ABA CONSULTING SERVICES - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Billing and Operations Assistant

Amanda Atkins started with ABA Consulting Services, LLC in May 2022 as the Office Assistant. Her success in that position and dedication to the company awarded her the promotion to Billing & Operations Assistant. In her current position, she assists with medical record requests, billing issues, authorizations and special projects as needed. She adjusted well due to her over decade long experience in the medical field where she has worked in several departments. In her free time, Amanda likes to travel, try new things and nap

Job Titles:

• BCBA, LBA Program Director of Learning Development

Amanda is a Licensed and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and serves as the Program Director of Learning Development at ABA Consulting Services. Amanda has her Associates of Applied Arts- Early Childhood Education from East Central College, Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education from Missouri State University, Masters of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governers University, and Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis through Ball State University. Amanda has worked with children and teens with Autism, Developmental Disabilities, Emotional Disturbance, Behavior Disorder, and learning disabilities for over 11 years through her time as a special education teacher and BCBA. Amanda is passionate about supporting children and families, especially through early intervention and functional living skills. Amanda also has a passion for teaching and supporting others working in the field of ABA. In her free time, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family and can usually be found planning her next Disney vacation. Amanda Gilmor, MS, BCBA, LBA | Program Director of Learning Development Amanda is a Licensed and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and serves as the Program Director of Learning Development at ABA Consulting Services. Amanda has her Associates of Applied Arts- Early Childhood Education from East Central College, Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education from Missouri State University, Masters of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from […] Read More

Job Titles:

• Sawyer ), MS., BCBA, LBA Program Director of PEAK Services

Audrey is a licensed & Board Certified Behavior Analyst who serves as a consultant and PEAK Program Director at ABA Consulting Services. She has two Bachelor of Arts degrees, one in Journalism from Eastern Illinois University and one in Sociology from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Audrey completed her Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis degree from Purdue University Global. She has 10 years of experience servicing kids, teens, and young adults with Autism, Developmental Disabilities, Emotional Disturbance, and Behavior Disorders in various settings including residential, clinic, community, and home. Audrey enjoys targeting challenging behaviors and developing strategies for the children, technicians, and families. During her free time Audrey enjoys photography, reading, and going for walks with her dog Watson and her husband.

Job Titles:

• Founder
• President
• BCBA, LBA President Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Debra Bryant is the Founder and President of ABA Consulting Services, LLC. She began her career in 1996, as she was drawn to children with autism spectrum diagnoses, while studying pre-medical courses at Northwestern University. After graduation from Northwestern with her BA in psychology and neurobiology in 1998, Debra helped to establish the Chicago branch of the Wisconsin Early Autism Project, a replication site of Lovaas' original 1987 groundbreaking study. In this study, 48% of children with autism became indistinguishable by first grade, after undergoing intensive programming in behavior analysis. Debra returned to St. Louis, her hometown, to work with Special School District in 2000 and formed ABA Consulting Services, LLC, in 2004. Since this time, Debra has completed her Master's Degree in Psychology from Walden University, along with additional training and certifications in a variety of areas, including the Early Start Denver Model, and the PEAK Relational Training System. Debra is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst in the State of Missouri. She feels passionately about providing services that are based upon the most recent research and helping to contribute to the best possible outcomes and quality of life for those diagnosed with autism, as well as their families. She has a special interest in social skills development and the use of technology to assist in self-monitoring and goal development among adolescents with autism. In her free time, Debra enjoys spending time with her daughter, taking in all St. Louis has to offer, and connecting with friends.

Job Titles:

• Vice President of Operations
• CCC / SLP Vice President of Operations

Don Foster is the Vice President of Operations who began his career as a Speech Language Pathologist and launched his leadership experience overseeing an outpatient day treatment program that treated individuals that had suffered a brain injury or stroke. Most of his experience had been in the hospital setting until he moved to the private sector. He has held many leadership positions including Director of Quality and Compliance, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Executive Officer. In addition, he served consecutively as a hospital surveyor for 16 years for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). As Vice President of Operations, he is responsible for financial performance, credentialing, medical records, policy and procedures, facilities, risk management, emergency management, strategic planning, marketing, and social media. In his personal time he is an active member of the board of directors for Epworth Child and Family Services, he is the president and treasurer of his subdivisions homeowner association and for fun enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and working on renovation projects around the house and yard.

Job Titles:

• BCBA, LBA Program Director of Clinical Services
• Program Director of Clinical Services for LEAP

Ebony Shaw is the Program Director of Clinical Services for LEAP and ESDM and a Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst at ABA Consulting Services. She began working in December 2018 as a Behavior Consultant and in July 2019 transitioned into her current position as Program Director for LEAP and ESDM. Ebony has a Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University and received her Bachelors in Psychology from St. Louis University. She worked for Special School District of St. Louis County for 19 years with 12 of those years as a Behavior Analyst. Ebony also has worked with a variety of children ages 2 to 21 with varying disabilities across multiple partner districts within St. Louis County. She has a solid foundation and range of experience in providing Early Intensive Behavior Intervention (EIBI) to children 2-6 years of age and extensive experience with implementer supervision and ongoing coaching.

Job Titles:

• Certified Behavior Analyst

Jayla Gary is a Licensed and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Culver Stockton College. She earned a Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis the University of Dayton. She is passionate about implementing evidence based strategies to decrease challenging behaviors and promote independence in the lives of the kids she serve. In her free time, Jayla enjoys spending time with her family, playing video games, and coaching basketball.

Jessica is a Licensed and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Fontbonne University. She earned a Masters of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Capella University. Jessica has been serving children with Autism and other Developmental Disabilities for over 10 years in various settings such as educational, community, clinic, and in home. She also has experience training new technicians in the field of ABA. She is passionate about implementing evidence based strategies to decrease challenging behaviors and promote independence in the lives of the kids she serve. In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her daughter and family, reading, and being outdoors.

Joanna Stratman is a BCBA for ABA Consulting Services. She started with ABA Consulting Services as a technician and practicum student while she worked towards her BCBA. She has her Bachelors' Degree in Psychology and Master's Degree in Special Education. Joanna has been with ABA Consulting Services as a technician for over three years. Prior to that, she worked for the Special School District as an ABA paraprofessional for two years. In her free time, she enjoys staying active and spending time with family and friends.

Job Titles:

• Certified Behavior Analyst

Kassidy Neeley is a Licensed, Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and serves as the Assistant Director of Learning and Development. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) in December of 2020. She then went on to earn her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from Saint Louis University (SLU) in May of 2023. Kassidy has been serving children with Autism for over 4 years at ABA Consulting Services. Kassidy is passionate about working to expand the research in the field of behavior analysis and support children of all ages in early intervention and functional skills.

Job Titles:

• Client Care Specialist

Job Titles:

• Client Care Specialist
• LMSW Client Care Specialist

Marissa Squires is the Client Care Specialist who initially began her career at ABA Consulting Services in March of 2020 as a Registered Behavior Technician, where she provided direct care to our clients. She received her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree in Human Services in April of 2020 and moved on to obtain a Master's in Social Work in April on 2022, both from Missouri Baptist University. She is currently attending Southeast Missouri State University online to receive a Trauma and Resiliency Studies certification. In August of 2022 she transitioned into her current role as Client Care Specialist, where she is responsible for managing client intake. Her experience in social work helps our parents navigate through diagnosis', understand therapy concepts and insurance. In her personal free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, her cats, reading and finding new hobbies.

Job Titles:

• Talent Acquisition Specialist
• the Talent Acquisition Specialist

Melissa Dizdarevic is the Talent Acquisition Specialist who initially began her career here at ABA Consulting Services in June of 2020 as a Clinic Support Technician, where she helped to support both the clinical and administration team to ensure successful daily operations. During her time as a Clinic Support Technician, she realized her passion for providing direct care to our clients and began her journey as a Behavior Technician in October of 2020. She received her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree in Psychology at Maryville University in May of 2021. Melissa then obtained her Registered Behavior Technician certification in June of 2021 and continued to provide Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for our clients in a 1:1 or group setting. In August of 2022 she transitioned into her current role as Talent Acquisition Specialist, where she is responsible for managing full life cycle recruitment, participating in and facilitating new employee onboarding, and leading the Employee Engagement Activity Team & Employee Resource Group to ensure a positive work environment/company culture. In her personal free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, listening to Taylor Swift, and traveling.

Job Titles:

• BCBA, LBA Program Director - Practicum & Client Outcomes

Nichole is a Licensed & Board Certified Behavior Analyst and serves as a Senior Behavior Analyst and Program Director - Practicum & Client Outcomes at ABA Consulting Services. Nichole has a Bachelor of Psychology degree from Saint Louis University and Master of Science in Psychology from Capella University. She completed her Behavior Analytic coursework through Southern Illinois University-Carbondale under Dr. Mark Dixon and Dr. Ruth Anne Rehfeldt. She has over 19 years of experience servicing kids, teens, and adults with Autism, Developmental Disabilities, Emotional Disturbance, & Behavior Disorders in various settings (home, school, residential, clinic, & community). Nichole is passionate about helping to support children and families. During her off time, Nichole loves to discover new technology and spend time with her husband, 3 children, and her dog.

Rebekah is a Licensed and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. She received her Bachelor of Science in Recreation Therapy from Calvin College in Grand Rapids Michigan in May of 2019. She then went on to earn her Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis Practice from Florida Institute of Technology in December of 2022. Rebekah has been serving children with Autism and Developmental Disabilities for over 5 years and is passionate about bettering the lives of kids with Autism by promoting independence and by taking a strengths-based approach. In her free time, Rebekah enjoys spending time with her husband and staying active by running, hiking, skiing, and getting outside.

Job Titles:

• Certified Behavior Analyst

Shannon Bazan is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with ABA Consulting Services. She joined the ABA Consulting Services team in November of 2013. She holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, a Master's degree in teaching from Lindenwood University, and she has completed her behavior analysis coursework through Florida Institute of Technology. Shannon has been in the field of applied behavior analysis for the past thirteen years, primarily working with children who have autism, and other developmental delays and disorders. Her prior experience is in working with children in various settings, including the school setting. Shannon resides in the greater St. Louis area with her husband, two sons, and fur babies. She enjoys singing, photography, and traveling.

Job Titles:

• Collections Specialist
• Billing and Collections Specialist

Stephanie Jones is the Billing and Collections Specialist for ABA Consulting Services. She began her career in home health care in the early 90's. By 1998, she completed her a Paramedicine Program and started her 18 year career in EMS. She enjoyed working at SLU Hospital's ER until 2003 when she began her official ambulance journey. She worked both on an Ambulance and for the Sheriff as a 911 Telecommunicator. In 2014 she decided to further her education and make a career change to Billing and Coding. She worked for a billing company in Troy, Illinois in 2016 until November, 2021 when she came to ABA Consulting Services. She is responsible for preparing and generating claims, following up on claims and resolving any issues. She oversees insurance billing and invoices. She ensures accuracy of billing information and tracks payments. She review authorizations, and verifies eligibility. In her personal time, she spend time with her family and their new dog. She loves diamond art, hiking and learning how to garden.

Job Titles:

• BCBA, LBA Director of NDBI
• Program Director of NDBI

Tammy (Tami) is Program Director of NDBI (Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions) over the ESDM program (Early Start Denver Model). She is a Missouri Licensed and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and was one of three first ESDM Certified Therapists in the state of MO through UCDAVIS in 2013. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia in 1995 and her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology (Behavior Analysis and Therapy track) from North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota under Dr. Raymond Miltenberger in 1998. Tami has been working in the field of behavior analysis in some capacity since 1993. She initially worked as an implementer at the May Center for Child Development in Chatham Massachusetts and Princeton Child Development Center in Princeton New Jersey which both had been considered "Gold Standard" ABA schools for students with autism. Some of her clinical experiences have included roles such as an independent behavioral consultant to St. Louis public school districts and families, both Applied Behavior Analysis Coordinator as well as a BCBA for St. Louis County Special School District, and Behavior Analyst / therapist for local ABA agencies and in private non-profit educational settings and state institutional settings such as Arlington Developmental Center in Memphis Tennessee. She was a part of the team that helped to roll out the Mercy Intensive Early Intervention Program with Mercy Children's Hospital in 2011. She was an instructor for Washington University in St. Louis in the Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate Program and taught ABAI, ABAII, and the supervised practicum. She has had nine studies published in peer reviewed journals such as the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis the Journal of Positive Behavioral Interventions and has presented at national and regional workshops and conferences. Tami had roles such as secretary or vice president for the Missouri Association for Behavior Analysis 2004-2011. Her interests include the combined use of proven behavioral teaching techniques including but not limited to discrete trial therapy, the analysis of verbal behavior (AVB/ VBT), Incidental Teaching (Early Start Denver Model, Natural Environment Teaching/ Natural Language Paradigm/ Pivotal Response Training), ABA small group design and instruction, and analysis of learning errors and strategies to develop appropriate stimulus control over learning.

Job Titles:

• Director of Human Resources

Tim Stephan is the Director of Human Resources. Tim is an accomplished Human Resources professional with over 20 years of human resources experiences spanning diverse industries and cultures. These unique experiences have provided him opportunities to understand the philosophies and principles surrounding the field of human resources, with their varying nuances, to better navigate and support employees and organizations at all levels. Accompanying his experiences, Tim holds a Bachelors of Arts in Human Resources and a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Lindenwood University. In his role at ABA Consulting Services, Tim is responsible for the development and implementation of the human resources strategy in support of the company's overall business plan and direction. This includes the areas of people operations, talent &performance management, compensation and benefit planning, and policy design to allow the company to provide a great employee experience and deliver on the company's promise of improving the quality of life for our children and their families. In his down time, Tim enjoys being with his family, coaching youth sports, and mountain biking.