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 special education teachers, behavior analysts, clinical psychologists, and administrative staff—and our leadership includes those with broad and deep educational expertise.
President & CEO
Ethan is VIA's president and CEO and is responsible for all aspects of clinical and financial administration, program development, fundraising, and strategic planning. 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 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 developmental and behavioral disorders. He was a founding board member of the National 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 stakeholders struggling with the challenges of autism throughout Virginia.
Director of the James C. Hormel School
Jessica serves as the director of VIA's James C. Hormel School, 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 school consistent with VIA’s commitment to applied behavior analysis, VIA’s mission and values, and the strategic goals of the organization. She 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 in 2008. She has over 20 years of experience in behavior analysis, with the last 17 years committed to providing evidence-based treatment to individuals with developmental disabilities. Jessica has provided both direct and consultative services to private, public, residential, and in-home settings and has extensive experience in the treatment of severe problem behavior as well as in the development and implementation of assessment and curriculum for those with autism. Jessica promotes a school culture that is committed to data-driven decision making, accountability, and team building to meet the unique need of each student and their family, and she is committed to creating systemic change for all people with autism in Virginia.
Chief Administrative Officer
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.
Director of the Center for Adolescent and Adult Autism Services (CAAAS)
Lauren began her career with VIA as an intern while an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia. After graduating from UVA, Lauren started working at VIA as an instructor and soon decided to further her learning with a focus on education and applied behavior analysis. She received a Master of 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 VIA's James C. Hormel School before transitioning into the role of the quality improvement manager where she coordinated staff training and implemented organization-wide systems. While in this position, Lauren worked closely with VIA’s Adult Services program, eventually becoming the director of Adult Services in 2019. She's currently VIA's director of the Center for Adolescent and Adult Autism Services where she oversees the high school, post-high classes, and the Adult Services program.
Director of Training and Research
Einar is VIA's director of training and research, overseeing staff training, professional development, and innovative research projects. He holds a master’s degree in behavior analysis from the University of North Texas and a doctoral degree 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 board certified behavior analyst in Virginia. He currently teaches behavior analysis courses at the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development. Einar has authored over 40 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and serves on the editorial boards of several academic journals.
Director of Strategic Communications
Marla is VIA's director of strategic communications and is responsible for providing useful and timely information about our services to VIA families, clients, students, staff, donors—and our surrounding community. Before joining VIA, Marla worked for the University of Virginia leading marketing and communications strategy for advancement staff and constituents. Prior, she lead both marketing and instructional design teams at two education start-up companies, taught public school in Virginia and North Carolina, served as president of the local education association, and worked for newspapers and a journalism trade association in Florida. Throughout her professional life, Marla has put her creative energy to work for mission-driven organizations.
Director of Human Resources
Carole is VIA's director of human resources, and is responsible for the overall administration, coordination and evaluation of the human resource function—including recruitment and talent management, salary and benefits administration, training, employee relations, education and development, recognition programs, and employee services for all VIA employees and interns. Carole joined VIA in August 2017 after working in public education for 32 years where she served as teacher and building level administrator, as well as a division-level administrator. Carole is committed to the mission of VIA and supporting our employees—who in turn support our students, clients, and their families.
Director of Compliance
Ashley is VIA's director of compliance, responsible for policy development and review, as well as ensuring internal policies meet the requirements of external regulations. Ashley studied special education with a focus on individuals with moderate to intensive needs at the University of Akron, and she holds a master’s degree in behavior analysis from Sage Graduate School. Before coming to VIA in 2007, Ashley 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.
Chief Advancement Officer
Nicole is VIA's chief advancement officer, responsible for securing resources to support VIA's mission, programs, and services. Her team engages families, staff, donors, volunteers, and community partners to facilitate VIA’s growth and development. Nicole joined the VIA staff in July 2020 after five years working in the University of Virginia’s advancement operation. While there, she led efforts in donor relations, volunteer engagement, and board management for the nursing and engineering schools. Nicole has a doctorate from UVA and currently holds an adjunct faculty position at their School of Education and Human Development. She says her favorite part of her job is sharing VIA’s incredible story with those who have not had the opportunity to hear it yet.