McDonald appointed Director of Clinical Services of The Arc of Loudoun at Paxton Campus

McDonald appointed Director of Clinical Services of The Arc of Loudoun at Paxton Campus
LEESBURG, Virginia – June 23, 2017 – The Arc of Loudoun at Paxton Campus is pleased to announce that Kendra McDonald has been appointed into the new role of Director of Clinical Services on the campus. Kendra has been the Interim Director of The Aurora School (Aurora), a private day school on campus for students with developmental disabilities, particularly autism, since May of this year. Kendra moves into this role as The Arc of Loudoun at Paxton Campus starts the Advantage Behavior Clinic, a new program offering therapeutic services to the whole community.
Kendra started volunteering with The Arc of Loudoun in 2008, as an Applied Behavior Analysis Therapist, then became a Case Manager, Program Director, Interim Director of Aurora, and is now the Director of Clinical Services. “I’m excited about this position because I’ve worked in all aspects of the program and have a unique understanding of the responsibilities and needs of the staff; I really want to support them in providing a great individualized educational experience for our students. They work really hard every day, working with students who have high intensive needs,” said McDonald.
Kendra began her career in behavior analysis after her son was diagnosed with autism in 2002. She completed her behavior analysis coursework at UMASS Lowell and she has a Master’s Degree in Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.  She became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in June 2014. Kendra emphasizes the principles and teaching procedures of verbal behavior across all teaching opportunities including communication, social skills, and academics. 
“I couldn’t be happier with the decision to move Kendra up to this brand new role. She is absolutely fantastic and has been ‘in the trenches’ for years and knows the needs of each program,” said Melissa Heifetz, Executive Director of The Arc of Loudoun at Paxton Campus. Heifetz continued, “This new role allows consistent and quality ABA services across all programming on campus; these programs include the Advantage Behavior Clinic, The Aurora School, Open Door Learning Center and STEP Up.”
With Kendra at the helm of Clinical Services, The Arc of Loudoun at Paxton Campus launched the Advantage Behavior Clinic, a branch of Aurora that is open to the community at large. The Clinic provides individualized therapeutic options for children with autism and other related disabilities, with a specialized curriculum focused on verbal behavior and increasing social interactions. Some of the things that the therapists work on with students are Social Skills, Communication Skills, and Appropriate Behavior.
The Arc of Loudoun at Paxton Campus is a non-profit organization that advocates for, and provides direct service to, adults and children with disabilities, as well as their families and caretakers, through its many programs: The Aurora School, Open Door Learning Center, ALLY Advocacy Center, and STEP Up. The Arc of Loudoun is celebrating 50 years serving people with disabilities in Loudoun since 1967.