Autism Services of Kansas is comprised of individuals who are passionate about working together to improve the lives of the children and families they serve by using evidence-based interventions, founded on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

We are dedicated to helping children and their families. You can begin to get to know our consultants and experience here.

Melissa Cline M.S. Ed, L-BCBA

Co-Owner of Autism Services of Kansas

Melissa has had a desire to help children with autism throughout her adult life. She has worked with children with autism and other developmental disabilities between the ages of 18 months and 10 years old in all settings (clinical, school, home and community). Melissa has worked as an in home ABA therapist, a clinical ABA therapist, Special Education Teacher for children with a variety of disabilities, a center based Special Education Teacher for children with autism and an Autism Specialist. She continues to pursue her passion of working with young children with autism in the Lawrence area. She works with children and their families in the home, school, and community setting.

• Board Certified Behavior Analyst
• Licensed Kansas Behavior Analyst
• Licensed Missouri Behavior Analyst
• Kansas Autism Specialist
• Kansas Positive Behavior Support Facilitator
• Elementary Education Teacher K-6 (Kansas)
• Adaptive Special Education Teacher K-6 (Kansas)
• Certified to conduct supervision for BCBAs, BCaBAs and RBTs
• Advanced Coursework in ABA (University of North Texas)
• Master’s Degree in Adaptive Special Education with emphasis Autism (University of Kansas)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education (Baker University)

Eileen Madelen M.S. Ed, L-BCBA

Co-Owner of Autism Services of Kansas

While attending graduate school, Eileen began to work with a child with Autism using Applied Behavior Analysis. She has worked with children with autism and other developmental disabilities between the ages of 3 and 15 years old within the home, school, and community settings. Eileen worked for over five years in a Middle School as a Special Education Teacher in a center based classroom from children with autism, an ABA therapist in the home setting and an Autism Specialist. She works as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in the Kansas City Metro area, working with children in the home, school, and community setting.

• Board Certified Behavior Analyst
• Licensed Kansas Behavior Analyst
• Licensed Missouri Behavior Analyst
• Kansas Autism Specialist
• Elementary Education Teacher preK-9 (Kansas)
• Adaptive Special Education Teacher preK-12 (Kansas)
• Certified to conduct supervision for BCBAs, BCaBAs and RBTs
• Advanced Coursework in ABA (University of North Texas)
• Master’s Degree in Adaptive Special Education with emphasis Autism (University of Kansas)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education (Kansas State University)

Katelyn Aldrich, BS

Office Assistant

Katelyn graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University – Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Sociology. Katelyn’s interest in working with children with autism started in high school. She spent many days with her younger cousin who was diagnosed with autism and in a program at school spending time with those who had developmental disabilities. Over the years she has gained experience with children ages Newborn to 15, in the home, community and school settings. Katelyn has been with Autism Services of Kansas since 2017. Her favorite part is seeing her kiddos excel at skills they have been working hard towards gaining. After having her daughter in January 2023 she took a step back from working as a RBT and began helping in the office.

Emily Besser

Operations Manager

Emily started her career with children in the school districts in an Autism program. She there discovered ABA, became a Registered Behavior Technician and loved this field. She has worked with clients ages 2 to 21 in school and clinic settings. Emily currently has shifted to being our Operations Manager in our Kansas City office. She is looking forward to providing the best support she can for our company and providers. Emily is originally from Colorado and she loves being outdoors with her two huskies.

Terri Long

Secretary

Terri has 20 years’ experience working in public schools working in many different roles. She spent time as a secretary, paraprofessional, nurse’s aide, receptionist, and lunch lady.  Terri enjoyed all her roles within the public-school system!  She has worked with kids ranging from 3 to 21 years old in both a school and home setting.  Terri has a 22-year old son diagnosed with POL III Leukodystrophy.  He is not able to walk or talk but understands most things.  Terri also has experience with transition services into adulthood.  She looks forward to sharing her personal experiences with parents and staff members and assisting her co-workers to help them be successful.  Her hobbies include spending time with her 3 sons and playing with her golden retriever.

Samantha Nott, M.S. ABA, L-BCBA

Consultant

Samantha stumbled into Applied Behavior Analysis when an advisor at the University of Kansas suggested she get a minor in ABS. What followed was a change in major (BGS in Applied Behavioral Science) with a psychology minor, focusing on early childhood education and intervention.  It was while conducting practicum at KU in both the Little Steps and Kansas Early Autism Program (KEAP) classrooms where her passion for early intervention began.  Following graduation from KU (2015), Samantha began graduate work in Applied Behavior Analysis at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.  While completing her master’s degree, Samantha worked as a Registered Behavior Technician.  Samantha received her M.S. in December 2017, followed by her BCBA certification in February 2018.  Since receiving her BCBA, she has worked with children aged 18 months – 13 years in clinic, school, and in-home settings. 

• Board Certified Behavior Analyst
• Kansas Licensed Behavior Analyst
• Missouri Licensed Behavior Analyst
• Certified to provide supervision to RBTs and BCaBAs seeking certification hours

Sara Quick, M.S. L-BCBA

Consultant

Sara became interested in working with children, specifically children with Autism in high school when she had a early childhood education practicum opportunity. Her younger brother also has an Autism diagnosis, fueling her passion even more. Sara has 20 plus years of experience working with children ages 1 to 20, in many settings including: home, community, educational and mental health. Sara is looking forward to helping children reach their potential and their families feel a sense of success regarding their children.

Positive Behavior Support Facilitator, BCBA

Masters in Education, University of Kansas

Ambria Steinberger, M.S. L-BCBA

Consultant

Ambria grew up in Indianapolis and moved to Kansas City in 2019 for some new scenery and an adventure with her sister. She has a passion for working with children in a one on one therapy setting which ultimately is what led her to ABA in 2016. Ambria worked in a clinic setting with children with Autism or other developmental disabilities aged 2-13 for 2 years in Indiana and her desire to go to school and become a BCBA grew from there. Since then she’s worked in school, in-home and clinic settings. She loves working with parents to help make their lives a little bit easier, working one on one helping therapy providers and working directly with clients. They all teach her something new everyday! Ambria loves to collaborate with others and strives to serve others. Her bachelor’s is in journalism and a fun side job is being able to blog about ABA. In her free time she enjoys eating out at new local restaurants with her husband, Braden, eating popcorn and snuggling her dog, Margot, or having a girl’s night with her sister.

Abbey Vieux-Revell, M.S., L-BCBA

Consultant

• Board Certified Behavior Analyst
• Licensed Kansas Behavior Analyst
• Licensed Missouri Behavior Analyst
• Kansas Autism Specialist
• Certified to teach K-9 Special Education
• Certified to conduct supervision to RBTs
• Master’s degree in Special Education with emphasis in Autism (University of Kansas)
• Bachelor’s degree in Education (Emporia State University)

Kelsee Wright, M.A. L-BCBA

Consultant

Kelsee began working with children with autism as an RBT with no prior experience.  Within a month, a child she worked with began talking and Kelsee knew that she had found her passion.  Kelsee attended Ball State University, where she played volleyball, and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst.  She has worked with kids from 18 months to 22 years old and has experience in a clinic, home, school, community, and telehealth setting.  Kelsee is looking forward to building connections with kids and helping them acquire new skills.

Arieanna Alvarado, M.A.

Autism Specialist/Registered Behavior Technician

Arieanna graduated from University of Kansas – Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Human Sexuality.  She is currently working towards a Masters of Arts in Psychology at the University of Saint Mary.  Arieanna’s favorite part of her job is knowing that she is making a positive difference everyday, whether it be big or small. Her ultimate dream is to create a school specifically designed for people with developmental disabilities. The end goal is to get a higher percentage of this population into some sort of college to follow their dreams! During her time working at Camp Wilton, she heard many stories from my older campers about how they wish someone believed in them, pushed them to “be something”, and how many people just gave up on them throughout their lives.  She learned that she wants to be the person that helps them on their journey to reach their full potential. She loves being one of our kids biggest fans.

Claire Gordon, BS

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst

Claire attended Emporia State University and earned her Bachelors of Science degree in psychology.  After working for a few years as a Registered Behavior Technician, Claire decided to complete her coursework to obtain her BCaBA.  She has experience working with children ages 2-11 years old in the home and private educational setting.  Claire enjoys building a relationship with each child and watching them grow as they acquire new skills

• Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst
• Kansas Autism Specialist
• Coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis (Florida Institute of Technology)
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Emporia State University)

Lynda Bond

Intensive Individual Support Provider

Lynda became interested in working with children when she became working within the Spring Hill school district. She has experience working with infants up to elementary school aged children. She has 28 years of experience within school settings. Lynda is looking forward to growing her knowledge within ABA and working with new families. When she’s not working with children, Lynda enjoys hiking and tap dancing. She has 4 sons, is originally from San Diego and has a bearded dragon.

Kathryn Bracale, BS

Registered Behavior Technician

Kathryn has always had a passion for working with kids, she loves making a difference in their lives. She has experience in the home and school settings with children ages 2 to 10 years old. Kathryn is looking forward to creating bonds with clients and seeing them make progress on their goals. When she’s not working, she enjoys traveling and attending sporting events.

Carley Bradshaw, BS

Registered Behavior Technician

Carley has experience working in special education K-5th grade. The love for helping kids grow started at the public schools in Lawrence, Kansas. She obtained her Bachelors in Behavior Sciences with the hopes of continuing her education beyond that. Her favorite part about working with kids is watching the growth over time progress, until it’s time for their new chapter in life.

Brisahida “Bris” Barrera

Intensive Individual Support Provider

Brisahida was born in Guatemala and knew wanted to be a teacher since she was 12 years old, along with her best friend.  At the age of 14, her family moved to the United States.  She became interested in working with children special needs after her sister, who has down syndrome, was born.  Her sister has been the inspiration in working with children ever since.  Brisahida has taught in her church for 12 years, working with children from 6 months to 12 years old. She enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and daughter as well as going to church and cooking.

Akema Brown

Registered Behavior Technician

Akema has experience working with children in an educational setting from ages 3-18 years. She loves the rewards of seeing the student learn new skills and the relationships you can build with the child and their families. She enjoys working in the home setting that gives more background on the client she is working with, and likes that if parents have questions it gives her a chance to explain why a program is run a certain way. Akema is pursuing her education licensing and has attended Wichita State University. Some of her hobbies include reading and volleyball, and she is a devoted football mom. She has three boys, one graduated and two still in high school.

Virginia De La Rosa

Registered Behavior Technician

Virginia has always enjoyed working with children and the field of ABA. She has experience with children ages 2-5 in clinic, non-profit and shelter settings. Virginia is looking forward to having an opportunity to see her clients grow and acquire new skills. She is originally from Mexico and has lived in Topeka since she was 5 years old.

Dakotah Ford

Registered Behavior Technician

Dakotah happened to stumble across the ABA field and quickly fell in love with it. She has experience with children ages 2 to 17 in the center/clinic setting. Dakotah is looking forward to meeting new kids and working with them. Outside of work settings, she enjoys cooking and gardening!

Brooklyn Funk

Intensive Individual Support Provider

Brooklyn fell in love with this field of work when she had the opportunity to mentor in special education classrooms from middle school through high school. She has experience working with clients ages 13 to mid 20’s in the educational and community settings. Brooklyn is excited to get to know new her clients and begin working with them. Brooklyn has two younger brothers, competed in competitive dance and cheer throughout her childhood, loves traveling, shopping and all things girly!

Marisa Glenn, BS

Registered Behavior Technician

Marisa found her passion for working with children on the spectrum during a practicum course in college, where she saw what a difference ABA services can make. She has experience in school, home and community settings with children ages 3 to 10 years old. Marisa looks forward to making a difference while implementing ABA services and playing a part in helping a client grow and reach goals. Outside of work, Marisa loves to spend time with her husband, two children and family dog.

Celeste Gordon, BS

Registered Behavior Technician

Celeste is currently a student at the University of Kansas, working towards a degree in psychology. She has worked with kids for 5 years and absolutely loves it. Working with kids with autism is an exciting new experience. Celeste is excited to see the kids grow and learn through their progress and have a positive affect in their life.

Leslie Griffin, BA

Registered Behavior Technician

Leslie became interested in working with children with autism after her oldest son was diagnosed with ASD and an Expressive/Receptive Language Disorder and witnessing ABA therapy firsthand.  She has experience working in both the home and community settings with children up to 6 years old.  Leslie obtained her B.A. in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies with a Minor in English from the University of Kansas.  She is looking forward to working with children and their families to encourage skill acquisition.  In her free time, Leslie enjoys spending time with her two sons, reading, writing, gardening, raising chickens, and gaming.

Olivia Hassell

Registered Behavior Technician

Olivia became interested in working with children while being around them in work environments. She has experience working with children between ages newborn to 12, in school and home settings. Olivia is looking forward to working with kids within Autism Services of Kansas. In her free time Olivia has many interests such as playing piano, guitar, the drums and singing. She also enjoys reading, writing and painting.

Allisa Helms

Registered Behavior Technician

Allisa’s passion for working with children comes from her desire to make a difference. She has experience in the home, clinic and community settings with clients ranging from 2 to 84 years old. At Autism Services of Kansas, Allisa is looking forward to learning and having new experiences. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her son, Julian.

Taylor Hervey, B.S.

Registered Behavior Technician

Taylor has an associates degree in liberal arts from Johnson County Community College and is working towards her bachelor’s degree in sociology.She has experience working with preschoolers as well as high school age children with disabilities. Taylor has always been passionate about helping children with special needs and enjoys learning new skills. In her free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with her family and her puppy, reading, traveling, trying new restaurants, and is a big fan of Law and Order SVU!

Gina Holmes, BS

Registered Behavior Technician

Alyssa Hutcherson

Intensive Individual Support Provider

Alyssa found her love of working with children through her babysitting opportunities. She has experience with children ages newborn to 18 years old in settings such as sports camps, SOAR, in-home respite and schools. Alyssa looks forward to diving into ABA, helping her clients improve on their target skills and building fun, positive connections with the kids. She enjoys spending her free time watching TV shows, reading, trying new restaurants and spending time with friends and family.

Ivry Karamitros

Registered Behavior Technician

Ivry lives in Fairway, Kansas with her fiancée and their four dogs: Kirby, Pepper, Brando, and Apollo.  She has a B.S in Business Administration and Political Science, is almost finished with a M.A. in Counseling Psychology, and is pursuing an LMLP licensure in the state of Kansas and LPC in Missouri.  Ivry enjoys working with children to achieve their educational goals.  She has worked in community, home, classroom, and virtual classroom settings with kids between 4 and 6 years old.  Ivry likes traveling, reading, playing the piano, swimming, hiking, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.  She also enjoys being an Aunt to three nephews and her three nieces.

Allison Loecker, BA

Registered Behavior Technician

Allison has worked with those with special needs most of her teenage and adult life and has always enjoyed it. She has experience in educational settings, caretaking settings and as a camp counselor, with ages ranging from 2 to 60. Allison looks forward to seeing the growth her clients will make throughout their time with her. In her spare time she likes to go bike riding, bowling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Gillian Marcum

Registered Behavior Technician

Gillian always had a passion working with kids with special needs ever since her younger sister Willow was born with Down Syndrome. Since then she has volunteered at many different activities with kids with special needs. Gillian has experience working with kids 0-12. She has been a Swim Instructor for almost 4 years and has gotten a lot of experience working with kids with all different disabilities. Gillian just graduated High School and is attending Park University and studying elementary education and her plan is to eventually get her Masters in Special Education!

Hannah Maurer

Individual Intensive Support Provider

Hannah’s interest in working with children came from her experiences in her school districts that valued the importance of aiding kids with different physical, behavioral, mental and social disabilities. She has experience in school settings with children ranging from ages 5 to 18. Hannah is excited to make connections with clients and their families throughout ASK. She looks forward to helping them grow in many different aspects. Outside of work, Hannah loves softball, basketball and football. She is a huge KU basket ball fan and Chiefs football fan!

Megan Novellano, BS

Registered Behavior Technician

Megan’s interest in working with children comes from her desire to make a difference in children’s lives. She has experience in school, horse camp, daycare, church, and in-home settings with children ranging from infants to 6th grade. Megan is looking forward to getting to know her clients and their families while implementing therapy specific to each child. She enjoys spending her free time taking care of her dog and horse and riding her horse!

Alexandria Quinn

Registered Behavior Technician

Alexandria became interested in working with children with autism while working as a paraprofessional. She has experience working in school, home, and community settings with children ages 3-13. Alexandria is pursuing a law and community degree with a minor in psychology from the University of Kansas. In her free time, Alexandria enjoys spending time outdoors.

Savannah Rigby, BS

Registered Behavior Technician

Savannah spent time working with adults on the autism spectrum, during that time she learned about ABA and loved it, creating her desire to work with children. She has experience in the home and clinical settings with children ages 3 to 10. Savannah is looking forward to connecting with families and creating bonds with clients. She’s originally from the Bahamas and she has a Bachelors of Science in Forensic Science.

Jori Rudisell

Registered Behavior Technician

Jori has always had a passion to work with children in education.  She first started working with children with autism while employed with a non-profit early childhood education center.  Jori has also been a nannie for a family with two boys with autism for a little over a year.  She has experience working at the Ballard Community Center in a Lead Teacher role, as well as Social-Emotional Curriculum Coordinator.  Jori has worked with kids aged between 2-5 years old.  She wants to work towards being an occupational therapist assistant.

Isabella Shaffer

Registered Behavior Technician

Isabella is from Overland Park and is currently attending Johnson County Community College.  She is in the process of getting ASL Certification, in addition to her degree in Education and Applied Behavior Analysis.  Isabella has worked with grade-school aged children in a classroom as well as working with children in one-on-one settings.  In her free time, she likes to spend time with family and friends and seek out creative/adventurous activities.

Amira Shah

Intensive Individual Support Provider

Amira found her interest in working with children as she grew up with 6 siblings. She has worked with many people ranging from ages 2 to geriatrics in hospitals and nursing homes. Amira is looking forward to changing lives and making a difference.

Cortni Stahlheber

Registered Behavior Technician

Cortni has always loved kids and has a passion for working with them, through volunteer work with young kids she realized it is what she was meant to do. She has experience in licensed childcare facilities and community places such as after school programs and church activities with kids ranging from newborn to 12 years old. Cortni is looking forward to making a difference in children’s lives. In her free time she loves to watch movies, go thrifting, painting and visiting new places!

Abby Steffen

Registered Behavior Technician

Abby has worked with children diagnosed with autism most of her teenage and adult career. She has experience in school settings, caretaker settings and camp settings with individuals ranging from ages 2 to 60. Abby is looking forward to seeing the growth her clients will make during her time working with them. She loves to spend her free time with family and working out!

Misty Thakker, BGS

Registered Behavior Technician

Misty graduated from Fort Hays State University with her Bachelor’s in General Studies with a concentration in early childhood education and a minor is psychology.  She is interested in pursing her BCaBA in the near future.  Misty has worked as an RBT for the past six years in a variety of settings. She has experience working in home/based community settings, public and private sectors, as well as a center.  Misty loves working with children and families.  Her favorite part of her job is watching children make progress over time while receiving ABA.  She enjoys watching a client generalize skills to a novel environment and develop language. One of the best parts of her job is the positive interactions with parents who are grateful for the services that are provided.  Misty can’t think of a better field to be in!

Alexander Tharp

Registered Behavior Technician

Alexander’s interest in working with children sparked when he worked within the welfare system. He has worked with children in multiple settings including home, community, school and legal. His experience ranges with those between the ages of newborn to 20 years old. Alexander is looking forward to working with clients and helping them learn skills they will use in real-world applications.

Amber Townsend

Intensive Individual Support Provider

Amber’s love for working with special needs started when she worked as a para in an Autism classroom.  She has worked with children ranging from the ages of 18 months to high school age children, mostly in a school setting. Within Autism Services of Kansas, Amber is looking forward to watching her clients grow and learn new things as well as celebrating their successes with them. In her free time she enjoys reading, being outdoors, camping and spending time with friends and family.

Ashlee West

Registered Behavior Technician

Ashlee was born and raised in Topeka after her family moved to the United States from Puerto Rico.  She grew up in a military family and is a CODA (child of deaf adult).  Ashlee is fluent in sign language, and is working towards becoming a certified American Sign Language Interpreter.  Her interest in working with children with autism stems from having a brother and son who are both on the autism spectrum.  Ashlee has experience working with children from 1-17 years old in schools and psychiatric facilities.  She is looking forward to helping families and children with autism.

Alexandra Wilson

Intensive Individual Support Provider

Alexandra was inspired to work with children with special needs when others she looked up to also worked with the special needs community. She has experience with clients ranging from ages 4 to 30 in home, camp and school settings. Alexandra is looking forward to making connections with her clients and helping them reach their goals. In her free time she enjoys reading.