Meliora Academy (Meliora) is a private educational program designed to provide intensive and 
comprehensive educational services to students with autism spectrum and related disorders. Meliora’s
special education program provides students with an integrated curriculum model designed specifically to reduce the fragmented learning that often occurs with youngsters on the autism spectrum. Based on the 
findings of an initial comprehensive assessment, a data-based instructional curriculum as part of a 
transdisciplinary teaching program is designed for each individual student utilizing research-based 
interventions including, but not limited to, ABA.

While direct instruction across all domains occurs intensively, an emphasis is placed on the development of language and communication, relatedness, cognitive flexibility and social cognition across all curriculum areas in the context of functional real-life activities. Specific individualized behavior support programs are developed to assist students in decreasing inappropriate behaviors and learning positive behavioral alternatives.

Given the needs of our students, a 1:1 ratio of staff to student is provided at the outset. As students 
progress, small group and finally classroom instruction is offered when appropriate. Meaningful inclusion 
is supported, use of district curriculum materials modified to the student’s level and participation in the 
student’s home school district are encouraged when students possess the necessary skills. Services to 
support transitions and follow up are provided to districts when students leave Meliora.

Education

Meliora Academy

Sheldon H Wagner

Melissa Gecaj M.s., Bcba, Lba

Veronica Mutz

Ccc-Slp Emily Sudhoff

Brenna Holloran Ccc-Slp

Umama Khan

Madison Cusick-Howat

Kristen Garrity

Natalie Carlin

Otr/L Julia Hornyak

Jaimie Marks

Aubrey Fitzgerald

The Therapy and Behavior Support Team at Meliora Academy is dedicated to providing targeted therapeutic and behavioral interventions to students with autism spectrum and related disorders. This team conducts comprehensive assessments to create individualized, data-driven instructional programs designed to reduce inappropriate behaviors and enhance positive behavioral alternatives. They utilize various research-based interventions, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech therapy, to support the development of language, communication, social skills, and cognitive flexibility in functional real-life contexts. By ensuring a 1:1 staff-to-student ratio, the team offers intensive, personalized support aimed at fostering meaningful inclusion and successful transitions for each student.

Therapy and Behavior Support Team

Therapy and Behavior Support Team

About

Team members