About Us

Why RISE?

Occupational therapists by trade, Beck and Morgan recognized the lack of self-directed and individualized programming for young adults with disabilities in the DC area. As former school based therapists working with transition-aged students ages 18-22, Morgan and Beck strive to provide every young adult in the DMV area with opportunities and skill-based day programming to RISE to their full potential.

RISE also recognizes the need in the DMV area for supportive, innovative, and creative occupational and speech therapy services for clients across the lifespan. At RISE we believe that clients make the most progress when the entire support team works together. We focus on practicing skills in the community as well as integrating individualized visuals, modifications, and accommodations in order to support clients in meaningful daily activities.

Our mission is to Redefine Independence for all clients we serve. We strive to create supportive, strengths-based, and meaningful activities for our programs and aim to ensure that every stakeholder in a client’s life journey is involved and valued. 

We are passionate about fostering independence and self-manifested success for each client we work with - identifying and creating materials, adaptations, modifications, and strategies that ensure lifelong growth and success.

  • Beck Giallella M.S., OTR/L

    FOUNDER

    PROGRAM MANAGER & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

    Beck has worked as an occupational therapist in school districts and clinics around the country for the past eight years. Beck became passionate about focusing on transitions throughout the lifespan after seeing a gap in continuous care. Beck enjoys innovation and interventions that increase independence and empower participants to leave an impact on their community.

  • Morgan Smith M.S., OTR/L

    FOUNDER

    PROGRAM MANAGER & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

    Morgan has worked in the disability services field for the past six years as program manager, occupational therapist, or direct support professional for kids and young adults in school and home settings. Morgan loves identifying and creating accommodations that will increase clients’ independence in school, home, and community-based activities.

  • Nicole Hearn, M.S., CCC-SLP

    SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

    Nicole has worked as a speech-language pathologist for six years in Washington DC. She has extensive experience working with children and young adults, and in her current role, serves as an assistive technology specialist, assisting families and children in Washington DC in accessing Augmentative and Alternative communication devices (AAC). Nicole is fluent in American Sign Language, and incorporates all communication methods into her practice. She is passionate about helping discover and create communication methods for all children she works with.

  • Sonika Singh, M.S., CCC-SLP

    SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

    Sonika has since worked as a speech-language pathologist in multiple settings serving pediatrics, young adults and adults in a public charter school, rehabilitation hospital, and skilled-nursing facility. She has had the opportunity to work with individuals with multiple complex communication and medical needs. Sonika’s goal is to help her clients achieve the best of their abilities, feel empowered and confident through communication. She utilizes an evidence-based, client-centered and strengths-based approach.

  • Marissa Barber

    DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

    Marissa has 1.5 years of experience working with children and young adults with IDD and/or autism in therapy clinics and day programs. Her favorite part about working at RISE DC is creating an inclusive environment to help young adults understand their full potential in the world and making a positive impact on the lives of others.

  • Mikia Bassett

    DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

    Mikia has 3 years of experience working with children and young adults with IDD and/or autism in day programs. Her favorite part about working at RISE DC is being able to give young adults a safe, happy, loving, and fun place to come everyday.

  • Briona Bennett

    DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

    Briona has 5 years of experience working with children and young adults with IDD and/or autism in schools and day programs. Her favorite part about working at RISE DC is providing one-on-one or small group support for daily living skills so young adults reach their goals.

  • Jasmine Chambers

    DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

    Jasmine has 13 years of experience working with children and young adults with IDD and/or autism in schools, day programs, home health, and job training programs. Her favorite part about working at RISE DC is helping young adults achieve their life goals.

  • Leiloni King

    DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

    Leiloni has 1 year of experience working with children and young adults with IDD and/or autism in schools and day programs. Her favorite part about working at RISE DC is seeing all the different personalities and being able to help young adults experience the world like their neurotypical peers.

  • Sakelia Perry

    DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

    Keke has 6 years of experience working with children and young adults with IDD and/or autism in schools and day programs. Her favorite part about working at RISE DC is having a team of coworkers who are friends and seeing the happiness and excitement when young adults come to RISE and make progress on their goals.

  • Diamond Shields

    DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

    Diamond has 5 years of experience working with children and young adults with IDD and/or autism in schools and day programs. Her favorite part about working at RISE DC is helping young adults further their life skills.

Certifications, Training & Experience

  • National Board Certified in Occupational Therapy and licensed to practice occupational therapy in the District of Columbia and Maryland.

  • Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Certified.

  • Assessment of Motor and Processing Skills (AMPS) Certified - An observational assessment that measures the performance quality of tasks related to activities of daily living (ADL) in a natural environment aimed to determine areas of strengths and needs in occupational therapy services.

  • Pediatric Special Needs Aquatic Therapy Training completed (12 hour course)

  • Over 8 years of combined experience in supporting Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device users.