Meet the Staff

Kristi Witkowski Lombardo founded CMCA in July 2019. Kristi has a vast depth of knowledge in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Special Education and an unmatched compassion and commitment to children with special needs. She started her career in ABA at the New England Center for Children; served as a special educator in the Framingham public school systems; and headed district-wide ABA programs in the Berlin-Boylston Regional School District.

Kristi was a consultant to school districts across Massachusetts with Melmark, NE.  Kristi has worked and continues to work for several start-up companies providing in-home ABA therapy and has vast knowledge of insurance guidelines.  In addition, Kristi has conducted numerous workshops, presentations and trainings to parents, teachers, staff and other professionals across a wide array of fields, including Massachusetts First Responders.  Her research has been presented at numerous National Conferences. 

Kristi excels with family and staff relations and thoroughly enjoys providing quality services in the home, community and center to clients of all ages. Kristi holds an M.S. Ed. in Intensive Special Needs from Simmons College and a Bachelor of Science degree from Suffolk University.  She also has a post-graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis and is a Massachusetts certified intensive needs teacher (Pre-K- 12), specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis. Kristi is also a licensed behavior analyst (LABA) within the state of Massachusetts and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). 

Lisa Perna moved to Massachusetts in 2000 after completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Criminology with a minor in Sociology. She began her career at the New England Center for Children where she completed her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. 

Lisa has worked in a variety of settings including in home therapy, residential treatment, community settings, and within the school system.  Her focus includes autism spectrum disorder mood disorders, anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, building social skills as well as behavioral interventions, 

Lisa found her true passion with CBHI services and supporting and guiding children, adolescents, and families with social emotional disturbances through difficulties so they are able to live more complete fulfilling and stable lives.