Our Staff & Volunteers

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Daniel began working in the ABA field in 2017 as a behavior tech and became certified as a BCBA in 2020. While working in clients' homes, he realized the need for a safe space for families to get out in the community. Children who struggle with impulse control, overstimulation, bolting, etc can have difficulties being in public spaces. The options for children with disabilities are limited, and the options for integrated spaces that can truly serve those with disabilities and without are even less common. The idea of incorporating agriculture and nature in this community space came from Daniel's love of the outdoors and his wife's farm family background. Beginning with some chickens and goats, Guided By Goats was created. 

Rhiannon grew up on a farm and has lifelong experience with animals. After her brother's diagnosis of ASD when she was 12 years old, she found a passion in working with children and helping them overcome obstacles in their lives. She began volunteering with children with disabilities at 16 years old and spent years working as a behavior technician, both in homes, group homes, and in day programs. Currently, she spends her days homeschooling her daughter, creating and managing the nonprofit's events,  and caring for the animals of Guided By Goats. She has a passion for reading, photography, hiking, and of course, animals.

"My name is Jamie Pandolfi, and I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst  (BCBA) at Guided by Goats. I spent eight years working at a nature-based preschool, where I witnessed firsthand the curiosity, joy, and emotional benefits that nature provides for children. During that time, I found myself naturally drawn to supporting children who needed additional attention and care, which ultimately led me to pursue a career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

What I love most about ABA is its ability to help build meaningful communication, strengthen independence, and promote confidence. It also allows me to do something truly special—teach and encourage learning through play.

I earned my master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from Ball State University, and I have been working in the ABA field for six years.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, snuggling with my dog, drinking good coffee, and eating popcorn. I’m still amazed that my two passions—nature and ABA—have come together in such a unique way, especially alongside goats! I couldn’t be more excited to be part of the Guided by Goats team."

What's up everyone! My name is Seth and I have been a BCBA for about 5 years now, but have been working with children with special needs since I've been 18 years old. I've always known I wanted to work with children when I got older and really found my passion working with the special needs community after taking a job at a special needs day camp. Working closely with my students and their families and being able to make their lives easier is a true passion of mine. Whether it be the big or small wins/accomplishment when it comes to working with my students provides me with a sense of pride and happiness that I was able to better the lives of my families. Outside of work I love to stay active by going to the gym, playing softball, golfing with friends, and even joined a volleyball league. I am a huge sports fan and love rooting for the New York Yankees and especially my alma mater the Connecticut Huskies!

Bethany Walker partners with Guided By Goats through her business, Embracing Kids 4 Life, LLC. 

Embracing Nature is a nature based therapy program ran by Embracing Kids 4 Life, LLC. Bethany Walker, a certified and licensed occupational therapist, created Embracing Kids 4 Life, LLC in 2022 to help create community programs for all children and abilities. Bethany’s vision is to create opportunities for children to succeed and grow through play by nature based activities. This could include swim lessons/aquatic therapy, educational consultation with various schools, and/or nature based therapy. 

Within Embracing Nature, activities will include exploration of all sensory systems in order to address sensory concerns; as well fine motor skills, coordination, and motor planning. Activities could include climbing, swinging, pulling, carrying, building, and drawing.

Bethany Walker has been a certified and licensed occupational therapist since 2015 working with students in various school settings from preschool to transition ages, as well as the medical outpatient setting (both land and aquatics). Bethany has experience with autism, developmental delays, ADHD/ADD, sensory processing concerns, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, and various other muscular/neurological disorders. She enjoys teaching swim lessons in her spare time to help increase confidence in the water, help with emotional regulation and strength through the water properties, and basic water safety skills. Bethany also enjoys traveling to different cities and towns to explore various cultures, hiking, reading, and participating in arts and crafts. 

Kristi Bianchini partners with Guided By Goats to offer her speech therapy program, A Talk in the Woods. Here's what she has to say about herself:

"My name is Kristi Bianchini and I have been a speech-language pathologist for 16 years working with children from age 3-19. I am a mother of 2 and an avid hiker who loves to sing and travel. Coming from a background in musical theater, I originally was drawn to speech pathology because I wanted to work with singers with injured voices. However, once I began my first school-based position I felt instantly at home and knew that improving the communication skills of children with special needs was my calling. There is something magical about witnessing a child say their first word or make a new connection with a peer. My approach to therapy is child-led and play-based and I honor all attempts at communication, no matter how individualized. I’m very excited to be a part Guided by Goats!"

Lindsey is a rising junior at Southern Connecticut State University, pursuing a Bachelor’s-Master’s accelerated pathway in Recreational Therapy. Diagnosed with moderate hearing loss at the age of eight, Lindsey developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. This experience inspired her passion for helping others overcome obstacles and achieve their fullest potential.

A 2024 graduate of Wilcox Technical High School, Lindsey studied Culinary Arts and has since dedicated time to volunteering at organizations such as Cheshire Parks and Recreation, Cheshire Public Library, and Meriden Youth Theatre.

Lindsey is also passionate about fitness and wellness, enjoying a variety of activities including weightlifting, yoga, pilates, and cardio. She is an ASFA-certified Group Fitness and Bootcamp Instructor and loves motivating others to lead healthy, active lives.

Our dedicated volunteers assist us in providing animal care, program assistance, and property maintenance. They ensure our animals are well cared for and we couldn't run any events without them!