Behavior Supports
Arc Mercer Behavioral Supports provides community-based assessments and support for those in need. Our behavior team works in collaboration with our licensed psychiatric practitioners to reduce harm, improve outcomes, and better integrate our patients with their community. Data collected by the behavior team is communicated and shared with the consumers health care team. This helps create collaboration and proper monitoring of consumers health needs.
Meet Our Team
Angela Giosia, M.S., BCBA,
Clinical Director
Angela earned her Bachelors in Psychology from Rutgers University and later her Master’s degree from Saint Joseph’s University in Applied Behavior Analysis and Criminal Justice. Her master’s thesis focused on the use of Applied Behavior Analysis with the Broken Windows Theory. In 2016, her research project, “Assessment and Treatment of Repetitive Behavior: Alternative to Response Blocking” was presented at the annual ABAI in Chicago. She became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2017. She has been in the field of behavior and mental health for over 10 years and fell in love with the science of ABA in 2008 during her internship for neuropsychology. Angela has extensive experience in clinical settings, psychiatric hospitals, forensics, public and private schools and residential placements. Her client experience ranges from early intervention through geriatric age. Angela became part of Simmons Universities’, ABA intensive practicum program where she provided supervision to masters level students. In 2018, Angela became the first BCBA at one of New Jerseys’ state psychiatric hospitals where she was able to educate and train on the application of ABA in a setting and area where most BCBAs are not recognized. Angela joined the Arc of Mercer as the Clinical Director in 2022 following her role as the BCBA for New Jersey’s Forensic Center. Some of Angela’s interests include, the outdoors (hiking, lake and shore life), going to the gym (powerlifting and bodybuilding), Country music, and spending time with her family.
As the Clinical Director, she helps to oversee the behavioral department alongside the Director of Behavior. Angela is responsible for the Health Care Center’s clinical oversight which consists of behavioral, therapeutic and psychiatric care. Angela works collaboratively with the therapy department, nursing, NPs and Psychiatrists to ensure total continuum of care.
Chris Hargrave, MS, BCBA
Director of Behavior Services
Chris is a graduate of The College of New Jersey, where he studied Deaf Education and Sociology and a more recent graduate of WCSU, where he earned a masters in applied behavior analysis. His masters thesis was focused on increasing access to sexuality education and supports to adults with disabilities. Chris became certified as a BCBA in 2020. In 2011, Chris became involved with Arc Mercer as a college intern and he joined the agency full-time in 2014 following work as a Support Coordinator in Philadelphia. At Arc Mercer, Chris has held several roles, including as a day program manager where he was especially involved in music and drama, an employment specialist at the OTC, and he has been involved in behavior services since 2016. Chris has experience providing behavioral support to adults in residential, day, and vocational settings as well as developing staff training and collaborating with mental health professionals. In his free time, Chris enjoys bowling in leagues and traveling, and he is a big Phillies and Eagles fan.
Taylor Baile
Behavior Specialist
Taylor is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and holds a Bachelors in Social Work from North Carolina Central University. Taylor has been with the Arc of Mercer since 2022 and in the field for 4 years. Taylor has experience is both residential, clinic and in-home behavior supports. In addition to her role at the Arc, Taylor is a Behavioral Assistant under an LPC working with children and their families. Taylor plans to further her education and get her BCBA. In her spare time, Taylor enjoys photography and spending time with her 3 cats. She loves working with individuals of all ages and helping others to reach their fullest potential.
Leah Demarest, MS ABA
Behavior Specialist
Leah has been working with The Arc Mercer as a Behavior Specialist since April 2022. She graduated from Seton Hall University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences and minor in Psychology. Leah later attended Drexel University where she graduated with a Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. Prior to working with Arc Mercer, she worked in education and in ABA therapy. She has experience working with age ranges from early intervention and preschool aged children through seniors. In her free time Leah enjoys indoor rock climbing and bouldering. She loves to travel to new places and watch Formula 1 racing!
Seth Shappell, BCaBA
Behavior Specialist
Seth is a BCaBA with 10 years of experience in the field of behavior analytics. He earned his Masters in applied psychology from Rider University. Throughout his career Seth has worked in a wide range of settings including school, in home, inpatient, clinic based, and residential. He has worked with a wide range of ages from preschool to retirees. Seth enjoys working to reduce challenging behaviors and increase skill acquisition. When Seth is not working, he enjoys hiking, fishing, and powerlifting.
Glory Charles, RBT
Behavior Specialist
Glory Charles is a wife and mother of three children. She grew up in the Eastern part of NIgeria “Igbo” and came to the United States in 2004. Glory started her work at the Arc in 2020 working in residential as a direct care professional before transitioning to her role in the Behavior Department. Glory has been in the field for three years. She has experience in residential, home setting and schools working with individuals with IDD and ASD. GLory holds a bachelor’s in education, and has prior experience working as a teacher, in both regular and in special education classes.. Glory is Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and has used her certification to model and provide behavioral therapy to students in the classroom. In addition to her role at the Arc, Glory also provides in-home ABA therapy in the community. Glory is in pursuit of getting her Masters in Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. Glory also works as a Bible teacher at her church, teaching in the children’s department. Glory is an avid member of her church. She likes shopping and spending time with her family and friends.