About Us

To better understand co-founder Alison (Ali) Holmes and her dedication to the field, she likes  to start close to home, with her own history in education. Being diagnosed with dyslexia and an auditory processing disorder at a young age she was placed in a special education classroom, where she was introduced to individualized methods of teaching that met her needs with personally curated goals. With this support, Ali transitioned from a self contained classroom to general educational classrooms and utilized supports from paraprofessionals. Her experiences navigating school systems as a student under an individual education plan (IEP) left a lasting impression, shaping her motivations, and her goals, encouraging her to dive into a career for differently abled learners.

After graduating in 2018 with degrees  in Psychology and Social Work, Ali continued her journey to provide guidance and support to children one way or another. After graduation she began her journey teaching in a pre-kindergarten classroom; while looking for a way to incorporate her psychological and science background into education, Ali then continued on to her start in the field of ABA at SEARCH Learning Group NJ. Starting as an instructor, she became a registered behavioral technician (RBT) and began obtaining her masters degree in Applied Psychology; with a focus in ABA. During this time she continued to work in centers, homes, and school settings with children ranging diversely from 1-12 years old, providing a breadth of ABA services and honing her skills as a behavioral specialist.  After earning her masters in 2021, Ali passed her licensure exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). This new role provided Ali with a more expansive ability to impact children’s lives; creating individualized goals for clients, as well as harbor more long term collaborative relationships with families.

Ali has always placed an emphasis in child lead therapy and encouraged all her clients to reach their highest individual potential, with the support of the families and communities. Utilizing her experiences within her own early education, her primary focus is providing functional therapy to better equip clients with the skill sets needed to independently and successfully navigate their environment. 

Ali and her co-founder Vanessa have a mutual desire to make a difference in this world, through the development of their clients. With their combined extensive educational skills and unique abilities to create meaningful relationships with both clients and their caregivers they are enthusiastically prepared to be an empowering addition to your child Village!

Co-founder Vanessa Springer got her start in autism focused research. Starting with a dual degree in Psychology and Cognitive Science from the University of Connecticut – with concentrations in neuroscience and research – she spent time post grad continuing research under Dr. Ment at Yale University. Beginning in 2015 she started her career in Applied Behavior Analysis as a behavioral therapist at Manhattan Children’s Center, receiving world class training in ABA, and advancing on to become a classroom teacher. Here, she was able to hone in on classroom management techniques and best practices,  while programming academic and functional life skills for children ages 2-17.

In 2020 she then attended Simmons University to complete her M.S in Behavior Analysis. During these years, simultaneously working at the May Institute as an ABA classroom  teacher, as well as providing home services for early intervention clients (age 1-3). Moving back to her home state of New Jersey in 2022, she has spent the last 4+ years working as the Clinical Coordinator of BehaviorWise, providing in-home, school, and community ABA services, as well as working as an interdisciplinary specialist between families and their schools to collaborate care.

Vanessa uses her breadth of educational background, in combination with her passion and for compassionate behavioral interventions, to cultivate a learning environment where children can reach their best selves. An emphasis on rapport building has led to decade spanning relationships and collaboration with families.

Opening Village Vantage along with co-founder Alison Holmes has been a lifelong dream, and these two long-time collaborators hope to work with you and your family, to help your child grow, build confidence, and learn new skills. Let us be a helpful addition to your village!

Hi! I’m Lisandra ! I’ve been a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) for 4 years helping children and families thrive. Growing up in a lively home where my mom ran a daycare, I naturally fell in love with working with kids,pretending to be their teacher, playing games, and building trust through laughter and connection.

After some self reflecting I found my true calling in psychology and never looked back. As an RBT, I’ve had the opportunity to work in school, home, and clinic settings, collaborating with teachers, therapists, and parents to support children’s growth. I love using all the tools in my toolbox, like play-based learning, NET, DTT, and helping with AAC devices, to meet each kiddo where they’re at and help them grow. Nothing makes me prouder than seeing a child use their form of communication to share what’s on their mind, whether it’s telling me they’re mad, excited, or even asking for some space. Every new milestone feels like a shared victory!

I thrive on collaboration, working closely with parents, teachers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and BCBAs to develop individualized plans. My approach is strongly based on warm, playful, and a supportive nature. I’m always eager to learn and grow. I love working as a team to help me improve and ensures I’m giving my best to each child and family.
I want to continue making a difference, one child at a time Due to this I am currently working toward my master’s degree in ABA and on the path to becoming a BCBA!

As a fun fact, I’m bilingual in English and Spanish, know some basic sign language, and love working on communication because it comes in all forms. Let’s work together to help your child reach their full potential!