Dr. Irene Russo is a Certified Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) Therapist and ESDM Trainer. At Early Days Autism Center (EDAc), she serves as the Site Director for the Bay Area and leads the group-based Early Start Denver Model (G-ESDM) demonstration program Every Child Bay (ECB). She earned both her Master of Science and Ph.D. in Italy and is further pursuing graduate training toward Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification in the United States.

Dr. Russo has been practicing with the ESDM since 2014, integrating it into early childhood and inclusive education settings. She led data collection for an implementation science research collaboration involving the Early Days Autism Center, the University of Salerno, and community-based preschools in Sacramento and Italy, focused on advancing teacher training in both the ESDM and G-ESDM.

In addition to her clinical and research work, Dr. Russo serves as Vice President of Every Child, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the inclusion of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in early childhood education. Her leadership bridges research, practice, and community-based advocacy to advance inclusive learning environments.

Jenna has been in the field of early intervention for over a decade and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2020. She graduated with her bachelors degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas and obtained her master's degree from the University of South Wales. Most recently, she moved back to the Sacramento area after helping support the launch of a clinic in Bavaria, Germany.

She brings experience in Project ImPACT, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Jenna is passionate about providing hands-on support to parents, helping them feel confident and empowered in their child’s growth. With experience across home-based care, clinics, and school settings, she brings a well-rounded perspective to her work. 

At the core of Jenna’s values as a clinician are compassion, connection, and curiosity. She is dedicated to building meaningful relationships with families and tailoring support to meet the unique needs of each child.

Rachel is an Instructional Assistant for EDAC Bay Area and an Atelierista at Every Child Bay where she supports and guides the children in their creative research. She has a bachelor’s of science degree in psychology and an associates degree in Early Childhood Development. 

Rachel is from the East Bay

Chainna is a Lead Instructional Assistant, Preschool Teacher, and Registered Behavior Technician at Early Days Autism Center, where she supports and nurtures the developmental growth of young children. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and has over three years of experience applying the G-ESDM approach. Chainna is deeply passionate about fostering a warm and caring environment, helping children discover their strengths, and guiding them in learning who they are.

Outside of school, she enjoys collecting vintage items, traveling, weightlifting, and spending meaningful time with her loved ones.

Josephine (she/her) holds a Masters in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Munich, Germany and a Masters in Critical Theory and Cultural Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco. 

She builds her teaching practice around mutual care, belonging and cultural sensitivity. 

Josephine has worked with neurodiverse youth in Germany, Greece and Sierra Leone. She volunteers as a counselor after the Rogerian model at the Berkeley Free Clinic. Her passion for fostering social connection and growth in children with learning disabilities led her to explore the pathways of ESDM and Reggio Emilia. 

In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, playing the Cello, and doing stained glass art.  Josephine is fluent in German.