WHO WE ARE
BRETT DINOVI
President for the Behavioral Karma Foundation
As the CEO and founder of BDA, one of the nation's largest family & BCBA owned Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) consultation groups, we have transformed a modest venture into a dynamic large scale organization helping thousands of people. Since 2004, BDA has grown from two consultants assisting five learners to a powerhouse deploying over 1,800 consultants, impacting thousands across seven U.S. states and in Nassau, Bahamas.
My journey with BDA exemplifies innovation in ABA and OBM practices, setting a benchmark in the industry. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over three decades of experience, I've cultivated a unique blend of skills in behavior analysis, organizational leadership, and entrepreneurship. My expertise is further recognized as a Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of "Behavioral Karma: The 5 Scientific Laws of Life & Leadership."
At the global level, my role on the advisory board of the B.F. Skinner Foundation underscores my commitment to promoting behavioral science. This commitment is enriched by insights from leading behavioral experts at West Virginia University. My professional narrative spans various roles: from a business consultant and university instructor in Morgantown, WV, to a keynote speaker and expert witness. With numerous publications in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, I've been proud to contribute to the body of literature in applied behavior analysis.
BDA’s mission, guided by behavior analytic principles, is dedicated to effecting positive change and supporting vulnerable individuals. As a leader, my focus is not just on growth but on nurturing talent and fostering innovation. This approach has positioned BDA as a premier destination for aspiring BCBAs and clients seeking top-tier ABA and OBM services.
Above all, my role as a father to my 2 daughters remains my most cherished responsibility, guiding my professional ethos and personal commitment to creating a more compassionate, understanding world.
PAUL C. KALAC, ESQ.
Vice President of the Behavioral Karma Foundation
Paul C. Kalac, Esq. concentrates his practice in the areas of education law, public sector labor law, and negotiations. He represents public boards of education and municipalities in all areas affecting their operation. Mr. Kalac has practiced for over twenty-three (23) years. His representation focuses on collective bargaining, employment and labor matters, and regulatory matters.
He routinely attends meeting and counsels clients regarding contract administration, policy matters and compliance
Mr. Kalac has served as general counsel, special counsel, conflict, counsel, and negotiations counsel for dozens and dozens of public entities.
Mr. Kalac routinely counsels his clients regarding Local Public Contracts Law, the Open Public Meetings Act, the Open Public Records Act, and well as other rules and regulations on local governmental operations.
Mr. Kalac has appeared before the New Jersey Office of Administrative Law, the Superior Court of New Jersey, The United States District Court of New Jersey, the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, the NJ Division on Civil Rights, and the United States Office for Civil Rights. He has successfully litigated matters in those particular Courts for the benefits of his clients.
Mr. Kalac’s approach is practical, reasonable, and direct. He enjoys long-lasting relationships with clients. He involves the clients in all aspects of representation, and his keeps his clients apprised all legal matters which can affect their operation.
PATRICK R. PROGAR, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Board Member for the Behavioral Karma Foundation
Patrick R. Progar, Ph.D., BCBA-D serves as Chief Clinical Officer at Brett DiNovi and Associates. Previously he served as the Executive Director of Princeton Child Development Institute for several years. Patrick also served as the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis at Caldwell College (now Caldwell University). Patrick received his BA degree from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire and his MS and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Patrick has served as a faculty member at several colleges and universities and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in developmental disabilities and applied behavior analysis at Children’s Seashore House of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Research and clinical interests include staff training, functional assessment and functional analysis techniques, choice behavior, behavioral economics, self-management and a general interest in translational research. Patrick is married and has a daughter and two French bulldogs named Louie and Jazzy.
CHRISTOPHER J. MANENTE, Ph.D., BCBA
Board Member for the Behavioral Karma Foundation
Christopher J. Manente, Ph.D., BCBA, is the Founding Executive Director of the RCAAS and an Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice at the Rutgers Graduate School of Applied Professional Psychology (GSAPP). Dr. Manente's previous roles included serving as an Assistant Professor of Education at Caldwell University, as a consultant supporting students with ASD in schools throughout New Jersey, and serving as the Senior Program Coordinator of Adult Services at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center (DDDC) at Rutgers University. Dr. Manente has authored articles in peer-reviewed journals, coauthored book chapters, and has presented at numerous local, national and international conferences on a variety of topics related to the advancement of community-based educational, vocational, and residential opportunities for older learners with autism.
KATE WIAMER, BCBA
Secretary for the Behavioral Karma Foundation
My name is Kate Wiamer, and I proudly serve as a Behavior Consultant at Brett DiNovi & Associates. As the Associate Executive Director of Clinical Training and Director of School Consultation, I play a pivotal role in both the general and special education settings within district schools. My daily interactions with registered behavior technicians, clinical associates, and district staff allow me to conduct thorough assessments, collect essential data, and ensure that behavior intervention plans are executed with the highest level of fidelity. I also develop comprehensive treatment plans and collaborate closely with administrators to optimize student outcomes.
In my capacity as Director of School Consultation, I act as a crucial liaison between district administration and our team of directors at Brett DiNovi & Associates. This role enables me to facilitate seamless communication and coordination, ensuring that our services align with district needs and expectations.
Beyond the school environment, I extend my expertise to home settings, working with learners who have behavioral disabilities or special needs. I design and implement social skills outings to promote socially appropriate behaviors within community settings, enhancing the overall quality of life for our learners and their families.
After work hours, I dedicate my time to fostering a positive company culture and professional growth. I organize and lead leadership meetings for behavior consultants, clinical associates, and registered behavior technicians. These meetings not only promote a supportive and positive work environment but also serve as valuable learning opportunities for our staff.
Additionally, I sit on the Clinical Review Panel at BDA, where we tackle challenging cases and collaborate with staff to provide exceptional ABA therapy services in schools, homes, and community settings.
In my free time, I am passionate about applying the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to help others achieve their health and wellness goals. Whether in a professional or personal context, my commitment to ABA drives me to support and empower others to reach their full potential.
MAY CHRISELINE BEAUBRUN, M.Ed, LBA, BCBA
Board Member for the Behavioral Karma Foundation
May Chriseline Beaubrun has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst for almost 15 years. She is currently the Director of Diversity & Training at Brett DiNovi & Associates. She has worked with children and adults with various cognitive, developmental, and physical disabilities in a variety of settings (i.e., clinic, hospital, home, school, etc.). She has completed program evaluations; developed skill acquisition programs to teach academic areas, cognitive functioning, social skills, language and communication, and adaptive skills; provided parent training; conducted functional behavior assessments (FBA); developed Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP), program evaluations and provided staff training to various levels of professionals. May has presented at various behavior analytic conferences (e.g., Autism New Jersey, Association for Behavior Analysis International, New Jersey Association for Behavior Analysis, California Association for Behavior Analysis, Greater Boston Association for Behavior Analysis, Black Applied Behavior Analysts) as well as the The American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity Speaker Series. May serve as the Parliamentarian on the executive board for Black Applied Behavior Analysts, Inc. She is the chair of the New Jersey Association of Behavior Analysis Diversity & Inclusion workgroup and a board member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. May also was an adjunct professor at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. May contributed a chapter to the text A Scientific Framework for Compassion and Social Justice on behavior analysis and urban planning. May has a wide variety of experience in the field of applied behavior analysis.
LAUREN BIERILO, BCBA
Board Member for the Behavioral Karma Foundation
Lauren Bierilo is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over a decade of experience as a behavior therapist. She specializes in working with older individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), developmental disabilities, and behavioral challenges. Lauren attended Michigan State University for her undergraduate studies and obtained her master's degree from Simmons University. She has experience working with learners aged 5-21 years in both school district and home settings. Lauren is passionate about job coaching and assisting with vocational skills, focusing on real-life experiences to support the transition to adulthood. She is also a devoted mother and fiancé, bringing her nurturing spirit to both her professional and personal life.
KYRA COLEMAN
Board Member for the Behavioral Karma Foundation
I am Kyra Coleman, and I serve as the Executive Director of Employee Engagement at Brett DiNovi Associates. For the past decade, I have dedicated my career to working with children with autism and intellectual development challenges. My journey in this field has been fueled by a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those I serve.
Before my career in this field, I played professional basketball, where I honed my competitive spirit and determination. I bring that same drive and resilience to my work with children, striving to overcome challenges and advocate fiercely for their rights and improvement.
Throughout my career, I have been dedicated, committed, and hardworking, always willing to fight for the rights and betterment of my clients and colleagues. My role at Brett DiNovi Associates has allowed me to blend my passion for advocacy with my professional expertise, ensuring that our clients receive the support and opportunities they deserve.
At the Karma Foundation, I am proud to be part of a team that shares my values and dedication. Together, we strive to create a lasting impact on the lives of children and their families. I invite you to join us in our mission and experience the difference that compassionate, committed advocacy can make.
SALVATORE J. GIAMPAPA, CPA
Accounting Consultant for the Behavioral Karma Foundation
Mr. Giampapa is a Partner in Ianieri, Giampapa & Co., PC, and has over 40 years of experience in providing accounting and auditing consulting services. His experience includes special investigations, contract compliance, audits and construction claims audits involving highway/bridge projects. His construction audit responsibilities have included verifying cost accounting methods, assessing the reasonableness of claimed damages, interpreting accounting data, and verifying standards of practice. Mr. Giampapa has headed several construction audit teams across a wide range of transportation and infrastructure projects.
As co-founder of Ianieri, Giampapa & Co., PC, Mr. Giampapa is active in general practice and provides accounting, auditing and tax consulting services to privately owned companies and their executives. In addition, he counsels clients on financing and development programs for their businesses. Mr. Giampapa also lectures professional peer groups on many tax issues.
Prior to co-founding Ianieri, Giampapa & Co., PC, Mr. Giampapa was Tax Manager with Margolis & Company, where he was responsible for the firm’s entire Tax Department. His responsibilities included tax planning and compliance for engagement clients and interfacing with owners and top management.
As Tax Manager with Mahoney Cohen & Co., PC, Mr. Giampapa was responsible for tax planning and compliance for engagement clients and interfacing with owners and top management.
Mr. Giampapa has received a B.A. degree in accounting at Queens College, City University of New York, in 1980. He is a member of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants.
REBECCAMAE BOWERS, M.P.A.
Business Consultant for the Behavioral Karma Foundation
RebeccaMae Bowers, M.P.A., serves as the business consultant for Behavioral Karma and is also the Business Manager for the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services at Rutgers, The State University. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in budgeting and financial management from Rutgers, Newark. Before earning her Master’s, she obtained her B.A. in Labor Relations from Rutgers, New Brunswick, and an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Middlesex Community College. Currently, RebeccaMae is pursuing her PhD in Education Theory, Organization, and Policy and plans to continue her professional development in the future.