The Developmental Advantage, LLC
"Going above and beyond for families and their children"
Cathy Jo earned her Bachelor's Degree from Marshall University in Communication Disorders and her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Special Education 0-5. Her experience stems from working in 3 preschools with children with special needs, as well as, working in the WV Birth to Three Program for the last 18 years. She has worked with children with developmental delay, speech and language delays, sensory integration dysfunction, and apraxia of speech. She also has a vast knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as, training in Sensory Modulation Techniques.
Cathy Jo currently serves on the Advisory Board for the West Virginia Autism Training Center and was awarded the 2009 Autism Society-WV State Chapter 0-5 teacher of the year. She also is very active in the WV Birth to Three Program where she was chosen to participate in two State Implementation teams, Mentoring and ASQ-Social Emotional Pilot. Cathy Jo is also an active member of the Local Implementation Team, in Region 3, which serve Kanawha, Clay, Jackson, and Roane Counties.
Cayte earned her Bachelor's Degree in Biology from WVU Tech, as well as, a Master's Degree in Teaching/Education from Marshall University with certification in Special Needs including Intellectual Disability (ID), Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Pre-K special Needs. Cayte has also earned a Master's Degree in School Counseling from Marshall University. She has experience working with children with varying levels of autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, sensory processing disorders, feeding issues, and developmental delay. Cayte cannot wait to be part of your Birth to Three Team!
Cathy Jo Higgins, M.A.
Founder/Owner/CEO/Developmental Specialist
Cayte Vigilante, M.A.
Developmental specialist, Birth to Three
Marlena Mullins, M.A.
Developmental specialist, Birth to Three
Marlena earned her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Special Education and Early Childhood Intervention from West Virginia University. She is a Preschool Special Needs Teacher with Kanawha County Schools. She has endorsements to teach Autism and Multi Categorical. Marlena has experience working with Traumatic Brain Injury, Autism, Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome, Applied Behavior analysis, and Cognitive/Behavioral Disorders. She loves working with children and look forward to meeting your family and being a part of your Birth to Three team.
Lindsey McElwain M.A.
Developmental specialist, Birth to Three
Lindsey earned a Regents Bachelor of Arts, with an emphasis in Elementary Education, from WV State University. She also earned a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education with certification in Preschool Special Needs. She worked as a daycare director for 3 years where she was able to work with Children ages 6 weeks through Preschool. Lindsey has been a preschool teacher for the past 4 years. She has worked with children with an autism diagnosis and developmental delays. Lindsey has a special place in her heart for children and families. She can't wait to be a part of your family's Birth to Three team!
Emilee Roberts, M.A.
Developmental specialist, Birth to Three
Emilee earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Marshall University. She also earned a Master of Science degree in Developmental Therapy from the College of Special Education at Henderson State University. Emilee's experience stems from the WV Birth to Three program, working with children ages 3-5 years old, and school age children in the home setting, daycare setting, and school. She has experience with developmental delays, speech and language delays, sensory processing disorders, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, behavioral challenges, hearing disorders, and assistive technology.
