We're Here to Help
Nurturing Growth and Overcoming Barriers
The BITE Foundation provides critical financial resources for pediatric feeding therapy, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive regardless of their family's financial circumstances.
Rooted in Resilience
The BITE Foundation was born from a simple yet heartbreaking observation: children with significant feeding challenges were being denied life-changing therapy simply because insurance wouldn't cover the cost and families couldn't pay out of pocket.
What started as a small community initiative has grown into a cornerstone of hope. We bridge the gap between clinical necessity and financial reality, creating a path forward for those who feel left behind by the healthcare system.
350+
Families Supported
$2.4M
Therapy Funded
45
Partner Clinics
12k+
Therapy Hours
OUR LEADERSHIP
Dedicated to the Mission
Dena Kelly, LPC, BCBA, LBS/LBA
President
Dena E. Kelly is Founder and CEO of Focused Approach and a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 20 years of experience in pediatric feeding and ABA.
She has led and developed feeding programs in clinical settings and is focused on training clinicians and improving access to effective, evidence-based feeding therapy.
Dena is passionate about expanding access to care and improving early identification and treatment of pediatric feeding disorders. As a clinician and mother of two, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work supporting families.
Outside of work, Dena enjoys supporting her daughter as a Girl Scout cookie mom and cheering on her son from the sidelines.
Michelle Schultheis, PHR
Vice President
Michelle Schultheis is the Owner and Principal Consultant of EverArch Consulting, an HR consulting firm she founded in 2023, where she partners with organizations to strengthen people strategies, leadership development, and workplace culture. She also serves as a Vice President of Human Resources within the staffing industry and brings more than 20 years of experience in human resources, supporting organizational growth and guiding teams through change.
Her work in human resources has focused on supporting people through challenges and creating environments where individuals can succeed. This perspective fuels her commitment to expanding access to feeding therapy and supporting families navigating pediatric feeding challenges.
Outside of her professional work, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, including her two young children, and staying involved in her community.
Michael DiAngelo
Treasurer
Coming Soon
Brittany Doan, BCBA
Secretary
Brittany Doan is the Vice President of Service Delivery at Behavioral Framework. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, she brings experience in evidence-based practice related to pediatric feeding disorders as well as years of experience in organizational behavior management. In her current role, she focuses on the delivery of high-quality, applied behavior analytic services to children with autism. She also collaborates with a local school program to provide vocational training for teenagers with autism in the DMV area.
Having provided feeding therapy to dozens of clients herself, Brittany is passionate about expanding access to care for children and adults with feeding disorders and increasing awareness on best clinical practice for sustainable results.
Outside of work, Brittany is a Swiftie and Disney World regular.
Sarah Naughton, RD
Founding Board Member
Sarah is a dietitian at Option Care Health, bringing expertise in clinical nutrition including experience working with feeding tube patients.
She is passionate about ensuring everyone receives the nutrition they need to live their best life, no matter the method of feeding.
Sarah is a new mom to her son Cameron.
Chris Ciminera, CPA, QKA
Founding Board Member
Chris is a Principal at Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, P.A. With a background in retirement plan audits. Chris has served as the past President and Treasurer of the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA) - Greater Philadelphia Chapter. Chris has also held leadership roles in Toastmasters International - Brandywine Chapter.
Chris is passionate about expanding access to feeding therapy and supporting families navigating pediatric feeding challenges. Chris has had his own difficulties with food since he was a baby due to his allergy to dairy and soy that created challenges throughout his life.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys playing guitar, listening to music, and reading.
Alyson Kuritz
Founding Board Member
Alyson Kuritz is Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Focused Approach with 15 years of experience in healthcare marketing and PR, specializing in strategic communications that improve awareness and access to care.
Alyson is passionate about expanding access to feeding therapy. She is energized by the BITE Foundation’s mission to provide financial assistance to families in need, helping reduce barriers so more children can receive the feeding therapy they deserve.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and baking new recipes.
Together, we can rewrite a child's story.
Your contribution directly funds feeding evaluations, therapy programs, community awareness and professional education.