Meet Our Team
At Frankenberger Associates, we support children, teens, and adults—both virtually and in person—through every stage of learning, growth, and development.
We take a collaborative, individualized approach to understanding each person’s learning profile—identifying their strengths, uncovering obstacles, and building the cognitive, academic, executive function, and social-emotional skills they need to thrive. Using research-based tools and real-life strategies, we create personalized plans that support long-term growth—in school, at work, and in life.
Caryl Frankenberger, Ed.M.
Executive Director
Caryl Frankenberger is the Executive Director of Frankenberger Associates, an educational consulting firm that was established in 1986. For over 30 years, Caryl has been assisting families in identifying and understanding their child’s cognitive and educational profiles. She is a master clinician, psychoeducational diagnostician. Caryl has committed her life’s work to educating individuals in understanding evaluation and children who have complex learning profiles. She is an expert in the field of learning disabilities and a recognized national speaker with over 200 professional presentations.
Ted Backes, B.S. B.A.
Director of Cognitive Training
Ted Backes, The Director of Cognitive Training at Frankenberger Associates, has supervised the trainings of hundreds of individuals, using protocols that improve the full range of cognitive skills and abilities. He has worked with individuals from ages 8 to 80 and has created more than a dozen school based programs in well-known places such as The Greenwood School, Winchendon School, Oxford Academy, Cheshire Academy, Wolf School and Thames Academy. He entered the field of applied neuro-science in 2012 based on a life changing and personal experience with brain training and its healing and restorative effects.
Ben Backes, LCSW, LADC
Assistant Executive Director
Ben Backes brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and operational leadership to his role as Assistant Executive Director at Frankenberger Associates. With a deep passion for creating meaningful, measurable change in the lives of learners and their families, Ben oversees company operations, business development, and program innovation. He plays a central role in scaling services, streamlining internal systems, and building strong referral networks to ensure that every client receives personalized support rooted in care and excellence. Ben’s work bridges strategy and heart—empowering coaches, cultivating culture, and leading with purpose.
Alicia A. Piselli, M.A.T.
Director of Coach Development
Alicia Piselli is an expert and accomplished educator. She has deep and broad experience as an instructor, designer, presenter, and implementer of cutting-edge educational approaches. She has been working with students in the classroom, in small groups and individually for more than twenty years. Alicia earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Albertus Magnus College, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Quinnipiac University and holds a State of Connecticut Professional Educator Certificate in English. Prior to joining Frankenberger Associates as an Executive Function Coach/ Learning Specialist, Alicia taught on the middle school, high school and collegiate levels.
Erica Hocking, B.A., Certified K-12 Special Educator
Director of Social Learning Services
Erica Hocking has a broad range of experience working with students and families as a social skills and executive functioning interventionist. As a licensed special educator, she works with students who have a variety of learning disabilities, as well as ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. She has conducted social skills groups and one-to-one sessions for students struggling to understand the social world around them and she has been trained in Social Thinking by Michelle Garcia Winner. In addition to her work at Frankenberger Associates, Erica also works in the North Haven Public School system as an executive functioning intervention teacher, where she assists at risk students at the high school level. She is a strong advocate for students.
Laura McMaster, Ph.D.
Director of Executive Function/Tutorial Services
Laura McMaster, Ph.D. serves as the Director of Operations for the Executive Function Program at Frankenberger Associates, where she leads the strategic development and implementation of the Executive Function Program. With a deep commitment to empowering individuals to discover their purpose and achieve their goals, Laura brings extensive experience in educational leadership, executive function coaching, and organizational management.
Laura earned her Ph.D. in Educational and Organizational Leadership from Clemson University and her M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia. Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to higher education and leadership coaching, with a focus on developing executive function skills and fostering personal growth among students and professionals.
Christina Davino, MOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist & Social Learning Coach
Christina Davino is an occupational therapist, who received her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences, and Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University. Christina has years of social emotional learning experience with Frankenberger Associates and has worked with families of children ages 6-25. She has been trained in The Social Thinking® Methodology and is a certified PEERS® professional. Christina has a deep commitment to helping individuals build strong social skills, boost confidence, and foster meaningful relationships.
Stacey Beyer, MSEd, BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Social Learning & Executive Function Coach
Stacey Beyer is a passionate educator with a Master’s degree in Early Childhood and Childhood Education from Nazareth College, and an Advanced Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis from The University of Rochester. Stacey has spent the entirety of her career as a Special Education Teacher and Behavior Specialist in the Pittsford Central School District in Pittsford, NY. During the summer months, she provides behavior support for her district’s Extended School Year program working with students in grades K-12.
Andrea Brunsman, M.Ed.
Executive Function Coach, Academic Tutor
Andrea is a Learning Specialist and Executive Function Coach at Frankenberger Associates. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in understanding each of her students’ needs. She has a deep understanding of reading, writing, and math, as well as, executive and study skills including, goal setting, initiation, planning and organization, self-monitoring, and strategizing. Andrea readily guides children and young adults, and she is an expert in helping them access their curriculums, particularly through the appropriate use of technology.
Hallie H. Cohen, CALT, SLDI
Certified Academic Language Therapist
Hallie Cohen is a Certified Academic Language Therapist, a reading specialist, and an Orton Gillingham Practitioner. Structured Language Literacy is the approach used to teach struggling readers in K- college. Hallie transforms reading instruction to meet the individual needs of each student, focusing on all aspects of the reading process as she provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to become lifelong readers.
Margo Lofaro, M.Ed.
Social Learning Coach
Margo is a seasoned Special Educator at Frankenberger Associates with over 16 years of experience working with students who have diverse learning needs, including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Education from Salve Regina University and a Master of Science in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University, Margo is certified in both K-8 Elementary and K-12 Special Education.
Maria Doubrovskaia, Ph.D.
Executive Function Coach, Academic Tutor
Maria is an experienced executive function specialist who loves to help clients of all ages achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals. She holds a Ph.D. in Literature from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Fine Art from Cornell University. Maria received initial intensive training in art education and pedagogy when she worked as a museum educator in some of New York City’s greatest museums. As fascinated with literature and languages as she is with art, she went on to study and teach literature and writing at the university level. She became interested in one-on-one coaching because as a teacher she observed the impact that learning challenges make on her students’ experiences of learning and of their sense of self.
Jennifer Frost, M.A.
Executive Function Coach, Academic Tutor
Jennifer Frost is an Executive Function Coach and Literacy Tutor at Frankenberger Associates. She is a skilled and talented educator who has more than 30 years of experience in the field of education. Jennifer is certified by the State of Connecticut as a special education teacher, literacy specialist, and school administrator. Her areas of expertise include planning and implementing instruction for learners with complex learning profiles, specialized reading instruction including Multisensory Structured Language Education, Orton-Gillingham based instruction, writing process coaching, executive function skill acquisition and teacher training.
Caroline Hopenwasser, Ph.D.
Executive Function Coach, Academic Tutor
Dr. Caroline Hopenwasser is a seasoned learning coach and educational strategist with over 25 years of experience in the field of education. She holds a PhD in Literacy from Alabama A&M University and spent 14 years teaching literacy education at SUNY New Paltz, where she specialized in fostering effective learning strategies and supporting students in reaching their full potential. Her background as a classroom teacher, professor, and literacy center coordinator has given her a deep understanding of how to support diverse learners across age groups. Caroline works with adolescents and adults to develop executive function skills that are essential for success in academic, personal, and professional settings.
Chris Steer, MPH
Social Learning Coach
Chris Steer is a Frankenberger Associates Social Learning Coach and public health professional specializing in transformational coaching grounded in social emotional learning, breathwork, and meditation. He holds a Master’s in Public Health from Drexel University and a B.S. from the University of Maryland. With a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach, he supports neurodivergent youth and young adults in building confidence, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and real-world communication skills. His work centers on helping individuals expand their comfort zones and access a greater sense of self-awareness and social empowerment. Steer has proven expertise in facilitating evidence-based workshops, leading social emotional learning initiatives, and fostering mental and emotional well-being in youth and adults.
Annie Quest, B.A.
Social Learning Coach
Annie Quest has over thirty years of experience teaching Social Emotional Learning. While working at The Greenwood School, a private middle and high school for students diagnosed with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder and other learning differences, Annie developed the Social Emotional Learning curriculum and steered its evolution for three decades.
In addition, she has maintained a private regional SEL practice during this time. A warm, empathetic teacher, Annie uses her deep experience and command of a broad array of current SEL practices to effect significant improvement in the social skills of her students.
Annie is a PEERS® certified professional and has received specific Social Skills and Executive Functioning training over the past 30 years with an array of experts in the field, including Michelle Garcia Winner (Social Thinking Methodology)
Kristen Laurito, M.Ed.
Social Learning Coach
Kristen Laurito is a Social Learning Coach at Frankenberger Associates Learning Solutions Center. She is a dedicated learning specialist with a background in developing behavioral intervention plans and helping children, adolescents, and adults achieve their academic, social, and career goals. One of the most rewarding aspects of her work is celebrating the social and academic achievements of her students as they progress through high school, and complete four-year degree programs, after having been told they could never attend college because of their challenges and/or disabilities.
Kate Scott, Ed.D.
Psychoeducational Diagnostician; Parent Coach
Dr. Kate Scott is a developmental psychologist who is an expert in the fields of special education/learning disabilities and adult development. Kate is a talented educator and diagnostician. Early in her career, Kate taught and held administrative positions in schools specifically designed for students with language-based learning disabilities, such as the Landmark School, and the Churchill School in St. Louis. While in the master’s degree program in Reading and Language at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE), Kate participated in a year-long internship with a speech language pathologist/reading specialist in the Learning Disabilities Clinic at Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CHMC) where she conducted sophisticated reading/language evaluations and participated on an interdisciplinary clinical team.
Brittany Pray, LMSW
Social Learning Coach
Brittany Pray, a licensed Social Worker, is a Social Learning Coach at Frankenberger Associates. She is passionate about teaching the social learning, social communication and self-advocacy skills that students need to make and sustain friendships. Brittany takes great pride in empowering students to discover the inner confidence they need to achieve their goals, and to create successes in many aspects of their lives.
She attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and earned both her Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and Master of Science in Social Work degrees, through the College of Social Work. Brittany has been practicing in the social services field for more than 10 years, as a social worker and social learning coach, serving diverse populations including children, adolescents, young adults, refugees, and veterans.
Miriam Pardoll, M.Ed.
Executive Function Coach, Academic Tutor
Miriam Pardoll is a passionate educator who has over 28 years of experience working in public and private schools in Massachusetts and Florida She has a proven track record of making sure diverse learners reach their potential and wants all students to feel empowered, have a growth mindset, and be proud of their accomplishments.
Miriam has a master's degree in Special Education from the University of Massachusetts and a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Boston University. She is a certified Dyslexia Therapist, a certified ADHD Professional, and yoga instructor.
Reece D’Angelo, M.S.
Executive Function Coach, Academic Tutor
Reece D'Angelo is a seasoned academic coach with 15 years of experience and a strong background in student development and higher education. Reece has worked with thousands of students, coaching them in executive function skills, metacognition, and evidence-based learning strategies.
Reece holds a Master’s in Counseling with a focus on Student Development in Higher Education. Reece's diverse career includes roles in educational consulting for the FitOps Foundation, in addition to working at schools such as Quinnipiac University, Fairfield University, Wesleyan University, Curry College, as well as several CT State Universities.
Jessica Albert, M.S. Ed.
Executive Function Coach, Academic Tutor
Jessica is an Executive Function Coach and Academic Tutor who is passionate about empowering students through progressive learning. For nearly 20 years, she has worked with students across New York’s Hudson Valley, tailoring her approach to meet each child's unique needs. She believes that developing strong executive function skills—including organization, planning, and self-motivation—not only sets students up for academic success but also fosters lifelong learning, confidence, and resilience.
With a Master of Education degree focused on Humanistic Studies from the State University of New Paltz, Jessica began her private tutoring practice in 2005. Since then, she has worked with students ranging from 3rd grade to college and beyond, blending academic coaching with a student-centered approach that taps into each individual’s interests.
Alexandra Lawrence, MAT, MSW
Social Learning & Executive Function Coach
Alexandra Lawrence, MAT, MSW, is a Social Learning Coach at Frankenberger Associates Learning Solutions Center. She has more than ten years of experience as a special education teacher, high school counselor, and executive functioning coach. Alexandra received her Bachelor’s Degree from NYU, and then joined Teach For America as a special education teacher, where she specialized in academic and executive functioning interventions for students with ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and learning disabilities. She furthered her education, earning a Master of Arts in Teaching Degree with a focus on exceptional education from Relay Graduate School of Education.
Jane Frankenberger
Executive Assistant
Jane Frankenberger is a seasoned professional with over 40 years of diverse experience across a variety of industries. She has a deep foundation in restaurant management where she has excelled as a general manager. As an entrepreneur, she has owned and operated establishments including a restaurant, a deli, and a wholesale/retail bakery. Her commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction has been a driving force throughout her career in the hospitality sector.
In addition to her achievements in the restaurant industry, Jane has also been successful in the mortgage industry. She served as the Vice President of Residential Sales, where she demonstrated her leadership skills and business acumen, overseeing internet sales and specializing in reverse mortgages.
Katie Arsenault
Director of Outreach and Marketing
Katie Arsenault is the Director of Outreach and Marketing at Frankenberger Associates. She has worked extensively with families and students, helping them navigate challenges related to executive functioning, ADHD, social-emotional development, and autism spectrum disorders. Katie has more than nine years of experience in field of education. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Bridgeport.
Before joining Frankenberger Associates, Katie was the Director of Student and Family Services at Westport Day School. In this role, she oversaw admissions, marketing, and outreach, while providing dedicated support to families and staff. Her work focused on fostering connections and ensuring that students received the individualized care and guidance they needed to thrive.
Salimatou Soumare, M.A., Ed.M.
Social Learning Coach
Salimatou, M.A., Ed.M. is a Social Learning Coach at Frankenberger Associates Learning Solutions Center. She is passionate about helping students build confidence, independence, and strong relationships in a supportive and caring environment. With seven years of experience working in schools, Salimatou has worked with children, teens and young adults, guiding them toward social, emotional, and academic success.
As a certified school counselor, Salimatou has supported students of all ages. She specializes in helping students learn important life skills, such as making and keeping friends, building autonomy, and navigating challenges with resilience. Salimatou partners closely with families and other professionals to create personalized support plans, ensuring every student feels empowered to grow and succeed. She also values working with families from diverse cultural backgrounds, making sure every voice is heard and respected.
Liz Woodbury, M.Ed.
Executive Function Coach, Academic Tutor
Liz Woodbury is a seasoned educator with extensive experience in both formal classroom and informal learning environments. Over her 15+ years in the field of education, Liz has worked with students from early childhood to the college level. She earned a B.A. from Oberlin College and a Master’s in Education from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education.
Prior to joining FA as an Executive Function Coach, Liz was a member of the Sage school’s faculty, serving gifted and twice exceptional students from 3 years old to 8th grade. Liz worked with every student in the school, implementing individual and group/grade level learning plans specific to students’ needs and abilities. While at The Sage School, Liz created and implemented early childhood and elementary level integrated arts programs, utilizing the power of the arts to reinforce academic learning objectives and differentiation.
Macy
Our Pawtner
Macy is a key member of the Frankenberger Associates team! When she is in the office, she sets the tone by helping make it the warm, friendly, and inviting place that it is.
As a Jackapoo, Macy is half Toy Poodle and half Jack Russell Terrier. Because of this, she is friendly, enthusiastic, smart (by dog standards) and hypoallergenic. Thank goodness for the Poodle in her lineage, this is what gives her the ability to curb her Jack Russell enthusiasm and energy, an off switch, so to speak.
Like most dogs, Macy spends most of her day sleeping. Her interests include squirrels, chasing after stuffed animals and watching TV. For Macy, TV is all about the dogs; if you are not aware, there are a lot of dogs on TV! Macy even knows the commercials that have dogs in them and is sure to come running if she hears one from another room. Be sure to say “Hi” whenever you are in the office.
LeRoi
Our Pawtner
LeRoi is our beloved office Labradoodle, named after the late, great LeRoi Moore of the Dave Matthews Band.
Much like his namesake, he brings joy, rhythm, and a playful spirit wherever he goes. Whether he’s chasing bubbles, greeting staff with his signature “satellite kisses,” or showing off his dance moves, LeRoi reminds us to enjoy the little things and live in the moment.
He’s not just our office dog—he’s our daily dose of sunshine, a reminder that life is, indeed, short but sweet for certain.