Our Team

Kelle has 25+ years working with children and adults with Autism. She started working with children with Autism in 1988 for her senior project at The Greenhill School of Dallas. This lead her to Texas Christian University where she graduated with a B.S. in the Study of Exceptional Students in 1992. Kelle taught in Carrollton-Farmer's Branch ISD for 3 years where she was nominated for Teacher of the Year by the Down’s Syndrome and Autism Society of Texas. In 1995, Kelle started her graduate program with Syracuse University in Rome, Italy then went on to complete her M.Ed. in Behavioral Interventions from University of North Texas in 1996. She returned to CFBISD as a Crisis Interventionist, Behavior Resource Specialist and Autism Specialist from 1996-2000. 

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Jenn graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She continued on at UNO to attain her Master’s of Science degree in School Psychology in 2010. While in graduate school Jenn worked as an in-home behavior therapist. After moving to Austin in 2010, she was employed at a local school to serve children with autism in the special education department. She joined CTAC in 2011 and acquired her supervision hours while working as a therapist. Jenn earned her BCBA in 2013, and after being a supervisor since 2015, she was promoted to Assistant Clinical Director in 2020.

Aarti currently works as a Director of Clinical Research at Central Texas Autism Center (CTAC). She completed her PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2016 from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has been working in the field for almost 20 years, empowering individuals with special needs and their families from different cultures and sections of the society, globally. She has extensive experience in clinical practice across various hospitals, non-profit organizations, and public schools. She is very passionate about research and applications of Behavior Science to promote learning in individuals with and without disabilities. Her areas of interest in behavioral research are: Replication and extension of Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior, Early childhood development and education, Autism, Developmental Disabilities, Equivalence-based Instructions, Transfer of Stimulus Control, Advanced language skills acquisition, Functional assessment to prevent severe problem behaviors in young individuals with and without disabilities, and extension of Skinner’s analysis of behavior in understanding of machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI). She leads applied research projects at CTAC in collaboration with Texas Christian University (TCU) and FAHB lab at California State University at Northridge (CSUN). When she is not engaging in research, she is consulting, supervising clients, and doing professional trainings for the new staff at CTAC. She is also passionate about teaching various concepts and applications in ABA/VB. In her down time, she enjoys doing yoga, wildlife excursions, and trips to National Parks with her family

Valentina is originally from Caracas, Venezuela. After moving to the US in 2011, she attended Tulane University and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and French. While volunteering as a research assistant at a developmental lab, she found her love for working with kids. In 2016 she joined the behavior analytic field as an Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and now has 4 years of experience working with children diagnosed with autism in both the in-home and clinical settings. She joined CTAC in October 2020.  In 2021, she completed the Master’s program at Capella University, and passed her BCBA exam. In 2023, Valentina was promoted to Supervisor.

Andrea graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2010. She continued on to graduate school at Florida State University's Applied Behavior Analysis program and received her Master's of Science degree in 2012. Since graduating and becoming a BCBA, she has worked in verbal behavior clinics and in homes, providing one on one ABA therapy as well as supervising other therapists. She joined the CTAC team in 2014 and became supervisor in 2016. She is now a Senior Supervisor.

Christy graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences and Psychology in 2014. She graduated from University of Texas at Austin with an M.Ed. in Special Education: Autism and Developmental Disabilities in 2015. Christy has experience working with children with Autism using the science of Applied Behavior Analysis in the in-home and center settings. She earned her BCBA in 2016 and moved to the Dallas area. In 2017, she moved back to Austin and joined the CTAC team.

Michelle received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Delaware. After graduation, she moved to Texas to attend graduate school at the University of Texas at Austin. In 2014, she received her M.Ed. in Autism and Developmental Disabilities. During her graduate studies, Michelle worked as a behavior therapist in a clinic setting, as well as in-home and in school. She became a BCBA in 2015 and joined the CTAC team in 2016.

Leslie Onofre grew up in Houston, TX.  She graduated from The University of Texas (UT) in 2020 with a Bachelor's degree in Applied Learning & Development with a concentration in Special Education. She continued on at UT, attaining her Master's of Education Degree in Autism & Developmental Disabilities in 2021. While in graduate school, Leslie worked at CTAC as a behavioral therapist for 2 years and acquired her supervision hours. She then gained experience working in the school setting, serving children with disabilities in Special Education. Leslie is currently working towards taking the BCBA exam. When not at work or studying, Leslie enjoys spending her time exploring new coffee shops/restaurants with her friends, watching movies, and playing with her nieces.

Jessica graduated from University of Texas at Austin with a BS in Human Development and Family Sciences in 2010 and with a Master’s of Education in Autism and Developmental Disabilities in 2013. She earned her BCBA in 2016. Before joining CTAC, in 2014, she worked with children ages 18 months to 5 years in child development centers in Austin for 5 years. Jessica has now worked with children with autism and other developmental disabilities for over 6 years.  She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Supervisor for our Buds Program.

Karie received her B.A. in Sociology from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL in 2009. After graduation, she worked in a behavioral health hospital providing mental health services to children and teenagers. She then worked for the Behavior Analysis Center for Autism (BACA) in Indianapolis for 4 years as a behavior technician/training specialist under the direct supervision of Dr. Carl Sundberg, BCBA-D. In 2012, she moved to South Bend, IN to help start a new location for BACA. She graduated with her M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University in 2014 and joined the CTAC team that same year. She received her BCBA in 2015 and worked as a CTAC therapist. She has a special interest in Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) and moved to the administrative side of our company as our Office Manager in 2017.

Candy graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2000. She returned to the University of Texas and earned her M.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Education in 2003. Candy has been a BCBA since 2004 and worked at CTAC for 10 years before working in a public school for 8 years. She is excited to be back at CTAC, serving as a supervisor in the Academy program. 

Mollie Adolph graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX in 2022, with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Social Welfare. She joined the CTAC Team in 2022, and has been in the field of ABA for over a year.  When not at work, Mollie enjoys working out, running, reading, cooking and hanging out with friends and family.

Noah Akey graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies in 2016. He has two years of experience working as an RBT, at clinics in Phoenix and in Austin. He has provided behavioral health therapy to children, teenagers, and adults in clinic, home, and school settings.  Noah joined the CTAC team in 2021.  In his free time, Noah enjoys learning languages, math, dancing, fighting games, and reading.

Mary Claire graduated in May 2021 from the University of Texas at Austin, with a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education.  She is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Special Education at the University of Texas at Austin. She joined CTAC in 2021, and is working toward getting certified as an RBT.  When not at work, Mary Claire loves going to restaurants, gardening, playing with her puppy, Biscuit, and hanging out with friends & family.

Lily Cooper grew up in Rochester Hills, MI and graduated in 2023 from Michigan State University with a Bachelor's in Kinesiology. Lily has been in the ABA field for over two years and recently moved to Austin and joined the CTAC Team in summer of 2023.  She is currently a student at University of Texas, pursuing her Master's in Autism and Developmental and Disabilities.  In her free time, Lily enjoys working out, cooking, reading, and watching reality tv! 

Carson Couger grew up in Mineral Wells, Texas.  She received her Bachelor's in Health Science in May 2019, from Baylor University in Waco, TX. In August 2019, she moved to Austin to attend the University of St. Augustine Health Science, and graduated with a Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy, April of 2022.  Carson joined CTAC Team because she is interested in ABA to help her future career as a Pediatric Physical Therapist. When not at work Carson enjoys reading, going to concerts, paddle boarding and DIY projects. 

Jillian Cuddy was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She attended Trinity University in San Antonio, TX. Jillian graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and a Minor in music.  She joined the CTAC team in the summer of 2023. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to Zilker Park, Austin FC games, attending concerts, and playing with her cute little dog, Sasha.

Beverly (Bev) Holt grew up in Kerrville, TX.  She moved to San Marcos for college and graduated in December 2019, from Texas State University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. She joined the CTAC team in 2021, and passed her RBT exam in 2023! When she’s not at work, Bev enjoys gardening, making jewelry, spending time with friends and family, and hanging out with her dog Buddy and cat Bluebell.

Kristen Humble received a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish from St. Edward’s University, Austin, TX in 2019. She has worked with children and teens with various developmental disabilities in a volunteer and professional capacity, since 2014. While working in the preschool setting serving children with needs in Denver, she discovered Applied Behavior Analysis and returned to Austin to pursue a Master of Education in the field. Throughout her studies, she has worked as a behavior therapist in home, school, clinical, and community settings for two years. She graduated in August of 2022 from St. Edward’s University with her M.Ed. in ABA and became a BCBA in May of 2023. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, and exploring the outdoors with her dog, Hudson.

Joe graduated from Saint Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, New York, with a B.A. in Communications in 2008. From news rooms to marketing, his path lead him to start working in special education for three years in New York. He moved to Austin in 2018 and worked at Williams Community School for 2 years, becoming a registered behavioral technician during that time. He received his Master's Degree in August of 2022, and is now studying to a BCBA. He joined the CTAC team in March of 2020.  When he is not at work, Joe enjoys spending time with family and friends. He also plays in hockey leagues around Austin.

Mallory Lamparter graduated from the University of Arizona, Tucson, in 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Public Health. She moved to Austin, TX in the summer of 2019 to work with CTAC. She is a Registered Behavior Technician and has been working with children with autism and special needs for 3 years. She is currently applying to graduate schools to pursue her BCBA. 

Ting-Wei Liao is an international student from Taichung, Taiwan. He earned his B.Ed. in Special Education at National Changhua University of Education(Taiwan) and got his teacher certification.He moved to Austin to pursue his Master’s Degree with a concentration in Autism and Developmental Disabilities at The University of Texas, and graduated in 2023.  He is a Registered Behavior Technician and is studying to test for his BCBA certification. During his free time, Ting-Wei likes to travel and watch sports games with his families or friends. 

Tabatha is a Laredo, TX native with a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Texas A&M Corpus Christi. After graduating, in 2016, Tabatha moved out of state to Leominster, Massachusetts. It was there where she was introduced to ABA Therapy. She worked at Beacon ABA Services providing in-home and center based services for three years, until she decided to move back to her home state to pursue higher education in Behavior Analysis. She plans on becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in the near future. In her spare time Tabatha enjoys listening to podcasts, reading books, and exploring the city of Austin. 

Erin graduated from Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia with B.A. in Communications in 2016. She moved from Atlanta, Georgia to Austin in 2021 to pursue her ABA career and started her journey in Austin. Erin is currently pursuing her Master's to become a BCBA. In her free time, Erin enjoy hikes, shopping, traveling, and trying new foods. 

Leland was born in Houston, TX, and grew up in the North Dallas area. He studied psychology and anthropology at the University of North Texas in Denton, TX. After graduating in 2020, he started working on his graduate program for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), but after moving to Austin and working at an ABA clinic, he quickly fell in love with the field. He is now pursuing his Masters at Arizona State University, so he can later earn his BCBA certification. Leland joined CTAC in 2022.  His joy for different cultures inspires his hobbies which are cooking for friends, playing music, Capoeira, and western sword fighting. 

Dakota Moore was born in Austin TX, and grew up in the rural outskirts of Austin. He studied Psychology at University of Houston Main-Campus, and graduated in 2022.  He joined the CTAC Team in 2023, and has experience working with adults, teenagers, and children.  When not at work Dakota enjoys, traveling, attending concerts, learning, cooking, and playing games. 

Neyda Sanchez graduated from the University of California (UCLA), with a B.A. in Psychology and Minored in Disability & Education Studies in 2019.  She has worked with children with autism in educational settings and has conducted research on ABA. After graduation, Neyda moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas for her Master's program. She graduated with a Master's in Special Education with a concentration in Autism and Developmental Disabilities in 2020. Neyda joined CTAC the fall of 2019 and is preparing to sit for her BCBA exam in 2021.

Ming is originally from Taiwan, and she is currently enrolled in the Master's program for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at The University of Texas at Austin. She previously earned a Bachelor's degree in Special Education from National Taiwan Normal University in 2020.  She worked as a certificated Special Education teacher in Taiwan, and moved to Austin in 2022 to pursue her ABA career. She likes to watch movies in her free time.

Daniela Tellez is an international student from the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico, who moved to Austin to pursue her Master’s Degree in Special Education with a concentration in Autism and Developmental Disabilities at The University of Texas.  She earned her B.A. in Psychology from the Universidad Anahuac and studied abroad in Spain at the Universidad de Sevilla. Her plan is to test for the BCBA certification once she finishes her Master's.  Dani has experience working at an inclusive preschool and collaborating at a Children’s Rehabilitation Center. In her free time, Dani enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.

Diandra Trevino grew up in Brownsville, TX.  She moved to Austin for college and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, in December 2022. Diandra joined CTAC in 2023 and is working towards getting certified as an RBT. When not at work, she enjoys trying new restaurants, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.

Danielle received her Bachelor of Science from Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana in 2017.  She has been working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) since 2018. In July 2021, she moved to Austin and joined the CTAC team. When not at work, she loves to read, hike, and spend time with her husband and cat.

Vicki graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2011 with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and a minor in American Sign Language. Vicki became a Registered Behavior Technician and has worked with children and teens with autism since 2011. She joined the CTAC team in 2017, and graduated from Texas State University in 2020, with a Master's of Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis.  Vicky became a BCBA in 2020, and is now part of our Supervisor team. 

Samantha graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Applied Learning and Development and is a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst. Before coming to CTAC, she worked as a therapist in Brooklyn, NY at a school for children with autism. She has been with CTAC for almost 10 years working in family's homes and in clinic. She recently moved to Houston and is now a Supervisor for our Houston In-Home Services Team.

Beatriz Olguin grew up in Houston, TX. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Spanish studies, in 2016. She became a Registered Behavior Technician in 2020 and has loved ABA ever since. Bea joined the CTAC Team in 2021 and is now part of the Houston Team providing In-Home services! When not at work, Beatriz enjoys traveling, spending time with her 2 dogs, Mikaela and Cheerios, and loves to cook Mexican and Mediterranean foods! One of her hobbies includes collecting salt and pepper shakers from every place she travels to. 

Annabel Patton grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. She graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2021 with a B.A. in Psychology and a focus in Human Development and Family Sciences. While in college, she was a Research Assistant for the Social Psychology Department and worked with kids with Autism. Annabel has been in the ABA field for over two years and joined CTAC in March of 2022, as an Administrative Assistant and therapist. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and exploring new outdoor spots in Austin.

Connor grew up in Austin, TX. He joined the CTAC team in 2023. When not at work, Connor enjoys gaming with his friends, playing the saxophone and riding his bike.

Hannah Cruz is a native Austinite returning home after teaching in special education classrooms in San Antonio, Boston, and New York City. She received her bachelors in Special Education from UT Austin in 2017. Hannah began her career of working with the disability community when she started volunteering at Camp CAMP (an accessible summer camp in Centerpoint, Texas) in high school. She has been excited to meet some CTAC clients who have been campers there! When not teaching, you can find her doing any activity that involves water - swimming, kayaking, wakeboarding, or just relaxing in a pool float with a good book.