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Our Founders
Meet the duo who combined their innovative ideas for helping children build functional skills and succeed in the classroom to design educational approaches that have improved lives around the world.
Andy Bondy, PhD
Andy Bondy is president and co-founder of Pyramid Educational Consultants. Dr. Bondy is an innovative leader in the field of autism and applied behaviour analysis. He directed a statewide public school system for students with autism for fourteen years. He is co-author of the PECS Training Manual. He also wrote the Pyramid Approach to Education, a training manual that offers an integrated orientation to developing effective educational environments blending applied behaviour analysis with functional activities and creative communication strategies. Dr. Bondy received his MA and Ph.D. from the UNC Greensboro, and completed his clinical internship in 1976 at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Dr. Bondy has presented numerous papers, lectures and workshops in regional, national and international conferences and conventions on behaviour analysis, PECS and the Pyramid Approach to Education. He has remained active in research and writing, and continues to develop new and innovative methods of helping children with autism and related developmental disorders.
Lori Frost, MS, CCC-SLP
Lori Frost is vice-president and co-founder of Pyramid Educational Consultants. She is co-author of The PECS Training Manual. She has been the driving force behind creating PECS, a unique system that allows children with limited communication abilities to initiate communication with teachers, parents, and peers. Ms. Frost has a wealth of background in functional communication training and applied behaviour analysis. She has assisted in the development of a number of training packages designed to teach language and academic skills. Ms. Frost received her BA in speech pathology and audiology from the University of Arkansas, and MS in speech and language pathology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1982. She has worked in many public and private school settings as a speech pathologist. As a Pyramid consultant, Ms. Frost has traveled across the country and the world, teaching workshops on PECS and the Pyramid Approach to Education. She has presented a number of papers and lectures on autism and communication, co-authored several articles and chapters, and is respected by professionals in her field as a leader in functional communication systems.
Our Team
Krysten Spottiswood, MA, BCBA
Krysten Spottiswood is a Consultant for Pyramid Educational Consultants of Canada. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts Degree in Applied Disability Studies with a specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Brock University in Ontario, Canada. She started her career as a rehabilitation therapist and case manager working with individuals with an acquired brain injury. She later worked as a case manager and senior therapist with children, adolescents, and young adults with intellection and developmental disabilities including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Her clinical experience includes work in educational and residential services. She has completed research related to the impact of instructional strategies on the communication behaviour of children with ASD who use augmentative/ alternative communication (AAC) systems. Krysten has presented her research both nationally and internationally, and has co-authored a book chapter on the use of AAC systems for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has also served as a research assistant on numerous committees for the Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis (ONTABA).
Catherine Horton, MS, CCC-SLP, BCBA, CAGS
Catherine Horton is dually-certified as both a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Maine with a B.A. in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She went on to earn a M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of New Hampshire. Catherine has earned the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership from the University of New England. Most recently, Catherine has also completed all requirements for certification as a behavior analyst. Prior to her employment with Pyramid Educational Consultants, Catherine worked as a speech language pathologist providing therapy to children with significant special needs in hospital, group home and school settings. Catherine has been a consultant at Pyramid for over 10 years. She currently provides trainings regarding PECS and the Pyramid Approach to Education to parents and professionals across the United States. Catherine also consults to educational teams across the country, focusing on the development of functional communication systems and effective educational environments for students with special needs. She has also published literature in both Focus on Autism and the Autism Advocate. Catherine has a wealth of expertise in working with students with developmental disabilities and is passionate about her work.
Donna Banzhof, MEd, BCBA
Donna Banzhof is a Consultant and a Senior PECS Supervisor and Trainer for Pyramid Educational Consultants. She earned a graduate certificate in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas and, a master’s degree in Educational Psychology from Temple University. She has been working in the special needs field since 1990 in various capacities, teacher, administrator and consultant. Her background and experience fosters creativity in consulting professionals, paraprofessionals and parents to improve the quality of life for individuals and their families. She provides consultation, workshops, and training to various schools, homes and adult services. She focuses on functional programs utilizing a comprehensive analytical approach, the Pyramid Approach to Education.
Tony Castrogiovanni, PhD
Tony Castrogiovanni began his career in 1977 providing psychological and behavior analytic services to children and adults who were being discharged from The Willowbrook State Developmental Center in New York back into their local communities. It was there that he developed one of the first token economy based service agencies in New York as well as developing a teaching curriculum of ‘Boehm" concepts.(a list of critical prepositional phrases and simple directions for work and school behavior developed by Anne Boehm). In the over 20 years since then he has specialized in the treatment of severe problem behavior, PDD and Autism Spectrum disorder as it impacts behavior and education, and has developed both site-based and in-home programs for children and adults with autism. He has taught at the State University of New York at Stony Brook where he also received his Masters and Doctorate in Psychology and has published in peer reviewed journals such as the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior and Research in Developmental Disabilities. An experienced presenter, Dr. Castrogiovanni has spoken at numerous conferences both to train teachers and other staff as well as to present findings from on-going research to professional audiences.
For the past several years he has conceived, developed, and directed two programs that served children and adults in an innovative manner that produced better outcomes than previous programming had achieved. While with Chimes Delaware he was the Clinical and Residential Director serving over 80 adolescents and adults. He most recently comes to Pyramid from the position of Director for the Bancroft Center for Autism Research and Educational Services in Haddonfield, New Jersey where he oversaw the development of in-home programs for over 30 children, the development of Pyramid style classrooms in many school districts on the east coast of the USA, as well as developing a consultative arm that provides direction for changes in organizations to meet best practices. During this time, he was a member of the Monitoring and Review Board for the Delaware Autistic Program. Dr. Castrogiovanni has been providing private consultation to families, schools, agencies and businesses since 1989. His entrepreneurial spirit and business background bring a unique perspective and understanding to program development that allows the development of outstanding clinical and educational procedures that make sense for the individual client as well as the larger environment in which the program takes place.
For the past several years he has conceived, developed, and directed two programs that served children and adults in an innovative manner that produced better outcomes than previous programming had achieved. While with Chimes Delaware he was the Clinical and Residential Director serving over 80 adolescents and adults. He most recently comes to Pyramid from the position of Director for the Bancroft Center for Autism Research and Educational Services in Haddonfield, New Jersey where he oversaw the development of in-home programs for over 30 children, the development of Pyramid style classrooms in many school districts on the east coast of the USA, as well as developing a consultative arm that provides direction for changes in organizations to meet best practices. During this time, he was a member of the Monitoring and Review Board for the Delaware Autistic Program. Dr. Castrogiovanni has been providing private consultation to families, schools, agencies and businesses since 1989. His entrepreneurial spirit and business background bring a unique perspective and understanding to program development that allows the development of outstanding clinical and educational procedures that make sense for the individual client as well as the larger environment in which the program takes place.
Jesseca Collins, MEd, BCBA
Jesseca Collins has been involved in the field of special education throughout her life as a peer buddy and through various organizations supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities. She holds a Master’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is a certified elementary and special education teacher in Colorado and California. Jesseca completed her coursework in applied behavior analysis at San Diego State University and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst is 2011. She has been working professionally in the field in both public and non-public school settings since 2004 as an instructional assistant, teacher and program specialist. In both the public and non-public settings, she supported the establishment or strengthening of programs for students on the autism spectrum or with developmental disabilities. She has also worked at summer camps for children with Autism and has travelled to Accra, Ghana to support an organization for children with Autism. Jesseca has provided support in the school, home, and community settings. She strives to make a meaningful impact on the quality of life for individuals, families, and professionals. She believes in an integrated team based approach to education and values the unique personality of each individual.
Julia Hoffman, MS, CCC-SLP
Julia Hoffman is Pyramid UK's Clinical Director and Pyramid USA's Supervisor and Trainer. She has worked as a speech and language therapist since receiving her Master's degree in 1987 from Fontbonne University in St. Louis, MO, USA. Her work experience includes serving as Program Director at a residential treatment center for people with autism and other learning difficulties, providing consultation and training for schools and families, and developing in-home intervention programs for people with autism. In addition, Julia served as Director for an agency in Missouri providing on-site therapy and full-time inclusion support for children with autism attending mainstream schools. Julia has extensive experience of consultation, training and implementing programs based on applied behavior analysis. She joined Pyramid UK in April 2003 and Pyramid USA in 2016.
Jo-Anne B. Matteo, MS, CCC-SLP
Jo-Anne B. Matteo began her career as a public school speech-language pathologist in Connecticut in 1980. She received her B.A. in Communication Disorders from Southern Connecticut State College in 1979, M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from Adelphi University in 1980, and an advanced degree in Administration and Supervision from Southern Connecticut State University in 1983. As a special education administrator since 1994, she has been involved in staff and program development. She is the founder of a public school program for preschool and elementary children who present with significant special needs in the areas of communication, cognitive, social, behavioral and motor disabilities. These students have been using PECS to improve functional communication skills while they take part in a classroom that has been implementing the Pyramid Approach to Education. Jo-Anne has worked in this program as the speech-language pathologist and the program coordinator. Jo-Anne has presented extensively at various conferences and workshops to parents and professionals in the areas of speech-language development, functional communication and program design. She is also an active member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Anne K. Overcash, MEd
Anne K. Overcash, M.Ed. is a Senior Consultant and PECS® Supervisor for Pyramid Educational Consultants in the United States. With nearly 30 years of experience in the field of autism and developmental disabilities she specializes in providing training and consultation to those who serve individuals with complex communication needs. In addition to communication training and consultation, she provides training and consultation on developing effective educational environments with a focus on enhancing learners’ skill sets and decreasing unwanted behaviors. Anne has worked extensively across the USA as well as internationally. Her background in a variety of educational settings, including public schools and comprehensive knowledge of the Picture Exchange Communication System® (PECS®) and The Pyramid Approach to Education® combined with years of training groups provide a unique platform from which Anne is able to deliver empowering training sessions and effective consultation.
Jill Waegenaere, MA, CCC-SLP
Molly Lingo, M.Ed., BCBA
Molly Lingo has been working with children with autism and other disabilities since high school as a peer mentor. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Kutztown University and is dually certified in Special Education and Elementary Education. She earned her graduate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University and is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Molly began her career as a teacher of students with autism working with students in a variety of grades. During her time as a teacher, Molly completed the Pyramid Certification Program. Molly then transitioned into her role as a BCBA for her local school district serving pre-school students with autism. Molly is passionate about sharing her experience implementing PECS and the Pyramid Approach to Education in the home, school, and community settings.
Disclosures
Financial: Molly Lingo receives compensation as an employee of Pyramid Educational Consultants, LLC.
Non-financial: No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Alexis Bondy, MSEd, BCBA
Alexis "Lexi" Bondy obtained her Master’s Degree in Special Education with an emphasis in ABA from Temple University in 2015, she became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2017. Lexi was published in 2018 in the Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities Journal. Her students have ranged from ages 2-23 years old and been diagnosed with various developmental disabilities, primarily autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Prior to joining the Pyramid team, Lexi worked at Above & Beyond Learning Group (ABLG) as the Assistant Clinical Director, and was primarily based out of their ABA Center in northern New Jersey. As the Assistant Clinical Director, she oversaw the ABA Center, provided staff and parent training as well as supervision to BCBA candidates and newly minted BCBAs. She has also provided consultation to schools and group homes. Before becoming a BCBA Lexi worked as a special education teaching assistant, was a substitute teacher, and provided ABA home-program therapy. Lexi continues to be passionate about teaching with compassion, using creative teaching strategies, focusing on improving communication skills and working closely with families to address their values as well as educate them on ABA.
Keiko Suzuki, MEd, BCBA
Keiko Suzuki has a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (Applied Behavior Analysis) from Arizona State University and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in Applied Behavior Analysis. Keiko started her career as a research scientist in a field of Environmental Geochemistry, teaching and researching in various research groups in the UK and in the US. She has PhD in Chemistry from Sheffield University (UK), Master of Science in Environmental biogeochemistry from Newcastle University (UK) and Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Aberdeen University (UK). Her career change into the field of Applied Behavior Analysis was after her son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has gained extensive experience working as a bilingual (Japanese & English) registered behavior analyst in homes and in schools serving students with a variety of needs. Keiko’s experience as a BCBA includes providing assessments, staff training and consultation across a wide range of school districts in her community. Keiko is a strong Special Education advocate for her son and for her students in her community. She loves working with her students as well as teachers and other specialists on the team to collaborate and work as a team for the student’s future and their independence.
Read Financial and Non-Financial Disclosures
Andy Bondy, PhD
Financial: Dr. Andy Bondy receives financial compensation from Pyramid Group Management LLC.
Non-financial: Dr. Andy Bondy holds a non-compensated board seat with The Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies.
Lori Frost, MS, CCC-SLP
Financial: Lori Frost receives financial compensation from Pyramid Group Management LLC.
Non-financial: No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Donna Banzhof, MEd, BCBA
Financial: Donna Banzhof receives compensation as an employee of Pyramid Group Management LLC.
Non-financial: No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Tony Castrogiovanni, PhD
Financial: Dr. Anthony Castrogiovanni receives compensation as an employee of Pyramid Educational Consultants, LLC. Non-financial: No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Jessica Collins, MEd, BCBA
Financial: Jesseca Collins receives compensation as an employee of Pyramid Educational Consultants, LLC.
Non-financial: No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Julia Hoffman, MS, CCC-SLP
Financial: Julia Hoffman receives compensation as an employee of Pyramid Educational Consultants, LLC.
Non-financial: No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Catherine Horton, MS, CCC-SLP, BCBA
Financial: Catherine Horton receives compensation as an employee of Pyramid Educational Consultants, LLC.
Non-financial: No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Jo-Anne B. Matteo, MS, CCC-SLP
Financial: Jo-Anne Matteo receives compensation as an employee of Pyramid Educational Consultants, LLC.
Non-financial: No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Anne K. Overcash, MEd
Financial: Anne Overcash receives compensation as an employee of Pyramid Educational Consultants, LLC.
Non-financial: No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Erin Moran, M.Ed., BCBA
Financial: Erin Moran receives compensation as an employee of Pyramid Educational Consultants, LLC.
Non-financial: No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Krysten Spottiswood, M.A., BCBA
Financial: Krysten Spottiswood receives compensation as an employee of Pyramid Educational Consultants, LLC.
Non-financial: No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Keiko Suzuki, MEd, BCBA
Financial: Keiko Suzuki receives compensation as an employee of Pyramid Educational Consultants, LLC.
Non-financial: No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Jill Waegenaere, MA, CCC-SLP
Financial: Jill Waegenaere receives compensation as an employee of Pyramid Educational Consultants, LLC.
Non-financial: No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Alexis Bondy MEd, BCBA
Financial: Alexis Bondy receives compensation as an employee of Pyramid Group Management, LLC.
Non-financial: No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Molly Lingo, M.Ed., BCBA
Financial: Molly Lingo receives compensation as an employee of Pyramid Educational Consultants, LLC.
Non-financial: No relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Pyramid Educational Consultants is the Sole Source for PECS® and the Pyramid Approach to Education® training, consultation, and various educational products. Download our current Sole Source letter below.