The Virginia Commonwealth University Autism Center for Education (VCU-ACE) Early Childhood website provides a wealth of resources for those raising, caring for, or educating young children with ASD. Resources can help families and providers understand Autism Spectrum Disorder, identify useful strategies that can support a child's development, and know when and how to use these strategies at home, in the community, and in the early childhood classroom.

Please visit the VCU Autism Center for Excellence About Us page for more in depth information about ACE's mission, vision, and core values. If you would like to learn more about about VCU-ACE's early childhood professional development program, please click here: Project PASS

Staff Members:

Alicia Hart

Training Associate

Alicia Hart, B.A., is a Training Associate at the Virginia Commonwealth University Autism Center for Excellence (VCU-ACE). She has worked in professional development with an emphasis on Autism Spectrum Disorder for over 12 years. Alicia has designed and delivered professional development opportunities for families, child care providers, educators, medical staff, and emergency responders. Currently, Alicia supports both the VCU-ACE early childhood initiative Project PASS (Preparing for Academic and Social Success) and the VCU-ACE early childhood website through the development and administration of online learning modules, videos, and fact sheets regarding evidence-based practices for young children with ASD. Alicia is also the parent of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Stefanie Paul, M.Ed.

Training and Technical Assistance Associate

Stefanie Paul, M.Ed.,BCBA, LBA is a Training and Technical Assistance Associate for the Virginia Commonwealth University Autism Center for Excellence (VCU-ACE). She is a licensed behavior analyst in the state of Virginia. Before joining VCU-ACE in 2014, Stefanie worked as a public school special educator and coach to teachers in a Virginia public school system for 18 years. Currently, Stefanie supports the VCU-ACE early childhood initiative Project PASS (Preparing for Academic and Social Success) as a coach assisting educators in developing skills related to evidence-based practices for children with ASD.

Noel Woolard, Ed.D., BCBA, LBA

Training and Technical Assistance Associate

Noel Woolard, Ed.D., BCBA, LBA is a Training and Technical Assistance Associate for the Virginia Commonwealth University Autism Center for Excellence (VCU-ACE). Prior to joining VCU-ACE, Noel worked in a variety of different roles including as a public school para-educator, special education teacher, early intervention ABA therapist, BCBA pre-school and school age program coordinator and Program Director (Commonwealth Autism Services). She earned a Doctorate in Education from VCU in 2020. Currently, Noel supports the VCU-ACE early childhood initiative Project PASS (Preparing for Academic and Social Success) as a coach assisting educators in developing skills related to evidence-based practices for children with ASD.