Clinical Services

Dr. Myers has been the Clinical Director since January 2013. He earned his master’s and Ph.D. degrees from Utah State University in 1978 and 1981, respectively. He worked at Murdoch Developmental Center in Butner, NC, as Psychologist, Director of Psychology, Director of Professional Services, Director of Programming, and for the last eight years of his career there, as Facility Director. While there, he oversaw the development of the specialized programs PATH, BART, STARS, and TRACK, which have effectively served many individuals with development disabilities (including autism) and severe behavioral challenges. After retiring from state employment, Dr. Myers was most pleased to join ASNC. As the only recipient of both the TEACCH Award and the Fred Keller Award for Excellence in Behavior Analysis, Aleck is well-suited to lead our Clinical Program. amyers@autismsociety-nc.org

In her current role at ASNC, Louise provides direct consultation to families and professionals, and she delivers presentations, workshops and ongoing coaching to school systems, service providers, families and other stakeholder groups. Louise has been privileged to work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) since 1998. She has extensive experience implementing and overseeing programs that emphasize the integration of evidence-based practices in intervention for children and adolescents with ASD. Louise also served as the content director for the National Institutes of Health-funded JobTIPS project, a web-based resource for adolescents and adults with ASD and other learning differences who struggle to obtain and maintain competitive employment. Louise has worked as a special education teacher in general and self-contained contexts. She received her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction at North Carolina State University (NCSU), with a concentration in Special Education.  Areas of focus include equity in education and behavioral intervention, culturally responsive service provision, and scaling up the implementation of evidence-based practices across schools and systems. lsouthern@autismsociety-nc.org

Whitney has been a member of the ASNC Clinical team since 2014. She is a behavior analyst and licensed psychological associate, with a master’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from UNC Wilmington. She completed a clinical internship and did post-graduate work at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD, gaining experience in the treatment of pediatric feeding disorders, severe problem behavior, and parent training. Whitney has worked with children and adults with autism across a wide range of settings, including 1:1 in-home therapy, 1:1 therapy in a clinic setting, and school consultation. Currently, Whitney helps to coordinate the LifeLong Interventions program across the state, in addition to providing clinical services in a variety of capacities. wluffman@autismsociety-nc.org

Matt has been part of the ASNC Clinical team since  2014. Matt began his work with people with autism in 2008 with ASNC’s Camp Mountain Adventure, which gave him a passion for working with people with ASD. Matt is happy to be back in the mountains of North Carolina and at the Autism Society. He earned his master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from UNC-Wilmington in 2013. Following school, Matt gained experience working across the age range in a variety of settings, including early intervention in homes and clinics, developmental centers, schools, homes, and the community. He has a background in assisting with challenging behaviors and skill development. In his current role at ASNC, Matt provides behavioral consultation and oversees ASNC’s LifeLong Interventions program in the Asheville region.

Hannah began working in the field in 2009 while working at a summer camp designed for persons with Autism. In 2015, she graduated with her Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from Spalding University. Throughout her studies, she gained experience working in a verbal behavior-based center for children with autism, a psychiatric hospital, and home-based services. Upon graduation, Hannah received her BCBA and began working for St. Gerard House. Her role there was to oversee the clinical decisions in the early intervention center, design behavior reduction and skill acquisition programs, and conduct parent and staff training. Hannah is excited to be a part of the ASNC team and to provide LifeLong Interventions in Asheville.

Alana is a Behavior Analyst with a Masters of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Special Education from UNC Charlotte. She gained her passion for autism when she began working with children in college in 2003. After graduation, she taught in a self-contained classroom for students with autism for five years in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School district prior to accepting a position working for their central office on the autism team in 2012. In this role, she supported students with autism ages 4-22 in all educational settings with varying ranges of abilities and functioning in 82 schools. In 2013, Alana began her coursework at Florida Institute of Technology in Behavior Analysis and was certified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2016. She began consulting as a BCBA in August 2016; her responsibilities included conducting assessments and writing and implementing treatment plans for skill acquisition and reduction of maladaptive behaviors. Alana joined the ASNC Clinical team in 2017, providing LifeLong Intervention services in the Charlotte area; now she has moved to the Asheville area.

Jessica has worked with individuals with autism since 2008, beginning her journey as a direct support staff working in an early-intervention program in Fredericksburg, Virginia. In 2013, she received Board Certification as an Assistant Behavior Analyst and continued to work with individuals across a range of ages in multiple settings including home, clinic, and school. As an Assistant Behavior Analyst, Jessica gained experience conducting assessments, developing treatment programs, supervising and training behavior technicians, and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure consistency across providers. After moving to the Asheville area in 2015, Jessica joined ASNC as a qualified professional. In this role, Jessica supervised service provision for adolescents and adults on the spectrum. Additionally, Jessica assisted the Asheville clinical team with behavioral consultation to include development, implementation, and monitoring of behavior support plans for individuals receiving community-based services. Jessica received her Master’s in Professional Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2020 and shortly thereafter earned her BCBA. Jessica is excited to continue her journey with ASNC and is honored to join the Lifelong Interventions Program in Asheville.

Crystal is a Behavior Analyst with a Master of Arts in Teaching, with a concentration in Special Education from the University of West Florida. Crystal has always had a passion for working with children, which began in her high school teacher preparation classes and continued through her 12 years of classroom teaching. In 2014, Crystal began her coursework at the University of West Florida in Special Education and was certified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in November 2016. During the time she was working toward her graduate degree, Crystal gained experience as a behavior interventionist working with children and adults. Upon certification, Crystal began working to provide crisis support to families and schools within the context of an ABA framework; her responsibilities included conducting assessments and writing and implementing treatment plans for skill acquisition and reduction of problem behaviors behavior. Crystal joined the ASNC Clinical team in December 2019 and provides LifeLong Intervention services in the Charlotte area.

Deb Leach has served families as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst since 2005. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Special Education at the University of Florida and earned her Ed.D. in Special Education at Florida Atlantic University. She has served as an early intervention provider, special education teacher, general education teacher, inclusion specialist, Associate Director of the Florida Atlantic University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, and most recently, served as a Professor of Special Education at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. Deb has a strong history of consulting with school districts to support IEP teams with meeting the needs of students with ASD.  She is the author of numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and the books: Bringing ABA into Your Inclusive Classroom, Bringing ABA to Home, School, and Play for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Disabilities, and Behavioral Support for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Practical Help for 10 Common Challenges.

Shiquita began working with people with intellectual/developmental disabilities in 2007 as a service coordinator. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Winthrop University and later received her M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Francis Marion University in 2011. Shortly after graduating, Shiquita accepted a position as a Staff Psychologist at Murdoch Developmental Center. There she gained experience in writing and monitoring behavior support plans using Applied Behavior Analysis. While at Murdoch, Shiquita worked in multiple cottages, serving individuals diagnosed with varying degrees of intellectual/developmental disabilities and problem behaviors. Her final assignment included responsibilities as psychologist for the specialized programs BART and BART Next Step, which served adult males with intellectual/ developmental disabilities, co-occurring mental health diagnoses, and severe behavioral challenges. Shiquita also provided services throughout all of Statewide Programs at Murdoch as the Special Therapies Coordinator. In her current role with ASNC, Shiquita provides clinical consultation in the Triad, Fayetteville, and Triangle regions.

Shiquita began working with people with intellectual/developmental disabilities in 2007 as a service coordinator. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Winthrop University and later received her M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Francis Marion University in 2011. Shortly after graduating, Shiquita accepted a position as a Staff Psychologist at Murdoch Developmental Center. There she gained experience in writing and monitoring behavior support plans using Applied Behavior Analysis. While at Murdoch, Shiquita worked in multiple cottages, serving individuals diagnosed with varying degrees of intellectual/developmental disabilities and problem behaviors. Her final assignment included responsibilities as psychologist for the specialized programs BART and BART Next Step, which served adult males with intellectual/ developmental disabilities, co-occurring mental health diagnoses, and severe behavioral challenges. Shiquita also provided services throughout all of Statewide Programs at Murdoch as the Special Therapies Coordinator. In her current role with ASNC, Shiquita provides clinical consultation in the Triad, Fayetteville, and Triangle regions.

Jim began his career in the field of developmental disabilities in 1975 while completing his B.A. in Psychology at SUNY Binghamton. He earned his Ph.D. from West Virginia University in 1984. Jim has worked as psychologist at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center in Morganton, NC, and then as Director of Psychology Services at Murdoch Developmental Center. During his career, Jim established and served the North Carolina Association for Behavior Analysis (NCABA) and co-authored several publications on staff training and management, teaching adaptive skills, and reducing interfering behavior in individuals diagnosed with intellectual disability. Upon his retirement from the state of North Carolina in 2013, he expanded his work in the field of autism and behavior analysis, adding his professional skills to ASNC’s Clinical Department.

Jim began his career in the field of developmental disabilities in 1975 while completing his B.A. in Psychology at SUNY Binghamton. He earned his Ph.D. from West Virginia University in 1984. Jim has worked as psychologist at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center in Morganton, NC, and then as Director of Psychology Services at Murdoch Developmental Center. During his career, Jim established and served the North Carolina Association for Behavior Analysis (NCABA) and co-authored several publications on staff training and management, teaching adaptive skills, and reducing interfering behavior in individuals diagnosed with intellectual disability. Upon his retirement from the state of North Carolina in 2013, he expanded his work in the field of autism and behavior analysis, adding his professional skills to ASNC’s Clinical Department.

Jessica began working with people Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental disabilities in 1995 as direct support staff. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University at Albany and later received her M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology from Louisiana State University with a concentration in autism and developmental disabilities. While in graduate school, Jessica focused her research on challenging behaviors, autism symptoms in adults, and early identification of autism in toddlers. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, with rotations focused on severe behavioral challenges and feeding disorders. Prior to ASNC, Jessica spent four years at Murdoch Developmental Center as psychologist for the specialized programs STARS and BART, which served individuals with developmental disabilities, co-occurring mental health diagnoses, and severe behavioral challenges.

Tanya has been a Psychological Associate for ASNC since 2011. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from NC Central University. Tanya began her career at Murdoch Developmental Center, where she gained experience in writing and monitoring behavior intervention plans using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. Over the past 25 years, she has worked for a variety of agencies including Shigley Family Psychological Services, Autism Services, Inc., and the TEACCH Program. In these settings, she provided psychological consultation to group homes for adults with autism, conducted assessments of young children with developmental disabilities, led structured teaching sessions for families with children or adults with autism, and consulted to classrooms serving students with autism. Tanya currently works for ASNC and the TEACCH Program Carolina Living and Learning Center (CLLC). She especially enjoys working directly with individuals with autism and collaborating with their families.

Erica graduated from Salem College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and earned her Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Columbia University, Teachers College. Erica began her career at the Mariposa School for Children with Autism where she served as both an instructor and a Program Coordinator for social skills programs and afterschool one-on-one programs that used the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. She also developed a track-out program for students with autism and other developmental delays. While pursuing her master’s, Erica worked full-time in a self-contained preschool classroom and an inclusion first-grade classroom that employed behavior analytic principles. In 2013, Erica began working at the Carolina Center for ABA and Autism Treatment as a consultant and later as the Director of Training and Staff Development. During this time, Erica worked with graduate students seeking the BCBA credential. In 2016, Erica joined the Autism Society of North Carolina. As a part of her role, Erica leads several LLI cases and assists in the design and implementation of training initiatives and onboarding for the department’s Registered Behavior Technicians.

Melissa has been with ASNC since 2015. She earned her B.A. in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Upon graduation, she worked as the coordinator of a group home for adults with autism. She gained experience in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis by providing one-on-one therapy as a senior instructor at the Mariposa School for Children with Autism. She then worked in an autism classroom at Wake County Public Schools before joining ASNC’s LifeLong Interventions program as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). In this position, she provided intensive in-home behavioral therapy for both adults and children with autism and assisted in training incoming RBTs. In 2016, she presented a poster at the NC Association for Applied Behavior Analysis conference that analyzed treatment efficacy for adults on the spectrum and was awarded for having the Best Professional Level poster. Melissa accepted the role of Clinical Intake Coordinator in January 2017 and is excited to assist and connect with families seeking clinical services.

Maggie joined the ASNC Clinical team in 2017 and has worked with individuals with autism since 2008. She received her master’s in Human Services Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 2013. While pursuing her master’s, she worked at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, MD, in the Pediatric Feeding Disorders Unit, where she gained valuable experience in the assessment and treatment of problem behavior, as well as parent training. Maggie is passionate about creating evidence-based programming that improves the lives of individuals with ASD and their families and is honored to provide LifeLong Interventions in the Triangle region.

Alyssa joined the ASNC LifeLong Interventions team in 2016 as a Registered Behavior Technician and became a Clinical Professional in 2017 after obtaining certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Alyssa earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Developmental Psychology from Framingham State University and completed her Master of Education degree in Foundations in Behavior Analysis from the University of Cincinnati. Alyssa has worked with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities since 2011 across residential, classroom, clinic, and in-home settings. She also has experience working as a special education teacher for Johnston County Schools and as a developmental therapist for Cornerstone Family Services, teaching communication, skill acquisition, and behavior reduction goals to children ages birth through three with developmental delays. Alyssa is passionate about working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families, and she is excited to be part of ASNC’s LifeLong Interventions program in the Triangle.

Lindsay graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a B.A. in Psychology in 2013 and earned her M.A. in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from UNCW in 2017. During her time as an undergraduate, she was exposed to the field of behavior analysis while conducting research focusing on the treatment of pediatric feeding disorders. Her graduate research focused on increasing physical activity in children. She joined the ASNC team as a Clinical Intern in 2017 and became a Clinical Professional in 2018 after becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Through all of these opportunities, she gained experience in assessment and treatment, writing behavior plans, parent training, and data collection/analysis. She is passionate about working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and is thrilled to be a part of the ASNC team.

Lesley joined the Clinical Department in  2018 but has been working for the Autism Society of North Carolina at Camp Royall since 2006, most recently as the Program Director. Lesley is honored to have worked closely with so many campers and families through her years at Camp Royall, in an environment that prioritizes fun while allowing campers to grow and providing families with much needed respite. Lesley is from Scotland and moved to America to work full-time at Camp Royall in 2010. Lesley obtained her certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2015. She received her master’s degree in Social Work and Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Edinburgh. Lesley has worked with individuals on the spectrum of all ages since 2004, in residential, recreation, home, and classroom settings. Lesley is passionate about supporting individuals with autism and their families to lead full and fulfilling lives.

Merlin began her work with individuals with developmental disabilities in 2011 at a small private school in St. Petersburg, Fla. There, she served as an instructor while working toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. After graduating from the University of South Florida in 2015 with a degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, she became the clinical supervisor at a new campus, focusing on increasing independent living skills with teenagers. In addition to her five years working in private schools, she has worked as a consultant with individuals from 2 to 19 years of age with a variety of diagnoses and medical needs. Merlin moved to Raleigh in 2018 to join the team at ASNC. She is passionate about parent training, supervision, and working with culturally diverse families.

Anne has been working with individuals with special needs since 1999, first as a direct care provider and later as a supervisor. She completed her clinical internship at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center and earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis at UNC Wilmington in 2007. After completing her graduate training, Anne worked as a Behavior Analyst for The May Institute’s Southeast Regional Autism Center in Georgia before returning to North Carolina in 2009 to establish the May Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Jacksonville, NC. In her role as Clinical Director at the May Center, she established a relationship with local supports at Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point; assisted in marketing and grant writing; conducted assessments and developed treatment plans and behavior plans; provided trainings to families and community supports; recruited, hired, and trained new staff; supervised interns and direct support staff; oversaw scheduling, productivity, and insurance authorizations; and provided direct in-home therapy to children diagnosed with autism whose families were stationed at Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point.  In 2014, she moved to Baltimore, Maryland and worked as an ABA Program Supervisor at The Shafer Center, a non-public school for children with autism. Anne joined the ASCN Clinical team in 2020 and is so excited to be back in North Carolina providing services to children, adults, and families in the Triangle region.

Anna joined the ASNC Clinical team in 2021. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Appalachian State University and earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from UNC Wilmington. Anna completed a clinical internship and post-graduate work at the Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health in Wilmington. During this time, she gained experience in the areas of severe challenging behavior and pediatric feeding disorders. Additionally, Anna provided consultative services to increase self-management of daily activities including medical, nighttime, and toileting routines. Anna conducted assessments, developed behavioral interventions, provided caregiver training, and consulted with local medical professionals to improve the experience of medical appointments for patients with autism. She also has experience providing in-home ABA therapy to individuals from 3 to 20 years of age. Anna is so excited to collaborate with people with autism and their families as part of the ASNC team!

Ryan earned her MA in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. She provided outpatient mental health services for three years before being introduced to Behavior Analysis. Ryan quickly fell with love with Behavior Analysis and desired to become competent in the science. Ryan completed her Behavior Analysis training through Florida Institute of Technology and earned her BCBA in 2015. Ryan has experience working with people of all ages and diagnoses, in multiple settings (1:1, in-home, and clinic-based), creating and implementing plans for skill acquisition and problem behavior reduction, and training families and staff. Ryan is excited to join the ASNC community and be a part of developing clinical services in the Wilmington area.

Rachel has been working with children with special needs since the year 2000 in both a direct therapeutic and supervisory capacity. She completed her master’s degree at UNC Wilmington in Clinical Psychology with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in 2010. Since completing her graduate training, Rachel worked as a lead Behavior Analyst for the May Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Jacksonville, NC, providing in-home ABA therapy including assessment, treatment planning, behavior support plans, data analysis, parent training, direct therapy, and supervision and training of Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). In 2014, Rachel took on the role of Program Director for the May Center; her duties included managing and planning the office budget, overseeing staff scheduling and productivity, managing insurance authorizations, and coordinating the hiring and training of staff. Rachel joined the ASNC Clinical team in 2017 and is very excited to help lead clinical services in the Wilmington area.

Amanda began working with individuals with autism in 2005 as a 1:1 behavior analytic support staff in public schools. She was later hired to work at the New England Center for Children (NECC) in Southborough, Mass., where she served for five years as an Education Coordinator within the intensive day program. While working at NECC, Amanda pursued her master’s degree in special education from Simmons College in Boston and obtained her teaching license. In 2010, she transitioned back to public schools, as the lead teacher in a classroom based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. After relocating to North Carolina, Amanda worked as a registered behavior technician (RBT) at F.A.I.T.H. ABA Consultation and Therapy in Jacksonville.  She completed her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) coursework through the Florida Institute of Technology, and joined the Autism Society of North Carolina as a BCBA in 2018. Amanda is excited to join the ASNC team and serve individuals in the Wilmington area.

Lea earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in 2016, and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) as well as a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA). She completed her graduate internship at the May Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, a nonprofit organization providing in-home ABA therapy in Jacksonville, NC. In addition to her hands-on training as a clinician, her current practice is influenced by her scientific knowledge of behavior analysis. For six years during her undergraduate and graduate schooling, Lea engaged in behavior analytic research, including experimental and applied. She uses her skills in research to seek out unique, evidence-based strategies to address specific skill deficits and problem behaviors. After completing her graduate training, she became a Behavior Analyst at the May Center, where she was responsible for conducting assessments, planning treatments, creating behavior support plans, analyzing data, and providing direct therapy. In addition, Lea has experience with the supervision and training of Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), as well as parent consultation and training. Lea joined the ASNC Clinical team in  2018 and is very excited to provide care to the Wilmington community.