Children's Therapeutic Group Home
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Meet The Team
Our team of highly trained medical professionals is dedicated to delivering exceptional care to patients and families with special needs. With expertise comparable to a top-tier hospital, we specialize in the comprehensive analysis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder in youth ages 6-17.
Our Executive Team
Alex Fedorowych
CEO & Co-Founder
Alex Fedorowych is the CEO of Heartland Center for Autism. With more than a decade of experience in leadership roles within adolescent residential care, he has dedicated his career to improving outcomes for this population. Driven by a vision to address the cycle of adolescents being admitted to Emergency Departments and discharged without the necessary intervention and treatment, Alex aspired to create a specialized residential facility. His vision was realized when the State of Michigan licensed Heartland Center for Autism as the first residential facility of its kind, exclusively serving adolescents with Autism.
Jacqueline Carrick, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Executive Clinical Director & Co-Founder
Jacqueline is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with comprehensive experience in implementing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment plans for individuals across age groups. Possess strong skills in behavior assessment and intervention, family training, and team collaboration. Known for creating effective individualized strategies that yield positive behavioral changes. Previous work has consistently led to enhanced quality of life for clients and strengthened understanding of ABA among families and teams involved. Jacqueline has been working with youth with severe behavior for over 15 years and brings her knowledge of implementing a trauma informed approach to treatment for youth with an IDD diagnosis.
Gavin Pappagalo
Operations Manager
Gavin is an experienced Operations Manager with a strong background in human services, equipped with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and expertise in leadership and management. Gavin is a Certified Mandt System Instructor, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a positive and safe work environment through conflict resolutions and de-escalation techniques. With a proven track record in overseeing daily operations, streamlining processes, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Gavin brings a strategy and result-driven approach to team management and organizational performance. Gavin is known for his dedication to optimizing resources and improving service delivery in dynamic, mission-driven environment at Heartland Center for Autism.
Kelley Gavigan, LMSW
Director of Clinical Programs
Kelley is a Licensed Master Social Worker with nearly a decade of clinical experience, bringing both expertise and passion to the development and oversight of ethical, high-performing behavioral health programs. She has a strong track record of designing and implementing services that drive meaningful, measurable improvements in client outcomes. Her background includes crisis intervention and clinical work across the lifespan, including individual, group, and family-based treatment for individuals with acute and complex needs. She brings extensive experience supporting individuals with ASD and has developed programming that prioritizes clinical quality and long-term sustainability. Kelley brings a thoughtful, systems-oriented approach to her work, translating clinical insight into structured, sustainable programming. As part of the leadership team at Heartland Center for Autism, she plays a key role in shaping clinical programming and service delivery, helping turn vision into effective, lasting practice that promotes consistency, accountability, and compassionate care. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Kelley builds strong teams and meaningful partnerships while maintaining a clear focus on integrity and ethical implementation, creating environments where both clients and staff feel supported, respected, and empowered to grow.