Meet the Administration
Donna Morrison B.S., M.S., BCBA, LBA
Director of Programming for Students with Autism
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Certified Early Start Denver Model Trainer
Debra Winter has dedicated 40 years to serving the needs of students in public education. When considering retirement Deb thought how could she continue to make an impact in the lives of students especially those with significant disabilities.
She is thrilled to be joining Just Kids as the Building Principal and working closely with school districts, teachers, students and parents to ensure every student has every opportunity to be successful. She loves spending quality time in the classroom working 1:1 with students. She believes every child can learn. Her quote that she lives by, “All it takes is one person to make a difference in a child’s life and that person can be you!”
Deb has served as a Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Director of Pupil Personnel, Special Education Teacher, Art Teacher as well as a Creative Arts Therapist. Her passions include working with children with disabilities, assisting parents, mentoring special education administrators and volunteering for Long Island FIRST Robotics. She has taught special education and administrative courses on both the undergraduate and graduate level.
Deb studied art and psychology at Dowling College. She received her master’s degree in creative arts therapy with a specialty in special education from Pratt Institute. She went on to Queens College for her Administrative degree. She continues to learn each day from her students.
Blanca Naranjo, BS
BA Student Management Coordinator
With a BA in Early Childhood Education, Blanca began her career as a paraprofessional in Florida. There, she worked with a Title 1 reading program before transitioning to the Pre-K department. After 15 years of teaching in Florida, Blanca moved to New York and continued to expand her skill set. In addition to teaching, she has become a Spanish translator for Just Kids, sparking a new chapter in her life. Over time, additional responsibilities were given such as assisting in student services and later managing offsite student services. Today, Blanca currently holds the unique role of Offsite Office Administrator/Translator, blending her passion for education and language with administrative leadership.
Steve Held, BS, M.Ed, CAGS, SBL,SDL
Executive Director
Steven Held, B.S., M.M., Ed., CAGS, S.B.L, S.D.L, is the co-founder and Executive Director of Just Kids Early Childhood Learning Center, a preschool for disabled and non-disabled children, from birth to five years of age. In addition to the preschool itself, Mr. Held is the Executive Director of the Just Kids Diagnostic and Treatment Center and has served on numerous Early Intervention councils over the past three decades. Mr. Held is currently a governor’s appointee as the Chairperson of The Early Intervention Coordinating Council. Mr. Held is responsible for several federal state and private grants to support the needs of young children and their families.
Debra Winter, BA, MS, SBL, SDL
Principal
Donna has over four decades of experience working with students with autism in public schools, private programs and home-based intervention. She is a Certified Early Start Denver Model trainer and a board-certified behavior analyst. Her early work as an occupational therapist provided a strong developmental base which is now complemented with the science of behavior analysis including trauma informed intervention and skills-based training. Her comprehensive methodology addresses not only behavioral challenges but also the crucial developmental and functional skills that help children thrive in their daily lives. Donna’s guiding principles are to value each student and teach from a place of joy. Professionals who are lucky enough to work with children with autism need to listen, learn, guide, and coach from a place of care and compassion. Donna graduated from Boston University with an under graduate degree in occupational therapy. She completed her Master of Science degree at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. Certification in the Early Start Denver Model was completed at UC Davis, California.