Meet Our Executive Leadership Team
Lauren Blaszak, Co-Founder and Executive Director
Lauren Blaszak has extensive experience working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disorders for over 25 years. Prior to being part of the team that started the school in 2004, Lauren worked as a behavioral consultant to public school districts in New Jersey and New York. In addition, her experience includes parent support and training, social skills training, supervision of home programs, supervisor of instructional teams and supporting public schools in learning about and integrating DIR® into the mainstream. She also works collaboratively with other organizations and professionals in terms of education and research of Autism and related disorders. Her accomplishments include speaking engagements at national and local conferences, as well as participation in television, radio, and newspaper interviews and publications.
Cathy Helmlinger, Director
Cathy Helmlinger has worked in the field of Special Education since 1987, first as a paraprofessional, then as a teacher, and obtained the role of Director in 2008. She has been working at CTC since January, 2005 and has extensive experience working with children of all ages and abilities. She believes that every child deserves to have a positive school experience and feel appreciated and valued as an individual and as part of the community.
In addition to the daily responsibilities of helping the school run smoothly, Cathy is responsible for researching and developing curriculum that meets the needs of the student and supporting the staff in developing activities and lessons that follow the curriculum and align with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. She also helps ensure that CTC remains in compliance with the Department of Education. The best part of her job is working with the amazing staff and wonderful students. Cathy is a graduate of William Paterson University. She has been married for thirty years and has two sons.
In addition to the daily responsibilities of helping the school run smoothly, Cathy is responsible for researching and developing curriculum that meets the needs of the student and supporting the staff in developing activities and lessons that follow the curriculum and align with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. She also helps ensure that CTC remains in compliance with the Department of Education. The best part of her job is working with the amazing staff and wonderful students. Cathy is a graduate of William Paterson University. She has been married for thirty years and has two sons.
Mary Alice Landis, School Principal
Mary Alice Landis is a dedicated educator with over 35 years of experience in the field. Since 2007, she has been an integral part of Celebrate the Children School, where she began as a High School homeroom teacher and later developed and led the reading resource program. In 2015, Mary Alice transitioned into the role of Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, where she contributed to curriculum development for all grades, academic scheduling, and teacher observations and training. She also manages and oversees the administration of NJ Statewide Assessments.
Before joining Celebrate the Children, Mary Alice held several educational leadership roles including serving on her local Board of Education for six years, and as the Dean of Graduate Programs at a college in New York City. Outside of her professional life, she is married, has three sons, and enjoys a home filled with a myriad of pets. Mary Alice is deeply passionate about literacy and is committed to helping every student reach their full potential.
Before joining Celebrate the Children, Mary Alice held several educational leadership roles including serving on her local Board of Education for six years, and as the Dean of Graduate Programs at a college in New York City. Outside of her professional life, she is married, has three sons, and enjoys a home filled with a myriad of pets. Mary Alice is deeply passionate about literacy and is committed to helping every student reach their full potential.
Lisa Robson, Director of Human Resources/Personnel
Lisa Robson has worked in the Human Resources field for the past 25 years. She attended St. Elizabeth University where she earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and her Master's degree in Healthcare Administration.
Before starting at CTC in 2009 as the Director of Human Resources, she worked in the healthcare field for 19 years. Currently, she is responsible for planning, leading, directing, developing, and coordinating policies, activities, and staff of the Human Resources (HR) department, ensuring legal compliance and implementation of the school’s mission.
While Lisa appreciates many things about working at Celebrate the Children, what is most meaningful to her on a daily basis is seeing the dedicated staff work tirelessly every day to make a difference in the lives of our students and their families.
Before starting at CTC in 2009 as the Director of Human Resources, she worked in the healthcare field for 19 years. Currently, she is responsible for planning, leading, directing, developing, and coordinating policies, activities, and staff of the Human Resources (HR) department, ensuring legal compliance and implementation of the school’s mission.
While Lisa appreciates many things about working at Celebrate the Children, what is most meaningful to her on a daily basis is seeing the dedicated staff work tirelessly every day to make a difference in the lives of our students and their families.
Ken Lindsley, Director of Finance, Board Secretary
Ken Lindsley joined CTC in September 2004, he holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
Before CTC he held various positions in pharmaceutical manufacturing, sales and advertising, as well as marketing positions in Consumer Health.
At CTC, Ken’s responsibilities include the preparation and oversight of the annual budget. He is responsible for keeping accurate and detailed accounts of all financial transactions as prescribed by statute, administrative code and board policy and the oversight of the department’s personnel for Payroll, A/Ps and A/Rs, dissemination of student contracts, cash flow, and purchasing activities. As Plan Sponsor for the 401K Retirement Plan, he oversees the reporting for the 401k audit. He is responsible for submitting all the NJDOE required financial reports. As Board Secretary, he safeguards and maintains all the records and documents of the board. He works closely with the Board of Directors and oversees the scheduling of meetings and the creation/dissemination of board meeting minutes.
Before CTC he held various positions in pharmaceutical manufacturing, sales and advertising, as well as marketing positions in Consumer Health.
At CTC, Ken’s responsibilities include the preparation and oversight of the annual budget. He is responsible for keeping accurate and detailed accounts of all financial transactions as prescribed by statute, administrative code and board policy and the oversight of the department’s personnel for Payroll, A/Ps and A/Rs, dissemination of student contracts, cash flow, and purchasing activities. As Plan Sponsor for the 401K Retirement Plan, he oversees the reporting for the 401k audit. He is responsible for submitting all the NJDOE required financial reports. As Board Secretary, he safeguards and maintains all the records and documents of the board. He works closely with the Board of Directors and oversees the scheduling of meetings and the creation/dissemination of board meeting minutes.
