Laura graduated from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Child and Family Studies in 2001.  She continued on to New York University where she obtained a Masters degree in Social Work in 2005.  Laura is a Licensed Social Worker in New York.  She has also completed the clinical training in administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale (ADOS).  

Laura's post graduate employment was with both the New York City early intervention program and the Committee on Preschool Special Education.  It was here where she began to gravitate towards the children with autism spectrum disorders.  It was through her work with these remarkable children that Laura began to feel there was something missing from the traditional methods put forth to treat these children. 

Through research of various therapies for individuals with autism, Laura came across Relationship Development Intervention.  She was moved and motivated by the confidence put forth by it's creators that individuals with autism can attain quality of life as we all define for ourselves; independence, friends, marriage, employment.  Unfortunately, current research shows that these areas that we define as crucial to a good quality of life are very rarely attained by individuals with autism spectrum disorders.   RDI® seemed to be the missing piece to autism treatment.

Laura began utilizing some of the theories of RDI® in her work with the children she was already seeing.  The quality of the time they spent together became so much richer and more meaningful.  In 2007, Laura decided to begin the journey of becoming an RDI® consultant.

As a consultant in training, Laura worked collaboratively with a certified consultant in New Jersey.   Through this work, Laura gained the experience of working directly with families with children on a broad range of the autistic spectrum and the benefits of collaborating with another consultant.   In October of 2008, Laura became the only certified RDI consultant on Staten Island and one of only 2 certified consultants in the 5 boroughs.  There are currently 4 certified consultants in New York City.