Desiree has been a part of the ATS family since May 2019. She has worked in human services for almost two decades, beginning with drug and alcohol rehabilitation for adolescents, then behavioral health in level IV residential facilities, then group home management for home with boys with autism ages 8-11 in ABA structured home and school environments -- where her love of ABA began -- then multiple years in acute psychiatric hospital care, then group home management for individuals with IDD and autism, and back to ABA where she says she will "stay until she retires." Desiree is very passionate about ABA, practicing techniques and skills in her own life and using them in the upbringing of her own children. She has watched ABA change lives and fulfill parent's hopes and dreams for their child time and time again.

The first task she had at ATS was an awareness event with another Family Support and Community Engagement Specialist. Desiree knew from that day forward that she wanted to join the Family Support and Community Engagement team and support its efforts for our families. Her passion is reignited with each event she does.

Desiree was recently accepted into Shippensburg University to continue her education for Bachelors in Psychology with the plan of obtaining the BCaBA credential. 

Born and raised in Wolfsville, MD (a very beautiful, small, and intimate community nestled between the Catoctin and South Mountains), she currently resides in the Cumberland Valley area of Pennsylvania. However; she is a true Marylander at heart! She and her two boys, ages 17 and 13 (who have followed her footsteps and are fierce advocates for peers with autism, IDD, and behavioral diagnoses) have five rescue cats: Darth Riddick, General Butters, Tub Tub, Nina, and Sasha.

Fun Fact(s) About Desiree: Her DNA and ancestors can be traced to living in the Appalachian Mountains all the way back to the 1600's in parts of Ireland and North Western Europe. Her ancestors have been documented citizens of Frederick, MD, since its founding in 1748, and a major portion of her family still lives there! Also, every year their family takes on a week long camping, kayaking, and bluegrass festival vacation to Greenbrier County, WV. Desiree also has a love of bluegrass.