Dr. Patrick Tierney – Superintendent of Schools, Roxbury Board of Education

Dr. Patrick Tierney is formerly from Rockaway Borough Public Schools, where he served as Superintendent of Schools and Middle School Principal. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Staff Development from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Tierney also holds a Master degree in Administration and Supervision and Special Education from New Jersey City University. His Bachelor degree is in Business Management from St. Peter’s College. Dr. Tierney has served in numerous areas of administration at the district, secondary and elementary levels. Prior to becoming an administrator, he was a special and business education teacher and coach at Hackensack High School.

Dr. Elizabeth Matheis – Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Certified School Psychologist

Dr. Matheis (a.k.a. Dr. Liz) specializes in assisting children with autism and other learning/behavioral disorders and their families. She serves as an expert consultant for public schools and private institutions, providing psychological support and treatment, program evaluation, and advocacy. She also leads the mental health and support division at a premier school for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, learning and behavioral challenges. Dr. Matheis focuses on well-aligned parenting styles, consistent home environment, and the establishment of boundaries and behavioral expectations in helping children and families to realize their fullest potential. Dr. Matheis is a featured contributor to a number of popular press magazines, where she provides real-world, pragmatic solutions to complex problems.

Dr. Jill Harris, Director of Program Development, Children’s Specialized Hospital

Dr. Harris specializes in psychological assessment and intervention for children and youth with autism spectrum disorders. She has been with Children’s Specialized Hospital since 2006. Dr. Harris holds a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor degree in Psychology from North Carolina State University.

Marci Spadafora – Principal, Park Lake School, ESC of Morris County

Park Lake School focuses on the needs of a special education population, which includes children with autism, pervasive developmental disorders, and multiple disabilities.  Classrooms are structured for small group instruction and infused with occupational and speech therapies.  Park Lake is a place where academics and therapeutic activities, social growth, and feelings of belonging create an optimal environment for each child to grow and develop to their fullest potential. Ms. Spadfora oversees Park Lake School, ensuring that parents and staff partner to create optimal learning experiences for children and youth. She is certified as a Learning Disabilities Teacher and has worked as a part of Child Study Teams, alongside School Psychologists and School Social Workers.

Caroline Waterman – Licensed and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

Ms. Waterman has over 25 years of experience working with special needs populations, including nearly seven years of teaching swimming and directing an aqueducts program at a special needs summer camp hosted by Ohio University.

Brielle LaCosta - Miss East Coast International and former Miss NJ

Brielle is a Rutgers University Graduate- Douglass College, as well as a Rutgers University Outstanding Alumnae of 2010. Brielle had the honor of speaking about her work with Autism at the prestigious Annual Zagoren Lecture.

Life was turned upside down for her 2006 when she was in a near-fatal car accident. She says that car wreck was a real wake-up call to appreciate everyday and take nothing for granted. She opened a company in 2011 called House of Motivation, dedicated to helping teen and college girls through difficult times.

Brielle has been honored with some of the most prestigious awards and has experienced once in a lifetime events. She serves as the International Spokesperson for the Luca John Foundation, a 2010 & 2011 Chair for Central NJ Autism Speaks, a NJ Spokesperson for the American Lung Association, recognized by the State Assembly & Senate twice for her work, a popular radio show guest, and the 2010 Pageantry Spirit Award Winner. She is a popular Motivational Speaker in which she focuses on an array of topics. She also writes a blog for Autisable.com which has become popular

David Fritsch, Owner, Iron Temple of Martial Arts -
5th Degree Black Belt

The Iron Temple of Martial Arts is no ordinary martial arts school. Here you are family.  The members and teachers both share the same goals each and every day. Self development and improving oneself each day is all in the journey. Together we reach our goals in a "no ego" learning environment. At ITMA, we are dedicated to ourselves and a better future. Quality before quantity is our mantra as we focus on the perfection of each technique to guarantee success in a real life confrontation. 

We offer different opportunities for members to test their skills in real life simulations. We critic each encounter and discuss avenues of improvement. "Don't make your first time, your first time." With our background in law enforcement a tactical approach is taken when it comes to self preservation. Our tactics and techniques are proven, effective and second to none. We are not boastful or pretentious. We are tenacious and deserving.

We believe that "it takes a village" and support one another, our children and our school with the warmth of a family, a community. Join us and see for yourself. 

David began training in 1983 in Wood Ridge, NJ, earning his Black Belt on December 8, 1990. Earned his 3rd Degree Black Belt from Master Kwang Sik Myung. He later achieve his 4th and 5th Degree Black Belt from the World Kido Federation, Grandmaster Seo in 2013. Began working in the NJSP in 2001 using his techniques in the streets of Paterson, Newark and Jersey City, New Jersey.

Copyright © 2016, Autism Radio™ and Hope Saves the Day®. All rights reserved. Please see all website disclaimers on our About Us page.