Meet Team Reach

  • Our Supervisory Board

  • Kristine Racina

    Board Member

    Find out more about Kristine

    Kristine Racina is the director of the Expatriate Archive Centre. She was born in Riga, but was raised, lived, studied and worked in different countries. She settled ten years ago in the Netherlands and resides with her husband and son in The Hague. She is an experienced consultant and manager of projects and teams in government roles, NGOs and local organizations. Kristine has two Master’s degrees in Economics from the University of Latvia and Financial Management from the Centre Européen Universitaire de Nancy.

    Since her move to the Netherlands in 2011, she was part of fundraising activities for organizations supporting children with autism spectrum disorder. Kristine is passionate about creating an environment where children can thrive, feel safe and supported to enable them to reach their potential. She is excited about the unique opportunity to contribute to the further development of REACH Holland.

  • Sorrel Hidding-Davey

    Board Member

     
    Find out more about Sorrel

    Born in the UK, Sorrel grew up in South Africa, before moving to the Netherlands as a young adult. Sorrel is a driven strategic commercial leader who has successfully built and led marketing, sales, and operational teams on a global scale, combining empathic, motivational leadership with a customer and result-oriented approach. With a remedial teacher mother, she developed an affinity for social affairs and health care at a young age, later achieving a degree in psychology and communication science and working in Health Care publishing for over 10 years.

    As a mother of twins with complex health issues in their youth and first-hand experience with autism and learning disabilities, she has learned to navigate the complex world of healthcare, education insurance, and government agencies. This led her to becoming a City Councillor for Wijdemeren since 2018, where now, as party chairmen, she is responsible for drawing up, assessing policies, guidelines, and budgets, particularly in the social domain. She is thus highly motivated to contribute towards the further development and success of Stichting REACH.

  • Our Board of Directors

  • Catherine Verhoeff-Schauf

    Founder/Operational Director

    Find out more about Catherine Schauf

    After moving to the Netherlands from the United States in 2011 with her son, who had been diagnosed with autism, Catherine was disappointed to find that the quality of care was not what she expected. Believing firmly that each child has the right to highly effective services, she got to work.
    On April 2, 2016 – World Autism Awareness Day – she opened Stichting REACH Holland, the only English speaking care center in The Hague which helps children on the autism spectrum reach their full potential.

  • Irene Borziello

    Clinical Director. BCBA/Supervisor. MSc, ABA specialist/begeleider

    SKJ: 130004754

    NIP: 234055

     
    Find out more about Irene Borziello

    Irene is a Child Psychologist and a Behavior Analyst with international experience. She holds a Masters Degree in Neuroscience and Neuropsychological rehabilitation as well as Bachelor Degree in Development Psychology and Education achieved between the univer-sity of Padua (Italy) and University of Geneva (Switzerland). While completing her studies she started to train as ABA therapist first in Italy, with home-based interventions, and later in London (UK), in a high-standard special need school. She recently obtained the BCBA certi-fication after successfully completing a coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis with the Florida Institute of Technology.

    Irene has more than seven years of experience in clinical work with children, adolescent and young adult with different developmental disorders (including Autism, Rett Syndrome, Down Syndrome, fragile X, language delay and Cognitive deficits). Irene has worked in home-based interventions and clinical settings, and in consultation with schools, using ABA to support clients in the different areas of the child development.

    Irene is originally from Italy and she has recently relocated to the Netherlands. She loves to travel and do ballet in her free time. She speaks fluently Italian, English and French.

  • Our Administration

  • Ceren Akarsu

    Office Manager. MSc

    SKJ: 130007022 

    Find out more about Ceren Akarsu

    Ceren Akarsu is originally from Istanbul, Turkey. In 2018, she moved to the Netherlands for her Bachelors in Psychology at Leiden University. After finishing her bachelors in Psychology, she completed her masters in Child and Adolescent Psychology also at Leiden University. She specialized in Applied Behavior Analysis as part of her masters internship. During her studies, she voluntarily engaged in various extra-curricular activities within various study and non-study related organizations that made her develop organizational skills. Ceren is now working as an Office Manager at Reach. In her free time she is developing her Dutch skills and enjoys doing yoga.

  • Kendall Willems-Cygan

    Admin. MSc, MA, Drs, ABA specialist/begeleider, BCBA/Consultant

    NIP: 230706

     
    Find out more about Kendall Willems-Cygan

    Kendall Willems (Cygan) is originally from California, United States. She moved to The Netherlands in July 2017 to live with her Dutch partner and play professional volleyball. Kendall graduated from The University of Utah with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and an emphasis in Positive Psychology in 2016. After her degree completion, she began to work as a preschool teacher for developmentally delayed children with behaviors.

    In addition to this job, she began pursuing her passion for becoming a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst). She passed the RBT exam in 2016 and then sought out a job working as a Lead Behavioral Interventionist for children with autism. Kendall completed her first Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2017 and finished her second Master’s degree in Counseling in 2019. She became a BCBA in May 2018. She now currently is in the midst of her doctoral degree in Special Education and is in route to finish in May 2024. On the side, Kendall loves to travel, play games, and do yoga.

  • Our Team Leads

  • Sophia Garner

    Team lead. BCBA/Supervisor. MA, ABA specialist/begeleider

     
    Find out more about Sophia Garner

    Sophia is an Australian BCBA and Social Worker who has been working in the field of behavior analysis and Autism therapies for over 8 years. Sophia has a bachelor degree in psychology, a master of Education in ABA and a master of Social Work, she has worked in Australia, New Zealand, Malta and now in the Netherlands! She has experience working in clinics, homes, kindergartens and schools with children and adolescents between 2-14 years old.

    Sophia has a keen interest in integrating mental health supports and interventions into her ABA programming, developing emotional intelligence and resilience in young children through behavioral interventions. She loves to have fun in therapy and focuses on the skills that make children’s lives better, communication, leisure and play skills, relationships and social skills and more.

    Outside of work, Sophia enjoys walking in nature with her dog Rupert, making ceramics, eating pastries and travelling with her husband.

  • Kalliopi “Kelly” Filippopoulou

    Team Lead. BCBA/Supervisor. MSc, ABA specialist/begeleider

    SKJ: 130003574

    NIP: 228041

    Find out more about Kalliopi “Kelly”

    Kelly Filippopoulou is a Psychologist with her Masters in Child and Adolescent Psychology from Leiden University. Additionally, she has obtained her certifications in: Developmental Disorders of Children & Adolescents, Parent Counseling and Autism Interventions. Kelly has completed her ABA coursework from the Florida Institute of Technology, a recognized program of the BACB and in June 2016, she passed the BCBA exam.
    Kelly has more than 1500 hours working with ASD children, with BCBA Supervision, where she has designed individual therapy programs and implements each program using ABA techniques such as: verbal behavior, social skills training, self help skills training. Kelly also has experience in the classroom, as she has worked as a Teaching Assistant at The Lighthouse Special Education school in The Hague and at an integrated preschool class at Agriokuknoi in Athens, Greece. She has also worked as an Integration Aid at the Therapeutic Center for Children with Autism in Athens, Greece.

  • Persefoni “Persa” Kouroutzi

    Team Lead, BCBA/Supervisor. MSc, ABA specialist/begeleider

    SKJ: 120011376

     
    Find out more about Persa Kouroutzi

    Persa earned her undergraduate degree in Preschool Education & Teaching from the University of Ioannina, Greece, in July 2014. Seeking to specialize in learning disabilities, she moved to the Netherlands, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities and Impairments from Leiden University in August 2016. Pursuing her passion for nurturing children’s growth, Persa worked as an early childhood educator in various schools in Greece and Sweden and served as a group leader at an international out-of-school care organization in the Hague.
    Since May 2017, Persa has taken on the role of an ABA specialist at REACH and obtained her Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification in March 2018. Persa was actively involved in home, school and clinic-based programs, providing support to children on the autism spectrum and those with speech delays.
    Persa pursued advanced knowledge and practical skills in the field of Behavior Analysis by completing her graduate coursework with the Florida Institute of Technology in 2020 and became certified as Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) in March 2022, followed by Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification in May 2023.
    Beyond her professional endeavors, Persa finds fulfillment in exploring the world through travelling and spending quality time with family and friends.

  • Francheska Gonzalez

    Team lead. BCBA/Supervisor. MA, ABA specialist/begeleider

     
    Find out more about Francheska Gonzalez

    Francheska is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who holds a master’s degree in Professional Behavior Analysis and bachelor’s degree in Special Education.
    After earning her bachelor’s degree in 2010, Francheska spent the following two years supporting paraprofessionals and general education teachers in using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) within resource and inclusive settings in the United States. She subsequently moved overseas, spending the next 10 years working in international schools and centers in Singapore, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Norway.
    During her four years in the UAE, Francheska worked at a company that is considered to be a world leader in autism education and research, while simultaneously completing her master’s degree at the Florida Institute of Technology and ultimately becoming a BCBA.
    In January of 2022 Francheska relocated to the Netherlands with her Dutch partner and became a mother in August of the same year. When she is not working or spending time with her family, Francheska can be found reading psychological thrillers, listening to podcasts or watching documentaries.

  • Our Therapists

  • Isaac Barbara

    Junior Therapist 

    Find out more about Isaac Barbara

    Meet Isaac, an enthusiastic professional with a strong background in Psychology, specializing in Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychology. Born in the captivating island of Malta, Isaac’s journey in understanding the human mind and behaviour has been significantly enriched through more than four years of dedicated work with children on the autism spectrum. This experience has not only developed Isaac’s professional skills but he also found tremendous personal growth. Witnessing the challenges and triumphs of these young individuals has kindled great passion within Isaac for making a positive impact on their lives.
    In 2021, Isaac embarked on an exciting new chapter by moving to the Netherlands to pursue his master’s degree. Immersed in a new cultural, he is currently engaged in the rewarding process of learning Dutch, to further pursue his commitment to foster meaningful connections with the individuals he supports.
    As an assistant behaviour therapist, Isaac continually nurtures his expertise in giving effective intervention and supporting the progress of young individuals on the spectrum. With every step, he learns, grows, and connects striving to provide the utmost care and support to those in his care.

  • Marianna Andiranakou

    Junior Therapist

    Find out more about Marianna Andrianakou

    Marianna comes from Athens, Greece, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2021. She first moved to the Netherlands in 2020 as an exchange student in Nijmegen. She liked the country so much, that she decided to complete her Master’s degree in clinical psychology in Leiden, where she graduated from in August 2023 cum laude honors.
    Her first-hands on experience with children in the autism spectrum was when she worked as an intern at a child psychiatric hospital in Greece. During her time there, she got the opportunity to familiarize her self with the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of children in the spectrum, but most importantly, she discovered how much she loves working with them.
    She joined the REACH team as an Assistant Therapist in August 2023 and she is enthusiastic about being able to use her skills and knowledge in order to help every kid thrive.
    In her free time, Marianna enjoys dancing, yoga and crocheting.

  • Galya Algranati

    Junior Therapist

    Find out more about Galya Algranati

    Galya Algranati Levi moved to the Netherlands in 2019 to pursue her studies in Psychology at the University of Amsterdam. During her Bachelor’s, she discovered her passion for working with children and specialized in Clinical Developmental Psychology. In 2022, Galya began her Master’s in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, further enhancing her expertise in the field.
    Throughout her academic journey, Galya completed multiple internships in various clinical settings, where she dedicated herself to helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Dyslexia, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. After completing her Master’s, Galya chose to continue her professional journey at REACH, where she previously completed her internship. She is dedicated and passionate for assisting children while they reach their full potential.
    Outside of her work, Galya enjoys improving her Dutch language skills. She also loves traveling, staying active through workouts, and scuba diving.

  • Lilla Kovacs

    SKJ: 130006449

    Senior Therapist, RBT-certified. ABA specialist/begeleider

    Find out more about Lilla Kovacs

    Lilla Kovács is a child psychologist, originally from Hungary. She got the taste of living in the Netherlands as an exchange student while she was studying at Groningen University for a semester. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree in developmental and clinical child psychology in Hungary. After graduation, she moved back to the Netherlands to work as a research intern in Focus on Emotions Research group at Leiden University.

    She explored her passion of working with autistic children during her master’s, thus she decided to do her internship at Cseperedő Foundation which provides diagnostic and therapeutic services to autistic children and their families. Also, the research project she joined focused on autistic children in inclusive school settings.

    Lilla joined REACH in November 2021 as an assistant and from February 2022 she started as a junior therapist. She is currently working on pursuing her Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification.

    She is native in Hungarian, fluent in English and working towards B1 in Dutch.

    In her spare time, Lilla enjoys traveling, hiking, and art.

  • Zoe Ravinale-Canon

    Senior Therapist, RBT. ABA specialist/begeleider

    Find out more about Zoe Canon

    Zoe Ravinale Cañón is originally from Barcelona, Spain. After completing high school in England, Zoe moved to the Netherlands to obtain her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Tilburg University. In September 2021 she graduated with a Master’s degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology from Leiden University. During that period, she worked as an intern in the European School of Den Haag. In addition, she completed a research internship focused on giftedness for Leiden University. Zoe joined Reach in August 2021 where she began to work as an assistant and junior therapist.

    Zoe is fluent in Spanish, English, Catalan and is working towards a B1 level in Dutch.

    In her spare time, she likes to do sports, read and sing.

  • Chantal Hoeven

    Senior Therapist. RBT certified, ABA specialist/begeleider

    Find out more about Chantal Hoeven

    Chantal Hoeven has been working with kids on the autism spectrum doing one-on-one ABA therapy for three (3) years. She received her HBO degree in behavioral science and family guidance. Chantal attended the ABA Institute in Waalwijk, NL for a total of three (3) years where she received intensive training in ABA therapy for two (2) years and attended the ABA Masterclass for one (1) year.
    Chantal worked full-time at ABA Huis in Rotterdam as a begeleider doing one-on-one and group ABA therapy with ASD kids. She is RBT trained and is in the process of completing her certification. Chantal currently is the owner of ‘Happy Faces’ which provides one-on-one ABA therapy for kids on the spectrum at home, school or centers. She also volunteers with SVA (Stichting Vakantie Autisme) which provides guidance for kids and young adults on the autism spectrum during recreational activities and group outings. Chantal is Dutch but is also fluent in English.

  • Nicholas “Nicky” Reid

    Therapist. ABA specialist/begeleider

     
    Find out more about Nicholas "Nicky" Reid

    Nicky Reid is from Aberdeen in Scotland and moved to the Netherlands with his wife and two young children in 2019. He is currently pursuing his degree in Psychology with the Open University. Nicky is due to begin his ABA coursework shortly.

    Prior to working at Reach, Nicky was a support worker at Linn Moor Residential School in Scotland, where he worked in both the education and residential environments. The children and young adults who attended Linn Moor had complex additional support needs and Nicky helped design and implement their care programs. Nicky has always had an interest in working with children, and it was the birth of his son in 2016 that finally gave him the confidence to embark on the career he had long desired.

    In his spare time, Nicky has a keen interest in football and still manages to follow his hometown team Aberdeen FC. He also enjoys cycling and spending time with his two young boys.

  • Emily Blackstone

    Junior Therapist. ABA specialist/begeleider

     
    Find out more about Emily Blackstone

    Emily Blackstone is originally from Florence, Italy. In 2018, she moved to Leiden to complete her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, where she specialized in school psychology and child and adolescent psychology. Soon after, she decided to continue pursuing her passion in child care and started her Clinical Master’s in Child and Adolescent Psychology at Leiden University.

    As part of her program, she completed an internship at REACH, during which she discovered her fondness for the science of behavior. After completing her internship, she decided to continue and advance her career path by joining REACH.

    Emily is fluent in Italian and English; she’s been passionate about childcare since she was 16 and has worked for various families and summer camps. Throughout the years she has supported children with behavioral problems, ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

    In her spare time, Emily loves listening to live music, going on long walks, cooking/baking and making art.

  • Ofri Eshet

    SKJ: 130007264 

    Therapist, RBT. MSc, ABA specialist/begeleider

    Find out more about Ofri Eshet

    Ofri Eshet is originally from Israel and moved to the Netherlands in February 2017 to pursue higher education. In 2020, Ofri graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology; in 2022, she graduated with MSc in Child and Adolescent Psychology from The University of Leiden.
    In 2022, Ofri received her Trauma-Focused CBT accreditation and RBT Certification and is now working on her Child Attachment and Play Assessment certification.
    Ofri volunteers at the ‘@ease’ Leiden organization.

  • Stephanie Falanka

    Therapist. MSc, ABA specialist/begeleider

    Find out more about Stephanie Falanka

    Stephanie Falanka is originally from Aberdeen, Scotland. In 2008, she received her first Masters degree (with honors) in Behavioral studies from The University of Aberdeen. She completed a post-graduate course in family counseling and social work (level 12 SCQF), in 2014, from Robert Gordon University Aberdeen. In 2018, Stephanie completed her second Masters in Pedagogical Sciences for Youth at Risk (MSc) from The University of Amsterdam.

    Stephanie is passionate about working with children and families affected by autism spectrum disorder and understands that no single method is the right one for every individual. Thus, she has been trained in a variety of approaches including; Verbal Behavior (social language learning for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder), Applied Behavior Analysis, individual focused counseling and Youth at Risk prevention.

    She has over 10 years of working experience in remedial education, academic assessments, and support for children with autism spectrum disorder. Stephanie has worked at the International School Delft, The American School of Kinshasa, and the University of Amsterdam Family Lab.

    Stephanie is a mother of two boys. She is fluent in English and French.

  • Clemence Auzias

    Therapist, RBT. ABA specialist/begeleider

     
    Find out more about Clemence Auzias

    Clemence Auzias is originally from Marseille, France. In 2016, she moved to Montreal, Canada, to complete her bachelor’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in Neuroscience, at McGill University. In August 2020, she moved to The Netherlands to begin her master’s degree in clinical psychology, at Leiden University.

    As part of her master’s program, she started an internship in 2021 at REACH and discovered her passion for the science of behavior – Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). After finishing her internship, she decided to stay and work for REACH, first as an assistant and now as a junior ABA therapist.

    Currently she is working on her second master in developmental psychopathology, focusing on research and neuroscience.

    In her spare time, Clemence loves rock climbing and learning new languages.

  • Our Specialists

  • Eddy Even

    Fitness Trainer/begeleider

     
    Find out more about Eddy Even

    Eddy Even is originally from Israel and moved to the Netherlands in 2019. Eddy is a certified fitness instructor who, in 2017, received his Health and Fitness Instructor certification from the Wingate Institute’s School for Coaches and Instructors.

    Eddy has his own business, providing fitness services to different organizations and private clients. Eddy is currently working towards receiving his bachelor’s degree in social sciences & International relations.

    In addition to his work and studies, Eddy enjoys playing the guitar & the piano. Eddy also loves practicing photography while travelling around the world.

  • Natalia Alvarez-Arenas

    Music Therapist/begeleider

    Find out more about Natalia Alvarez-Arenas

    Natalia Alvarez-Arenas (1986 Madrid) is a classical percussionist, performer, music therapist and educator. She holds a Bachelor degree as music pedagogy form the royal conservatory of Madrid, a Bachelor and a Master degree in classical percussion at the Royal Conservatoire of den Haag and a Master degree in Music Therapy by the UNIR.

    All through her career she has performed and collaborated in a number of orchestras, ensembles and musical organizations such as Ludwig Ensemble, Residentie Orkest, Asko Schönberg, Opera Today, Slagwerk Den Haag and New European Ensemble. She is a member of The Hague based Catchpenny Ensemble and od the music-theatre company for toddles Tatatone. She also runs her own academy of Music and Movement for children in Den Haag and organize contemporary music-social projects.

    As a Music therapist she has been working for several years with Lighthouse school for Special Education, REACH, Music and Dementia Ludwig and Muziek and Dementie de Haagse MuziekCentrale.

    Natalia is passionate about helping people to improve, keep or restore a state of wellness by using musical experiences.

    Maintaining happiness, well-being and improving the quality of life through music is her priority. Natalia achieves this by stimulating cognitive, motor and musical skills, as well as communication and emotional skills.

    In her spare time, Natalia loves nature, hiking and photography.

  • Rossella Caruso

    Communication Specialist/begeleider. MA.

    Find out more about Rossella Caruso

    Rossella Caruso is originally from Italy. She graduated with highest honors from Roma Tor Vergata University with a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology. In 2020, she graduated from the LUMSA University with a master’s degree in Speech Pathology for language, communication and voice disorders in developmental age. At the same time, Rossella trained and worked for bilingual children at the Sinapsy clinic in Rome, where she delved into the SCERTS®, a comprehensive and research-based program for working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. Rossella moved to the Netherlands in 2021 and began to work at REACH as a begeleider/specialist for communication needs.

    In addition to working as a speech therapist, Rossella has an English bachelor in acting and she has worked for several theatres acting in Italian, English and French.

  • Elena Clo

    Clinical Consultant. BCBA, PhD candidate

     
    Find out more about Elena Clo

    Elena Clò, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) based in Italy. She is currently enrolled in her final year of a PhD program at the Queen’s University of Belfast under the supervision of Katerina Dounavi and Karola Dillenburger. Her research interest relates to conditioned reinforcement and early, pre-emptive intervention in high-risk populations.

    Elena’s area of interest is with children on the autism spectrum of different ages and supporting their learning in comprehensive and focused behavioral programs. In addition, she runs Association Pane e Cioccolata, offering training to parents and professionals and social skills groups for children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. She also supervises behavior analysts in their professional practice and teaches Ethics and Verbal Behavior in different University programs in Italy.