THE EXPERTS

LINDSEY HOLTSMAN

CEO OF EMERGENT LEARNING CENTER
SENIOR BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Lindsey has her degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri - Columbia, and has over 8 years of experience working in the field of behavior analysis.  Lindsey is known throughout the world as the co-creator/designer of such innovative projects as TelePEAK, the PEAK Youtube Channel, and Mindful-U.  Lindsey is PEAK Level 2 Certified.

TAYLOR LAUER

DIRECTOR OF EMERGENT LEARNING: O'FALLON
LICENSED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Taylor completed her BCBA at Missouri State University. Taylor has 3 years of research experience in many areas-- including language and cognition, PEAK, verbal behavior and neurological research with autism.

KATHY ROUSTIO

DIRECTOR OF EMERGENT LEARNING: EDWARDSVILLE
LICENSED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Kathy has 30 years of teaching experience and a master’s degree in education. She is a level 2 Certified Peak Implementer and currently working on her BCBA certification.

LINDSEY SCHNEIDER

DIRECTOR OF EMERGENT LEARNING: SPRINGFIELD 
LICENSED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Lindsey completed her master’s degree at Missouri State University and is a licensed BCBA in the state of Missouri. Lindsey has over 5 years of experience in the field of ABA—including working with children, adolescents, and adults with developmental disabilities in a variety of settings.

CALLIE GILSENAN

DIRECTOR OF EMERGENT LEARNING: CHICAGOLAND
LICENSED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Callie graduated from Southern Illinois University with a master's degree in Behavior Analysis. Callie has 4 years of experience with PEAK, 2.5 years of experience with the AIM Curriculum, and have worked with a variety of people and in various settings.

LINDSEY DENNIS

DIRECTOR OF EMERGENT LEARNING: TROY
LICENSED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Lindsey has 2 years of research experience in several areas including PEAK, automated discrete trial training delivery, and cultural issues such as racial discrimination.

SCOTT SANDERS

LICENSED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Scott received a Master’s of Science in Behavior Analysis and Rehabilitation from SIUC in 2004. He has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2005, and has worked as a clinician, supervisor, and coordinator of behavioral services for community provider agencies and school systems. Scott is excited to bring his passion for RFT, ACT, PEAK, and AIM to the Emergent Learning.

KELSEY GALLION

LICENSED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Kelsey completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri in Psychology. She received her masters in Applied Behavior Analysis through Florida Institute of Technology. Kelsey has 6 years of experience in ABA and is PEAK Level 2 certified.

ELYSIA SCHLAG

LICENSED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Elysia completed her master's degree from Capella University in psychology with a specialization in ABA. She became a BCBA in 2021 and has 5 years of experience in the field of ABA. She has 3 years of experience working in the school setting and 2 years of experience working in a clinical setting.

AMY VERNAGALLO

BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

Amy earned both her master's degree in Educational Psychology and Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology from Loyola University in Chicago. She completed her Behavior Analysis coursework through Southern Illinois University and became board certified in 2018. She has worked for the past 15 years as a School Psychologist in the public school system and served the past 5 years as a Behavior Specialist/Consultant that supports school systems, staff, and parents effectively program supports across a wide range of need. Amy has extensive experience working with individuals aged preschool through adult transition. She has led programmatic implementation of the AIM curriculum across elementary and middle school classrooms and is Level 2 PEAK certified.

LAURA GARRETT

SSP / NCSP
LICENSED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Laura is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist with ten years of experience in the public and school setting. Additionally, she has worked in a consultative role to support staff and parents to coordinate research based treatments for individuals. Laura is also level 1 certified in PEAK.

LISA FIELD

LICENSED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Lisa has 15 years of experience working with students with disabilities. She started her career as a mild/moderate special day class teacher for 7 years before pursuing her BCBA and working in the non-public agency sector and as a behavior analyst. Lisa is committed to working with students and staff to teach functional communication and to increase a child's ability to learn skills beyond what has been previously taught.

HEATHER DERIJKE

AIM CONSULTANT

Heather  has years of experience as both a special education and general education classroom teacher in a variety of setting. Heather has utilized the AIM curriculum in a public school special education classroom, and serves as a consultant on AIM throughout the country.

THE SCIENTISTS

Designing Our Interventions

DR. MARK DIXON

LICENSED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Dr. Dixon is one of the highest published authors in the entire field of behavior analysis.  His work/expert opinions have been featured in Newsweek, Time, National Public Radio, and many other global media outlets.  

Mark is also the author of both the PEAK and AIM curriculums, and has worked with 100s of children with autism over the past twenty years.

DR. BECKY BARRON

EMERGENT LEARNING RESEARCH DIRECTOR
LICENSED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Dr. Barron has many years of experience working with children with autism and related disabilities and their families. She has also trained many university students and future practitioners in contemporary and best-practice ABA approaches. 

Dr. Barron has worked as a clinical director for an autism center and research clinic, and has published single subject and group design research on PEAK. She also has experience working with communities to ensure appropriate access to ABA intervention. 

DR. CALEB STANLEY

LICENSED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Dr. Caleb Stanley is an Assistant Professor at Utah Valley University. He obtained his masters and doctorate degrees in Behavior Analysis and Therapy at Southern Illinois University. Dr. Stanley expertise is in the application of contemporary behavior analytic interventions to facilitate the development of complex language and cognition. He has years of experience implementing PEAK and has published many peer reviewed articles.

DR. AUTUMN MCKEEL

LICENSED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Dr. McKeel is a Level 3 PEAK trainer, former professor, and owner of Emergent Learning DSM-Ankeny Clinic.

Autumn was one of the original researchers on PEAK, and her work is cited repeatedly throughout the scientific community.  She conducted the first Randomized Controlled Trial on PEAK, and subsequent work explored building complex language skills. 

DR. RUTH ANNE RHEFLDT

BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Dr. Rehfeldt is a world famous scholar of behavior analysis.  Her work with autism, language, and social development has been published in every single scientific journal in the field.

Ruth Anne is also the author of multiple books on human learning, autism, and behavioral science.  She has built and managed multiple autism centers and clinics over the past two decades.

DR. JORDAN BELISLE

BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Dr. Jordan Belisle is an Assistant Professor at Misouri State University and one of the most prolific authors on PEAK.  Jordan has authored or coauthored many of the peer-reviewed PEAK.

OUR STAFF

Where the Passion Begins

BRITTNEY CARR

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Brittney has her Master of Social Work from the Washington University in St. Louis. She has been practicing social work for several years, working with a range of diagnoses. She taught kids in early education, done therapy for adults with dementia, and been a case manager for older adults and adults with disabilities.

MEREDITH MATTHEWS

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Meredith recently earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and is a first-year graduate student at Missouri State University. She has been involved within the field of applied behavior analysis for two years researching into areas such as climate change, PEAK, autism, and social discounting.

SARA WILLIS

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Sara has her associates in Early Childhood Education. She taught at a Montessori school for four years prior to her extensive experience in ABA. Sara has been working in the ABA field since 2013 and has been an RBT since 2016.

SARAH ELFRINK

BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Sarah is currently in her last semester at Southeast Missouri State University studying Behavioral Counseling and is also pursuing her RBT. She has years of experience with children and is PEAK Level 2 Certified.

ALAYNA DUCHARME

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Alayna earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Fontbonne University in 2018. She has 2 years experience in psychology research. She plans to purse a Master's degree in adolescent clinical psychology

KATIE LOCKWOOD

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Katie has diverse experience with working with children of a variety of ages. She is passionate about the field and currently working on her degree from Harper College.

PAIGE RIMAR

BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Paige found her passion working with individuals with severe disabilities while employed as a paraprofessional. For three years, she helped administer PEAK’s ABA programs in the classroom. She provides respite care for families of students with severe disabilities over the summer. Currently, she is enrolled in the special education program at SIUE where she is seeking her Bachelor’s of Science in Special Education, Learning Behavior Specialist 1 Teaching Licensure, and Early Childhood Special Education letter of approval.

JAZZLYN HARRIS

BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Jazzlyn has her degree in Psychology from Missouri State University. She is actively pursuing her Masters in Psychology with an emphasis in ABA from Capella University. She is on track to become a BCBA as well. Jazzlyn has about a year of experience in the field of applied behavior analysis.

ASHTYN FREEMAN

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Ashtyn graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with her bachelors in psychology and my minor in criminal justice. Ashtyn plans to attend Arizona State University this upcoming fall (2021) to further her education and obtain my masters in forensic psychology.

ALLISON THOMPSON

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Allison earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2020. She is passionate about helping others and has experience working with children of a variety of ages.

LIBBY TRAVERS

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Libby is currently studying and taking courses to receive her Masters in Applied Behavior at Lindenwood University. After coursework is completed, she hopes to become a BCBA and work throughout the St. Louis area. Libby has an undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in Elementary Education and has spent the last three years teaching Second Grade.

NEELEY WIEHARDT

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Neeley has a degree is Psychology and Child Advocacy Studies. She has extensive experience with individuals of all ages.

KELSEY BROWN

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Kelsey is a Registered Behavior Technician from St. Louis and has been working with children for 10 years. She graduated in May 2020 from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Science with an emphasis in Lifespan Development. Kelsey is a current graduate student online at Ball State University pursuing her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and will graduate in December of this year. While she is pursuing her Master’s degree Kelsey is also working toward becoming a BCBA.

SHANNEN KINSEY

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Shannen attended school at Lewis and Clark Community College and Drexel University, taking coursework including psychology and early childhood education. Before starting work in the ABA field, Shannen spent 3 years as a preschool teacher.

SHELBY BLECHA

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Shelby has her degree in Psychology and is a first year master’s student in the Applied Behavior Analysis program at Missouri State University. She is currently involved in research within the field of ABA. Shelby is Level 1 PEAK and AIM certified.

LAUREN HUTCHISON

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Lauren recently earned an Honor’s Bachelor of Behavior Analysis degree from George Brown College in Toronto, Canada. She is currently completing her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Missouri State University. She has experience working with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Acquired Brain Injury. Following graduation, Lauren hopes to pursue BCBA certification.

ALYSON MARTINEZ

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Alyson earned her bachelors degree in Applied Psychology and a minor in Sociology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is dedicated to helping others and loves working with kids of all ages. Alyson also has worked in a clinical setting using PEAK and ABA.

KAYLEE LILEY

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Kaylee is currently working to obtain both her Bachelor’s in psychology as well as her Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis at Missouri State University. She is involved with research in the field pertaining to autism, PEAK, and AIM.

ELANA SICKMAN

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Elana is pursuing a masters in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has previously worked in an inpatient behavioral health center as a placement coordinator. Elana's current research experience has been in addressing discrimination using Relational Density Theory as well as the impacts of covid-19.

CLAIRE ZUCH

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Claire has her BA in Psychology and BS in Human Development and Family Science from the University of Nebraska. She is a first-year graduate student at Missouri State University pursuing her Master's degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Claire has worked in the field of developmental disabilities for three years and is currently involved in research within ABA.

NOAH FILLA

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Noah graduated from the University of Missouri - Columbia in May of 2020 with an emphasis on developmental psychology. Noah plans to further research in the field.

MORGAN SIMS

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Morgan completed her bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She is currently pursuing her online master's program for Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. Morgan has experience working with children of varying ages in residential behavioral health treatment.

LUC RAINWATER

BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Luc has a BA in BioPsychology with a minor in Sports Psychology. Luc has extensive experience with children of all ages.

KASIE MUNIE

BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Kasey is a special education teacher within a classroom that specializes in working with students with Autism. She has experience with PEAK and AIM within her classroom. She is working to complete her Masters in ABA at Ball State University and earn her BCBA certification.

CHRISTINE BRASELMAN

BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Christine received her Associates in Art from St. Louis Community College. She is now attending the University of St. Louis - Missouri for her BA in Psychology. Christine has years of experience with children of all age groups.

JENNA HUSKEY

BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Jenna is a senior at Missouri State University and will be graduating May 2022 with her Bachelors of Science in Psychology. She is involved in Psychology Club as an officer and a researcher in the BEAR Lab at MSU. She is hoping to start working on getting her Master's in ABA. Jenna is very passionate about helping others!

KRISTINA HOAG

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Kristina is enrolled in the accelerated masters program at Missouri State University. She is currently getting her undergraduate degree in Psychology along with her masters in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Following graduation, Kristina hopes to pursue BCBA certification.

KATELYN ABT

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Katelyn completed her undergraduate degree in psychology in 2017 from the University of Evansville. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis at Lindenwood University. Katelyn plans to sit for her BCBA exam in spring 2023.

JAIME CUMMINS

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Jamie completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Greenville University, and her master's degree in Special Education including an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. Additinoally, Jamie has a graduate level certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She has spent five years working with individuals with developmental disabilities in a variety of settings. Jamie is currently accruing supervision to sit for the BCBA credential in the future.

ALEXUS VENEGAS

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Alexus attended the University of Illinois-Springfield with her bachelor's degree in psychology. She has worked with children on the spectrum along with other developmental conditions in the field of ABA for the past two years. In the future, she plans on pursuing a doctorate degree in forensic psychology, working with teens and young adults exposed to crime and traumatic events

CASIE ANDERSON

BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Casie has her Associate of Arts from Mineral Area College. She has seven years of professional experience in special education as a paraprofessional specializing with those on the autism spectrum. Within the classroom setting, Casie has experience working with PEAK and AIM.

KRISTEN EAST

BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Kristen is a special education teacher with over 15 years experience serving students ages 5-21. She received her undergraduate degree from Boston University and her master’s in Special Education from Wheelock College also located in Boston, MA. She has experience with PEAK and AIM within her own classroom.

MADISON KENNEDY

BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Madison will be graduating with her Bachelor of Science, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Biology, from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville in Spring 2022. Madison plans to spend time after graduation continuing to gain valuable, hands-on experience at Emergent Learning Center, before applying to Clinical Psychology graduate programs to further her education.

LUCAS BARRETT

BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Lucas graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with his Bachelors and Master's in Sociology. Lucas has six years working with youth in school settings and enjoys learning what each individual is wanting to accomplish.

BECKY COOK

BEHAVIOR TECHNICAN

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KATELYN FRAHM

BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Katelyn is a junior at Missouri State University and will be graduating in May of 2023 with her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. She has been involved in the Psychology Department as an undergraduate learning assistant and conducting research on self-compassion. She is hoping to get her Master's in Clinical Psychology with the overall goal being to work with children.

LAUREN TALI

BEHAVIOR TECHNICAN

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STEPHANIE VICKROY

BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Stephanie is currently a student at Missouri State University. She is completing her bachelor's in Psychology with a minor in Diversity Studies. Stephanie yields a focus on childhood psychology and has had experience working with children of different ages.

LEXI GROTE

BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Lexi is a current student at Southeast Missouri State University majoring in Special Education. She will be graduating this May with certifications in Elementary and Cross Categorical Special Education. She has worked with students of all ages and will be teaching in Granite City this upcoming school year.

MEGHAN FOX

BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Meghan will be graduating from St. Louis University this spring with her Bachelor’s of Occupational Science. After graduation, she will continue studying at SLU to earn a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. She is passionate about her field of study and enjoys helping others. Meghan loves working with children and has experience with kids of all ages.

ALEXIE ROSE

BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Alexie is an undergraduate psychology student at SIUE working towards her PhD in Developmental Psychology and is also pursuing her RBT. She has experience working with children of all ages.

SARAH LINDEMANN

REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Sarah received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and is completing her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Utah Valley University. She has been an RBT since 2016 and is working towards becoming a BCBA. In addition to working in clinical and educational settings, Sarah is involved in research within the field of ABA.

LISA SCHIPPERS

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
SENIOR BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Lisa is an ASHA (American Speech - Language - Hearing Association) certified and Missouri State licensed Speech Language Pathologist who has worked in the field of ABA in various settings since 2008. 

She is also a Level 2 Certified PEAK Implementer and currently working on her BCBA certification.

STEPHANIE CRONIN

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN

Stephanie is an ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) certified and Missouri State licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. She earned her Master’s degree at Missouri State University, and has 4 years of experience working with a vast variety of communication disorders.

PAM SPARKS

OFFICE AND BILLING ADMINISTRATOR

Pam has her degree in Marketing Management and has been working in healthcare for over 15 years. Pam graduated from an accredited AHIMA program for billing and coding.  Pam has been an AHIMA member since 2018 and a credentialed medical coder.

JENNIFER MOORE

SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Jennifer earned her BA in Psychology from UMSL and has 20 years of experience with children and families in therapeutic and educational settings. She started with Emergent STL as one of our first Behavior Technicians and is now a member of our administrative team.

TIFFANY WEILAND

INSURANCE SPECIALIST

Tiffany has over 8 years of healthcare insurance experience along with billing and coding. Tiffany verifies all client benefits and assists in client intake processes.

HEATHER PROCTOR

BILLING AND CREDENTIALING SPECIALIST

Heather is an insurance specialist with over a decade of experience in the healthcare industry. She completed her bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration in 2020. Heather is currently working towards her master's in Health Administration.

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