LEADERSHIP & BOARD

Our staff members make a difference every day for our students, clients, and their families.

VIA services are provided by a wide-range of professionals, including licensed behavior analysts, special education teachers, clinical psychologists, and administrative staff—and our leadership includes individuals with broad and deep clinical and educational expertise.

Ethan S. Long, Ph.D., BCBA-D — President & CEO
Ethan S. Long, Ph.D, BCBA-D

Chief Administrative Officer
Ed Gillaspie, CPA

Director of Human Resources
Carole Nelson, MEDL

President & CEO

Ethan S. Long, Ph.D, BCBA-D

Ethan is VIA’s President and CEO, and is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, financial management, program development, and overall operations at VIA to ensure effective operations and impactful services. Ethan holds a Ph.D. in child clinical psychology from West Virginia University. He completed both a pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and is a licensed board certified behavior analyst in Virginia. He currently serves as a visiting assistant professor of education at the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development. Ethan has authored over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and delivered more than 100 presentations and workshops related to autism spectrum disorder, applied behavior analysis, and a variety of related neurodevelopmental disorders. He was a founding board member of the Council of Autism Service Providers and he has served on numerous national and state practice boards. Since his arrival at VIA in 2010, Ethan has remained focused on expanding the highest quality, evidenced-based programs and services to better support children, adults, families, and communities struggling with the challenges of neurodevelopmental disorders throughout Virginia.

Email:elong@viacenters.org

Chief Administrative Officer

Ed Gillaspie, CPA

Ed is VIA’s chief administrative officer and a certified public accountant in Virginia. His career spans over 30 years as an administrator for public schools and non-profits. Ed serves on VIA’s executive team participating in the development of our strategic direction and providing leadership and management of all administrative supports and activities. He graduated from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce in 1993. Ed is honored to be part of this very special organization that impacts the lives of so many in our community using high quality, evidence based practices.

Email:egillaspie@viacenters.org

Director of Advancement

Rebecca Ellison

Rebecca Ellison is VIA’s Director of Advancement and works to secure resources to further the mission and reach of the organization. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and minors in Urban and Environmental Planning and Global Sustainability from the University of Virginia. She has spent the last 10 years in the nonprofit sector, raising funds to ensure organizations’ long-term health and sustainability. Before joining the VIA team in 2021, Rebecca worked for a housing organization in the DC area and helped set the stage for a multimillion-dollar campaign to fund a purpose-built shelter and permanent supportive housing. In her free time, Rebecca enjoys exploring all Charlottesville has to offer with her husband and two young daughters.

Email:rellison@viacenters.org

Director of Human Resources

Carole Nelson, MEDL

Carole serves as VIA’s Director of Human Resources where she is directly responsible for the overall administration, coordination, and evaluation of the human resource function. Carole supervises recruitment and talent management, salary and benefits administration, training, employee relations, recognition programs and employee services for all VIA employees and interns. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from James Madison University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Longwood University. Carole joined VIA in August 2017 after working in public education for 32 years where she served as a teacher, building level administrator, and a division level administrator in the roles of director of human resources, assistant superintendent of human resources and administration. She has been working in human resources since 2006. Carole is committed to the mission of VIA and supporting our employees, who in turn support our students, clients, and families.

Director of Training & Research
Einar Ingvarsson, Ph.D, BCBA-D, LBA

Director of Quality Assurance
Ashley Stonemetz-Walding, MS, BCBA, LBA

Executive Director of School Services
Jessica Doucette, MS, BCBA, LBA

Director of Adult Services
Lauren Haskins, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA

Director of Training & Research

Einar Ingvarsson, Ph.D, BCBA-D, LBA

As the Director of Training and Research at VIA, Einar oversees staff training, professional development, quality improvement, and research projects. Einar holds a master’s degree in behavior analysis from the University of North Texas and a Ph.D. in behavioral psychology from the University of Kansas. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and is a Licensed Behavior Analyst in Virginia. He teaches behavior analysis courses at the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development. Einar has authored 45 peer-reviewed journal articles and several book chapters. He previously served as associate editor for both the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA) and The Analysis of Verbal Behavior (TAVB), and currently serves on the editorial boards of JABA, TAVB, Behavioral Interventions, and European Journal of Behavior Analysis.

Director of Quality Assurance

Ashley Stonemetz-Walding, MS, BCBA, LBA

Ashley is the Director of Quality Assurance at VIA. She is responsible for the development and execution of VIA’s compliance standards, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures, as well as ongoing compliance with regulators and accrediting bodies. Ashley studied Special Education for individuals with moderate to intensive needs at the University of Akron, and holds a Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis from Sage Graduate School at Russell Sage Colleges. Ashley has been a member of the VIA team since 2007, serving as a Special Educator, Behavior Analyst, and Director of Outpatient Services. Before coming to VIA, she worked at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism and a Special Education day school in Ohio. Ashley is a licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Virginia.

Executive Director of School Services

Jessica Doucette, MS, BCBA, LBA

Jessica serves as the Executive Director of School Services at VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment where she is responsible for the oversight of all clinical and educational programs and services. She manages, evaluates, and supervises effective procedures for the operation of the schools consistent with VIA’s commitment to ABA philosophy, VIA’s mission and values, and the strategic goals of the organization. As a member of the executive leadership team, she is committed to creating systemic change for all people with autism and related neurodevelopmental disabilities in Virginia. Jessica received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire in 2001; her Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas in 2007; and her Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA) in 2008. Jessica has provided both direct and consultative services to clinic, school, residential, and in-home settings and has experience in the treatment of severe problem behavior; in the development and implementation of assessment and curriculum; and in Organizational Behavior Management. Jessica promotes a school culture that is committed to data driven decision-making, accountability, and team building to meet the unique needs of each student and their family.

Director of Adult Services

Lauren Haskins, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA

Lauren Haskins started her career with VIA when she completed an internship at VIA as an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia. After graduation, Lauren started working at VIA as an instructor and soon after decided to further her education in the areas of education and applied behavior analysis. She received a Master’s degree in Education from George Mason University in 2013 and became certified as a behavior analyst in 2014. Lauren worked as a special education teacher and behavior analyst at the James C. Hormel School before transitioning into the role of the Quality Improvement Manager where she coordinated staff training and helped implement organization-wide systems. While in this position, she worked closely with VIA’s Adult Services department and became the Director of Adult Services in 2019. Since then, she has continued in this position as VIA’s adult program has grown to include locations in Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Roanoke.

Director of Charlottesville Schools
Suzanne Fladd, M.ED

Director of Lexington VIA Day School
Meagan Harding, MA, BCBA, LBA

Director of Lynchburg VIA Day School
Damien Murtagh, MEd, BCBA, LBA

Director of Roanoke VIA Day School
Leslie Painter, MSEd

Director of Charlottesville Schools

Suzanne Fladd, M.ED

Suzanne Fladd is the Director of the Charlottesville Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Wheelock College in Massachusetts and her Masters of Education from the University of Virginia. Suzanne continued her education by acquiring an attachment to her Masters in Administration/Supervision from Longwood University. Before joining the VIA team, Suzanne worked in the field of Special Education in the Albemarle County Public School system for thirty-one years. Her last nine years were as a special education coordinator. In addition, Suzanne worked with UVA as an adjunct professor teaching Reading in the Content Area. Suzanne has resided in Charlottesville for 35 years where she and her husband, Robert, raised their two children. In her spare time, Suzanne loves to knit, needlepoint, and read.

Director of Lexington VIA Day School

Meagan Harding, MA, BCBA, LBA

Meagan Harding is the Director of Lexington VIA Day School in Lexington, Virginia. Originally from Abingdon, Virginia, Meagan received her Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech and completed an internship at the Center for Applied Behavior Analysis. After beginning her career as an ABA therapist working 1:1 with students with autism, Meagan followed her passion and pursued credentialing in the field of special education in 2008. She obtained a Master of Arts in Special Education and her certification in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University in 2015. Meagan has led the Lexington area programs as a Licensed Behavior Analyst and Special Education teacher since 2013. As a clinician and Director, Meagan has served individuals with disabilities and their families for over 15 years and is passionate about helping her clients thrive. When not overseeing the educational and behavioral gains of her clients, Meagan enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children.

Director of Lynchburg VIA Day School

Damien Murtagh, MEd, BCBA, LBA

Damien serves as the Director of School Services at the Lynchburg Via Day School and oversees daily operations there. Originally from Northern Ireland, Damien made Virginia his home since 2001 and has been working with individuals with autism ever since. He received his Bachelor’s in Education from Queen’s University, Belfast and Masters in Special Education from Lynchburg College. Damien previously worked as the autism specialist for Bedford County Public Schools. He has been practicing as a BCBA since 2011, joining BRAAC in 2012 until it merged with VIA in 2023 and currently serves as a Subject Matter Expert with the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.

Director of Roanoke VIA Day School

Leslie Painter, MSEd

Leslie Painter is the Director of Roanoke VIA Day School. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a Master of Science in Special Education from Radford University. Before joining the VIA team, Leslie worked in special education in the public school systems for 15 years and was an adjunct instructor in Radford University’s education department. In her free time, Leslie enjoys reading books for her book club and spending time with her husband and young daughter.

Regional Director of Adult Services
Lauren Shaw, MS, BCBA, LBA

Director of Pediatric ABA Services
Katie Kariel, MT, BCBA, LBA

Director of School Coaching & Consultation Services
Shonnet Brand, MA, BCBA, LBA

Regional Director of Adult Services

Lauren Shaw, MS, BCBA, LBA

Lauren Shaw is the Regional Director of Adult Services for VIA’s Roanoke and Lynchburg locations. Lauren graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2007 and immediately started her career in Applied Behavior Analysis as a behavior technician. She enrolled in the Florida Tech’s assistant behavior analyst certificate program and became a Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst in 2013. Lauren graduated from the Sage Colleges with a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism in 2018, and became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and a Licensed Behavior Analyst the following year. Lauren has taught children and adolescents in both the private school and home settings, working directly with individuals and providing parent training. She has also worked with adolescents and adults to increase their daily living skills and independence in their homes and communities. Lauren then transitioned to the position of Director of Compliance, working mostly with VIA’s adult services programs. In 2023, Lauren joined the Adult Services Department overseeing the Roanoke and Lynchburg programs.

Director of Pediatric ABA Services

Katie Kariel, MT, BCBA, LBA

Katie is VIA’s Director of Pediatric ABA Services. She is responsible for the oversight of a team of behavior analysts, behavior technicians, and speech pathologists that provide clinic-based early intervention services. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Virginia in 2014; her master’s degree in special education with a concentration in early childhood development from the University of Virginia in 2014; and her board certification in behavior analysis in 2016. She has been employed at VIA since 2015.

Director of School Coaching & Consultation Services

Shonnet Brand, MA, BCBA, LBA

While earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology from West Virginia University, Shonnet began her career in the UK with students with severe intellectual disabilities and knew she had found her path. Upon graduating, she worked at a residential facility at the May Institute and started a school for students with autism in Portland, Oregon. Shonnet received her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacific University, and began her 21-year career by supporting at-risk learners, their families, and teachers. She joined VIA in 2014, establishing a staff and parent training curriculum, and in 2017, Shonnet expanded VIA’s outreach by providing in-person and virtual support to learners and instructors across local school divisions. Shonnet continues this expansion as the Director of School-Based Services, and has presented her coaching outcomes at various local and national conferences.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

VIA’s board of directors exemplifies all of the values instilled in this organization by our founders: dedication, compassion, effectiveness, innovation. Taken as a group, their range of accomplishments, and their depth of commitment, enrich VIA and enrich the community of people with special needs.

OFFICERS

Chair

John T. Will, DDS

Dr. John Will is a dental anesthesiologist and principal at Children’s Dentistry of Charlottesville, a practice with a mission to help all children, including those with special medical, financial, or developmental needs. He and his colleagues are collaborating with VIA and the University of Virginia to study practices that help patients with autism to tolerate dental procedures. A graduate of Loma Linda University Dental School and a resident in the Loma Linda Dental Anesthesiology Program, Dr. Will received extensive education in pharmacology, physiology, internal medicine, and general anesthesia.

Vice-Chair

Kelley MacDougall

Kelley MacDougall is a native of Massachusetts who has lived in Charlottesville since 2008. She received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and her MBA from Northwestern University. Her work experience includes investment banking, finance and marketing, and strategy work done primarily in the media and entertainment industries. In Charlottesville, she has served as an original member of Charlottesville Area Community Foundation’s Future Fund, and as a board member of Light House. She has served on the board of ReadyKids for eight years and is currently a member of the Georgetown University Board of Regents.

Secretary

Brian Johnson

Brian Johnson is a corporate attorney with Woods Rogers PLC in Charlottesville, and he serves as outside legal counsel for VIA. His legal practice focuses on assisting business clients with their transactional and commercial real estate needs. Brian graduated from Southern Methodist University and received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. Before attending law school, Brian was an Assistant Vice President with Chase Bank in Texas. His civic involvements include the Salvation Army of Charlottesville, the Albemarle County Police Foundation, and the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport Commission.

Treasurer

Caruso Brown

Caruso Brown served formerly as financial administrator for Region Ten Community Services Board. He is a playwright, minister, and co-founder of the African American Genealogy Group.

DIRECTORS

John Battiston

John joined our board in 2005. He had a 25-year career with Mobil Oil before its merger with Exxon. He ended his career there as Wholesale Distribution Manager for North America. After his retirement from the corporate world in 1995, he worked another ten years in executive positions focused on business development for an independent oil and gas distributor.

Jason Cockerill

Jason served as President of the VIA Board of Directors from 2015 to 2017. He first joined the board in 2011, and also served previously as Treasurer and as Vice-President. Jason brings to his work on the board a career-long expertise in finance and operations. He graduated from Davidson College with a double major in Chemistry and Economics, with a minor in Applied Mathematics. His work has focused on the valuation of complex financial instruments. He began his career with First Union Bank of Charlotte, NC. In the early 2000s he spent seven years with Merrill Lynch in London. From 2005 to 2008 he served as Vice President of Merrill’s Product Valuation Group. In 2008, he moved to Charlottesville-based Quantitative Investment Management, LLC, where, from 2008 to 2013, he managed trading operations for the firm. Since 2013 he has served as QIM’s Chief Operating Officer.

C. Milton Dunlap, III

Milton Dunlap serves as Administrator for Contracts with the University of Virginia Health System.

Kaye Forsman

Kaye Forsman has been in Charlottesville for nearly 30 years and is well-acquainted with the nonprofit community and fundraising. She served as previous Director of Development at VIA, led strategic advancement programs at the University of Virginia, and has been involved with many local philanthropic organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts, Little League baseball, and the Farmington Beagles. Recently retired, Kaye is enjoying visiting her two adult sons and hiking, painting, and reading.

David C. Gordon

David is one of the founders of VIA. From our earliest days, he has been a guiding voice for compassionate care and evidence-based treatment for the people we serve. His son Daniel was in our first class of students, and now is a client in our Adult Academy. David took a leave of absence from his position at University of Virginia to be our first Executive Director. He served in that capacity from 1996-97. He also served an earlier term on our board, from 1997-2006, and rejoined the board in 2010. David holds a BA in Psychology from Davidson College, a Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary New York, and a Masters in Social Work from Hunter College. He recently retired as Director of Telemedicine for the UVA Health System.

Chris Little

Immediate Past Chair

Since childhood in Ireland, Chris has been inspired by his younger brother Eoin, born with cerebral palsy and autism. In 1997 Chris founded SingleStone, a Virginia-based tech consultancy, with a purpose to elevate humanity in business because it’s good for people and good for business. In 2017 he resigned as CEO, with the firm’s next generation of leaders ready to extend this founding purpose. Chris now serves on SingleStone’s board and in a role focused on community service and bridging mainstream society with communities on the margins.

Sue Miller

Susan Miller joined the VIA Board following the successful merger of SVH Services in Roanoke in 2023.

Susan was a special education teacher for 32 years, working in Botetourt and Craig Counties, with a two-year period serving as a special education coordinator. She also worked in adult and children’s group homes serving neurodiverse populations. She retired in 2013.

Prior to joining the VIA Board, she served as Chairman of the SVH Services Board before and during the merger; Chairman of the Craig County School board, serving as an elected official; and Chairman of the Roanoke Valley Regional Board for Special Education. She holds a B.A in Psychological Services from Hollins University and an M.S in Special Education from Radford University. Her son Kyle received initial consultation services and program support from VIA as a public-school student at age 5. VIA also provided training for all who were involved in his instruction at that time. Kyle, now 31, continues to participate in VIA programs for day support and supported employment services in the Roanoke Valley.

Marc Nelson

Marc Nelson is a government professional with over 20 years of public service, including with the City of Savannah and the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management. He currently serves as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Roanoke where he leads that city’s innovation and economic inclusion efforts. His work has helped him develop strong advocacy and community building skills, which he hopes to apply to his board service with VIA. He and his wife reside in the Wasena Historic District with their daughter.

Richard Stevenson

Rich is a Professor in the Developmental Pediatrics Division of the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital. His work brings him into close contact with families seeking to understand the causes and consequences of developmental delays or difficulties caused by cerebral palsy, ADHD, autism, and other things. Rich has certifications from the American Board of Medical Specialties in Pediatrics and in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities.

Bernard C. Webb

Bernie Webb is one of the founders of VIA. He and his wife Alison moved to Charlottesville in 1995 in search of effective services for their two children, Harry and Georgia, both of whom are on the autism spectrum. Working together with other local families, they sought out models, discovered evidence-based approaches, and built a school from the ground up. Bernie has served VIA in numerous official capacities since the founding from his board and committee service to writing and editing the original VIA newsletter. Bernie earned an M.A. in Russian Language and Literature from the University of Virginia. He worked for the Defense Department and in private investment in San Francisco before returning to Charlottesville with his family and founding VIA.

Lee Mullen

Lee Mullen is a Charlottesville native and has lived in the area for almost all of her life. She and her husband live on a farm in western Albemarle County where they raised their three now-adult children (who are also all UVA graduates) and enjoy spending time with their grandchildren. Lee received her BA in History from UVA and has been involved with the Children’s Hospital for over 30 years. She recently retired from chairing the board there but remains an active supporter. She loves touring the UVA athletes through the pediatric floors at the hospital and encouraging them to interact with the patients.

Alicia Milligan

Alicia Milligan has lived in Charlottesville since 2004 and brings both legal and nonprofit expertise to the board. She currently serves as the Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney for Albemarle County and has volunteered as a CASA advocate for children in foster care as well as a former board member of Ready Kids, a local nonprofit serving children and families in our community. Her passion for helping children extends to her personal life as well–she has volunteered and held leadership roles within the schools her children attended. Alicia joined the VIA board to help broaden awareness about our mission, services, and impact to help create a more inclusive community where everyone can reach their potential and thrive.