Our Staff

Dr. Lindsay Hilsen, BCBA-D

Director

As Director of Sunny Days Sunshine Center, Dr. Lindsay Hilsen brings nearly 20 years of experience with early childhood intervention and autism to the position. Previously, she worked as the Sunshine Center’s Autism Coordinator and the Autism Clinical Educator for Sunny Days Early Childhood Developmental Services, Inc. Prior to that Dr. Hilsen was the BCBA for a public school in New Jersey.

Among the many duties involved with running the Sunshine Center, Lindsay supervises all therapists, conducts ABA evaluations, and trains and supervises BCBA candidates. In addition, she will consult with the school districts, conduct observations, and assist with IEP meetings.

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.

Emily Gardner, MA, BCBA

Brick Center Supervisor

Emily Gardner is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has worked with children of all abilities throughout her life. From shadowing her mom as a special education teacher to coaching challenger sports leagues she knew this was the field she wanted to work in. She received her undergraduate degree at Arcadia University in Glenside, PA with a duel certification in Early Childhood Education (grades k-4) and Special Education (k-8). Emily achieved her Masters Degree at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ in Applied Behavior Analysis. Emily has worked with a wide range of children, adolescents, and adults from age 1.5-22 years old in a variety of settings including home, center, community, and schools. Emily has been a part of the Sunny Days team since 2017 as an ABA therapist, received BCBA supervision and training here, and is excited to continue to grow with the company and share her passion with her colleagues and clients.

Kacy Jubanyik, M.A., BCBA

Manalapan Center Supervisor

Kacy is a Board Certified Behavior Analysts and joined the Sunshine Center team in August 2020. She received her B.A. in Psychology and minored in Sociology with a Concentration in Child Behavioral Studies from Rowan University; where she also received her M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysts. Kacy found her true passion of working with individuals with Autism and other development disorders when she interned for several different companies throughout college. She enjoys collaborating with the entire therapeutic team and learning about new and effective interventions and strategies. She is looking forward to continue growing with this company.

Leianne Branco, M.A., BCBA

West Windsor & Interim Edison Center Supervisor

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.