Lauren Roth, Psy.D.
Dr. Roth co-owns, and is the Clinical Director of, HDC. She also maintains a private psychology practice in the office. Dr. Roth is a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked with individuals all across the lifespan and with a variety of psychiatric illnesses and developmental disabilities. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Florida State University and Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Francisco. Dr. Roth has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of children and adults on the Autism Spectrum. Prior to opening HDC, she has worked as a staff psychologist at a special education day school completing clinical and cognitive evaluations, as well as crisis intervention and behavior program planning for students K-21. Her treatment approach focuses on honoring individual challenges, while guiding clients through meaningful change with informative instruction. She especially enjoys engaging her clients in hands on clinical work in the community. Dr. Roth primarily operates as a cognitive behavioral clinician, but often draws from other techniques such as motivational interviewing, reality therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy.
She can be emailed directly at Lroth@hdcri.com
Kathryn Mahoney, M.Ed., CESP
Kathryn co-owns, and is the Vocational Director, of HDC. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Education and Master of Education in Secondary Special Education from Providence College. She has over 10 years of experience working as a certified special education teacher with individuals with a range of disabilities and in a variety of settings. She was pivotal in the development of a secondary educational and vocational program in Westerly, which provided the opportunity for students to focus on areas specific to their individual needs/interests regarding academics and employment skills, in anticipation of successful transition into adulthood. Kathryn believes that practical experience combined with earlier preparation for life after high school is critical to students' success post graduation. In addition to her teaching degree, Kathryn is a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) and oversees all aspects of HDC's employment support programming. Further, she has been a successful coach at Narragansett High School since 2006, helping their girls soccer and basketball teams win a combined 5 state, and 6 divisional championships.
She can be emailed directly at Kmahoney@hdcri.com
Mary Arnold
Mary is a full-time Direct Support Professional and certified Job Coach at HDC. She develops relationships with local businesses, supports individuals with job training and oversight, and teaches life skills both at home and in the community. Mary has worked in the medical field for 20 years, both as a certified nursing assistant and office coordinator. She loves helping people become the most independent versions of themselves and teaching new skills. Mary brings a positive attitude to her work each day and approaches clients' obstacles with patience and optimism. She is also the guardian of our therapy dog, Bella.
She can be emailed directly at Marnold@hdcri.com.
Jeanne O'Donnell, M.Ed.
Jeanne is a Direct Support Professional at HDC and works both as a job coach and life skills educator. In addition to earning a graduate certificate in Autism from the University of Massachusetts, she earned her Master of Education degree from the University of Arizona. Jeanne has over 30 years of experience working as a special education teacher with individuals with a range of disabilities and in a variety of settings. Prior to working for HDC, she developed and directed a social skills program for children with autism in a public school system focusing on inclusion and acceptance. Though retired from teaching full time, Jeanne still serves as a consultant for public schools serving children with special needs. She enjoys using her applied behavior analysis (ABA) background to support skill development and other learning objectives with our young adult clients.
Leetal Young
Leetal is a part-time Direct Support Professional at HDC. She is currently completing the final year of her undergraduate degrees in Human Development and Family Science (B.S.) and Psychology (B.A) at The University of Rhode Island. Her experience working with diverse groups of people in various roles and organizations has made her an invaluable team member. She works as an Administrative Intern for URI Health Services, most recently initiating the program, "Exercise is Medicine" on campus. Leetal has a passion for staying active and especially enjoys keeping clients motivated and having fun during workouts. Leetal also loves to support clients with their social skills in the community, as well as teach them ways to have greater independence with life's tasks so they feel more confident.
Bella
Bella is a Golden Retriever who is a certified therapy pet. She loves people and is a natural at her job! She enjoys walks, treats, and making everyone feel comfortable.
Whipper
Whipper is a Jack Russell terrier who also loves to be in the office around people. His favorite activities are chasing squirrels, stretching, and barking at tennis balls (not fetching).
