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.

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.

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.

Emma earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish from the University of Arkansas in 2013 and went on to receive a Master of Education in Autism and Developmental Disabilities from The University of Texas at Austin in 2014. Emma became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2016 and has since focused her work on early intervention settings. She brings over ten years of experience in clinical supervision, parent coaching, and school collaboration. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two young children, and her dog.

Jessica graduated from University of Texas at Austin with a BS in Human Development and Family Sciences in 2010 and with a Master 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 10 years. During her free time, her favorite things to do are traveling, trying new restaurants, hiking, reading, singing karaoke, acting, and taking care of her two little cats.

Daniela Tellez (Dani) 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 and graduated in 2022.  Dani joined the CTAC Team in 2022, as an RBT.  In 2025, she got her BCBA certification and was promoted to Assistant Supervisor.  In her free time, Dani enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.

Hana Liu was born and raised in Taiwan and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Fu Jen Catholic University, Taiwan, in 2019.  Right after graduation, Hana started working with children with autism at a social welfare institution, primarily focusing on kids with multiple disabilities.  Hana moved to Austin, TX in 2021 to pursue a Master's Degree in Special Education from the University of Texas, and graduated in 2022.  She joined the CTAC team in 2022 and became a BCBA in 2025. When not at work, Hana enjoys baking for coworkers, reading, drawing, movie watching, flower-arranging and figure skating.

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.

Mallory Avila was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She attended Louisiana State University, LA, and graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.  She joined the CTAC team in January of 2026. In her free time, she enjoys running, working out, playing with her dog shadow, church, and being surrounded by friends and family! 

Pia Barriot is originally from Chihuahua, Mexico. She graduated from the Universidad Iberoamericana with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, in May of 2023. She has a master's degree from Spain in Intervention in Learning Difficulties & Neurodevelopmental Disorders and is currently pursuing another master's degree at UT Austin. She moved to Austin, Texas, and joined the CTAC team in September of 2025. When not at work, she enjoys training for triathlons, reading, and spending time with her family.

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.

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.

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.

Ethan Du is from Taipei, Taiwan, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) with a Bachelor of Education in Special Education. In 2024, he relocated to Austin and is attending the University of Texas to obtain his Master's degree in Autism and Developmental Disabilities. Inspired by his younger brother, who is one of his triplet siblings and was diagnosed with autism at a young age, Ethan developed a strong passion for advocating inclusive practices, collaborating with families, and fostering environments where individuals with disabilities can flourish. He plans to become a BCBA and pursue a Ph.D. in the future. Prior to moving to Austin, Ethan worked as a special education teacher in Taiwan, supporting students with diverse needs. In his free time, he enjoys playing table tennis and holds a coaching certification in the sport.

Rosaline Fiallos, "Rosie," is from San Jose, California and recently moved to Austin, Texas. She earned her Bachelor's of Science in Public Health from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2023. Rosie has worked in Health education, community outreach in non-profits and as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher in an Inclusion-based preschool. Her goal is to pursue a Master's in Special Education and then prepare for the BCBA certification. In the meantime, she is working in adding to her experience in the behavioral health field and became an RBT in 2025. When not at work, Rosie loves to dance, spend time with friends and family, and try new food places.

Elena Garanzuay was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and an Education minor in May of 2024. She moved to Austin, Texas and joined the CTAC team in July of 2024. When not at work, she loves to go to the movie theaters and reading at coffee shops.

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.

Eunji Hawes graduated from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Korea, in 2013, majoring in Serbian Croatian Language and English. After completing her studies, she taught high school English for a couple of years. Upon moving to the United States, in 2015, she worked as an Assistant Instructor and in public school, where she developed a strong interest in supporting students with diverse needs. In June 2022, Eunji transitioned to working as a Behavior Technician, specializing in supporting children with autism. After relocating to Texas, she joined CTAC to continue working as a Behavior Technician and furthered her training.  Eunji became a Registered Behavior Technician in January 2025. She is now pursuing a master’s degree in special education, with a focus on Autism, to deepen her expertise in this field and continue making a positive impact on the lives of children with autism.

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.

Patricia (Tricia) Kaplan grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. She has lived in many places including Washington, DC, Seattle, and Chicago before moving to Austin in 2004. She graduated with a degree in English and History from Radford University in 1990. She also has a Nursing degree from South University. After working as a nurse and administrator since 2003, she decided to give back to the community and work specifically with autistic individuals. She is going into her third year working with those on the autism spectrum. She lives in South Austin with her husband of 34 years, her 2 sons David and Ben, and 2 cats Sky and Charlie. In her free time, Tricia loves to spend time with her family, reading, watching old movies, doing crosswords, and drawing. 

Payton Kent is a registered behavioral technician from Fort Worth, TX who has been working with children for almost 6 years. She moved to Austin in July of 2024 and joined the CTAC team in December. She is currently working while planning to finish her undergraduate studies with a degree in psychology and a minor in special education, and she plans to follow her undergrad with her master's to become a BCBA. In her free time, Payton enjoys being outside like hiking or swimming, or staying in with a good movie and her cat

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.

Amy Lai was born and raised in Taiwan. She graduated in 2023 with a degree in Special Education from National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan. Afterward, she worked as a special education teacher intern at an elementary school in Taiwan, where she obtained her teacher certification. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Early Childhood Intervention at the University of Texas at Austin. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and swimming.

Ryan is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), who graduated from San Jose State University in 2018, with a bachelor's in communication. Ryan is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis through Arizona State University, working toward becoming a BCBA. His research interests include harmonizing ABA with Polyvagal Theory to promote deeper regulation and connection. In his free time, Ryan enjoys dancing and is currently training for Judo Nationals in the novice division. His personal interests include relational practices such as Authentic Relating, Relatefulness Practice, and T-Group, as well as Spiral Dynamics, meditation, and spending time in nature.

Federica Minasola was born and raised in the south of Italy.  She moved to California in 2016. In 2023, she received an Associates in Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, from Mt. San Antionio College, California. Federica has been working in ABA since 2023 and became a Registered Behavior Technician the same year. In her free time, Federica enjoys outdoor activities, exploring new places and spending time with her husband. 

Brenda Barrientos Moctezuma was born and raised in Austin, TX. She has been working in the Applied Behavior Analysis field for three years and joined the CTAC team in February of 2025. In May 2025, Brenda graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with her Master's in Autism and Developmental Disabilities. She plans to work on becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst to work with amazing kiddos. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family. 

Seth Reid grew up in Chicago, and moved to Austin, TX in May of 2024. Seth graduated from Illinois State University with a B.S. in general psychology in 2020. He became an RBT in June of 2024, and as a result of working in ABA, was inspired to go back to school to get a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. Outside of work, he enjoys rock climbing, hiking, boxing, reading, and prepping for the Austin marathon.

Nathalie Reyes is from Chicago, where she was introduced to ABA and has been an RBT since late 2023. She recently moved to Austin, Texas and is continuing her education at Florida Institute of Technology in order to pursue her BCBA certification. During her free time, she likes to try out new restaurants, watch sports games and find new trails.

B Rhoton graduated with their Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake in 2020. They began their career in the ABA field in 2018 working as a behavior therapist. They are currently working on their Master's in Special Education with a focus in Mild Interventions and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Their goal is to earn their Ph.D in Special Education and create a nonprofit for low-income supported ABA therapy. In their free time they enjoy reading, hiking, and studying languages.

Xiomara Rios graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with her bachelors in Psychology, in May 2025. She is pursuing her masters in ABA from the University of North Texas. She has been an RBT since 2023 and joined the CTAC team May 2025. In her free time Xiomara likes to read, run, crochet, and go on adventures with her dachshund.

Julia Rodriguez was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. She later moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her B.A. in Psychology in May 2025. Julia began working in Applied Behavior Analysis, at the start of this year and plans to pursue certification as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, paddleboarding, and staying active through regular workouts.

Tate Shiono was born and raised in Austin, Texas and attended The University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson, TX. Tate graduated in May of 2024, with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and joined the CTAC team in August. Tate and his sister are former clients of CTAC, so he wants to support others on the autism spectrum. In his free time, he enjoys sports, photography, music, volunteering, and learning new languages!

Amy Storthz is originally from Houston, TX. Before entering the field of Applied Behavior Analysis she spent many years as a dedicated Pre-K teacher, where she developed a deep passion for early childhood education and supporting young learners. She completed her undergraduate and graduate studies in New Hampshire, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies with a minor in Psychology, in 2007, and earned a Master of Education in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Literacy, in 2009. Amy joined the CTAC team in 2026, and when not at work, she enjoys reading, cooking vegetarian and gluten-free meals, and crafting.   

Daniel Torres Zamarron was born and raised here in Austin TX. He is proud to say that the reason he began his career serving special needs kids was because his parents taught him great patience and to challenge himself to learn new skills. Daniel has been an RBT for over two years, and every year he continues learning skills he is able to implement with our amazing kiddos. On his time away from work, he enjoys spending the day reading at Zilker Park, and D&D. 

Donna Thornton was born and raised in Austin, Texas. Donna is currently studying Applied Behavioral Analysis at Purdue University and is expected to graduate in 2027. Donna has over 3 years of experience in the field of ABA, and her long-term goal is to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Donna enjoys spending time with friends and going on hikes with her dog.

Mingyang Xu (Ming) earned her B.S.A. in Neuroscience from the University of Texas at Austin. She has a strong interest in behavioral science and a deep passion for patient-centered care. Before joining CTAC, she mentored first-year college students for three years. Now as a Behavior Technician, she enjoys building meaningful connections with clients while supporting their growth through evidence-based interventions. Outside of work, Mingyang enjoys swimming, cross-stitching, and discovering new bubble tea spots around Austin.

Davita graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Southwestern Assemblies of God University, now known as Nelson University. She went on to get her master’s degree in Professional Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. She became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst Assistant in February of 2017 and continued on to become a Board-Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst in May 2019. Davita has a desire to conduct research in the field of behavior analysis and has fallen in love with working with children with Autism. She joined CTAC in March of 2026 in the role of a supervising BCBA.

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.

Savannah has been a dedicated RBT for nearly six years. Inspired by her brother, who is on the autism spectrum, she found her passion for helping others through the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Currently pursuing a degree in Social Work, she brings both personal experience and professional expertise to her work. She has had the privilege of supporting children and young adults ages 1–20, both verbal and nonverbal, and is committed to making a positive difference in every life she touches.

Jayla Edwards, grew up in Oakland, CA. She moved to Houston, TX a few years ago and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in ABA at Capella University. Jayla joined the CTAC in 2025.  When she is not at work, she loves going to the pool, eating good food, making natural hair care products, reading on the patio.

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/RBT and now she is our Office Manager. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and exploring new outdoor spots in Austin.

Oneyda Cuevas was born Nicaragua, and moved to Austin, TX with her parents when she was 9 years old.  She graduated from the University of Houston in 2011 with a B.A. in Communications in Healthcare and a Minor in Organizational Leadership. Oneyda has over 20 years' experience in healthcare management. She joined the CTAC team in 2019, as the Office Manager and is now the Revenue Cycle and Credentialing Administrator. When not at work, she likes to play pickle ball, go for walks, gardening and spending time with family.

Hollie Harvey was born and raised in Southern California but moved to Texas in 2005. Her passion for ABA came field when learning her nephew was diagnosed with Autism and was eager to learn how to help him and other kids on the spectrum. She has over 7 years of experience in the field and hopes to continue her education and grow with CTAC. When not at work I enjoy being outside, by the water, or cooking!