Blog Category : Management

Marisa Kelly, Client Accounts Manager

Marisa is excited to join The SEED Center family as the Client Accounts Manager. She has been in all aspects of administration in the medical field since 2001, including but not limited to daily claims submissions, insurance verifications, obtaining insurance authorizations, payment posting, claims follow-up, patient statements, and etc. Marisa‘s goal here at The SEED center is to address any payment issues or concerns that may arise during treatment and improve the overall experience.


Talonda Johnson, BA, Office Manager

Talonda Johnson joins The SEED Center as an Office Manager. Talonda graduated from Sacred heart University with a degree in Business Administration. She has worked in multiple settings including out-patient physical therapy as a Patient Services Specialist for Select Medical Corp. and Skilled Nursing Facility as a Business Office Manager for Lord Chamberlain. Throughout the years, she has also worked with many kids from all walks of life as the Youth Coordinator for the Greater Love Temple Church. She is extremely passionate and very excited for this new opportunity to join The SEED Center team to make an impactful difference in people’s lives, take on new challenges and go beyond expectations!


Betzy Ayala, MS, Clinical Coordinator

Betzy joins The SEED Center as a Clinical Coordinator. She has worked in the public school systems as a para-educator for the past 11 years. Working with the children there motivated her to pursue a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Phoenix, and then earn her Master’s in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University. She enjoys working with children and there have been many experiences working in the public school system that made her fall in love with this field. Betzy’s passion and her goal is to help foster a positive learning experience for every child, and to help them be as successful and as happy as they can be in life.


Amanda Morales, MA, BCBA, LBA, Director of Operations and Human Resources

Amanda joins The SEED Center as a Licensed Behavior Analyst and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She holds a BA in Psychology with a concentration in Developmental Psychology from the College of Mount Saint Vincent, and a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with a concentration in Autism Studies from Ball State University. Amanda works directly with clients and their families in home, school, and community settings. With over 15 years of experience working with individuals with Autism, she is deeply passionate about enriching the lives of her clients by supporting them in meeting their goals, and developing their independence. 


Andres Alvarez, Finance Director

Andres joins The SEED Center as the Finance Director. He’s primarily responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial activities of the company and that these are in compliance with company standards. In addition, he oversees the billing and coding of all services at the center. He holds a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from Western Connecticut University and an associate’s degree in accounting. Mr. Alvarez has years of experience in billing, coding, accounting services, tax preparation, and payroll. Mr. Alvarez has registered with IRS-CITA program to help individuals with preparation of tax returns.


Charlene Schermer, MA, Co-Founder/Vice President

Charlene Schermer is the co-founder and Vice President of the Center for Social Enrichment and Educational Development , or The SEED Center. Mrs. Schermer received her Master of Arts in Special Education from New York University and her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Studies from Long Island University. She holds a dual teaching certification in Special Education and Elementary Education, as well as a NAP Montessori Teacher Certification. Mrs. Schermer has received training in Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Recipe for Reading and the Wilson Reading Program. She has been working in the field of education for over 12 years and has experience working with individuals with autism and other related neurobiological disorders such as Asperger’s syndrome, bi-polar disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and depression.


Evan Schermer, MS, Co-Founder/President

Evan Schermer is the Co-Founder and President of the Center for Social Enrichment and Educational Development,  or The SEED Center. Mr. Schermer holds his Master of Science Degree in School Psychology from St. John’s University and his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology from Towson University. He is a New York State certified school psychologist and has worked in the field of special education for 25 years. Prior to starting The SEED Center, Mr. Schermer helped build and establish several private schools for individuals with autism and other related disabilities. He has and continues to provide consulting services for public schools where his specialty is reducing school costs while increasing their efficiency and effectiveness.

Evan Schermer has advanced training in Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) and leads many workshops and professional development trainings on CPS as well as other topics related to autism and special needs. Mr. Schermer is a certified instructor in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) and trains and certifies all therapists employed by The SEED Center.  He acts as an advocate for families providing support, knowledge, and guidance in the area of special education law and poilcies. In addition, has been an expert witness for impartial hearings in the NY Metro area. Mr. Schermer is the former Chairman of the Custom Education Foundation, which is a not-for-profit (501c3) organization that provides resources and support to individuals with special needs and their families. Finally, Evan Schermer is proud to have been awarded the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Entrepreneurial Success Award in May 2015. Mr. Schermer’s experience and knowledge, clinically and professionally, ensure a solid foundation and strength for The SEED Center to excel and grow.