Our Team
From the hearts and minds of three Bergen County special education teachers, JTB (Just The Beginning) was created to provide the next exciting chapter for young adults with a wide range of abilities.
Although new to the scene as a DDD Vendor, the founders of JTB have a combined 25 years of experience instructing and serving young adults. Their ultimate goal of providing the supports needed to not only prepare- but inspire the best versions of their students before sending them off into post grad life. At the heart of their mission, they believe every person deserves a fulfilling social life, and a chance to experience the opportunities their community offers. Beyond providing a small community for clients to feel at ease with their peers at events, JTB offers ongoing instruction on advocating for oneself in public settings, supervision/support provided by verified staff members, and most importantly, the chance to create lasting memories with friends. As JTB grows, their model plans to eventually offer services not only for our clients, but for parents in the areas of community activities, socialization, 21+ planning, and family advocacy.
At JTB, we see graduation as the start of something really special, and we’d love for you to join us!
Jessica is one of four full-time teachers overseeing an 18-21 special needs program in Bergen County. She earned her undergraduate degree in English and Education from Ramapo College, followed by a Master’s Degree in Special Education with a focus on Autism from Long Island University. Jessica is deeply committed to addressing the challenges faced by individuals in the post-21 phase, navigating limited resources and complex state programs. Her enthusiasm for her role in creating JTB stems from a desire to foster advocacy and promote social opportunities for young adults. When she’s not teaching, she loves to spend time with her family, travel, and supporting local fundraising events for autism.
Tina Marie is a dedicated full-time teacher in an 18-21 special needs program located in Bergen County. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Scranton. Tina Marie furthered her education by obtaining a Teacher of Students with Disability certification from William Paterson University and completed her Master’s Degree in Special Education. With over 13 years of experience working with the special needs community in various roles, Tina Marie is deeply passionate about facilitating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to achieve success beyond their formal education. In her free time, Tina Marie likes to hit the gym, travel to new places, and try new recipes. She is excited to be a a co-founder of JTB, and looks forward to promoting socialization, advocacy, and creating lasting memories for adults navigating the post-21 world.
Brianne found herself in the field of education, almost by chance or perhaps destiny, when she initially decided to explore teaching for a year or two before making her next career move. Her journey began in 2007 at the Maywood campus of The South Bergen Jointure, where she started as a paraprofessional in a Transitional Kindergarten class. This experience introduced her to the world of autism, and ignited her unwavering passion for special education. Over the span of 11 years, Brianne thrived as a high school special education teacher, specializing in English language instruction and social studies. Two years ago, she embraced a new challenge by accepting a position as a transition counselor for a local public school district. In this program, she continues to fulfill her calling: supporting special needs families in constructing the futures their young adults deserve. Brianne holds a dual bachelor's degree in English and history from The City University of New York, a Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education from New Jersey City University, and a Master of Education in School Administration from the same institution. She has also pursued post-graduate credentials in Orton Gillingham and is on track for certification as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant. When Brianne’s not deeply engaged with her incredible students and colleagues, or strategizing with her JTB Team, she enjoys adventures with her husband, two children, and their lively assortment of pets.