Dub-C Autism Program (D-CAP)

Cherie Fishbaugh, Director of Autism Services

Cherie Fishbaugh is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She earned her M.A. in special education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Ohio State University. Cherie has worked with individuals from the age of 18 months to adulthood.  Her experience includes working at the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Nationwide Children's Hospital, serving as an Education Consultant for the May Institute, and assisting with program and clinical development for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Autism Resource Center (SPARC).  In 2016, Cherie joined West Chester University as the Director of Autism Services and developed Dub-C Autism Program (D-CAP). Cherie's clinical and research expertise are in the areas of behavior analysis, autism spectrum disorders, behavior management, social skills training, and positive behavior supports. 

Other: Co-founder and executive board member of Neurodiversity Employment Network- Philadelphia; Steering committee for Alliance: College to Employment Program. Co-Chair fo Planning Committee for College Autism Summit; Advisor for Eagles Autism Foundation- College Program at WCU; Mentor for SquareOne; PEERS certified; 

Amanda Martin, Assistant Director

Amanda Martin earned her Masters of Science in Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs from West Chester University making her an alumnus twice. Her thesis was on Accessibility for Students with Disabilities. Amanda is a member of AHEAD, an Association on Higher Education And Disability. She is already a familiar face around campus to many as she has previous experience at West Chester University serving students from the Office of Educational Accessibility. Furthermore she has experience with the theoretical foundations of higher education, pedagogy, ACPA/NASPA Professional Competencies, accommodations, and assistive technology tools for students. She is always seeking new knowledge and loves to learn. You will additionally find Amanda has oodles of West Chester University spirit! Go Rams!

Emma Billingsley, Employment Coordinator

Emma earned their Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a minor in dance in Spring 2021 from West Chester University. They have experience working with Rams After Hours, Success Coaching, and the Career Development Center. They have been a part of DCAP since 2017, and an ambassador since 2018. Emma has worn many hats in DCAP throughout the years – a student, ambassador, Graduate Assistant, and now as the new Employment Coordinator.  Emma looks forward to working with students on their career aspirations and to getting to know them further.

Kaela Dakes, Graduate Assistant

Kaela Dakes is a third-year student in the Master of Social Work program at WCU. Kaela earned her Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Spanish from WCU. Kaela holds a certification in Trauma Sensitive Care from and is a trauma trainer for Lakeside Global Institute. She is currently interning in the Behavioral Health Department at Chester County Hospital supporting patients experiencing mental health events. Kaela has experience, both professionally and personally, working in special education with school-aged students. Kaela is looking forward to supporting the academic achievements and personal growth of the students in the D-Cap community.

Seth Krier, Graduate Assistant

Seth Krier completed his Bachelor's of Science in Psychology in 2021 at West Chester University and is currently enrolled in West Chester University's General Masters Psychology. Seth has nearly one year of work experience collaborating with individuals on the autism spectrum and their families to successfully implement applied behavioral analysis (ABA). Working with autistic individuals in and out of schools, in public or at home, Seth is interested in fostering individual success in all aspects of life. Encouraging the development of a positive self-image and personal growth in himself and others has always been a lifelong goal of Seth's. With interests in anxiety and depression disorders and symptomology, Seth hopes to pursue these areas of study in the near future.

Nallely Martinez, Graduate Assistant

Nallely Martinez is a first-year graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology program at West Chester University. She completed her undergraduate degree in Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences and a minor in American Sign Language in the Spring of 2022 at Kean University. Previously, Nallely has gained experience working with individuals within the Autism Spectrum community as she has been a paraprofessional at a specialized High School for students with disabilities as well as an Applied Behavior Analyst. Through her experiences, she knows that working as a Speech-Language Pathologist is her passion and is looking forward to learning from her future patients.

Katie Noll, Graduate Assistant

Katherine Noll is a second-year grad student at West Chester University pursuing her master’s degree in history. She graduated from West Chester in the Spring of 2022 with a bachelor's in history and a minor in anthropology. Katherine has been involved in DCAP as an ambassador since the Fall of 2018 and is currently interning at the museum studies department too. Katherine hopes to use her degree to go into consulting on museum accessibility.

Courtney Ockershausen, Graduate Assistant

Courtney Ockershausen is a second-year graduate student in the School Counseling Program at West Chester University. She earned her B.A. at San Francisco State University in 2019 in Child and Adolescent Development with a concentration in Child and Family Studies. Courtney has experience in non-profit work and program development ranging from Jumpstart, America Reads and programs within the North Penn YMCA. Additionally, Courtney has spent the past 4 years working in higher education in student support and administrative roles. With this experience, she has developed a passion for student success, social justice and inclusion which drives her involvement within the D-CAP program at West Chester. Courtney is enthusiastic to continue her journey to become a licensed school counselor and to build connections within the D-CAP community!

Kayla Weaver, Graduate Assistant

Kayla Weaver is a second-year graduate student in the School Counseling program at West Chester University. Kayla graduated from Liberty University in December 2020 with a bachelors degree in social work and a minor in psychology. She is excited to join the D-CAP team in her fourth semester and practice her advocacy and empowerment skills that she’s learned much about. Kayla brings experience with autism and other disabilities, including being a personal care assistant for a year and a half to two different individuals with autism in between her undergrad and grad programs, volunteer experiences with various disabilities, and a previous 100-hour social work internship with Liberty’s college accommodation services while in undergraduate studies. She is looking forward to meeting D-CAP’s students as well as being able to see Luna.

Brooke Williams, Graduate Assistant

Brooke Williams is a second-year graduate student in West Chester University's Social Work Master's Program. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2021 with a B.S. in Psychology and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies. Brooke has enjoyed her time as a D-CAP GA and was grateful to experience WCU's College Autism Readiness Retreat (CARR). She also enjoys volunteering with the Eagles Autism Foundation College Program on campus (go Birds!) and spending time with the D-CAP Doodle. Both her personal and professional experience and values align with Brooke's goals of becoming a licensed clinical social worker so that she can continue to work with and support others.