Meet the Team

Sara Lamont

Sara Lamont

Clinical Director

Sara Lamont, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, is both an International Behavior Analyst (IBAO) and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with extensive experience in behavioral intervention, special education, and parent training for children with developmental disorders. She is the founder and Clinical Director of Ascend with ABA, an organization providing trauma-informed ABA services. Recently, she provided international training for the Hoang Duc Education Group in Vietnam and remains committed to promoting a positive approach within the field.

In addition to her clinical work, Sara participates in research at the May Institute on a project funded by the U.S. Departments of Defense and Education. This research focuses on comparing ABA intervention models and structured parent training curriculums.

Sara holds a Bachelor of Science from Elon University, a Master of Education from Regent University, and completed in-depth training in Applied Behavior Analysis at the Florida Institute of Technology. She is also a certified Kids Yoga and Mindfulness teacher, often integrating these practices into her work. Her previous experience includes serving as a special education teacher and as the Director of Education for high-risk youth.

Allison Harnois

Allison Harnois

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Allison is a dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analyst who began her career in ABA in 2019. She has experience across home, school, and clinical settings, working with individuals aged 2 to 19 years. She is passionate about client-led therapy and assent-based practices. She believes in creating compassionate, collaborative environments that prioritize trust, meaningful relationships, functional communication, and quality of life. Allison is dedicated to working closely with families and interdisciplinary teams to provide individualized care tailored to each client’s strengths and goals.

In her free time, Allison enjoys visiting local coffee shops, taking her Siberian Husky on adventures, and traveling.
Tan

Tan

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Tan graduated from Virginia Wesleyan College in 2005 with a Bachelor in Psychology and Old Dominion University in 2011 with a Masters in Education. Tan completed his Applied Behavior Analysis coursework from Florida Institute of Technology and was certified as a BCBA in 2019. Tan has over 7 years of experience providing both in-home services and school-based services with clients with ages ranging from 2-22.

In his free time, Tan enjoys working out, playing chess, and spending time with family and friends.

Bekah

Bekah

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Bekah has worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2009. She has worked in clinics, home, and school settings. Bekah has worked with learners from 18 months to 12 years old, including some with intensive challenging behaviors. Bekah has her undergraduate degree in psychology, and her masters in counseling.

In her free time, Bekah enjoys spending time with her husband, kids and golden retriever.

Brian Pinardi

Brian Pinardi

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Brian was born and raised in Connecticut before moving to Florida to attend Florida Tech’s ABA master’s program. He worked with children and adults for 12 years in Nashville, mainly with military families, but he always felt that working with children was where he belonged.

He has been living in Virginia Beach for 8 years, giving him approximately 20 years of experience as a BCBA. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his daughters, going to the beach, and sitting by a bonfire. Brian is also a professional musician who performs throughout the greater Hampton Roads area.

Anna Rivera

Anna Rivera

Registered Behavioral Technician

Anna, one of our Registered Behavioral Technicians, graduated from Kennesaw State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Her passion for working with kids is evident in the deep sense of purpose she feels when she sees them making progress. Her previous roles as a substitute teacher and a nanny have honed her skills and dedication to supporting young minds, instilling confidence in her ability to make a difference.

In her free time, Anna enjoys reading, crocheting, and anything crafty.

Yardan Shabazz

Yardan Shabazz

Registered Behavior Technician

Yardan Shabazz graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He has enjoyed working with kids for years now and sought a new way to create a positive impact in his community.

In Yardan’s free time he chooses to play basketball/online games with friends and spend time with family.

Madison Holmes

Madison Holmes

Registered Behavioral Technician

Madison Holmes is one of our Registered Behavior Technicians who graduated locally from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She is a passionate provider who has joyfully supported the growth and development of children for 11 years running. Madison has extensive knowledge in tailoring each child’s behavior plan to their needs and in ensuring they acquire the tools to thrive in life.

In Madison’s free time, she adores tending to her ‘Holmes’tead, where dogs, cats, goats, chickens, ducks, and a pig named Sumo all reside. She enjoys making art, traveling, thrift shopping, and picking up trash during a long walk on the beach. With a keen care for the community and its people, Madison is thrilled to extend her warmth to your child.

Emily Eakins

Emily Eakins

Registered Behavioral Technician

Emily graduated from Old Dominion University with her bachelor degree in psychology. She has been a RBT for 2 years and worked with children for 8 years. From watching the kids grow and celebrating the little wins that occur, her love for the ABA field grew.

In her free time she enjoys spending time with her cats, drawing, or playing video games.

Hannah Dufresne

Hannah Dufresne

Registered Behavioral Technician

With over 10 years of experience working with children, I bring a diverse background that includes roles as a teaching assistant, camp counselor, and mental health discharge planner. Throughout my career, I’ve developed a deep passion for supporting children in a way that honors their individuality and unique strengths. I strongly believe that “different” never means “less,” and I strive to help every child feel confident in who they are.

I am currently furthering my education to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)! My approach is rooted in compassion and understanding—I believe that growth is not linear, and that every child deserves to be met exactly where they are at.

When I am not working, I enjoy reading, exploring new coffee shops, getting creative with crafts, and spending time with my two cats.

Mink Supyen

Mink Supyen

Registered Behavioral Technician

Kanjanapa (Mink) is a Registered Behavior Technician with a background in special education. Before becoming an RBT, she worked in a self-contained kindergarten special education classroom supporting students with different academic, communication, and behavioral needs.
 
She holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Education, and a Master’s Degree in Special Education. Mink enjoys helping children grow their communication, confidence, and everyday life skills in a supportive environment. She values building strong relationships with both clients and families and hopes to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in the future.
 
Outside of work, Mink enjoys hiking, spending time outdoors, doing dog agility and scentwork with her dog, and relaxing at home with her spouse and two cats.
Steven Harnois

Steven Harnois

Operations Director & Cofounder

Steven is driven by helping clients find compassionate, well established care. He is a University of Virginia, summa cum laude graduate with a degree in Sociology and Environmental Science. In his free time, he loves to surf, run, hike, and spend time with family and friends.