Leading with Purpose:

VATN Founders

Jessica Jolley

Founder and CEO of Virginia Therapeutic Network.
Jessica Jolley is the Founder and CEO of Virginia Therapeutic Network, bringing 15 years of experience in behavior analysis. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Special Education, Severe Disabilities, both from Virginia Commonwealth University, and has completed Applied Behavior Analysis coursework at George Mason University. Jessica’s background spans community, home, clinical, and educational settings, supporting individuals aged 2 to 80. She is passionate about helping adults transition toward independence and is deeply interested in Organizational Behavior Analysis and Organizational Psychology. Jessica founded the network to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and professional growth among clinicians.
Petra White

Founder and COO of Virginia Therapeutic Network.
Petra White is the Founder and COO of Virginia Therapeutic Network with nearly 20 years of experience as a behavior analyst and educator. She has worked extensively with individuals with complex communication needs, developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and genetic disorders across clinical, educational, and community settings. As a parent, Petra understands the importance of access to diagnostics and comprehensive services. She focuses on supporting individuals with significant support needs and advocates for person-centered, evidence-based interventions that promote dignity, independence, and quality of life for clients and their families.
Christopher Allen

Founder and CCO of Virginia Therapeutic Network.
Christopher Allen is the Founder and CCO of Virginia Therapeutic Network. With a background in biological anthropology and a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis, he integrates traditional ABA with Relational Frame Theory, Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Training. His career spans academic research on primate behavioral evolution and education at the middle and high school levels. Christopher focuses on data-driven approaches to skill acquisition and behavior reduction, particularly for individuals with emotional impairments and autism-related disorders.

The Heart of Our Network

Chante Nelson

Operations Specialist
Chante Nelson serves as the Operations Specialist at Virginia Therapeutic Network, bringing over seven years of experience in behavioral health. She began her career as a Registered Behavior Technician with a strong foundation in Applied Behavior Analysis and transitioned into operations. Chante is also a certified Life Coach, committed to supporting individuals and families in holistic ways. She has worked with clients aged 2 to 22 and values helping them lead fulfilling lives. Outside work, she enjoys family time, cooking, live music, and travel.
Emily Bilski

Speech Language Pathologist
Emily Bilski is a speech-language pathologist with extensive experience in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assessments and training. She is passionate about connecting individuals with strategies and devices to help them find their voice and supports caregivers and providers in meaningful communication approaches. Emily has specialized skills in swallowing support developed in a hospital setting. She enjoys spending time in nature and caring for her family outside of work.
Kaitlin MaHaffy

Speech Language Pathologist
Kaitlin MaHaffy is a speech-language pathologist practicing in Richmond since 2013. She has a passion for communication devices and helping individuals find their voice. Kaitlin enjoys reading, gardening, running, and raising her three children in Mechanicsville.
Dr. Jennifer Hess

Occupational Therapist
Dr. Jennifer Hess earned her doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences in 2018. She has extensive experience working with clients of all ages, focusing on mental health diagnoses, sensory needs, and behaviors. Jennifer provides client-centered, holistic interventions and emphasizes understanding client motivation to support success across environments.
Cara Richardson

Occupational Therapist
Cara K. Richardson, MS, OTR/L, is a licensed occupational therapist specializing in fine and visual motor development, coping strategies, and adaptive interventions for daily living. She has experience with pediatric and adult populations and provides caregiver education to improve client independence and quality of life. Cara earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Ashley Stewart

Occupational Therapist
Ashley Stewart graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2014. She has worked with children and adults in various settings and is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist. Ashley is passionate about helping individuals pursue meaningful activities while maintaining safety and independence. She enjoys country living, horseback riding, cooking, and spending time with her family and pets.
Cat McCarthy

Occupational Therapist
Cat McCarthy is an experienced occupational therapist who earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2017. She brings specialized expertise in Ayres Sensory Integration, vision therapy, feeding therapy, kinesiology taping, and equine assisted therapy. Cat is passionate about using these evidence-based approaches to help individuals achieve greater independence and well-being. She enjoys working closely with clients to find creative and meaningful solutions that support their unique goals.
Dr. Jill Chumley-Jones

Physical Therapist
Dr. Jill Chumley-Jones brings over 20 years of physical therapy experience and four years as a therapeutic consultant. She focuses on improving function, independence, and quality of life for clients and caregivers. Outside of work, Jill enjoys playing guitar, singing, and spending time outdoors.
Dr. Melanie Parker

Physical Therapist
Dr. Melanie Parker is a seasoned physical therapist and Assistive Technology Professional specializing in seating and mobility. She works with clients of all ages and diagnoses and is passionate about empowering families of individuals with disabilities. After her youngest son’s autism diagnosis, she founded a nonprofit to connect families with needed resources. Melanie and her husband have three children.
Mina Vahdati

Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Mina Vahdati is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst from Virginia with extensive experience supporting individuals of all ages. She is pursuing certification in behavioral sexuality counseling and values collaboration with caregivers to create supportive environments. Mina is committed to fostering positive behavioral growth and enhancing daily life for those she supports.
Erica Benitez

Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Erica Benitez is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with nearly nine years of experience in applied behavior analysis and five years of clinical practice. She has supported individuals across diverse age ranges and enjoys reading and spending time outdoors in her free time.
Meghan Staat

Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Meghan Staat holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst credential. With over a decade in Applied Behavior Analysis, she has worked in roles from behavior technician to clinical director, providing services across home, clinic, school, and community settings. Meghan also has experience in school consultation, staff training, and family support. She is committed to evidence-based, compassionate care.
Heather Sheets

Recreational Therapist
Heather Sheets is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist since 2006, passionate about promoting physical, emotional, and social well-being. She has experience working with individuals across the lifespan with physical, cognitive, and mental health challenges. Heather enjoys sports, reading, music, and spending time with family and her two dogs.
Abigail Wright

Recreational Therapist
Abigail Wright is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist from Richmond, Virginia. She graduated from Longwood University and has worked in diverse settings including parks and recreation, spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation, adaptive sports, and long-term care for children. Abigail blends her love of leisure and play to help others live fuller, more joyful lives.
Saoirse Heneghan

Recreational Therapist
Saoirse Heneghan is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with VATN, passionate about helping individuals discover joy, confidence, and connection through meaningful and engaging activities. She believes in the power of movement, creativity, and play to help people light up when they find something they truly enjoy. Saoirse’s favorite leisure activities include spending time outdoors, listening to music, caring for her plants, and getting lost in a good book.