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 finishing high school.
At JTB, we see graduation as the start of something really special, and we’d love for you to join us!
Jessica is a Director at Life Lab. 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 passionate about helping individuals build the skills and confidence needed to lead independent, meaningful lives after high school. Her work has focused on addressing the challenges families face during the post-21 transition, including navigating limited resources and complex state systems. As a co-founder of JTB, she is dedicated to expanding opportunities for young adults through innovative programming, advocacy, and meaningful community connections. When she's not at Life Lab, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and supporting local fundraising efforts that benefit individuals with disabilities.
Tina Marie is a director at Life Lab. 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 is a Director at Life Lab, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in special education to the JTB Team. Her career began in 2007 at the South Bergen Jointure, where her work as a paraprofessional introduced her to the world of autism and sparked a lasting passion for special education. She went on to spend 11 years as a high school special education teacher, specializing in English and social studies, before transitioning into a role as a transition counselor. Throughout her career, Brianne has remained focused on helping individuals with diverse needs and their families build meaningful, independent futures beyond high school.
Brianne holds dual bachelor’s degrees in English and History from The City University of New York, a Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education, and a Master of Education in School Administration from New Jersey City University. She has also pursued additional post-graduate credentials in Orton-Gillingham and Learning Disabilities.
Today, Brianne brings her years of classroom and transition experience to her work at Life Lab and JTB, where she continues to develop opportunities that prepare young adults for life beyond the classroom. When she’s not working alongside the JTB Team, she enjoys adventures with her husband, two children, and their lively assortment of pets.
