Leading with Purpose:
VATN Founders
-
Jessica Jolley
Founder and CEO of Virginia Therapeutic Network.
Jessica Jolley is the Founder and CEO of Virginia Therapeutic Network, bringing 15 years of experience in behavior analysis. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Special Education, Severe Disabilities, both from Virginia Commonwealth University, and has completed Applied Behavior Analysis coursework at George Mason University. Jessica’s background spans community, home, clinical, and educational settings, supporting individuals aged 2 to 80. She is passionate about helping adults transition toward independence and is deeply interested in Organizational Behavior Analysis and Organizational Psychology. Jessica founded the network to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and professional growth among clinicians.
-
Petra White
Founder and COO of Virginia Therapeutic Network.
Petra White is the Founder and COO of Virginia Therapeutic Network with nearly 20 years of experience as a behavior analyst and educator. She has worked extensively with individuals with complex communication needs, developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and genetic disorders across clinical, educational, and community settings. As a parent, Petra understands the importance of access to diagnostics and comprehensive services. She focuses on supporting individuals with significant support needs and advocates for person-centered, evidence-based interventions that promote dignity, independence, and quality of life for clients and their families.
-
Christopher Allen
Founder and CCO of Virginia Therapeutic Network.
Christopher Allen is the Founder and CCO of Virginia Therapeutic Network. With a background in biological anthropology and a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis, he integrates traditional ABA with Relational Frame Theory, Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Training. His career spans academic research on primate behavioral evolution and education at the middle and high school levels. Christopher focuses on data-driven approaches to skill acquisition and behavior reduction, particularly for individuals with emotional impairments and autism-related disorders.
The Heart of our Network
VATN Administrators
-
Chante Nelson
Operations Specialist
Chante Nelson serves as the Operations Specialist at Virginia Therapeutic Network, bringing over seven years of experience in behavioral health. She began her career as a Registered Behavior Technician with a strong foundation in Applied Behavior Analysis and transitioned into operations. Chante is also a certified Life Coach, committed to supporting individuals and families in holistic ways. She has worked with clients aged 2 to 22 and values helping them lead fulfilling lives. Outside work, she enjoys family time, cooking, live music, and travel.
-
Nikki Hughes
Medical Biller / Compliance Specialist
Nikki Hughes graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Art. She has always been passionate about the intersection of creativity and healing, striving to incorporate the principles of art therapy into her understanding of behavioral health.
In her role at Virginia Therapeutic Network, Nikki serves as a Compliance Specialist and Medical Biller, bringing several years of experience in behavioral health and her professional career in ABA. She is dedicated to supporting others by ensuring accuracy and efficiency behind the scenes, helping clients and providers reach their goals with confidence.
Speech Language Pathologists
-
Kaitlin Mahaffy
Kaitlin Mahaffy
Lead Speech-Language Pathologist
Kaitlin MaHaffy is a speech-language pathologist practicing in Richmond since 2013. She has a passion for communication devices and helping individuals find their voice. Kaitlin enjoys reading, gardening, running, and raising her three children in Mechanicsville.
-
Emily Bilski
Speech Language Pathologist
Emily Bilski is a speech-language pathologist with extensive experience in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assessments and training. She is passionate about connecting individuals with strategies and devices to help them find their voice and supports caregivers and providers in meaningful communication approaches. Emily has specialized skills in swallowing support developed in a hospital setting. She enjoys spending time in nature and caring for her family outside of work.
-
Summer Campbell
Speech Language Pathologist
Occupational Therapists
-
Ashley Stewart
Lead Occupational Therapist
Ashley Stewart graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2014. She has worked with children and adults in various settings and is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist. Ashley is passionate about helping individuals pursue meaningful activities while maintaining safety and independence. She enjoys country living, horseback riding, cooking, and spending time with her family and pets.
-
Jennifer Hess
Occupational Therapist
Dr. Jennifer Hess earned her doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences in 2018. She has extensive experience working with clients of all ages, focusing on mental health diagnoses, sensory needs, and behaviors. Jennifer provides client-centered, holistic interventions and emphasizes understanding client motivation to support success across environments.
-
Cat McCarthy
Occupational Therapist
Cat McCarthy is an experienced occupational therapist who earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2017. She brings specialized expertise in Ayres Sensory Integration, vision therapy, feeding therapy, kinesiology taping, and equine assisted therapy. Cat is passionate about using these evidence-based approaches to help individuals achieve greater independence and well-being. She enjoys working closely with clients to find creative and meaningful solutions that support their unique goals.
-
Laura Mahoney
Occupational Therapist
Laura Mahoney is a licensed Occupational Therapist who earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from East Carolina University in 2006. With nearly two decades of experience, she specializes in developing and implementing individualized treatment plans that foster independence in activities of daily living (ADLs), sensory integration, communication, and community participation. Laura has a strong background in environmental modifications, adaptive equipment recommendations, and caregiver education—key to supporting long-term success for individuals in both home and residential settings. Outside of her professional work, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, attending sporting events, and being outdoors.
-
Shunaka White
Occupational Therapist
Physical Therapists
-
Dr. Melanie Parker
Lead Physical Therapist
Dr. Melanie Parker is a seasoned physical therapist and Assistive Technology Professional specializing in seating and mobility. She works with clients of all ages and diagnoses and is passionate about empowering families of individuals with disabilities. After her youngest son’s autism diagnosis, she founded a nonprofit to connect families with needed resources. Melanie and her husband have three children.
-
Jill Chumley
Physical Therapist
Dr. Jill Chumley-Jones brings over 20 years of physical therapy experience and four years as a therapeutic consultant. She focuses on improving function, independence, and quality of life for clients and caregivers. Outside of work, Jill enjoys playing guitar, singing, and spending time outdoors.
Board Certified Behavior Analysts
-
Jessica Jolley
Board Certified Behavior Analyst & CEO
-
Petra White
Board Certified Behavior Analyst & COO
-
Christopher Allen
Board Certified Behavior Analyst & CCO
-
Charles Williams III
Lead Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Charles Williams III is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, with 8 years experience in applied behavior analysis and over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a range of settings including vocational, residential, educational, and recreational. Charles specializes in working with adults with complex behavior challenges and caregiver training using an interdisciplinary approach focusing on evidence-based practices that increase client’s opportunities for meaningful and enriching engagement in their communities.
-
Alea Finnemore
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Alea Finnemore received her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT. During her schooling she worked at the Gengras Center, a special education school on campus. Since then, she has worked in home and center settings in the Richmond area. Her roles have varied, with experience in training behavior analysts and diagnostic testing. She specializes in family support with a focus on facilitating engagement in services through the use of motivational interviewing.
-
Mina Vahdati
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Mina Vahdati is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst from Virginia with extensive experience supporting individuals of all ages. She is certified in behavioral sexuality counseling and Certified Behavior Sexologist (CBS) who values collaboration with caregivers to create supportive environments. Mina is committed to fostering positive behavioral growth and enhancing daily life for those she supports.
-
Erica Benitez
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Erica Benitez is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with nearly nine years of experience in applied behavior analysis and five years of clinical practice. She has supported individuals across diverse age ranges and enjoys reading and spending time outdoors in her free time.
-
Dr. Kathy Mathews
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Kathy Matthews received her Masters and Ph.D in Applied Behavior Analysis from Teachers College, Columbia University in NYC, New York. She has over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families in their homes, community settings, and in schools. She also serves as a Visiting Professor at the University of Virginia and enjoys mentoring new professionals in applied behavior analysis there.
-
Jessica Fleming
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Recreational Therapists
-
Heather Sheets
Lead Recreational Therapist
Heather Sheets is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist since 2006, passionate about promoting physical, emotional, and social well-being. She has experience working with individuals across the lifespan with physical, cognitive, and mental health challenges. Heather enjoys sports, reading, music, and spending time with family and her two dogs.
-
Abigail Wright
Recreational Therapist
Abigail Wright is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist from Richmond, Virginia. She graduated from Longwood University and has worked in diverse settings including parks and recreation, spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation, adaptive sports, and long-term care for children. Abigail blends her love of leisure and play to help others live fuller, more joyful lives.
-
Saoirse Heneghan
Recreational Therapist
Saoirse Heneghan is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with VATN, passionate about helping individuals discover joy, confidence, and connection through meaningful and engaging activities. She believes in the power of movement, creativity, and play to help people light up when they find something they truly enjoy. Saoirse’s favorite leisure activities include spending time outdoors, listening to music, caring for her plants, and getting lost in a good book.
-
Faith Moss
Recreational Therapist
Let’s work together.
Interested in joining our team? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!