When we hear "Institution", we think "Harvard".
	Directors and Staff Kathy Swenson Mom of a child with Autism / Director Mrs. Swenson started Sydney’s School because she saw a need that was not being fulfilled for children on the autism spectrum in the community. Mrs. Swenson’s daughter, Sydney has Autism and she was not willing to stand by and watch Sydney’s chance for a good education be wasted.  Through her love for her daughter came her drive and passion to make Sydney’s School a reality and help hundreds of children in the Tampa Bay Area. Mrs. Swenson was born and raised in St. Petersburg and wanted to give her hometown a place that they could be proud of, a place that would give back to the children and families that it loves. Mrs. Swenson has 9 years of hands on education and training in Autism and education.  Prior to starting the school she spent 10 years in the health insurance industry which gives her the administrative skills to keep the school going. Mrs. Swenson’s goal is to be able to educate all children that are in need of specialized teaching regardless of financial status.  Mrs. Swenson strives to give everyone a chance to become a productive citizen for our community. Anita Sanchez-Maurer Preschool Director Mrs. Maurer has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with 34 years working in and managing schools with a focus on Early Childhood, as well as 10 years of experience working with children with developmental delays.  She has Directors Credentials with the Florida Department of Children and Families Child Care Services, which makes her highly trained to help teachers in preschools to work with children that have developmental delays, administer developmental assessments and make recommendations for services.  Mrs. Maurer has special interest and training in autism, sensory integration and learning disabilities.  Mrs. Maurer is one of the founders of Sydney’s School for Autism. Jennifer Rava-Wooten, M.S., BCBA Clinical Director Mrs. R-Wooten has been working with children and adults diagnosed with autism, developmental disabilities, and other mental health disorders that require behavioral interventions since 1998.  Mrs. R-Wooten has extensive experience working in family homes, schools and residential settings.  Her experience lies in developing, implementing and monitoring verbal behavior programs, behavior reduction programs, skill acquisition programs and training caregivers.  Mrs. R-Wooten holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida State University.  While at Florida State, Mrs. Wooten continued her professional development, working with children and adolescents in the public school setting and family homes.  Prior to the completion of her Master’s degree, Mrs. R-Wooten attended the University of South Florida where she obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with a Specialty in Applied Behavior Analysis.  Mrs. R-Wooten has presented at both the state and national Behavior Analysis conferences and continues to actively participate.  In addition, she has attended numerous workshops given by leading professionals in the field.  Mrs. R-Wooten is the president of Advanced Behavioral Systems.  Click here to visit the ABS website. Crystal Lagor, B.S., BCABA School Consultant Mrs. Lagor is the behavioral and academic consultant for Sydney’s School and is also a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).  She has been working with children and adults with various developmental disabilities since 2001.  Mrs. Lagor’s primary experience is working with children with autism.  Her specialty lies in programming for and implementing Verbal Behavior programs in various settings.  She has been on the Sydney’s School team since April 2007. Chelsea McDonnold, B.A., BCaBA Program Coordinator Ms. McDonnold has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has recently passed her certification exam to become a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).  Ms. McDonnold has been a valued part of the Sydney’s School team since 2007.  Ms. McDonnold is trained in verbal behavior, statistical analysis and performance management. Debra Drabina, B.A. Administrative Assistant Mrs. Drabina has a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus on child development and has been working with children with developmental disabilities and ADHD since 2007.  She spent eight years working as a paralegal and uses those skills to effectively run all of Sydney’s Schools administrative needs as well as Human Resource issues.  Mrs. Drabina’s goal is to work with businesses that help children in ways that can enrich their lives and help them meet their social, emotional and physical needs. Chrissy Roth First Grade Classroom Teacher Mrs. Roth has a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and is currently writing her thesis for a MS in Special Education.  Mrs. Roth has taught children with special needs since 2004 and considers her self a “creative” teacher.  Watching children discover how to learn in different ways is very important to her.  She credits her passion for teaching from her four children who will be her students for life. Danielle Carfore Behavior Therapist Mrs. Carfore has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has been working with adults and children with autism since 2007.  Danielle brings to Sydney’s School great enthusiasm and care for the education of children and families effected by ASD. Jennifer Hanchey Behavior Therapist Ms. Hanchey has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has been working with children with autism since 2009.  Ms. Hanchey brings to Sydney’s School creativity, patience and a passion for teaching children with autism spectrum disorder. Ashley Grimm Behavior Therapist Ms. Grimm has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has been working with children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder since 2008.  Ms. Grimm brings Sydney’s School fundraising experience, creativity, and a love for teaching.  Ms. Grimm is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and plans to continue her work with children and families affected by ASD. Gianna Lozano Behavior Therapist Ms. Lozano has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has been working with children with autism since 2007.  Ms. Lozano enjoys being the tool in which individuals with disabilities use to obtain a better quality of life.  Ms. Lozano is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and plans to continue with a career in working with children and families affected by ASD. Jennifer Kerschner Behavior Therapist Ms. Kerschner has a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and is working towards a Master’s degree in Special Education.  Ms. Kerschner has been working with children and families affected by ASD since 2006.  Ms. Kerschner also enjoys fundraising and has 4 years of experience working with non-for profits.  Ms. Kerschner brings to Sydney’s School a deep passion for improving the lives of those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Mary Cole Pre-School Classroom Teacher Mrs. Cole has been teaching pre-school since 2005 and holds a certificate in Early Childhood Education.  She has her Director’s Credentials with the Florida Department of Children and Families Child Care Services and is currently pursuing her B.S. in Early Elementary Education.  Mrs. Cole brings to Sydney’s School a love for science and applying hands on experiments in the classroom.  She feels that creating life cycle habitats in the classroom will help children discover the world in which they live.  In addition, Mrs. Cole loves arts & crafts and has a passion for supporting children with ASD in an inclusive classroom. Marcia Massey Pre-School Classroom Teacher Ms. Massey has been teaching pre-school since 2005 and holds a certificate in Early Childhood Education.  She also has her Directors Credentials with the Florida Department of Children and Families Child Care Services.  Ms. Massey has been with Sydney’s School since its inception and continues to uphold the values and goals it stands for.  Ms. Massey brings to Sydney’s School a love for music and teaching social skills.  Ms. Massey shares with us her passion for supporting children with ASD in an inclusive classroom.