I, Vanetta LaRosa, completed a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a sub-specialty in human learning and development in early 2007. I received a Master of Arts degree from Queens College in 1998 in Psychology with a behavioral focus. 
I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and employed in several positions where I can utilize my knowledge of behavior analysis.  I have taught psychology courses at the City University of New York at Kings Borough for seven years, two of which were full time and I am the Executive Director of a non for profit agency working with children with Autism and developmental disabilities.  This Agency, Helping Hands Behavioral Outreach, Inc.  is a socialization program based on the power of typically developing peers.  I also consult/supervise several cases in the NYC public schools through Helping Hands Consultation Services, Inc., our brother agency.  In addition, our sister agency Helping Hands Children Services, LLC  provides behavioral consultation in after-school programs to Long Island school districts and has done so for over three years.  I personally consult and train school staff on Long Island as well.   I have worked in this field for 17 years in a variety of positions and have enjoyed helping students with disabilities. I consider it my life’s work.   

Steven Askew

I am currently attending Nassau Community College.  I have worked as a sports counselor in a day camp.  My time at HHBO has showed me the great need for socialization programs for children with Autism. I love working with children.  My hobbies include sports, music ands photography.  In the future I’d like to work in law enforcement but will always work with children even on a volunteer basis. My favorite moments at HHBO include cooking. The kids love it!

Brian H.Cohen is currently a Department of Education Employee in NYC as a  Professional Development Specialist as well as a  Music Therapist  at   Helping   Hands  with  a   private  practice .He also conducts private consultations with school districts as needed regarding documentation, evaluation, planning,  and treatment based on the child’s IEP. Brian also holds an Associates degree in Broadcasting an Performing Arts from Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn ,NY. He has done voiceovers ,modeling, and acting as well. He is a Registered Music Therapist by the National Music Therapy Registry with Eligibility for Board Certification and is a member in good standing with the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and holds both a (k-12) Music Education teaching Certificate in Music and Special Education from New York State .Brian has a Bachelor’s Degree from The State University College at New Paltz in Music Therapy and a Master of Science Degree in Special Education from Adelphi University in Garden City Long Island .Brian also hold a Professional Diploma in Educational Leadership and Administration from C.W.Post  from Long Island University in Brookville Long Island. Currently Brian is the President of  the Phi Delta Kappa Chapter at C.W.Post and will never stop promoting the importance and power of Music Therapy.

Carrie Fischetti

I have a B.A. in linguistics from NYU and am currently pursuing a dual M.A. in Special education and early childhood from Touro College.  My time at HHBO has taught me to “understand” the children by learning from their behaviors and actions.   I love to watch the kids make connections and make progress.  I am interested in learning about discrete trial teaching and wan tot work with preschool children and in early intervention. My hobbies include computers, singing, running and music.  My favorite HHBO moments include Dean’s smiles!!

Kenneth McEwen

I have a B.A. from Stonybook University.  I have been a manager & supervisor of residential placements for adults with disabilities.  I have learned flexibility in working with kids with different needs.  I love that all the staff at HHBO work well together.  I have a music production company and enjoy working with people.  My favorite moments at HBO are the holiday parties.