Lauren Roth, Psy.D.
Dr. Roth is the Clinical Director and maintains a private psychology practice in the office. She 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 is the Vocational Director at 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 experience, Kathryn holds a Certified Employment Support Professional certificate and assists adults with barriers to employment secure jobs. 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 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.
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.
Taylor Chofay, B.S.
Taylor is a Direct Support Professional at HDC. She is currently in graduate school to earn her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The University of Rhode Island. She has worked with children with developmental, bone/muscle issues, sports-related injuries, and genetic brain, spine, and nerve disorders at Olympic Physical Therapy. Outside of her work at HDC, Taylor trains dogs for the visually impaired at Guiding Eyes. Taylor is a busy lady these days with her rigorous academics, but helps out with social outings and job coaching when she is able. She is passionate about connecting with and supporting individuals to enhance their interpersonal and life skills.
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).
