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Meet Our Special
Team!
Our Key
Personnel is your guide to answers, help and information regarding
your application process and the placement of our Special Children.
Each one of our personnel have qualities that lend to the making of
ESP and the on-going development of our Professional Parent Model
(PPM). There are many avenues for Therapeutic Foster Care and we will
be choosing carefully in order to provide you, our Extra Special
Parents all the guidance available.
ADMINISTRATION
Michael Gasper, MSW – Executive Director (mgasper@espva.org)
Michael Gasper is the Executive Director of Extra Special Parents. Mr. Gasper has been working in child welfare for over ten years. Mr. Gasper has worked in inpatient hospitals and has experience working for the Department of Social Services within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Mr. Gasper, most recently, was the Director of Program Development for a series of diagnostic group homes. Prior to this, Mr. Gasper was the Director of the Virginia office for a national Christian foster care agency.
Mr. Gasper has served on the Board of Directors for Project WORD, a non-profit organization in Northern Virginia serving citizens with special needs. He has also sat on the Board of Directors of the Franklin Pierce College Alumni Association.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Franklin Pierce College and a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University, with a specialization in Administration, Planning and Public Policy, and Child Welfare.
Kelly Britt, PsyD, CSOTP – Licensed Clinical Psychologist (kbritt@espva.org)
Dr. Britt has worked with children, adolescents, and families for over twelve years. Areas of expertise include: diagnostics, sexualized behavior and mood disorders.
Dr. Britt received her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from the State University of New York at Geneseo and Masters of Science and Doctorate of Psychology from Florida Tech. She completed her internship training at Eastern Virginia Medical School with an emphasis on Neuropsychological and Forensics. Dr. Britt is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider.
Paulette King – Director of Family Services (pking@espva.org)
Paulette King is Director of Family Services for Extra Special Parents. Paulette has an extensive history working with children in a variety of settings, including Early Childhood Education. Ms. King has also taught both alternative education in the private sector and taught in the Developmentally Delayed program at the public school level. Most recently, Ms. King was a Behavior Specialist for a diagnostic residential facility.
Ms. King holds a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from National University.
Maria Thomas, MS , CRC – Director of Clinical Services (mthomas@espva.org)
Maria Thomas is the Director of Clinical Services with Extra Special Parents. Ms. Thomas comes to ESP with many years of experience working with children and families. Over the past two years, Maria has done extensive work in counseling children with a history of sexual assault and domestic violence. Maria finds working with children to be one of the most rewarding things about her job.
Maria holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from James Madison University. She also received her Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.
Ayesha Allen Smith – Office Manager / Coordinator of Quality Assurance (asmith@espva.org)
Ayesha Smith is the Office Manager and Coordinator of Quality Assurance. Prior to joining Extra Special Parents, Ayesha was employed by a mental health facility where she was the Director of Human Resources.
Ayesha graduated from J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College with an Associate in Nursing and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Management. Ayesha is a member of the United States National Guard.
RICHMOND OFFICE
Quintasha Brown, MSW - Senior Case Manager (qbrown@espva.org)
Quintasha Brown is the senior case manager with Extra Special Parents. Quintasha brings to ESP a passion and extensive experience working with adolescents and believes that every young person can be successful if given the essential resources, support, and opportunity. Quintasha has worked with children and families at the YWCA of Richmond as a Hotline Specialist at the crisis shelter for women and children victims of domestic and sexual assault. Quintasha did her field practicum with the Richmond City Public Schools at the Adult Career Development Center, as well as with Richmond Department of Social Services.
Quintasha holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Quintasha also holds a certificate in School Social Work.
Tim Lisagor - Placement Coordinator (tlisagor@espva.org)
Tim Lisagor is the Placement Coordinator for Extra Special Parents. Tim brings extensive experience working in family dynamics. He has worked individually with at risk children and collaboratively with families in crisis. With his experience and education Tim offers a keen insight into personal motivations and perspectives specifically related to successful family interaction.
Tim holds a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Mary Washington College and a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. Tim has completed three years of graduate study toward his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology.
Valerie Schuck Beiring - Case Manager (vschuck@espva.org)
Valerie Schuck Beiring is a case manager with Extra Special Parents. Prior to Valerie joining Extra Special Parents she worked in a residential facility serving adolescent males and females. Valerie has a plethora of knowledge and skills working with Sexually Reactive Youth (SRY) and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders. In addition, Valerie has extensive experience in research.
Valerie holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. Valerie plans to pursue her graduate degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in Rehabilitation Counseling.
Renee Childs, MA - Case Manager (rchilds@espva.org)
Renee Childs is a case manager with Extra Special Parents. Renee brings to Extra Special Parents a wealth of Human Services experience. Prior to joining ESP, Renee was a counselor with the Boys and Girls Club through a cultural enhancement program at Virginia Commonwealth University where she worked with adolescents age 12-16 in an after school program. Renee also worked for a year as a Litigation Support Specialist and has most recently worked as a counselor with at-risk and emotionally fragile youth.
Renee holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. Renee also holds a Master’s of Arts in Human Services with a minor in Business Management from Liberty University.
Kristin Long, MSW, MDiv. – Case Manager (klong@espva.org)
Kristin is a Case Manager with Extra Special Parents. Kristin has experience working with children and youth through an after school and summer program for children ages 4-13. Kristin has also is completing a fellowship position with the Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care where she counsels individuals, families and groups, develops learning projects, and serves on a social justice committee for the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. Kristin also spent a short time at Children’s Hospital where she was an assistant chaplain to children, families and staff.
Kristin holds a Bachelors of Arts in English from the College of William and Mary. Kristin also holds a Master’s of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University, as well as a Master’s in Divinity from Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond.
B. Carter Taylor, MSW - Case Manager (ctaylor@espva.org)
Carter Taylor is a case manager with Extra Special Parents. Carter has experience working with children with Pervasive Development Disorders, youth with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issued, as well as with youth in need of intensive inpatient care and stabilization. Carter works from a bio-psycho-social perspective to assess, diagnose and treat the whole person in his or her environment.
Carter received her Bachelors of Science in Psychology and her Masters in Social Work, with a concentration in clinical practice, from Virginia Commonwealth University. Carter is currently pursuing her licensure in clinical social work.
Alicia Thompson - Case Manager (athompson@espva.org)
Alicia Thompson is a case manager with Extra Special Parents. Alicia has experience working with children in a variety of settings. Most recently, Alicia was employed as a Therapeutic Mentor working with children in foster care. One of Alicia’s passions is to help children achieve their goals.
Alicia holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Meredith College.
Amy Parrish – Billing & Quality Assurance Specialist (aparrish@espva.org)
Amy Parrish is the Billing & Quality Assurance Specialist for Extra Special Parents. In her role, Amy is charged with overseeing Medicaid billing and compliance with standards.
Amy holds an Associate’s in Science from Richard Bland College and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Longwood University.
Rachel Lott – Stabilization Counselor (rjlott@espva.org)
Rachel Lott is a Stabilization Counselor for Extra Special Parents. Rachel Lott has experience working with children and teenagers in a variety of settings. Her most recently, Rachel interned with the Virginia Department of Social Services. Before this time, Rachel was the Arts and Crafts Director for Pamunkey Ridge Girl Scout Camp.
Rachel holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Jill A.F. Gasper, PhD – Psychological Assessment Coordinator (jgasper@espva.org)
Dr. Gasper is the Psychological Assessment Coordinator for Extra Special Parents. Dr. Gasper’s area of expertise include: co-parenting interventions for divorced parents and psychotherapy with children, adolescents and family. Dr. Gasper also has great interest in diagnostic assessment and screening.
Dr. Gasper received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Cornell University. She received her Masters of Science in Child Clinical Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University.
MT. CRAWFORD OFFICE
Dawn Mulrain - Regional Coordinator / Mt. Crawford (dmulrain@espva.org)
Dawn Mulrain is a Regional Coordinator with Extra Special Parents. Dawn is an advocate for children and adolescents and believes that children thrive in stable and safe environments. Dawn has previously worked in therapeutic foster care, as well as providing in-home services for children and families. Dawn enjoys working with children and finds it to be a gratifying experience. Dawn currently oversees the children and families in the Northwest part of the Commonwealth.
Dawn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from City University of New York at Hunter College.
Sheena Pugh - Case Manager / Mt. Crawford (sjpugh@espva.org)
Sheena Pugh is a case manager with Extra Special Parents. Sheena has a passion for working with children and helping them achieve success. Prior to joining ESP, Sheena worked in a therapeutic residential serving at-risk pre-adolescent and adolescent females dealing with emotional and psychological challenges. Sheena also worked as a lead teacher for children 2 and 3 years at a Richmond area YMCA preschool. Sheena’s experience has allowed her to gain knowledge of the developmental and emotional needs of children of all ages.
Sheena holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Education in School Counseling from Liberty University. Sheena also plans to pursue a Masters of Arts in Human Services with a specialization in Marriage and Family at Liberty University.
Kelli Wenger - Case Manager / Mt. Crawford (kwenger@espva.org)
Kelli Wenger is a case manager with Extra Special Parents. Prior to joining ESP, Kelli worked with at-risk and abused children in a multiple of settings. Kelli has worked for several years providing intensive in-home services to children and their families and has most recently worked for an outreach program through social services to provide families with community resources they may need in order to find and maintain stability in their lives. Kelli also brings to ESP experience working with teenagers and young adults that have substance abuse problems.
Kelli holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and is planning to pursue her C.S.A.C. to become a Substance Abuse Counselor.
ROANOKE
Megan Evans - Regional Coordinator / Roanoke (mevans@espva.org)
Megan Evans is a Regional Coordinator with Extra Special Parents. Megan has worked in the human services field for over 30 years. She has worked with children and families in a variety of settings. She served as Executive Director of an inclusive early childcare center and countywide family services organization, assisted with the development of multiple initiatives promoting children and family services, and most recently has worked in the developmental disabilities and mental health divisions of community service boards in Vermont and Virginia. Megan currently oversees the children and families in the Southwest part of the Commonwealth.
Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Specialty in Special Education from Curry College. Studies at the Graduate level include Family Systems, Special Education Birth - 5, Adult Learning and Leadership/Community Development.
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