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 (they/he)

    Founder, Program Manager & Occupational Therapist

  • Morgan Smith M.S., OTR/L (they/them)

    Founder, Program Manager & Occupational Therapist

  • Joe Nicol, M.S., CCC-SLP (he/him)

    Speech Language Pathologist

    Joseph (Joe) is a licensed and ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist with 6 years of experience in outpatient clinical and public/non-public education settings working with individuals across the lifespan. He is a generalist with a wide range of clinical interests and expertise, including holistic stuttering and cluttering therapy, voice and upper airway care, and signed language therapy.

  • Marissa Barber (she/her)

    DSP & Communication and Outreach Lead

  • Mikia Bassett (she/her)

    DSP & Family Partnership and Intake Lead

  • Briona Bennett (she/her)

    DSP & Administrative and Operations Lead

  • Montaya Bruce (she/her)

    DSP & Job Coach

  • Tadonia Clark (she/her)

    Direct Support Professional

  • Hattie Jones (she/her)

    DSP & Data and Administrative Lead

  • Sakelia Perry (she/her)

    DSP & Documentation and Quality Assurance Lead

  • Lori Pointer (she/her)

    DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL

  • Diamond Shields (she/her)

    DSP & Engagement and Programming LEad

  • Monique Stratton (she/her)

    Direct Support Professional

  • Tierra Tate (she/her)

    DSP & Employment Readiness and Volunteer Lead

  • Marlon Zanders (he/him)

    Direct Support Professional