Executive Team
Achieve Beyond - Founders & Executive Directors
Julia Sue Matuza
MA, BCBA, LBA, Chief Executive Officer
Before assuming the CEO role, Julia worked in every department at Achieve Beyond. This immersive participation in clinical therapy makes her uniquely qualified not only as a practitioner, but as a strong business development leader in the field.
Julia attended Columbia University where she received her M.A. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She later pursued her BCBA/LBA licensing, with a focus in Organizational Behavior Management. Her extensive knowledge in ABA services combined with her education and experience, allow her to foster the culture of care and commitment that distinguishes Achieve Beyond.
Tara Karen, M.S. Ed, BCBA, LBA
Director of Service Provision
Tara Karen is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst (CT, MA, MD, TN, NY ) who has worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education since 2009. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from SUNY Stony Brook, a Master’s degree in Childhood Education from Dowling College and completed her BCBA coursework at SUNY Stony Brook. Tara is a New York State certified teacher, holding multiple certificates in children with special needs.
Tara join the Achieve Beyond team in 2013, and has worked as a clinical supervisor, school consultant, CSE provider, EI supervisor, clinical director, operations director, and now has the honor of overseeing all the clinicians at Achieve Beyond. Guided by her love of ABA, she is passionate about teaching our clinicians, administrative staff, and families how ABA can help change the world.
Tara Ramondelli, MA, SBL
NYS Certified School Psychologist/Program Director
Tara Ramondelli is a New York State certified School Psychologist and School Building Leader. She has held the position of Program Director, overseeing all aspects of Achieve Beyond’s Preschool Special Education program, for over 10 years. She obtained her Master’s Degree in School Psychology from Iona University and her School Building Leadership certification from Canisus College. She works diligently with administrative and clinical staff to ensure all children and families receive high quality services and evaluations. Aside from providing support to staff and clinicians, Tara also actively works in the field, providing evaluations, observations, and supervision.
Prior to becoming the Program Director, Tara held the positions of Evaluation Specialist and Assistant Program Director, giving her a deep-rooted understanding of each role within the program and of Early Intervention and CPSE regulations. She is motivated by her desire to support every child’s ability to learn and promote their ability to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Tara is continuously striving to improve, to celebrate all successes and keep things fun!
Nicole Staci Fridas, TSHH, M.S. Ed, SAS, SDA
CPSE Seit Supervisor
Nicole Fridas is a clinical supervisor in the field of special education and began working with Achieve Beyond in 2000 after receiving her bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from St. John’s University then receiving her Master’s in Special Education in 2003. She pursued her Administrative Pd. Diploma in Special Education and graduated from Dowling college in 2006. Nicole is a certified New York State teacher, holding multiple certificates in the field of special education.
Nicole is focused on working in the field to support students with special needs including the supervision of special education itinerant teacher services to ensure safe and effective implementation of clinical support. As a team leader, Nicole encompasses the importance of promoting Seit’s creativity and family collaboration using strategic thinking and decision-making skills for each individual child’s needs being serviced, setting academic goals and participating in their emotional, behavioral and developmental growth.
