September 13, 2021 STAATSBURG — Anderson Center for Autism announced that it has promoted City of Albany resident Gina M. Feliciano, Ph.D., BCBA-D, SAS, LBA (previously Senior Program Director) to the position of Chief Program Officer.
Said Patrick Paul, CEO/Executive Director of Anderson Center for Autism, “Not only is Gina unfailingly devoted to the residents, students, and families we serve, but she has also been an inspiration to colleagues since she started working with us in 2020. Gina has been instrumental in jump starting system-wide behavioral and programmatic improvements, always looking for ways to innovate and achieve better outcomes. We’re thrilled to officially welcome her to the executive leadership team.”
Feliciano, a member of Association for Behavior Analysis International, past co-chair of the Children’s Committee of the Bronx Developmental Disabilities Council (2017-current), and past Board member of Equality Charter School, (2008-2010), has held leadership positions in the field of special education for many years and has had research published several times.
Dr. Tina Marie Covington, Chief Operating Officer at Anderson, shared, “The talent we have at Anderson is truly extraordinary – Gina being among the many members of our team who bring high-level expertise to our organization coupled with a genuine passion for our work. Even amid a global pandemic, Gina has helped us build out our success stories. She leads by example and we’re thrilled to see her embrace this advancement opportunity.”
Feliciano earned a B.A. in psychology from Fordham University before completing a Master of Arts degree and then a Ph.D. in special education and behavior disorders (May, 2006) from Teachers College in New York, NY. In a previous role as Senior Director of Education for a preschool and day school, the doctoral-level Board-Certified Behavior Analyst oversaw regulatory compliance for NYSED, NYCDOE and NYCDOHM, along with managing the design and implementation of staff training, curriculum development, and clinical/educational programs. In addition, she co-chaired an agency-wide leadership committee and helped lead the committee for development and implementation of agency-wide staff retention practices.
Anderson Center for Autism is a nonprofit organization based in Staatsburg that provides educational, vocational, and residential services to people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. According to the Centers for Disease Control (2020), 1 in 54 people are diagnosed with the neurological disorder, which presents with communication, social, and sensory processing challenges. Anderson attracts students from all over the country, and fellows from all corners of the globe.
Feliciano said, “This is my 30th year in the industry and I feel so privileged to be making my professional home at Anderson for what I expect will make up the remainder of my career. This is a team that has a clear vision for the future and makes decisions that are clearly and squarely centered around the people we serve. I am in awe of what my colleagues do to enhance life for people with autism and their families — it’s an honor to be joining the executive leadership team at Anderson and I’m excited to do my part to help advance our mission.”
In addition to being accomplished professionally, Feliciano has many personal achievements. She completed the Adirondack 46, Catskill 35, Catskill Winter 35, and is an aspiring NE 115er. Feliciano is also an endurance and multisport athlete — a 7-time marathon finisher, 3-time Boston Marathon Qualifier and two-time finisher, and 3-time Ironman competitor, along with having multiple podium finishes in triathlon and road races. She enjoys reading, environmental activism, food and wine, and travel.
