About Ascend Autism

Ascend Autism is elevating the outcomes of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Ascend Autism was founded by a highly qualified team of healthcare operators and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). With over a decade of experience, Ascend Autism provides children and families with evidence-based ABA treatment in a compassionate and safe environment.

Importantly, all interventions used at Ascend Autism ABA Therapy Center are rooted in evidence-based practices (EBPs). This simply means the intervention has been tested in scientific studies and published in scientific journals. The results show these intervention practices are more helpful and produce better outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder. We are focused on the continued success of each child and supporting every family on their individualized journey.

Our autism spectrum disorder treatment programs for children include:

Helping Children And Families Succeed!

Meet Our Caring, Compassionate Team

At Ascend Autism, we understand that choosing the right care for your child is a deeply personal and important decision.

Our team is composed of experienced, caring professionals—each dedicated to providing the highest-quality treatment for your precious child. With a breadth of skills and a shared commitment to helping children on the spectrum flourish, you can rest assured that your child will grow in a safe, supportive environment.

Sharon Dudhnath-Grotsky

M.S., BCBA, LBA
Clinical Director

Sharon is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) for both New York and Connecticut. As Clinical Director, Sharon provides supervision and leadership for all clinical personnel and oversight for all clinical operations at Ascend.

She has over ten years of clinical experience in applied behavior analysis as a BCBA and Clinical Director in New York, Connecticut, and California, working with several ABA providers, including Achieve Beyond, Pacific Child and Family Associates, and Center for Learning and Autism Support Services, Inc.

Sharon received her BA in psychology from Stony Brook University. She completed graduate work in Counseling Psychology (MS) from Pace University. She attained her MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Outside of work, Sharon enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and reading.

Jen Russo-Donofrio

M.S., BCBA, LBA

Jen is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in New York and Connecticut. She has been with Ascend for over three years, serving as both the Assistant Clinical Director and Center Director of the Hawthorne, NY location.

Jen holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Stockton University and a Master of Professional Studies in Applied Behavior Analysis from Manhattanville University. Before joining Ascend, Jen gained experience working in preschool settings in Westchester County and a school-aged setting in Manhattan.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband and their dog.

Caitlyn Collins

Caitlyn is our Operations Manager in Nashville. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Rhode Island College of Business and has eight years of experience in operational management. Caitlyn previously worked in the fitness and corporate retail sectors.

Outside work, Caitlyn enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and spending time with her family.

Kim Barnes

Kim is the Operations Manager for our Westport, CT location. She has decades of experience working with children on the autism spectrum, having started over twenty years ago in Los Angeles.

Kim is a graduate of SUNY Oneonta and has enjoyed a diverse career, including roles as a professional makeup artist and a plastic surgery admin coordinator. With Ascend, Kim returns to her passion for working with children.

Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and their Goldendoodle, Baxter.

Gina Madio

Gina is the Operations Manager for our Hawthorne, NY location. Before joining Ascend, she managed operations for a private school in Manhattan and a daycare center in Putnam County.

Gina brings extensive operational experience to Ascend, ensuring our Hawthorne center runs smoothly.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, riding ATVs, and spending time with her husband, family, and cats.

About Ascend Autism

Ascend Autism is elevating the outcomes of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Helping Children And Families Succeed!

Meet Our Caring, Compassionate Team

Sharon Dudhnath-Grotsky

M.S., BCBA, LBA
Clinical Director

Jen Russo-Donofrio

M.S., BCBA, LBA

Caitlyn Collins

Kim Barnes

Gina Madio

Get Started

877.323.8668

Treatment Programs

More About

find us

About Ascend Autism

Ascend Autism is elevating the outcomes of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Helping Children And Families Succeed!

Meet Our Caring, Compassionate Team

Sharon Dudhnath-Grotsky

M.S., BCBA, LBA Clinical Director

Jen Russo-Donofrio

M.S., BCBA, LBA

Caitlyn Collins

Kim Barnes

Gina Madio

Get Started

877.323.8668

Treatment Programs

More About

find us

M.S., BCBA, LBA
Clinical Director