Dana H. Patenaude is a first year Masters student in the University of Pittsburgh’s Early Intervention program with an Autism specialization and an ABA certificate.  She is a 2018 graduate from The Pennsylvania State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health.

Dana’s passion for the study of developmental disabilities sparked early in her time at Parkland High School where she participated in the PALs (Passionate, Accepting, and Loving students) club for four years.  There, she advocated for and befriended her peers with developmental disabilities.  From there, Dana continued to research, observe and study developmental disabilities, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorders in various public and private developmental school settings.  Throughout her time at Penn State, Dana participated in Best Buddies club where she continued her advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities.  Dana spent two years as the summer camp leader at Live Learn and Play, a sensory inclusive play gym designed for children with developmental disabilities, particularly those that include sensory disorders.  

Dana aspires to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and continue her work with children with Autism and other developmental disabilities.  Eventually, Dana would like to obtain her Ph.D. in a related field to participate in research, potentially in the realms of challenging behaviors, token economies, and other motivating operations.