In-Network

Program Overview

This assessment-based certificate program covers all the areas needed to become a Connect Clinician.

The program includes all Connect modules and introduces clinicians to the concepts, principles, and methodologies used in Connect. Clinicians complete eight modules covering all aspects of the Connect curriculum and learn directly from the experts behind Connect's development.

The Connect Clinician Program was created by a multidisciplinary clinical team at Catalight, collaborating to develop Connect based on evidence-based practices and leading industry research. This program addresses the needs of an often-forgotten population of individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). This program will prepare clinicians to implement Connect with individuals with PIMD and their families to support their growth, independence and wellbeing.

Man reading to a smiling child

Program Details

  • One self-paced course
  • Capstone session (live virtual session)
  • Fully virtual
  • 1 final exam (3 attempts to pass)
  • CE credits for eligible participants
    • 6 CE, CAMFT, CPA, SLP, OT

Included Materials:

  • Connect Caregiver Manual
  • Connect Clinician Manual
  • Connect Clinician Overview
  • 2 Handouts
  • 11 Worksheets

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Describe the importance of wellbeing as an outcome measure for Connect.
  • Explain how to create a treatment goal based on the functional abilities identified by family members.
  • Illustrate the significance of using a naturalistic approach in Connect implementation.
  • Identify the relationship between a strength-based approach and parent acceptance of a childls limitations and disability.

Who Should Take This Program?

  • Clinicians who work with clients with Profound and Multiple Disabilities (PIMD) and their families, and who wish to broaden their clinical skills to better support communication and overall wellbeing, will find this course particularly valuable.
  • It is designed to enhance professionals' ability to engage effectively with families, develop tailored strategies for improving communication, and foster holistic approaches to client care. This course aims to equip clinicians with advanced techniques and insights to better address the complex needs of clients with PIMD, ultimately supporting more effective and compassionate care.
Boy using pencil with adult woman
Prerequisites illustrated art

Prerequisites:

This program is open to any clinician in the CCS Network in a mid or high-level role.*

High-Level Clinician: Clinicians must meet all requirements for the Qualified Autism Service Provider. Only licensed clinicians, LMFT, Psychologist, SLP, OT, LCSW, or LPCC are eligible to be a high-level clinician in Connect.

Mid-Level Clinician: Clinicians must meet requirements for QAS Professionals.

*To provide this service line to clients, clinicians must meet requirements as described in the CCS Provider Manual. 

Certificate illustrated art

Connect Program Pricing

Member Price: Complementary for Catalight Care Service in-network practitioners.

Program Content Developers and Instructors

Headshot of Brianna Fitchett

Brianna Fitchett, MPH, MA, BCBA
Developer

Degrees/Credentials

  • Masters Public Health: Healthcare Administration, National University
  • BCBA, Florida Institute of Technology
  • MA, Special Education, Moderate/Severe Disabilities, Notre Dame de Namur University
  • BA, San Francisco State University

Disclosures: None.

Current Position

  • Vice President of Clinical Impact - Catalight
Headshot of Christina Mejia

Christina Mejia
Developer and Instructor

Degrees/Credentials

  • Licensed Speech Language Pathologist #18483
  • MS, Speech Language Pathology
  • BA, Psychology
  • ASHA Certification-Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in Speech-Language Pathology
  • Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential
  • Hanen More Than Words certified Speech Language Pathologist
  • Dynamic Tactile and Temporal Cueing (DTTC) trained
  • Chat Clinician
  • Connect Clinician

Disclosures: None.

Current Position

  • Consultant Speech Language Pathologist - Catalight Care Services
Headshot of Doreen Samelson

Doreen Samelson, Ed.D., MSCP.
Developer

Degrees/Credentials

  • Licensed Psychologist
  • MSCP, Alliant International University
  • Ed.D., Counseling Psychology, University of the Pacific
  • 30 Credit Hours in Special Education and Psychology Credited Toward a Teaching Certificate in Severely Handicapped Education, Western Oregon State College
  • MA, Major in Psychology, Minor in Ecology and Behavioral Biology, The University of Minnesota
  • BA, Major in Psychology with a Minor in Biology, San Francisco State

Disclosures: None.

Current Position

  • Chief Clinical Officer - Catalight
Headshot of Lindsey Sneed

Lindsey Sneed, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Developer

Degrees/Credentials

  • Licensed Psychologist #PSY34154
  • Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Walden University
  • MS, Applied Psychology, Walden University
  • MS, Educational Counseling, National University
  • BA, Counseling Psychology, William Jessup University
  • RUBI Certified

Disclosures: None.

Current Position

  • Vice President of Clinical Excellence, Catalight
  • Adjunct Professor, University of San Francisco
Headshot of Michelle Befi

Michelle Befi, MA, LMHC, LMFT
Developer and Instructor

Degrees/Credentials

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor #MHC-1043-0
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #MFT-743-0
  • MA, Counseling, St. Edward's University
  • BS, Applied Learning & Development: Youth & Community Studies (Minor: Educational Psychology), University of Texas at Austin

Disclosures: None.

Current Position

  • Senior Vice President, Sustainable Program Design, Catalight

Other Contributors

Valerie Sonickson, MA, LMFT

Program Outcomes

  • Clinicians will be able to successfully implement Connect with individuals and their caregivers.