Our behavior consultants are the best in the business. They are all trained, certified, and ready to help our clients. Whether you are in Northeast or Central Indiana, we have a behavior consultant who is ready to help!
Brittanae Martin is the Director of Behavior Management Services and a behavior Consultant with Pure Abilities. She holds her masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and certifications in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis. Brittanae has been providing therapeutic services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for six years and is currently pursuing her BCBA.
Brittanae's older brother lives with Cerebral Palsy which has served as her greatest motivator as a professional and allows her to relate to families on a personal level. Brittanae is very passionate to provide the individuals she works for the highest quality of life.
Brittanae is the proud owner of Loki the certified therapy dog and together they serve as a team implementing animal assisted therapy.
Jen holds a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University and has had specialized coursework in Autism. She has experience working with multiple diagnoses including ADHD, autism, anxiety, emotional and mood disorders. She holds experience in a school setting and as a special education teacher, providing her a good understanding of academic and classroom requirements. Working on a team with other therapists has made her well rounded, and she sees the importance of support systems working together.
Jen’s passion is in the discovery and optimization of a client’s skills, strengths, and interests, and to incorporate this into behavioral interventions. She has specialized experience in verbal behavior, and ABA therapy to enrich and teach social communication, functional and social skills. She also believes in trauma-informed care.
Jen strives to show her clients dedication and compassion in the pursuit of achieving their goals, better quality of life, and increased independence.
Chris Fitzgerald graduated from Illinois State University in 2017 with a Bachelors degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Following graduation, he completed a Recreational Therapy internship at the St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois working with stroke, traumatic injury, and amputee patients. Shortly after completing his internship, he received his certification as a Recreational Therapist. Throughout college, Chris worked in the Special Olympics department coaching swimming, basketball, soccer, and track for SOAR—a community Therapeutic Recreation program serving individuals with disabilities. Chris is looking forward to using the skills he has gained from past experiences and applying them towards his clients to improve their quality of life.
Morgan received her master’s in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University in September 2021. She has been a Registered Behavior Technician for over 6 years and is pursuing her BCBA licensure. She has experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the home, community, and school setting.
Morgan is passionate about helping individuals reach their full potential. She believes in focusing on individuals’ strengths and motivations to help them achieve their goals and have increased independence. Morgan is dedicated to providing individualized care for all of the individuals she works with, as well as their families.
Marie received her Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis in November 2021. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults with disabilities for over 20 years. Her experience includes providing services to individuals in private residences, group homes, Medicaid waiver homes, schools, and day programs.
For over 10 years, Marie has had the privilege of being a foster caregiver for Structured Family Caregiving, a service that has allowed individuals with disabilities to live with her family full-time. Through foster caregiving, Marie is able to relate on a personal level to the joys and challenges faced by families. Marie’s goal is to provide quality services that will improve the overall well-being and lives of the individuals and families she serves.
Sean Chaffee has his Master of Science in Psychology; and Bachelor's degrees in Communications and Psychology. He previously worked as a Medicaid Waiver Case Manager for three years at IPMG; and a Case Management Regional Director at Advocacy Links for over 9 years. He has extensive experience in working with individuals with multiple diagnoses, the medically fragile population, children, adolescents, older adults, and individuals with emotional and behavioral health concerns. Sean incorporates physical activities, accessibility, community inclusion, and individual preferences and abilities into behavior interventions. He also applies person-centered planning and a strengths-based approach to his service delivery. Sean employs patience, positivity, and consistency for the individuals he serves. He provides services in clinical, home, and community settings. Sean has a passion for supporting others to maximize their potential and fully realize their opportunities for development, success, and restorative accomplishments.
Haley Hunter has her masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University with an emphasis in Autism. She has experience working with adults and children living with ADHD, anxiety, ASD, Bipolar Disorder, BPD, emotional and mood disorders, FAS, and ODD. Haley is passionate about working one on one with clients to reach goals that utilize their skills and enhance their quality of life. Haley focuses on guiding individuals to reach their goals independently while working alongside caregivers and service providers to help better support the needs of these individuals. Haley is dedicated to providing quality services across multiple settings in order to improve the overall well being of the people she serves.
Logan received her master's in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from Purdue University Global in March 2022. She has worked in ABA clinics with clients ranging from the ages of 2 to 26 years old as a Registered Behavior Technician for almost 7 and a half years. She has experience working in clinics with clients, providing in-home services, and assisting clients in the school setting. Logan also has experience working with individuals with multiple diagnoses along with autism including ADHD, anxiety, and down syndrome. Logan has a passion for giving her clients the confidence to advocate for themselves and become as independent as they are able to become. She strives to improve the life of not only her clients, but their families. Self advocacy and talking about emotions is a skill that Logan believes every individual should have and strives to give her clients those skills. She makes sure every set of skills she is working on with her clients is individualized and unique to the needs and desires of the client and their family.
Jennifer Hagewood graduated from Central Michigan University in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation services. She completed internships at Battle Creek VA Medical Center and Lighthouse Neurological Rehabilitation. These have included experiences working with people with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, psychological disabilities, and more. Jenn has served clients on the Indiana Medicaid waiver since 2013 as a recreation therapist in northern IN. Jenn is a volunteer for the Special Olympics. She decided to further her education and graduated in the fall of 2023 with a master’s in psychology from Indiana Tech. She plans to grow her career through both careers, a behavior consultant and a recreation therapist, for clients in northern Indiana. She is passionate about helping individuals with disabilities reach goals, improve their quality of life, and complete challenges. She is excited about the opportunities to serve and positively impact individuals.
Amber holds her Masters degree in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. For 7 years she has served the Autism community in Fort Wayne, IN as a Registered Behavior Technician, Case Manager, and Behavior Consultant. She has experience providing services in community, school, and clinic based settings.
During her free time Amber loves spending time with her husband and dogs, camping, gardening, and doing pottery. She is a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance and has used her certification to work with all ages, sharing trauma informed, inclusive teachings. She enjoys incorporating yoga into her sessions and showing the positive impact of coping techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and relaxation. Amber is passionate about empowering individuals and their families through a person-centered, holistic approach. She supports and advocates for individuals as they make strides towards increased independence, personal fulfillment, and enhancing their overall well-being.
Briana Kiefer has her masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University with an emphasis in Autism. She has experience working with children living with ASD, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Down Syndrome. Briana worked within the ABA clinic setting as an ABA therapist and RBT Consultant for 4 years. She also has experience working as an Early Headstart Educator with ages 6 weeks to 3 years. In her free time Briana enjoys being outdoors and spending time with friends and family. Briana is passionate about working one on one with clients to reach goals that utilize their skills and enhance their quality of life, focusing on guiding individuals to reach their goals independently while working alongside caregivers and service providers to help better support the needs of these individuals. Briana is dedicated to providing quality services across multiple settings in order to improve the overall well being of the people she serves.
Amy has her master’s degree in psychology. She has worked with individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and mental health diagnoses, along with those with multiple diagnoses of all ages. She has over 20 years of experience in social services. Her career started as an Employment Specialist assisting people with disabilities to obtain and keep jobs. That experience led to program management, development, and vocational assessment. Amy also worked as a case manager providing services to veterans with disabilities related to their time in the military. Since 2008 she has worked in Medicaid Waiver case management. She started as a case manager and then became the Director of Quality and Training for Advocacy Links in 2012 where she worked for over 10 years. Amy is focused on providing person-centered services and strives to ensure the wants, needs, and preferences of everyone with whom she works are honored while working as part of a team. Amy is also the parent of a son with disabilities who receives waive services, which helps to drive her passion and desire to ensure that the voices of the people she serves are heard and that each person is living life the way they want to live. Amy is a strong advocate and is dedicated to ensuring the services she provides are strength-based. Her goal is to help each person with whom she works to be as independent as they can and to be active, involved members of their community. She is dedicated to making sure each person is receiving individualized services that will meet their needs to help them achieve their goals, improve their day-to-day life and help them build strong relationships with others.
Corey Hudson has his Master of Science in Psychology from Indiana Tech; and Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Teaching from Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne. He previously worked as a Medicaid Waiver Case Manager for three years: one and a half years with Advocacy Links and one and a half years with The Columbus Organization. During Corey’s bachelor’s degree, he had several experiences working in high-school classrooms, including student teaching at Fort Wayne’s South Side High School. Corey has experience working with individuals with many different diagnoses, as well as those with multiple diagnoses, adolescents, older adults, and individuals with emotional and behavioral concerns, among other individuals. Corey implements many different strategies into his services, including physical activities, community inclusion, individual preferences, individual abilities and strengths, and small group settings. Corey’s goal is to provide a person-centered focus to support others, bring out the strengths in each person, and maximize each person’s individual development and growth potential.
Felicia received her master's in applied behavior analysis from Capella University with plans to complete her hours to obtain a BCBA certification. She has received most of her experience through ABA centers in both clinic and home settings. Felicia also possesses experience with various age groups through case management experiences at nonprofit agencies. Felicia found her passion through seeing the progress made with the clients she has served and seeing him/her move on to less restrictive settings. Felicia strives to assist vulnerable populations discover their strengths and develop a more fulfilling life.
Nicholas received a Master of Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health from Washington University in Saint Louis and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Saint Francis. Nicholas has a rich professional experience having worked with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; children, youth, and their families involved in the child welfare system; young adults transitioning into independence; and people experiencing a substance use disorder.
Nicholas utilizes an ecological systems perspective, a strengths-based perspective, and cognitive-behavioral and narrative interventions when working with clients. Nicholas is dedicated to providing holistic, collaborative, and culturally competent services for individuals and their families.
Shaygne has her master degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University and two bachelor’s degrees one in ABA from Ball State University and the other in Health and Exercise Science from University of Saint Francis. Shaygne has over 8 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Shaygne has experience in clinic and in home base. She has worked with a wide ranges of ages while in the field. She has experience in autism, trauma in formed care, mood disorders, anxiety, intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities. Shaygne is passionate about working 1-1 with clients to reach their individual goals while incorporating naturalistic teachings. Shaygne is dedicated to providing quality of services to clients and caregivers to improve their daily lives.
Marcy obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from Indiana University South Bend and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University. Marcy has worked with individuals, families, and yound people for over 20 years, working in a variety of capacities; First Steps, substitute teaching, Healthy Families, and Meridian Health Services. Marcy has a two-pronged approach to working with individuals and families, and that is prevention and intervention. Marcy believes both are necessary to fully assist those seeking services of any kind. Marcy has worked with people with a myriad of impairments and mental health concers: Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Delays and challenges, Bi-Polar Disorder, Mild Schizophrenia, Depression, ADD/ADHD. Marcy utilizes a person-centered approach in which the client and their family decide what is best for them, using the Behavior Consultant as just that, a consultant.
Marcy lives with her two rescue pips, Aries and Dobby, and enjoys watching them play and bond with each other and the other dogs and people at the dog park. Marcy is a lifetime learner, always learning something from somewhere. In her spare time, she likes to binge on a Netflix series, international movies, and documentaries of all kinds. Additionally, Marcy enjoys spending time with her two grandsons as often as possible.
Marcy's true passions include human and animal rights, human trafficking, especially of chikdren-equity and equality across all institutions and areas of life. Promoting positive, nurturing parenting practices.
Devyn has her master’s in psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University and two bachelor’s degrees from the University of South Florida. She has experience working in schools, homes, and clinic settings with clients who ranged in age from 18 months to 15 years old. She has experience working in groups and one on one. She worked as an RBT while completing her graduate degree and plans on completing her hours to become a BCBA. She is passionate about working with clients, care givers, and their team members to support the client in achieving their personal goals.
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Stacy has a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, a Master's Degree in Business Administration, and a Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. She is a certified Autism Specialist through Ball State University. Stacy taught for 10 years in 3 different states (Indiana, Arizona, and North Carolina) in both general and special education. She has worked with multiple diagnoses since 2010 but specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disabilities. Stacy is trained in CBT, DBT, ABA, CPI, and YSIS interventions. She considers herself a lifetime learner that is constantly learning and researching new things. She plans to return to school for a doctorate in psychology. Stacy has a son on the spectrum, which motivates her to continue providing resources and behavioral support to others.
Kayla has her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University and her Bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Indiana University. Kayla has always loved working with children and has a passion for helping others. She has 10+ years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and ASD. Kayla also has 6+ years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis and has worked with individuals ranging from ages 2 – 22 in clinic, home, and school settings. Kayla is also a small business owner and manages her own cupcake business. When she is not in the kitchen baking, she enjoys traveling with her husband, putting puzzles together, and listening to true crime podcasts. Kayla’s passion is helping others achieve their goals through a natural approach and at their own pace while ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to be successful in all aspects of life.
I have an undergraduate in Psychology, a master’s and Ph.D. in Physiological Sciences (focused on Neuroscience and Behavior) and working since 2007 with Behavioral Psychology in clinical settings, with teenager and adults clients. Also, I was Professor at a Federal University (Public Institution) and Private College in Brazil. Almost 4 years ago I moved to the U.S. with my family, and since I taught at Drake University (Des Moines, IA) for ABA and Psychology classes. I have a passion to investigate, elaborate, and implement new ways to use the behavior, always promoting self-advocacy with individuals. One of my favorite sports is soccer, and I am a big fan of Corinthians (one of the biggest soccer teams in Brazil). I am a dad of an amazing daughter, and another baby is coming soon!
Emily Contreraz joined Pure Abilities in December 2021. She worked in the ABA field for the past 3 years as a Registered Behavior Technician and Behavioral Consultant. She has been working with Families and Children since she was 15 years old. That goes to say that her passion is helping others and she enjoy working with children! She has experience in the home, community and school setting working with young children to adults. She has her master’s in Social Work. When she's not working, she enjoys going on hikes (being in nature), playing with her dog Ollie, watching movies and being around family.
Lynne has her Masters degree in Educational Psychology and Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She previously worked as a Medicaid Waiver Case Manager for 10+ years at IPMG. She has experience working with individuals of all ages who have had both intellectual disabilities and mental illnesses. She applies a person-centered approach, where the needs and preferences of the individual are directed by that person, while working alongside family, caregivers and other team members. She has a passion for teaching self-advocacy, supporting caregivers, and increasing individual’s independence.
Abigail Wilkinson is a licensed K-12 special education teacher and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She obtained both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Ball State University. Abigail has experience working with people with mild to severe disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, Down syndrome, and emotional disorders. Abigail is dedicated to uplifting the voices of individuals with disabilities, and empowering families and caretakers. Abigail practices client led, neurodiversity affirming, trauma informed care. Abigail is passionate about functional communication training and advocating for an inclusive and accessible community.
Natasha holds a Master of Science degree in Psychology. She has worked with individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental differences. Natasha believes every person has unique gifts that only they can contribute to the world. She enjoys helping people nourish and express these gifts. Natasha has a passion for animal and human rights. She enjoys traveling the world and spending time with her lively dogs.
Zach holds an undergraduate and master’s degree in psychology. During his master’s degree, Zach focused his research on gratitude interventions and positive psychology. Prior to Pure Abilities, he was a research assistant at the Veterans Association Hospital in downtown Indianapolis where he studied to better understand mental health challenges. Zach believes that every individual has a unique set of strengths that are key to overcoming challenges, and it is Zach’s goal to help highlight these strengths in individuals so that they may be empowered to live their best life. In his own time, Zach enjoys rock-climbing, cooking, and ‘geeking out’ on Star Wars or other sci-fi/fantasy universes.
Kim has an associate’s degree in business administration and both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in human services. She began her journey as a direct support staff caring for adults with intellectual disabilities in waiver homes in 2014 gaining managerial experience and a vast knowledge of the waiver program and individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. As an advocate, Kim feels behaviors are communication and for all to understand this language we must be empathetic and kind; she thinks inclusion and independence are achievable through open minds, goals, and determination. She wants to teach individuals to use resources and assist them in meeting all their needs. Kim will contribute to the success of all individuals in her path by continuing her own education indefinitely; she believes knowledge is power!
Hannah earned her Master’s in School Psychology from Ball State University in 2023 and holds an additional Master’s in Developmental Psychology from Walden University, awarded in 2019. She is currently pursuing a PhD, furthering her expertise in the field. Hannah has accumulated diverse experience across various roles. She has worked as a Life Skills Specialist in elementary schools, directed a program combining physical, cognitive, and sensory training to enhance brain health and development in children and teens, and served as a behavior technician specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in both clinic and home settings. Passionate about supporting families and children, Hannah is dedicated to teaching families strategies that will help them live more peaceful lives. In her leisure time, Hannah loves exploring the outdoors and sharing new experiences with friends and family. She strives to empower families with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate and overcome new challenges with confidence.