Our Team

Lindsey McGrew, MBA - Executive Director

Lindsey McGrew is a founder of The Madrone School and has a thirteen year old son with autism. Thus, she understands the importance of quality, measurable services for children with autism and their related costs. She set out to open a school to provide a superior and affordable special education for families in search for an alternative to the public school system. Lindsey is devoted to the success and sustainability of the school and she is responsible for the business aspects of the school as well as the non-profit portion where she spearheads strategic planning and development.  She has a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences with an emphasis in Communication, Business and Women’s Studies and completed a Master of Business Administration at Seattle University.  She enjoys spending time with her two sons, Grady and Ace, and her husband, Kris. 

Marli Diestel - Administrative Assistant

Marli is from Northern California and a recent arrival to Seattle. While attending San Francisco State University, she received her Bachelor's of Science in Environmental Science-Natural Resource Management and Conservation with an emphasis in Marine Biology. During this time, she worked on large scale social and environmental justice campaigns and helped create a national nonprofit connecting students around the country to fight against pressing environmental causes. In her free time, Marli volunteers at the Seattle Aquarium, enjoys Seattle coffee, and obsessing over her houseplant collection. 

Anna Ta M.S, BCBA BCBA Supervisor Early Intervention

Anna has been working with children since 2014 in various settings including schools, child care facilities, in-home and clinical settings. She began working with individuals with special needs in 2016 where she found a passion in improving an individual's quality of life.  Her experience in the field of ABA began in 2018 as a Registered Behavior Technician and Anna pursued her BCBA education with Simmons University shortly afterwards. In addition to being a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Anna T. holds a background in early childhood development with an emphasis in family development from San Diego State University. Her specialty in ABA is with children between the ages of 2 to 6 and she has a special interest in verbal behavior. Her future goal is to work with individuals with highly intensive behaviors to decrease maladaptive behaviors and increase means of communication.

Steven Sciortino, MS, BCBA, LBA BCBA Supervisor—Woodinville Campus

I started within the field as a volunteer for The Challenger League, a summer baseball organization for children with disabilities during the summers between 2011-2015. While I was working toward my Masters in ABA at Drexel University, I worked at a Bancroft NeuroRehab as a cognitive therapist for clients who sustained traumatic brain injuries. After working in TBI, I moved to Central Pennsylvania working for The Vista School, a private school for students with ASD and other disabilities established by a family for their sons. During my time at The Vista school I worked as a Behavior Technician in the High School and then a Behavior Consultant with the Adult Services program within Vista. Professionally I enjoy attending Behavior Analytic conferences and reviewing the most up to date journals/articles in regards to children and adults with ASD. While I am not at work I will likely be listening to records, playing my guitar, climbing, or go hiking.

Krista Balsimo - BCBA Redmond

Krista's Bio Here

Ashley Scott - Redmond Lead Teacher

Ashley's Bio Here

Czar Nicholas - Redmond Lead Registered & Certified Behavior Technician 

My Name is Czar Nicholas and I am a Registered Behavioral Technician from California. My wife and I are brand new to the PNW! I am very happy to be a part of The Madrone School team! I have been helping people with developmental disabilities for over a year and have implemented individualized programs for children and young adults based on ABA principles that increase communication, self-help, social and play skills. In my spare time my wife and I love going out and trying new restaurants. We’ve been having a good time exploring Washington, the state we call home now.