Meet Our Team

Chantelle Walker, CEO

Chantelle Walker is CEO of REED Autism Services and oversees the organization’s family of programs, including REED Academy, REED Next, Greens Do Good, and the REED Foundation for Autism.

Prior to joining REED in 2020, Chantelle served as the President and CEO of the Adler Aphasia Center, a New Jersey-based nonprofit serving stroke survivors and their families in 14 locations statewide. Her career spans 20 years in nonprofit management, including roles in finance and operations, business development, fundraising, and marketing for organizations ranging from acute care hospitals to autism service providers. She earned her MBA with a concentration in healthcare administration from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.

Chantelle is passionate about pursuing innovative solutions to address the complex challenges of a growing autism community and changing the conversation around what’s possible for individuals with autism.

Francesca Saraniero, MSEd, Director

As Director of REED Next, Francesca Saraniero oversees the organization’s day and residential programs, which provide supports and services to adults with autism who are ages 21 and older.

Before joining REED Next in 2021, Francesca served as the Director of Adult Services and Business Development at Eden II Programs, a not-for-profit organization that supports people with autism in New York City and Long Island.

Francesca’s experience includes everything from program development to strategic planning, building a social enterprise, and community engagement. Previously, Francesca worked for both the New York City Department of Education and the Administration for Children’s Services. Francesca earned her master’s degree in childhood education from the College of Staten Island and a Bachelor of Science in business management from St. John’s University.

Her vision is to take her passion for helping others and her understanding of disabilities to help REED Next reach more families touched by autism.

Kristina Iacovino, MA, BCBA, Director of Community Services

Kristina has been with REED since 2011 and has held a variety of roles within the organization. Her experience working with individuals with autism spans from early childhood through adulthood; working in the school, home, and adult day and residential environments. Kristina has worked with clinical teams to provide a range of innovative, evidence–based services to individuals including general clinical consultation, vocational training, and assessment of functional living skills. Additionally, she has worked in administrative roles to develop and maintain policies and procedures, assure overall quality and effectiveness of services, and provide regulatory compliance based on standards set forth by REED and by the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Kristina enjoys using her analytical background to find solutions in an efficient and systematic way.

Kelsey Elbon, MA, BCBA, Clinical Director

Kelsey Elbon serves as the clinical lead of both the adult day program and residential services. Kelsey’s primary clinical history is the assessment and treatment of severe challenging behavior within the residential setting for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental and intellectual disabilities. Kelsey also has experience working with clients within education and home-based settings. Kelsey earned her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Rider University and is a board-certified behavior analyst.

Kelsey specializes in the assessment of intensive challenging behavior as well as conducting treatment analysis to reduce maladaptive behavior while also increasing socially significant behavior such as functional communication. Kelsey believes that it is crucial to collaborate with all team members including guardians, medical providers, previous educators, program managers, direct support professionals, PT’s, OT’s, and SLP’s in order to come up with the most effective strategies to treat each individual served. Kelsey has a lengthy history treating various behavior including, but not limited to: aggression, self-injurious behavior, property destruction, elopement, PICA, mouthing, food-stealing, inappropriate social behavior, inappropriate sexual behavior, and dropping.

Kelsey believes that treatment must be individualized to each client and takes great pride in creating unique ways to assess and treat all forms of challenging behavior.

Heather Beatty, Day Program Manager

Heather Beatty joined the REED Next family in August of 2021 as the Day program manager. Heather has been with REED since 2012, working as an instructor at our school program and moving her way up as a lead instructor. Heather has 17 years of experience working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, ranging from preschool age all the way to adults transitioning into residential living. Heather comes to us with a wide knowledge of ABA training that she has brought to the day program to help address each client’s individual needs.

In her spare time, Heather does in-home therapy with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. She enjoys spending time with her two kids and husband. She also enjoys baking, hiking and going to her daughters soccer games.

Shana James, Director, Residential Services

Shana James has an extensive background in the human services field, with over 17 years of experience serving a wide range of populations, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, severe and persistent mental illness, and co-occurring disorders. She began her career as a direct care worker and has grown professionally, holding positions such as Assistant Director of Residential Operations and Regional Director for I/DD programs.

Shana earned her Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from Montclair State University. Throughout her career, she has provided evidence-based services and interventions in various settings, including residential, day programs, in-home, in-office, community-based, and telehealth services. Her commitment to creating meaningful experiences and enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable populations is evident in her work. She takes pride in offering innovative, person-centered supports and services with the highest level of dignity and integrity.

Diane Walpole, Program Administrator

Diane joined the REED Foundation for Autism in 2017 as Special Projects Coordinator, where she assisted with the Foundation’s special events and fundraising efforts. 

Diane has been part of the REED Next team since the program was opened in 2018. In her current role as program administrator, Diane oversees the REED Next employee hiring process, including applicant screening, onboarding, benefits enrollment, and personnel functions. She also oversees client onboarding, outside inquiries, and all record-keeping for the Department of Developmental Disabilities. She works in conjunction with REED’s business office regarding all documentation and invoices pertinent to REED Next’s ventures and is responsible for all purchasing for REED Next residences and day programs.

Earlier in her career, Diane worked as a buyer and Divisional Merchandise Manager for Federated Department stores. She also spent two decades fundraising for several non-profit organizations including Hospice, Junior League of Montclair-Newark and the Montclair Public Schools/MFEE.

Justine Nunez, Nurse

Justine Nunez joined REED Next in April 2024, as the REED Next Nurse. Justine has been a nurse for 8 years. She has worked in a variety of clinical setting including: Urgent Care, Skilled Rehab Facilities, Emergency Room, and Long-Term Care facilities. She brings with her a strong foundation in clinical skills, critical thinking abilities, and a collaborative spirit. She believes in the importance of continuous learning and professional development to stay updated on the latest advancements in healthcare to provide the highest standard of care to every patient she serves.