Our Staff

Dayna M. Tobin, M.S., CCC-SLP

Brick Center Director / Speech-Language Pathologist

Dayna is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist in New Jersey and New York with over 16 years of experience helping children grow their communication and feeding skills with confidence. For the past seven years, she has been a proud member of the Sunshine Center family, where she supports children with speech, language and feeding challenges. Dayna uses play-based, evidence-backed approaches like PROMPT, Beckman Oral Motor, SOS Approach to Feeding, Meaningful Speech NLA, and AAC to make therapy fun and effective.

Dayna earned her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from Hunter College and her Bachelor’s in Psychology from New York University. As a proud mom of four, she understands how important family involvement is in every child’s progress. When she’s not in the therapy room, you can find her cheering on her kids at their games and activities.

Alyson Stout, MS, PT

Manalapan Center Director

Alyson is thrilled to join the Manalapan Sunshine Center as the new Center Director. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Clinical Science in 1994 and her Master of Science in Physical Therapy in 1995, both from Ithaca College. Since then, Alyson has devoted her career to pediatric physical therapy, working in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, hospitals, early intervention programs, daycares, and both public and private schools.

Over the years, Alyson has developed a special focus on supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and helping them reach their fullest potential. In the summer of 2024, she earned her School Supervisor endorsement through the New Jersey Department of Education, further expanding her ability to support both children and the professionals who work with them.

Alyson joined the Sunny Days team because she deeply believes in the power of a multidisciplinary approach—collaborating across disciplines to help each child grow and succeed while ensuring that the skills they develop can be carried over into all areas of their lives.

Laura Bianciella, MS, OTR/L

Edison Center Director

Laura is a licensed and registered occupational therapist in the state of New Jersey with a passion for helping children of all abilities achieve success in their daily activities. She earned her Bachelor of Science in 2017 and Master of Science in 2018 from the University of Scranton. Throughout her time in college and career, Laura has had the opportunity to experience occupational therapy in both adult and pediatric populations in inpatient and outpatient settings. She joined The Sunshine Center in 2019 as an occupational therapist and has since grown into the role of Center Supervisor. Dedicated to continuous learning and growth, Laura strives to enhance her skills while fostering a supportive environment for the children, families, and staff she serves.

Leianne Branco, M.A., BCBA

West Windsor Center Director

Leianne is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who joined the Sunshine Center team in the Summer of 2021. She graduated from West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education (ages 0-21) and Elementary Education (grades Kindergarten through sixth grade). She then received her Master’s Degree from Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey in Applied Behavior Analysis. Leianne was a Special Educator for 10 years, teaching a self-contained classroom for children diagnosed with Emotional Disturbances, Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, and other health impairments, which also included children who have experienced levels of childhood trauma and Autism. Leianne has been an instructor in Non-Violent Crisis Interventions and also has been a consultant for a company who provides in-home support and parent training for families with children on the Autism Spectrum. Throughout her career, Leianne has presented to educators throughout the country at the National Autism Society of America conference on the topics of Autism Complicated by Trauma. Leianne grew up submerged in the field of Autism and Developmental Disabilities and has a passion focusing on family collaboration and inclusiveness in the school and community setting. She is excited to be part of our Edison branch, and our Sunshine Center expansion to Mercer County.

Dr. Lindsay Hilsen, BCBA-D

Clinical Consultant

As previous Director and Chief Clinical Officer of Sunny Days Sunshine Center, Dr. Lindsay Hilsen brings over 25 years of experience with early childhood intervention and autism to the position. 

Lindsay received her Doctorate in Special Education through Nova Southeastern University. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at the doctoral level (BCBA-D) who holds two Master's degrees in Special Education and Education, as well as a certified NJ special education teacher and elementary education teacher. She is also the author of two Autism Curriculums: A Step-By-Step Curriculum for Early Learners with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and A Step-By-Step ABA Curriculum for Young Learners (ages 3-10) with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Ever since she was old enough to volunteer, Lindsay has had a passion for the special education field. She believes that all children can make progress, regardless of their different abilities and styles of learning, and seeing that progress is her favorite part of her job. Because Lindsay’s oldest daughter has single-sided deafness, she knows first-hand that each and every child is capable and can overcome any challenge.

Scott Rieger, MA, NCC, BCBA

Clinical Consultant / Autism Clinical Educator

Scott is a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) and a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the State of New Jersey who has been working with individuals with autism and their families for over 30 years. Scott originally joined Sunny Days in 2003, and worked as an independent contractor, serving as an ABA team leader within the New Jersey Early Intervention System. Scott began his career working with adults with autism in community employment settings for the Eden Family of Services where he served as a teacher, job coach, community employment specialist and eventually served as the Assistant Director of Employment Services. He additionally assisted the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey in the development of an ABA program for children with autism and intensive behavioral needs. He presently serves as Sunny Days’ Autism Clinical Educator and member of the Clinical and Quality Assurance team.

As a parent of an adult child with special needs, Scott is well aware of the challenges that parents and caregivers face who are in similar positions. He has dedicated his career to developing and implementing child, parent and family-friendly interventions and strategies that are evidence-based.

Scott received his undergraduate degree in Special Education from Trenton State College and his Master of Arts in Counseling from the College of New Jersey. In addition, he received his Educational Supervisor’s Certification from Rutgers University where he also completed the requisite coursework to become a BCBA.

Jared Stokes

Sunshine Center Operations Director

Jared Stokes serves as the Sunshine Center Operations Director, overseeing multidisciplinary therapy centers across multiple states. Since joining the organization in 2021, Jared has played a key role in strengthening operational systems, improving efficiency, and fostering collaboration across therapy disciplines.

He originally led the Lawton, Oklahoma location following its acquisition and successfully transitioned the former Gore Therapy Center into a Sunny Days Sunshine Center, ensuring a seamless experience for staff and families. Jared also spearheaded the launch of ABA therapy services in Oklahoma, expanding access to comprehensive care for children and families in the Lawton and Fort Sill region.

With more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning healthcare, operations, and team development, Jared is known for his strategic approach to change management and his ability to build cohesive, high-performing teams. His unique combination of business acumen, leadership experience, and parent perspective enables him to balance organizational goals with compassionate, family-centered care.

Jared earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and an MBA from Cameron University, where he was recognized for his achievements in research and public speaking. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling with his family, and relaxing with his dogs, Orion and Aurora.