Hello! My name is Kayla. I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavioral Specialist (LBS) who has worked in the field of behavioral and mental health for almost ten years. I began in this field as a therapeutic staff support (TSS) in the behavioral health rehabilitative services (BHRS) field and as I worked through college, I moved up in the field to a BCBA working in intensive behavioral health services (IBHS) in the home, school, and community settings. In addition, on the educational side, I have worked in regular education and special educations classrooms including autistic support, life skills and multiple disabilities classrooms.

      Most recently, I graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) focused in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorder. My undergraduate degrees consist of a dual Bachelors in Regular Education and Special Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania where I obtained certification to teach regular education grades K-4 and special education K-8. I also hold an Associates in Early Childhood Education from Westmoreland County Community College.

      Throughout the years I have worked with children ranging in ages from 2-21 years old along with their families – parents, caregivers, siblings, extended family members, and more, with the goal of treating the behavioral concerns, skill deficits, and functionality of the individual and family as a whole. I have experience working with individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, mental health disorders, and behavioral health disorders including but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiance Disorders (ODD), Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), mild Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, depression, trauma, and attachment disorders. I have had exposure to many individuals also battling significant medical diagnosis that have added to the additional stress of building and learning new skills. I have also worked alongside other mental health professionals including counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists in order to help individuals reach their personal goals.

      My primary approach to services is applied behavior analysis. However, I am a believer in treating the whole person and sometimes that includes other modalities including play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness.

     I like to spend my free time playing with my son and going on dates with my husband. I am an avid animal lover who has three dogs and six cats, and I will help any animal in need. I love comfort food, ice cream, and massages. I also think behavior change is one of the coolest endeavors! I can’t wait to work with you!