Staff

Pamela Ely Martins, MS CCC-SLP

Pamela is the Chief Executive Officer/Owner of the center, who together with Elsa Abele conceptualized the idea of a center-based holistic approach to social communication development that meets the varied needs of our clients. Pamela is a Speech-Language Pathologist with over 10 years experience in the public schools as well as within more clinical settings. She is a consultant/specialist who interfaces with several school systems in the Greater Boston area. Pamela works collaboratively with school personnel to enhance their knowledge and understanding of autism spectrum disorders. She trains staff in the use of various diagnostic protocols and treatment techniques for identifying and facilitating language processing and social-communication issues for all students.

Tom Sheehan, M.Ed.

Tom has worked for the practice since the winter of 2003. He received his master's degree from the University of California, Berkeley. He works as a guidance counselor in the Newton Public School System and has extensive knowledge and experience with autism spectrum disorders at the middle and high school level.

Trevor Taylor, OTR/L

Trevor has worked with for the practice since the winter of 2004. He holds a master's degree in Occupational Therapy. Trevor currently works in the Hopkinton Public School System and brings varied experiences to the practice. He has worked in an adolescent and adult psychiatric facility, an outpatient rehabilitation center, and with several group home centers.

Sean Sweeney, M.S. CCC-SLP

Sean has worked for the practice since the winter of 2003. He received his master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Boston University. He works in the Newton Public School System and has also held a clinical supervisor position working with graduate students facilitating social-pragmatics groups in the Communication Disorders Clinic at Boston University. Sean is currently pursuing a second master's degree in Curriculum and Instructional Technology at Framingham State College.

Amanda Burke, M.S. CCC-SLP

Amanda has worked for the practice since the spring of 2004. She received her degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Northeastern University. Amanda currently works in the Winthrop Public School system with elementary-age students.

Alex Laufer, M.S CCC-SLP

Alex received her master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Boston University. She trained with the Ely Center staff for over a year while completing her graduate degree. She currently works for Educational Consultants of New England as the Speech-Language Pathologist at The School for Accelerated Learning, a private school for students with autism spectrum disorders.

Elsa Abele, CCC-SLP

Elsa is a retired Professor of Communication Disorders from Boston University. Elsa is one of the pioneers in the treatment of individuals in the autism spectrum. Elsa continues to spend time mentoring therapists, parents, school personnel, and interested care givers of any kind, to heighten their understanding of such deficits as well as to teach best practice options and techniques for treatment.

Elsa acts as a consultant/advisor to the staff of The Ely Center, as we continue to grow and expand our services.

Vicki Gold, M.S.

Vicki brings to the Ely Center a passion for in working with students with Asperger's and high-functioning autism, in whom she has observed a high aptitude and deep interest in computing. Vicki possesses the combined skills of a current high school computer programming teacher, along with 20 years of industry experience as a software engineer, and is pursuing further education from Harvard University in the area of instructional technology. Vicki has been involved with the Ely Center Computer Club and is interested in working with small groups or individuals to lay the groundwork for careers in technology, a field that embraces our students. Vicki's website provides more information about her work.

Beth Ganem, Financial Assistant

Beth joined our team this summer.  She is currently enrolled in the Education Program at Framingham State College.

Interns

Interns are generally graduate students or other professionals interested in our unique and varied treatment approaches to social skill development. 

We are fortunate at the Ely Center to be affiliated with Boston University, as a training center for speech and language pathology student interns.  These young men and women are the highest caliber graduate students who are carefully selected to complete a practicum at our center.  Graduate student interns may observe, help, or facilitate group/individual sessions and may interface with parents and caregivers.  However, at the Ely Center, a certified professional group leader will be on site and in charge of sessions at all times.