainer, behavioral therapist clinical and home-based setting, serving children (Ages 3-21).

Jenifer has a huge passion and dedication for children on the spectrum and their families. She is a Special Needs Advocate, loves developing relationships with her clients, families and staff, and possesses a huge desire to inspire others. 
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Her professional interests include special education and family law, staff development, and performance management. Jenifer currently serves as the President of the PTO at Huckle Berry Hill Elementary and volunteers as a member of the New School Building Naming Committee for Brookfield Public Schools District. Jenifer currently resides in Connecticut with her husband Sandy and their dog Norman. 

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BCBA Case Manager

Jacqueline Mery, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA (CT)

Language: Spanish & English

Jacqueline is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Connecticut Licensed Behavior Analyst. She received her Doctorate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Caldwell University and Master’s degree in ABA from California State University, Northridge. 

Jacqueline is a scientist-practitioner and believes in the importance of being knowledgeable and experienced in both research and clinical practice. As a clinician, she has focused her career helping individuals with developmental disorders in clinical, home, and school settings since 2009. As a researcher, she has evaluated efficient training strategies, parent adherence of behavioral practices, and preventative treatments for infants at-risk for developmental disabilities.  

Jacqueline has been published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Analysis in Practice, Behavior Interventions, Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, and Journal of Neonatal Nursing. She has presented her research at numerous international and national conferences. 

Social Skills Coordinator and Special Education Consultant

Angela Thornhill, MS.SpEd (B-12), MSEd Literacy (B-12)

Angela Thornhill is a licensed certified middle school teacher with a Master’s degree in Special Education (B-12) and a Master’s degree in Literacy (B-12) from Mercy College. She has worked for NYC DOE as a special education teacher since 2007 and is currently teaching grades 6-8.  After working in special education for five years, Angela saw there was a shortage of qualified behavior analysts trained to work with children with autism and related developmental disorders.  This shortage motivated her to pursue her certification in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at Mercy College. She has worked as an ABA Social Skills instructor managing social skills programs and implementing behavioral programs at The Fly Center.

​Angela is a passionate and dedicated educator who works to help each child reach their academic, language, and social milestones. Angela looks forward to working with each family as a partner in their child’s growth and success.

In her free time, Angela enjoys reading, exercising, traveling, and spending time with her family.