Rui Carreiro, Co-Founder and Executive Director
For nearly 30 years, I have dedicated my career to helping children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, and related challenges. I support individuals in crisis and with complex behavioral issues. My clinical approach emphasizes building trusted relationships, simplifying the assessment process, and delivering direct care and clinical services as quickly as possible.
Throughout my career, I have developed and managed services in various settings, including outpatient clinics, centers, public and private schools, group homes, day habilitation programs, hospitals, family homes, and community environments. I have held senior administrative and clinical roles at leading human services organizations such as Melmark New England, McLean Hospital, New England Village, and Eliot Community Human Services. I completed my undergraduate studies in Human Services Management and earned a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, focusing on cognitive and behavioral psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), from Cambridge College.
As the Executive Director of RBTR Institute, I align our programs with operational goals and oversee the strategic plan. My focus is on expanding our workforce and services, supporting professional development, enhancing quality and fostering a diverse team culture. Additionally, as part of our clinical team, I am the point of contact for referrals and requests for services. I work alongside our Behavior Technicians to provide direct therapy to individuals exhibiting severe behavioral challenges while also role modeling and training staff and the next generation of professionals in the human services field.
Sydney Sullivan M. Ed., BCBA, LABA, LBA
Clinical Director
I am a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with nine years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis and five years in a clinical leadership role. My background includes four years in intensive day programs focused on adaptive skill development, vocational training, and social-emotional skill building, as well as three years in a therapeutic day program utilizing trauma-informed interventions to support resilience and emotional regulation.
As a Clinical Director, I integrate trauma-informed care with evidence-based ABA practices to guide ethical, individualized treatment and support high-quality clinical programming. I am committed to shaping compassionate services that promote meaningful outcomes for clients while supporting and mentoring clinical teams.
Board Certified Behavior Analysts / Licensed Applied Behavior Analysts
The clinical team at RBTR Institute consists of master-level clinicians and Board Certified Behavior Analysts/Licensed Applied Behavior Analysts (BCBAs/LABAs) who supervise Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy administered by Behavior Technicians. All staff members complete an initial orientation and receive ongoing training in Safety-Care and ABA. This training equips them with practical tools and compassionate strategies to prevent challenging behaviors, enhance adaptive skills, and support individuals with dignity and safety.
Our BCBAs/LABAs design educational and behavioral programs, analyze treatment outcomes, and provide training and consultation to Behavior Technicians and caregivers. They receive regular supervisory support, participate in weekly team meetings, and have access to ongoing professional development opportunities.
Behavior Technicians
Under the supervision of BCBAs/LABAs, Behavior Technicians implement treatment plans and support individualized activities. They naturally apply goals during these sessions to enhance the effectiveness of therapy.
RBTR Institute is committed to empowering the teenagers and adults it serves as well as recognizing the vital role that family members play in supporting their loved ones. The Family Advisory Council serves as a supportive community for parents, siblings and other relatives. The Council also provides a mechanism for family members to help shape our programs and policies. The Council gives guidance on staff training, organizes educational events, and develops collaborative policies for RBTR Institute leadership and staff.