Meet Our Team
Our Leadership Team
Catherine McClure, MA, BCBA, LBA
CEO and Founder
Catherine brings over a decade of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis and a lifelong commitment to supporting children and families as the Founder and CEO of Lake Effect ABA. Catherine earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Saint Anselm College in 2009 and completed her Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of South Florida in 2012. She became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2013 and holds licensure in both Massachusetts and New York.
Throughout her career, Catherine has worked across a wide range of settings—in homes, schools, clinics, and communities—delivering meaningful, individualized therapy. Through her prior leadership roles overseeing single and multi-state ABA, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy operations, Catherine’s focus was on maintaining high-quality clinical practices and expanding access to care. Each experience deepened her understanding of what it takes to balance clinical integrity with operational excellence.
In 2024, Catherine relocated to Western New York and founded Lake Effect ABA to meet the urgent need for in-home autism services in the Southern Tier. Her vision is to build a practice rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a commitment to individualized, family-centered care.
At the heart of her work is a belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive, and that when providers lead with empathy and accountability, real progress follows. Outside of work, Catherine enjoys time with her husband (a Buffalo native) and their toddler, cheering on the Bills, and embracing the beauty of life in Western New York.
Anthony McClure
Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Operating Officer at Lake Effect ABA, Anthony brings over 15 years of high-impact leadership experience from the hospitality industry into the world of behavioral health. With his background ranging from luxury properties such as the Four Seasons Boston, to serving as General Manager of a high-volume hotel (La Quinta), and years as a Casino Host at renowned resorts like Seneca Resorts and the Hard Rock in Tampa, each role has strengthened his ability to lead with empathy, deliver consistent service excellence, and scale operations with intention.
At Lake Effect ABA, he supports the growth of the only ABA therapy provider in Western New York’s Southern Tier, driving operational strategy, community outreach, and a service-first culture. His goal is to ensure that as Lake Effect grows, we remain focused on quality, compassion, and client-centered care.
His passion lies in helping mission-driven organizations scale sustainably, while never losing sight of the people at the heart of the work. Whether in hospitality or healthcare, he believes operational excellence makes exceptional service possible, and that strong leadership turns values into action.
Our BCBAs
Tara Geier, MA, BCBA, LBA
ESDM Certified Therapist
Tara is passionate about advancing mindful strength-based services within Applied Behavior Analysis. She believes parent supports are a crucial part of creating positive lasting changes for the whole family working collaboratively and compassionately with each individual and family she serves.
Tara is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Certified in Strength-Based Talent Focused Education for Twice Exceptional (2E) and neuro-unique learners, an Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) Certified Therapist, Co-Author of the children’s book, Minivan Mozart and host of the Ponder Ed Podcast.
Tara earned a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Ball State University and holds licensure in both New York and Wisconsin. Throughout her career, Tara has worked across a variety of settings including homes, clinics, schools, and communities. She has designed and delivered therapy with individuals across the life span (mainly ages 2-25).
Beyond work, Tara often channels her ADD driven energy into creative projects with her husband and two children, playing drums and singing, dancing, rock climbing, strength training, hiking with her dogs, and building Legos.
Tara is committed to helping people build the confidence and skills needed to find their healthy positive flow in life.
Brittany Messina, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA
Licensed Behavior Analyst
Brittany is excited to bring her experience and passion for Applied Behavior Analysis to her home community of Jamestown and the surrounding areas. Being able to support children and families in the community she calls home is something that is particularly meaningful to her.
Brittany earned her Master’s degree in Special Education from Edinboro University with a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Arizona. She became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2020 and is a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in both New York and Arizona.
Throughout her career, Brittany has had the opportunity to work with children and young adults ages 2–21 with a variety of disabilities, including Autism and intellectual disabilities. Her experience includes working in homes, schools, group homes, and community settings, giving her a broad understanding of the many environments in which individuals learn and grow. Before becoming a full-time Behavior Analyst, Brittany worked for several years as a Special Education Teacher and has continued providing ABA services throughout her career.
Brittany takes a warm, individualized, and family-centered approach to her work. She believes that ABA is about more than data and goals, it is about getting to know each individual, celebrating their strengths, supporting their unique needs, and helping them develop skills that make a meaningful difference in everyday life. She values building strong relationships with families and working together to help each child reach their fullest potential.
Outside of her work, Brittany enjoys spending time with her six-year-old daughter, family, and friends. She is a proud Buffalo Bills fan and loves cheering on the team during football season. When she isn't working or watching football, Brittany enjoys traveling around the country to visit family and friends.
Start your child’s journey
Contact us to learn more about getting started!