Our Team

Meet Our Staff

Nova Day is part of a network of special education schools serving the learning and therapeutic needs of children aged 5 to 22.

Jonathan Trichter

(Co-founder)

Jonathan Trichter spent a major part of his career in finance and on Wall Street, where he was an investment banker at J.P. Morgan before becoming a founding principal at a corporate restructuring firm. He later went on to work for the New York City venture capital fund, Lerer Hippeau Ventures, which is run by his family. Jonathan and his family were personally touched by autism; he himself became deeply involved in the delivery of therapies that are now available for children with neurological and behavioral differences. He is passionate about making sure many others receive the best therapies available, and he works fulltime and onsite at the schools he’s co-founded, including Nova Day.

Joel Maute

(Co-founder)

Joel Maute graduated from Boston University with a degree in Occupational Therapy. He began his career in the Milton Public Schools and transitioned to a home care specialist providing therapeutic services to children with varying disabilities. Realizing the critical need for children to generalize their skills outside of their home, he co-founded a successful school-based alternative education program that was widely known for its excellence. Subsequently, he partnered with Jonathan Trichter and expanded that program to include two locations: The Foundry Learning Center in Manhattan and Hubbard Day School in Stamford, Connecticut. He has intricate knowledge of the special education space from a clinical and managerial perspective and works fulltime and onsite at Foundry.

Flynn Corson

(Chief Executive)

Flynn is a career educator with more than 20 years of experience in independent school and nonprofit leadership. He has served a variety of organizations including day and residential programs, faith-based and non-sectarian institutions, start up schools and schools that are 300+ years old. He has a passion for the advocacy of underserved kids and kids with various forms of neurodiversity. He and his wife Kate, a preschool special education teacher, have four children.

Kimberly Nye

(Head of School)

Kimberly Nye is an experienced educational leader with a robust background in special education, school leadership, and staff development. Prior to joining Nova Day School, she served as the Assistant Director for the Office of Student Support Services at Stafford County Public Schools, where she oversaw the planning, coordination, and management of special education for middle schools, elementary schools, and related services. Kimberly’s extensive career includes serving as a Supervisor for Student Services and Special Education, where she implemented special education programs and ensured adherence to district procedures. She has also held various roles in Prince William County Public Schools as teacher, Administrator, Administrative Designee, and Special Education Department Chair, providing leadership in creating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), supporting staff, and developing inclusive education practices. Additionally, Kimberly has served as a Summer School Principal and Lead for the Edmentum summer program, focusing on curriculum alignment, professional development, and student achievement.

She holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership and a Master’s in Special Education from George Mason University, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Elon University. Kimberly is actively involved in community and leadership initiatives, including Inclusive Best Practices and Co-Teaching, which contributed to the development of best practices in inclusive education. She’s a mom of three boys, a wife, and an adoring pup parent of two golden retrievers. Her mission is to always do what’s best for students in collaboration with all stakeholders .

Adrienne Muss

M.Ed., LBA, BCBA (Clinical Director)

Adrienne has always been passionate about education, mental health, and helping others grow to reach their goals.

Adrienne earned her B.A. in Psychology from Syracuse University. Her academic concentration within the discipline of Psychology was identification and treatment of Childhood and Adolescent Developmental Disorders. While at Syracuse University, Adrienne also earned her B.A. in Spanish, which has helped her connect with Spanish speaking clients and professionals throughout her career.

Adrienne earned her Masters Degree in Special Education from George Mason University, graduating with honors and a 4.0 GPA. Adrienne simultaneously earned her Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from George Mason University. Adrienne is now a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst, and proudly serves clients in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Throughout her career, Adrienne has worked with clients to modify behaviors in order to accomplish goals within their homes, schools, and communities.

Adrienne uses a range of proven techniques to provide individualized support to clients using Applied Behavior Analysis, evidence and skill based interventions, Direct Instruction (DI) as well as Natural Environment Teaching (NET), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Denial/Delay Tolerance Training (DDT).

Adrienne believes that communication and collaboration with clients’ families, educational teams, speech and occupational therapists, and behavioral technicians is crucial to the successful development and generalization of skills. Adrienne is always excited to join students’ existing teams, and is proud to witness and contribute to students’ progress and success.

Theresa Duff

Director of Speech and Language Pathology Services

Sammie Knetsch

Director of Occupational Therapy Services