Our BCBA Team

Michelle Culley

RBT & BCBA Candidate

Michelle graduated from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s in Therapeutic Recreation in 2017. Through her education, she worked alongside individuals with mild to severe intellectual and developmental disabilities with an emphasis in camp, community and school settings. Michelle moved to Utah in 2018, where she continued providing inclusive recreational opportunities as a CTRS until she joined the ABA team in 2020. Michelle loves the creative challenge of teaching concepts through client specific interests and always seeks to incorporate back into play. She is currently pursuing her master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis through the University of Scranton, and when she’s not working or in school, you can find her outside.

Katie Gottas

RBT & BCBA Candidate

Katie started working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis in 2020. Katie started as an RBT and very quickly fell in love with the kids and the work. After 6 months of working for ABA, she knew she wanted this to be her career. She is on her journey to become a BCBA. Katie is currently in her Masters Degree program at the University of Utah. Katie loves that her clients teach her something new every day, to her the clients are the true teachers. When she is not working, you can find her traveling with her husband and dog, rock climbing and teaching/practicing yoga.

Alexus Leyva

RBT & BCBA Candidate

Alexus Leyva joined the Advanced Behavior Analysis team in 2018, and has experience working with children ranging from 3-11 years old. Alexus earned her Bachelors of Psychology from the University of Utah, and her Masters of Education from Arizona State University. Alexus has been an RBT for over 2 years and within the past year has transitioned into the Jr. Consultant role within ABA . She is passionate about the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and she credits all of the amazing children she’s come across for her growing love for this field. Outside of work, Alexus enjoys spending time with her daughter and being outdoors! She looks forward to helping each kiddo grow into the amazing individual they were destined to be!

Callissa Candalot

RBT & BCBA Candidate

Callissa has worked in the field of ABA since May of 2020. The best part of her job is making personal connections with the client and watching them achieve their goals. Callissa received her AA in Psychology while at Long Beach City College (LBCC) and her Bachelors degree from Utah State University (USU) in Health Science with a minor in Behavioral Health. At LBCC Callissa played indoor and beach volleyball as well as threw javelin. She then went on to throw javelin for the track and field team at USU. Callissa is currently working towards her Masters of Special Education from Arizona State University and plans to become a BCBA. In her free timeline she enjoying working out, playing volleyball/sports, being with the people (and pups) she loves, baking and going on adventures.

Sara Phillips

RBT & BCBA Candidate

Sara moved to Utah in April 2022 from Maine, though she is originally from Vermont. She attended the University of Vermont and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2015. She then moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where she worked in trauma research at the Medical University of South Carolina. Upon moving back home to Vermont, Sara started working as a Behavior Technician and started a graduate program in Behavior Analysis. She finished her Master’s program at Florida Institute of Technology in September 2022, and she looks forward to finishing her supervised fieldwork hours at ABA. Sara has always had a large appreciation for helping individuals with disabilities, which runs in her family. Her grandmother, mother, and father all worked in special education and later became special education administrators. They have been largely involved in curriculum development in the state of Vermont. Sara is the youngest of five siblings, and all but one sister live on the east coast. Sara enjoys hiking, hot yoga, weight training, hanging out with her dog, Jupiter, and film photography.

Emmanuel Azike

RBT & BCBA Candidate

Emmanuel received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management in 2013 from Westminster College, his Master’s degree in Industrial & Organizational Psychology from Toro University, and is currently working toward becoming a BCBA. Emmanuel has worked in the ABA field since 2018 and is highly interested in Social Skills, teaching new team members, and Organizational Behavior Management – the study and application of ABA at an organizational level. Some of Emmanuel’s favorite pass-times are hiking, camping, and seeing movies and shows, and spending time with his Pomsky pup, Luci.

Frequently Ask Questions

What is ABA therapy?

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the science in which the principles of behavior are applied systematically to improve socially significant behavior and experimentation is used to identify the variables responsible for behavior change” (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007). In simpler terms, ABA is the science of altering the environment and applying strategies to reduce challenging behaviors while increasing adaptive behaviors. We believe that each individual should be part of the planning process for their engagement in ABA therapy. ABA therapy targets social skills (in a neurodiversity affirming way), communication, daily living skills and more by applying evidence-based methods to improve a child’s ability to interact with their natural environment. We focus on the use of intrinsic motivation to work with the child while promoting a safe and controlled environment, giving them the best chance at success. Our approach is completely individualized for each child. We seek to understand the function (or the reason) behind each behavior with the knowledge that behavior is communication. We attempt to listen to this communication by implementing evidence-based interventions while keeping a neurodiversity-affirming approach in mind each step of the way.

What does the current wait list look like?

The waiting list for Advanced Behavior Analysis changes frequently depending on staff availability. To get our most current availability and wait list information, please email our billing manager at Tara@Advancedbehavioranalysis.com.

How does scheduling work?

Advanced Behavior Analysis schedules ABA sessions into 3-time blocks. Block 1 includes 8/9am-Noon, Block 2 includes Noon-3pm and Block 3 includes 3-6pm. We have adopted this scheduling system as it allows the technicians to have consistent schedules. This helps us with retention and organization. Individual scheduling needs are handled by our scheduling department.

What is the process for getting started with ABA therapy?

Once insurance authorization for beginning the assessment process has been received by our billing team, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will be assigned to the case. During the first meeting, the BCBA will get to know the family, the concerns of the family, get to know the child, observe the child and use assessment tools to determine what strengths the child already possesses and what skills can be worked on to further grow the existing strengths. Each company uses different assessment tools; we use the ABLLS, Vineland III, VB-MAPP and AFLS assessments. While we may not use all assessments, the BCBA will determine which assessments are appropriate for the child based on the information given from the parent. After assessments are completed, the BCBA will create an individualized treatment plan that is reviewed by a regional manager to ensure the plan follows neurodiversity affirming practice in line with our values. Once the treatment plan is approved by the parent, the treatment plan will be submitted to insurance for approval. After approval, a team will be created and assigned and services can begin.

Working Together With You

Let us help your child discover the many possibilities that await them!

What Our Clients Say About Us

Elizabeth Walsh

2022-10-05

Advanced Behavioral Analysis is a wonderful organization. Nicole our BCBA has matched by son Brandon (6) with the best ABA technicians. Nicole has been a great support to our family and Brandon has progressed so much under their care. I highly recommend this organization they really do care about their clients.

Andrea Bruerton

2022-08-12

My son Collin (4) was paired up with an AMAZING team. Our BCBA is Jillian and our RBT is Camille. Collin calls them his Jillie and Milk. They have truly been amazing. When we started this journey Collin maybe said 10 words functionally. He is now talking in 3 to 4 word sentences. He can identify emotions in others and is learning how to express his wants, needs, and feelings. He is learning how to play with others and so, so much more. They disguise everything as fun games or activities. Even my 2 older daughters want to join in. Collin received a diagnosis of ASD when he was 2yr old. Our Pediatrician really stressed the importance of ABA therapy. To be honest I was very reluctant as I have heard mixed reviews. After calling about 10 different companies to get information about their programs I found ABA. I was looking for someone that would work with me on how many hours a week he would be required to do. Most places I talked with wanted a minimum of 20 hours a week. At 3yrs old that is to much in my opinion. I also wanted in home and clinic sessions. I want to be involved. They have been willing to work with me on all of the above and so much more. Jillian and Camille are phenomenal at what they do. They truly care and love my little boy. I could not ask for a better team. He looks forward to going to the Clinic (Milks House) and them coming to our home. I can honestly say that I whole heartily trust them and feel so lucky that they are in our lives.

Jerome Braga

2021-05-19

We have had and continue to have such a great experience with the whole team at Advanced Behavior Analysis. From the office team, to Leads, to BCBA's and Jr Consultants, everyone seems to genuinely care about the great work they are doing. We have been working with them for about six months now and are very pleased with our progress together. Everyone truly believes in our unified mission. Thank you for always taking time out to answer my questions and help keep us moving forward. We Highly Recommend.

Tara Wackerly

2020-08-06

I love working at Advanced Behavior Analysis. I have worked at 2 other ABA companies and this one has the best interest for clients and staff by far. I feel respected and heard by the entire team!

Jordan & Heather Callister

2020-07-16

They have been so helpful with our son. We appreciate them working with him!

Annie Leon

2020-05-19

I am an employee at ABA and have been extremely proud to see this business grow. I have been at ABA for almost 5 years. ABA has truly been a wonderful company to work for. Supportive teams, passionate and professional employees. All knowledgeable in their fields and take the time to consider each individual. A great company to work for if you want to make a difference in a child life.