About the REC
Individualized Care. Clinical Excellence. Meaningful Outcomes.
The Recreational Education Center (REC) is a BCBA-owned and clinically led provider of center-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for children, adolescents, and young adults across the autism spectrum. We provide medically necessary ABA treatment across a continuum of needs, from comprehensive programming to focused intervention, with services individualized to each person’s strengths, needs, priorities, and treatment goals.
At REC, we recognize that effective ABA does not look the same for every individual. Our experienced clinical teams draw from a broad range of evidence-based behavior-analytic approaches, adapting the intensity, structure, teaching strategies, and environments based on assessment, data, progress, and how each individual learns most effectively.
Our work is grounded in ethical, assent-based, and person-centered practice, with an emphasis on functional communication, independence, meaningful skill development, and quality of life. Families and caregivers are important partners throughout treatment, helping ensure that progress extends beyond the clinical setting and into everyday routines and environments.
Ultimately, our goal is to Bridge the Gap between clinical instruction and everyday life—helping the individuals we serve develop meaningful skills that generalize across people, settings, and experiences and support greater independence and participation in their lives.
Insurance
Understanding Coverage for ABA Services
The REC provides medically necessary Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services and works with a variety of health insurance plans. Insurance coverage, authorization requirements, benefits, and individual financial responsibility vary by plan. Our team works with families during the intake process to help verify benefits, obtain required authorizations, and understand coverage for recommended services.
ABA services are not determined by insurance coverage alone. Treatment recommendations are based on a comprehensive clinical assessment and the individual’s unique needs. Medical necessity refers to whether ABA treatment is clinically appropriate and necessary to address functional impairments associated with an individual’s diagnosis and to produce meaningful improvements in areas such as communication, behavior, adaptive functioning, safety, social participation, and independence.
The type, intensity, frequency, and duration of services recommended by the REC are individualized and based on clinical need, assessment findings, treatment goals, progress, and response to intervention. Recommendations may change over time as skills develop and treatment needs evolve.
Because every insurance plan is different, families are encouraged to contact their insurance carrier directly for specific information regarding ABA benefits, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, authorization requirements, and other coverage limitations.
Meet the Team
The REC team has extensive experience with children with autism and related disabilities. The REC is proud of the wonderfully diverse group, and each individual uses their experience and unique personality to create a fun, nurturing and safe environment at the REC.
Staff receive on-going training to stay up to date with all of the latest methods and requirements. All services are overseen by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Consultation and direct therapies from Speech and Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists are available and incorporated into many of our programs.
Leadership Team
Tricia Woolard
M.S.Ed, BCBA, LABA
Owner & Executive Director
Tricia Woolard is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst with more than 25 years of experience in the field of behavior analysis. Her career has included work across home, school, residential, and center-based settings, providing her with a broad perspective on the needs of individuals, families, clinicians, and the teams that support them.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and her master’s degree in Behavioral Education from Simmons College, Tricia became a BCBA in 2006. She founded Creative Behavioral Solutions (CBS) that same year and, in 2011, expanded her vision for individualized ABA services by establishing the Recreational Education Center (REC) and its center-based model of care.
In addition to leading REC and CBS, Tricia has served as an adjunct professor at Endicott College since 2016, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses across behavior analysis, ethics, assessment, supervision, and clinical practice. Her passion for teaching, mentorship, supervision, and developing strong clinical teams continues to shape REC’s approach to both client services and employee development.
As a BCBA-owned and clinically led organization, REC was built by clinicians who understand the work firsthand. That perspective continues to influence our commitment to clinical excellence, ethical practice, collaboration, professional growth, and a workplace culture in which employees can develop meaningful and sustainable careers.
Fun Fact: Tricia loves listening to audiobooks and is always looking for a good new book.
Mark Williams
M.S.Ed, BCBA, LABA
Director of Clinical Operations
Mark Williams has been a long standing team member with both the REC and its sister company, Creative Behavioral Solutions. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. It was there he realized his passion for teaching. Mark earned his Masters in Education for Intensive Special Needs from Simmons College in 2000 and then his BCBA from Northeastern University. He has worked in special education for his entire career in local school districts such as Lynn and Marblehead and also at the May Institute where he received ABA training. Mark’s exceptional clinical skills, positive outlook and witty sense of humor are assets to the organization.
Fun Fact: Mark would wear shorts 365 days a year, if possible.
Courtney DaSilva
Director of Clinical Operations
Bio coming soon
Fun Fact: Coming Soon!
Scott Yavarow M.Ed.
Sr. Business Manager
Scott Yavarow received his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from Bentley College in 2002. Before earning his Masters in Elementary Education from Rivier College in New Hampshire, he worked as the Business Manager to the REC’s sister company, Creative Behavioral Solutions. He has played an integral part incorporating insurance into the admissions process at the REC. Scott’s business background and past experience working at local schools and camps made for a seamless transition to the REC’s Business Manager.
Fun Fact: In 2002, Scott was drafted to the Boston Cannons, a Major League Lacrosse Team.
Kathie Twombly
Director of Human Resources
Kathie has worked within the educational field in such capacities as; Adult Education Field Registrar, paraprofessional and behavior therapist. She joined the REC’s sister company, Creative Behavioral Solutions in 2016 as the Director of Human Resource. Kathie has since taken on the same role for all 3 of the REC locations in support of all full and part-time staff. Kathie is committed to open communication and cooperation with all staff to enable them to perform effectively in their positions at the REC.
Fun Fact: Kathie lived in Germany for a total of 7 years while her husband served in the USAF and has visited 8 European countries.
Peabody REC Staff
Reagan Cassidy
M.Ed., BCBA, LABA
Senior Program Director
Reagan Cassidy attended Salem State College where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She continued her education through the University of Massachusetts at Boston where she completed her Applied Behavioral Analysis for Special Populations Certificate. Prior to joining the REC she worked at Milestones Day School in Waltham and the Peabody Public School System. Reagan is originally from Peabody and continues to be a huge asset in introducing the local community to the great resources offered at the REC.
Fun Fact: Reagan loves warm weather getaways and golfing.
Londonderry, NH REC Staff
Heather Giurlando
M.S., BCBA, LABA
Program Director
Heather received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northeastern University and continued there to complete her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis and then received her BCBA. Her passion for special education began early when she volunteered in middle school at an Extended School Year summer program. While working towards her degrees, Heather gained experience through various internships at day camps, daycares and the Brookline Public Schools. She also completed co-op work at Kennedy Day School at Franciscan Children’s Hospital. After completing undergrad, Heather worked at the May Institute for almost 13 years where she had experience in both the classroom and home.
Fun Fact: Heather’s baby is her blind-in-one-eye black cat named Bruce Wayne.
Chelmsford REC Staff
Lori LoDuca
M.S., BCBA, LABA
Program Director
Lori is the daughter of two teachers who met volunteering at a exceptional citizens’ week at a camp. She started her career in the field at the May Institute as a home-based therapist and gained valuable experience in Applied Behavior Analysis as she took on roles as Senior Therapist, Coordinator of SSP/Home-Based Services and Educational Consultant. She received her Masters in Education from Fitchburg State and completed her BCBA coursework at University of North Texas during this time. In 2014, Lori moved over to Creative Behavioral Solutions and worked as consultant and scheduling coordinator, as well as spending summers and vacation weeks at the RECS. She is now excited to be in the role of Program Director at the Chelmsford location and working with the team there.
Fun Fact: Heather (NH Program Director) has a distinct memory of Lori wearing black corduroy overalls in the halls at the May School in Arlington nearly twenty years ago. We all go way back!