Our Team
Our team is comprised of a dynamic group of people from diverse backgrounds, education and experiences. Our team supports the individuals in a myriad of environments. Highly skilled Transition staff reach out and develop professional relationships with the individuals they work with to ensure a learning environment throughout the individual’s time with us.
Career & Transition Division Director
Lisa Jones, M.S., BCBA, LBA (CT):
Ms. Jones is a Certified Special Education teacher, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Connecticut. She has a BS in Finance & Management, an MS in Special Education and more than 35 years’ experience working in the field
Clinical Coordinator
Kathy Perkins, M.A., BCBA, LBA (CT):
Ms. Perkins is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Connecticut and has more than 20 years of experience supporting people within home, school and community settings.
The Clinical Coordinator provides assessment and development of positive behavioral support and teaching plans to address identified needs; provides ongoing training to staff on implementation of identified supports; develops, manages, and analyzes data systems
Career Developer
Cheryl Iannucci:
Cheryl comes to us with over 30-years of experience supporting people with Autism and other developmental disabilities. She has a long history of providing meaningful and individualized day services and options and maintaining long-term employment opportunities for people in their areas of interest. Cheryl is passionate about Benhaven’s mission as is relates to people’s overall happiness, personal satisfaction and living life to the fullest. In addition to being an actively involved mother to her four children, Cheryl is a generous, kind-hearted individual who spends countless hours, during her free time, providing hair cuts to those who have challenges doing so in the community. Cheryl has a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Psychology and is a licensed Cosmetologist. She joined Benhaven’s Career & Transition Services in September 2023.
Career and Transition Supervisor
Maria Carusone, B.S.
Maria Carusone is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment for both staff and participants. In her role as Career and Transition Supervisor, she ensures that staff feel supported, valued, and empowered, while also promoting accountability and professional development through regular supervision and ongoing training.
Maria earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Southern Connecticut State University in 2014 and has worked in the field ever since. She has extensive experience supporting individuals with mental health disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her background includes work in a wide range of settings, including inpatient units, hospitals, clinics, schools, and in-home environments.
Maria brings a strong commitment to team development and continuous learning about all aspects of her work. She is passionate about helping others succeed and thrive.