Why Us

BCBA-owned. Clinically led. Committed to excellence.

At the REC, we believe exceptional client outcomes begin with exceptional teams. As a BCBA-owned and clinically led organization, we combine high standards for ethical, evidence-based care with a collaborative culture that values professional growth, mentorship, accountability, and balance. Whether you are beginning your career in ABA or are an experienced clinician, you’ll be part of a team committed to learning, supporting one another, and making a meaningful difference that extends beyond the clinical setting.

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.

Administrative 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 country music and listening to audiobooks during her daily commutes.

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.

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!

 

Careers at the REC

Positions available at Peabody, MA, Chelmsford, MA and Londonderry, NH locations

Whether you are beginning your career in Applied Behavior Analysis, working toward certification, or are an experienced clinician looking for your next opportunity, the REC offers a range of roles within our center-based clinical teams. We look for individuals who share our commitment to ethical practice, clinical excellence, collaboration, and meaningful outcomes for the individuals and families we serve.

Behavior Technician / Registered Behavior Technician (BT/RBT)
Work directly with clients implementing individualized ABA programming under the supervision of a BCBA. Our direct-care team members receive ongoing training, clinical supervision, modeling, and feedback while developing skills across a broad range of learners and treatment needs. Opportunities are available for both experienced RBTs and individuals interested in beginning a career in ABA.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
BCBAs lead individualized, medically necessary treatment while working collaboratively with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams. Our clinicians oversee assessment and treatment planning, supervise and develop direct-care staff, provide caregiver consultation, and use data-based decision-making to continually evaluate treatment effectiveness. BCBAs have opportunities to work across a diverse range of ages, abilities, and clinical needs.

Developing Clinicians / BCBA Candidates
For team members pursuing BCBA certification, REC provides opportunities to develop clinical skills through supervised experience, mentorship, and increasing responsibility as competencies develop. Our goal is not simply to help future BCBAs complete requirements, but to develop thoughtful, ethical, and confident clinicians prepared for independent practice.

Clinical Leadership
As our programs grow, opportunities may become available for experienced BCBAs interested in mentorship, staff development, clinical quality, program oversight, and leadership. These roles combine strong clinical practice with opportunities to influence the development of teams and services across the organization.

Then I would finish with something much simpler than individual applications beneath every job:

Find Your Place at the REC

We’re always interested in connecting with professionals who share our commitment to exceptional, ethical ABA services. Explore our current openings or contact us to learn more about joining the REC team.

Please send inquiries to:
jobs@recreationaleducationcenter.com.

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