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.

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.

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.

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.

Mallory Lamparter grew up in Sedona, AZ, and graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2018, where she started providing in-home ABA services. In August of 2019, she moved to Austin, TX and began working at CTAC. She continued on to earn her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from Purdue in late 2023 and became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in early 2024. 

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 and finished her Master's program in ABA. Tabatha passed BCBA exam in January 2024 and was promoted to Assistant Supervisor! In her spare time Tabatha enjoys listening to podcasts, reading books, and exploring the city of Austin. 

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 returned to CTAC in 2023, and earned her BCBA certification. 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.

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 recently passed her BCBA exam in December 2023. 

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.

Keely Briggs was born and raised in Austin, TX and graduated from Austin Community College in 2021 with an American Sign Language Interpreting degree and license. She is a Registered Behavior Technician who has worked in the field of ABA therapy for 3 years. Keely joined the CTAC Team in 2023.  When not at work, she spends her time hosting game nights, baking for friends and family, and volunteering at a local homeless navigation center.

Cassandra Cardona graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from Texas State University, in 2022. She has spent over 10 years in special education within charter, public, and private schools ranging from Preschool to High School. Cassandra will be attending Arizona State University in 2024 to pursue a Master's in Special Education with an emphasis on ABA.  She is originally from Texas, but has moved and travelled extensively, as a passion and also for career opportunities.  She has three children and thoroughly enjoys having new experiences.

Ariana Castillo graduated in 2023 from Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA with a Bachelors of Art in Psychology and a minor in Special Education. In the fall of 2023, Ari moved to Austin to work at CTAC. She is a registered behavior technician and has been working with children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities for over 1 year. In this time she worked in clinics and classroom clinics with ages 6-18. She has plans to become a BCBA in the near future. When she is not working, Ari enjoys playing lacrosse, exploring Austin with her roommate, reading, and going to orange theory fitness classes. 

Savannah Cothron is from San Antonio, Texas. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Penn State University in Spring of 2023. Savannah is focusing on earning a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in Special Education with a focus on Autism & Developmental Disabilities. Her goal is to become a BCBA and serve the communities.  She is also working on obtaining her RBT in the meantime. When not at work, Savannah enjoys cooking, gardening, acrylic painting, and being a dog mom.

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! 

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.

Sedigheh (Sedi) Hassanzadeh obtained her bachelor's degree in general psychology from University of Guilan, in 2015. She worked as a social worker in the social welfare organization between 2014-2018 and volunteered for an NGO, as a family counselor for individuals with Autism and their families. In 2018, Sedi moved to the US and obtained her RBT certification began working in ABA with individuals from 3- to 21-year-olds, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. In October of 2023, with 5 years of ABA experience, she joined the CTAC team.  She loves to see her clients' progress and is passionate about serving individuals in need and advocate for them. Her wish is not only to serve individuals with ASD, but their families as well. When not at work, you can find Sedi at Lady Bird Lake hiking with her best friend, her husband.

Syma Hussain graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology in 2004 from the University of Greenwich, London. Syma has 4 years of experience in a specialized Preschool program for children with a primary diagnosis of Autism in Seattle, WA. Whilst working in the Preschool, in 2021, Syma graduated with a Master's degree in Special Education in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. In 2023 Syma acquired her RBT certification. Currently, at CTAC Syma intends to complete her fieldwork hours and sit her BCBA exam. Syma enjoys hiking and traveling with her family and friends.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.