February 18, 2015 Anderson Center for Autism has announced an internal restructuring to streamline the chain of command and provide greater accountability through organizational change. He described several promotions and the creation of two program divisions as preparation for Anderson to be “in a strong position to tackle the challenges of the ongoing shifts in government funding and expectations, and to effectively continue to meet needs of the people we support.”
Central to the restructuring is the consolidation of programmatic functions into two divisions: the Program Services Division encompasses all services for children and adults; the Program Supports Division includes all areas of clinical (including consultation), health and related services. Both divisions will report to Patrick Paul, Anderson’s Chief Operating Officer. Paul joined Anderson Center in 2000 and served as Chief Financial Officer prior to his current position after qualification as a Certified Public Accountant with a career in banking, the Internal Revenue Service, and the New York State Police.
Kathleen Marshall is promoted to the position of Division Director of Program Services. Reporting to Marshall will be the Director of Adult Services, IEP Coordinator, and the Anderson School Principal. She also continues her oversight of Children’s Residential Services. Marshall was previously a lead Special Educator at the Devereux Foundation and is a Certified School Administrator who holds a Master’s degree in Special Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in both Elementary Education and Special Education.
Dr. Austin Rynne, who joined Anderson in 2008, is promoted to the post of Division Director of Program Supports. Rynne received his Ph.D. in Physical Therapy, after earning a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. Those reporting to Rynne include the recently hired Clinical Psychologist, Dr. John Ashburn, who joined after a 15-year career as a Psychologist in the U.S. Navy.
Sudi Kash, Ph.D. assumes the duties of Chief Clinical Officer, giving her overall responsibility for program research and development, reporting directly to COO, Patrick Paul. Kash has more than 25 years of experience, 16 of those working with individuals with developmental disabilities. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, as well as a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Since 2005, she has lectured on Applied Behavior Analysis for the Graduate Senior seminar at SUNY New Paltz.
“Anderson Center for Autism is noted for its exceptionally strong programmatic and clinical services, as well as the dedication and commitment of our staff and executive team,” said Executive Director Neil Pollack, noting that these changes were instituted to “strengthen our executive structure and effectively propel our organization into the future.”
