Our team at Mandala Family Wellness embraces a wholistic approach to assessment, evaluation and developmentally appropriate therapies in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Our team embraces a wholistic approach to ensuring we meet each client’s needs with our highly skilled team of licensed psychologists, pediatrician/psychiatrists, board-certified behavior analysts, licensed mental health counselors, registered behavior technicians, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, certified teachers, education specialists/tutors, and certified yoga and recreational therapy instructors. Make an appointment today to meet with our team!

Leadership Staff

Katherine Falwell, Ph.D., BCBA-D

CEO / FOUNDER 

Katherine Falwell 

Matt Delaney

Director of Operations and Compliance

Matthew Delaney

Clinic Manager, Certified First Play Therapist

Erica Whitehouse

Jennifer Roach

Director of Human Resources

Jennifer Roach

Mental Health Staff

Board Certified Psychiatrist

Patricia Daniel

M.S., NASP

Meghan Ambrose

M.S., LMHC

Steve Capista

Erin_Tyson

Mental Health Therapist

Erin Tyson

Carsyn_Pauley

Mental Health Intern

Carsyn Pauley

Mental Health Intern 

Megan Baxter

M.A.,RMHCI, NCC

Veronica Powers

Rehabilitative Medicine

Melissa Osbon

Program Director

Melissa Osbon

Lauren_McGainey

M.A.,CCC-SLP

Lauren McGainey

Operations

Administrative and Billing Specialist

Jessica McGowan

Billing Supervisor

Sophia Bryant

Client Care Coordinator

Sierra Sternberg

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Billing Specialist

Olivia Carmichael

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IT Technician

Garrett Moore

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Ast. Client Care Coordinator

Eileen Fragoso

Behavioral Health Staff & Senior Clinical Staff

M.A., BCBA

Ashley Green

M.S., BCBA

Ali Naturale

M.A., BCBA

Anna Kaczka

M.A., BCBA

Kierstyn Selig

Training & Development Coordinator

Vicky Holland

Developmental Specialists

Alex Hahn

M.A., RBT

Alex Hahn

Alisa_finney

RBT

Alisa Finney

RBT

Allie Robertson

M.A.,BCBA

Amber Smith

RBT

Anjelica O’Shea

Antonio Harrison

RBT

Antonio Harrison

M.A., RBT

Briana Mourao

Brittany Lhotka

M.A., RBT

Brittany Lhotka

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RBT

Brooke Pound

RBT

Cassandra Larson

RBT

Dario DiRenzo

RBT

Dawn Baker

Elizabeth Nearney

RBT

Elizabeth Nearney

Elizabeth Binef

RBT

Elizabeth Binef

RBT

Josh Cuddy

RBT

Madelyn Shaw

Mckenzie Reilly

RBT

McKenzie Reilly

RBT

Miriam Nelson

RBT

Morgan Phillips

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RBT

Natalee Allen

Natalie Quinones

M.A., RBT

Natalie Quinones

RBT

Nisha Farmer

RBT

Sarah Cunningham

RBT

Stephanie Gandero

RBT

Thyra Morton

Founder / CEO

Katie Falwell, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Dr. Falwell received her bachelor’s and masters’ degrees from the University of North Carolina, her doctorate in clinical psychology from Fielding Graduate University, and a postgraduate degree in applied behavior analysis from George Mason University. She completed her predoctoral internship at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Kennedy Krieger Institute. Dr. Falwell then completed her postdoctoral residency at the University of Florida and later joined the university faculty in 2006. Her focus shifted to the greater pediatric needs of the North Florida community in 2008. Dr. Falwell’s mission is to improve the lives of the families with whom she works. Truly embracing the notion that “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child” she seeks to work with all members of the village who might be involved in supporting members of a family. She utilizes a variety of techniques to improve functioning and strengthen family relations. Treatment modalities, such as cognitive behavior therapy, systems therapy, and solution-focused therapy, are used to help clients cope with a variety of challenges. She also works with couples seeking to strengthen their relationships, recognizing that a couple is the foundation of the family unit. Dr. Falwell’s clinical interests includes child and adolescent development, parenting, family therapy, and educational advocacy. Her professional work includes teaching psychology at the undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels. She is a qualified supervisor in the State of Florida for mental health counseling interns. Dr. Falwell spends her free time enjoying all that coastal living offers with her husband and three young children. 

Director of Operations and Compliance

Matthew Delaney, MSW, BCBA

Matthew Delaney received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Auburn University and master’s degree in social work from the University of Memphis. He is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and has worked with a diverse population of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities since beginning in the field in 2009. His clinical work focuses on improving quality of life for each child and their family through individualized treatment planning for reduction of maladaptive behavior, acquisition of socially significant skills, and caregiver training. Prior to working at Mandala, Matthew served as Director of Applied Behavior Analysis as well as Chief Clinical Officer for an interdisciplinary pediatric clinic. Matthew oversees quality and compliance measures for the practice ensuring the services provided across the company meet professional and industry standards.

Clinic Manager, Certified First Play Therapist

Erica Whitehouse

Erica has over two decades of experience in the health and wellness field. She attended college in Michigan and studied special education, then received her license in massage therapy, specializing in 12 different techniques. Integrating the two, Erica conducted research on the effects of massage therapy in clients with special needs. Erica is a Registered Behavior Technician and has extensive experience providing therapy to children with behavioral and neurological disorders. She brings a unique professional background including job coaching, tutoring, mentoring, family therapy, and behavior analysis. Erica is a Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) instructor and conducts staff and parent training on crisis management. She also teaches classes on stress reduction, meditation, and farm-to-table cooking. Erica is a Certified First Play Therapist, which enhances child and infant mental health through respectful and caring touch in parent-child relationships. In her free time, Erica loves spending time with her husband, relaxing at the beach, trying new restaurants, and traveling.

Director of Human Resources

Jennifer Roach

Jennifer is a Colorado native who moved to the Jacksonville area in 2016. Prior to becoming the Director of Administration, she gained over 15 years of experience in various operational and human resource roles, predominantly in the restaurant and food industry. Her passion and focus are to create an efficient and desirable working environment. Jennifer is the proud mother of two daughters. Outside of work, Jennifer devotes a lot of her free time to serving in the kids’ ministry at Celebration Church.

Board-Certified Psychiatrist

Patricia Daniel, M.D.

Dr. Daniel received a bachelor’s degree from Henderson State University and doctoral and medical degrees at the University of Kansas. She completed her residency at the University of Utah in a specialized combined program of pediatrics, general psychiatry, and child and adolescent psychiatry, where she was a recipient of the AACAP Educational Outstanding Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Resident Award. She is board certified in both pediatrics and child/adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Daniel is a professional affiliate of the American Academy of Pediatrics (Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics) and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.  She has conducted extensive research and participated in numerous publications over a wide array of subjects, but her passion lies in treating the whole child. Additionally, she has extensive experience working and volunteering internationally. In her spare time, Dr. Daniel enjoys spending time with her family, and anything outdoors.

M.S. ,NASP

Meghan Ambrose

Meghan Ambrose, M.S., is a dedicated and experienced Licensed School Psychologist specializing in providing comprehensive psychological services to exceptional children and their families. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and a Master’s degree in School Psychology from National University in San Diego, California, Meghan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice.

Meghan is a Licensed School Psychologist in the State of Florida through the Florida Department of Health and holds a School Psychologist Professional Educator Certificate with the Florida Department of Education. Furthermore, she is certified as a School Psychologist in California and New York.

Having amassed over ten years of experience working in school districts, Meghan is well-versed in delivering a wide range of psychological services, including assessment and evaluation, prevention, and intervention. Her areas of expertise include advanced psychological assessments encompassing intelligence, memory, personality, behavior, achievement, learning disabilities, and gifted abilities. She is skilled in administering, interpreting, and writing reports for these assessments.

At Mandala Family Wellness, Meghan offers a menu of services tailored to meet the unique needs of children, adolescents, and their families. These services include psychoeducational assessments, individual counseling and therapy, parent consultation and support, and school collaboration and advocacy. Meghan’s compassionate approach, combined with her expertise, allows her to provide emotional and behavioral support, anxiety and stress management, depression and mood regulation, coping skills development, social skills training, and self-esteem building.

Experience compassionate and expert psychological services with Meghan Ambrose, a licensed school psychologist dedicated to supporting the well-being and growth of exceptional children and their families.

LMHC

Steve Capista

Steve received his Bachelor’s in Psychology from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA, and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University in South Florida. Previously, Steve worked for the Oakland Unified School District as an Intervention Specialist, where he developed programs aimed at mitigating the effects of poverty, violence, and other trauma for families and school-aged children.  He has also worked for Wediko Children’s Services, as a Lead Staff for adolescents with mental health diagnoses, and for Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics, as an outpatient ABA and Mental Health therapist. Outside of work, Steve enjoys cooking, playing music with his band and reading.

Mental Health Therapist

Erin Tyson, M.Ed, NCC

Erin earned her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Florida and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from the College of William & Mary. She is a National Board Certified Counselor and has a Bachelor’s degree in English Education from Florida State University. Her professional experience includes over a decade as a middle and high school educator and mentor for new teachers. Erin has also worked extensively with veterans and military families through adventure-based counseling. Erin believes in a holistic approach to mental health and has a passion for working with adolescents and adults to increase overall wellbeing.

Mental Health Intern

Carsyn Pauley, M.A.

Carsyn received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Special Education from James Madison University followed by a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP) from Liberty University. Carsyn is dedicated to learning from and growing alongside her supervisors and coworkers to continue being a well-rounded therapist. She is passionate about blending behavioral and mental health perspectives when working with each child as they learn to navigate the world. Her specialties include working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, and Anxiety disorders. Outside of work, Carsyn enjoys spending time with friends, going to the beach, and day trips to Universal Studios.

Mental Health Intern

Megan Baxter

Megan Baxter is a Jacksonville native and received her bachelor’s from University of North Florida with a concentration in Child Psychology. After obtaining her bachelor’s, she moved to Colorado to pursue her doctorate in School Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado. Megan is expected to obtain her PhD in School Psychology by the end of 2023. While in school, she has developed a passion for assessment and working with children in a school and clinic setting. Megan has over 5 years experience of working with children from ages 2-22 years. She has a passion for the early identification of developmental disorders, especially Autism Spectrum Disorder. Megan moved back to Jacksonville in the summer of 2020 in order to be closer to family and pursue internships in the area. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two children exploring Jacksonville and all the things it has to offer.

M.A., RMHCI, NCC

Veronica Powers

Veronica Powers received a bachelor’s degree in Religion and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP) from Liberty University. She is certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors and is currently completing her residency/post-graduate internship as a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with Mandala Family Wellness in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Veronica has a passion for working with children and families who have experienced significant trauma. She utilizes a variety of techniques and an integrative approach to improve functioning and strengthen family relations. Treatment modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy, are used to help clients cope with a variety of challenges. Her clinical interests include child and adolescent development, trauma-informed care, and parent-child interaction therapy. Additionally, Veronica holds the registered behavior technician certification and has experience providing therapy to children with behavioral and neurological disorders.

Program Director

Melissa Osbon – OTR/L

Melissa received her degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Louisiana, Monroe. She began her career in Inpatient Rehabilitation at St. Vincent’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Sherwood, Arkansas, where she specialized in brain injuries and joined the hospital’s Multidisciplinary Acquired Brain Injury Program.  In 1998, she became a traveling Occupational Therapist and discovered her passion for working with pediatric population.  Melissa has practiced in several diverse settings across the country that includes home-based therapy, early intervention, school therapy, and outpatient rehabilitation therapy.  She has extensive training and experience in areas of sensory integration, neurodevelopment, autism, visual motor, and handwriting skills.  With over two decades in pediatric therapy, she has found that evidence based sensory integrative strategies improve the clients’ positive interaction in the world around them, create a mind and body ready for learning, and assist with achievement of gross motor and fine motor milestones. She loves working with children assisting parents and teachers with development of client specific sensory diets to improve sleep quality, picky eating, and overall ability to self-regulate and participate in family and school activities. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs, reading, gardening, and traveling.

M.A., CCC-SLP

Lauren McGainey

Lauren McGainey received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Auburn University and her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Memphis. While at Memphis, she earned a certificate in Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) to enrich non-speaking and minimally-speaking children through assessment and intervention via use of high- and low-tech alternative methods of communication, including speech generating devices, PODD books/aided language, and baby sign language.  Lauren is Clinician Certified Competent (CCC) through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and holds her Florida license in speech language pathology. She has evaluated and treated children aged 1-16 across a variety of settings including schools, in-home early intervention, and private practice. Lauren’s areas of expertise include gestalt language, autism, language disorders and delays, articulation and phonological disorders, phonological awareness (literacy/spelling), and AAC. She can usually be found singing, laughing, joining children in their specific interests, and co-creating projects to enhance each child’s comprehensive cognitive-linguistic development and ability to functionally connect to and access their everyday environments. In her free time, Lauren enjoys creating art, exploring her community, and spending time with friends and family.

Administrative & Billing Specialist

Jessica McGowan, M.S., BCBA

Jessica received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of North Florida followed by her Master of Education in Foundations in Behavior Analysis from the University of Cincinnati. She has worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for over 15 years, receiving her BCaBA certification in 2015 followed by her BCBA certification in 2019. In her spare time, you can find Jessica spending time with her family, baking, or lost in a book.

Billing Supervisor

Sophia Bryant, B.S.

Sophia has her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Florida State University and has been a medical biller for over 18 years. She grew up in O’Brien, FL, a small town in central Florida. She currently relocated to O’Brien, FL for the peace and quiet of country living. She resides with her son and 2 dogs. As an avid football fan, Sophia is passionate about both watching and attending football games with her family. Fishing, hunting, and reading are other favorite pastimes for her. Additionally, she serves as the church secretary where her father is the Pastor.

Client Care Coordinator

Sierra Sternberg, B.S.

Sierra graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 2010 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and a Minor is Health Promotion. While in college, she began an internship which introduced her to field of Applied Behavioral Analysis and since then has been a practicing RBT. She has over a decade of experience working directly with children and their families in the home, community, school, and clinical setting. Sierra is currently actively perusing a certificate in Business Administration. In Sierra’s spare time, she enjoys spending time traveling and enjoying the outdoors with her family.

Billing Specialist

Olivia Carmichael, B.A.

Olivia received her Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Florida’s Honor College. During her time at UF, she was an active phone volunteer at the Alachua County Crisis Center and a research assistant in the University of Florida’s Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics. After graduating in 2022, Olivia spent a year working as the Lower School Administrative Assistant at Collage Day School. In the fall, she will be pursuing her Master’s degree in European and Global Studies at the Università degli Studi di Padova in Italy. In her free time Olivia enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time outside.

IT Technician

Garrett Moore, B.S.

Garrett earned his Bachelor in Science, concentration in Information Technology at the University of North Florida. Since going to the University of North Florida, his interest in technology has grown and would like to continue his education and experience with certificates. At Collage Day School, he applies his expertise to diagnose, analyze, and repair computers. He also replaces hardware and builds workstations to meet staff specifications. In his free time, Garrett enjoys being around family and friends, playing with his dogs, and working on new computer projects.

Assistant Client Care Coordinator

Eileen Fragoso

Born in Miami to Cuban Immigrants, Eileen is a proud 1st generation Cuban American. Eileen attended the Concorde Career Institute and graduated as a medical assistant. As a Public Notary, Eileen is passionate about providing families with resources and assistance to accomplish their goals. She is CPR certified and is thrilled to be a part of the Mandala team working with pediatric clients. Eileen has two young children, who are the light of her life

M.A., BCBA

Ashley Green

Ashley is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Ashley received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida State University in 2017 and her Master’s degree from University of West Florida in Exceptional Student Education with a concentration of Applied Behavior Analysis in May of 2022. She has been working as a registered behavior technician at Mandala Family Wellness for 6 years and directed the early intervention program at Collage Day School for the 22-23 school year. Ashley specializes in early intervention, individualized education plans, program modifications, skill acquisition, crisis intervention, team collaboration,  functional communication training and augmentative & alternative communication (AAC). Ashley & her husband welcomed their first child in May of 2023, a little girl. In her free time, she enjoys hunting for sharks’ teeth, riding horses, hiking, playing with her dogs, and spending time with her family.

M.S., BCBA

Ali Naturale

Ali Naturale received her bachelor’s from University of North Florida in Psychology with a concentration of Child Psychology. After obtaining her bachelor’s she moved to California for more experience with children with developmental delays. In California, Ali found a passion for Applied Behavior Analysis and started her journey to becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She received her master’s degree from Purdue Global University in Psychology with a concentration of Applied Behavior Analysis. After receiving her master’s, Ali obtained her BCBA certification. Ali moved back to Florida to be closer to family. Since then, she has been working as an Analyst with individuals ranging from two years old to adults. Ali specializes in functional communication, parent training, training individuals becoming BCBAs, and functionally equivalent replacement behaviors. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.  

M.A., BCBA

Anna Kaczka

Anna was introduced to the field of ABA working as a registered behavior technician after receiving her Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University in 2016. Shortly after moving to Florida from New Jersey in 2019 she enrolled in the graduate program at University of West Florida and obtained her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and throughout her career she has had the privilege of working with a diverse population of clients with varying needs and abilities. Anna is passionate about teaching appropriate replacement behaviors to reduce maladaptive behaviors, functional communication, and early intervention. In her free time she enjoys spending time at the beach with her fiancé and their dog, and having fun at the beach.

M.A., BCBA

Kierstyn Selig

A Pennsylvania native, Kierstyn moved to Florida to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Flagler College, where she was inducted into Alpha Chi honor society and graduated Suma Cum Laude. Kierstyn then obtained her Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis through the Florida Institute of Technology. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and is a qualified supervisor. She began working in the field in 2017, working as an RBT from 2018 to 2023. Her experience ranges from early intervention to teens, parent training, and community safety skills. Kierstyn is passionate in teaching functional replacement behaviors, functional communication, personal safety skills, and maladaptive behavior reduction. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, boxing, and spending time with her dog.

Training and Development Coordinator

Vicky Holland, M.A., BCBA

Vicky received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Psychology and Criminology from Florida State University, where she was inducted into Alpha Phi Sigma, an academic honor society. Vicky obtained her Master’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Abnormal Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and is a qualified supervisor for BACB candidates. Vicky began working with individuals with special needs and phobias through swim lessons. Her professional experience includes coaching physical fitness in low-income elementary and middle schools, teaching swim lessons to all ages, and providing behavioral therapy services for pediatric clients. Vicky’s specialties in the field of ABA include: early intervention, parent training, teaching skill acquisition of replacement behaviors, and maladaptive behavior reduction. Vicky currently provides ABA services in the clinic, home, community, and school settings to children and their families. In her free time, Vicky loves spending time with her family and having fun outdoors.

M.A., RBT

Alex Hahn

Alex received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and her Master’s Degree in Criminology/Criminal Justice from the University of North Florida, and is currently seeking her Board Certification in Behavior Analysis through the University of West Florida. Over the past three years, Alex has worked with pediatric clients aged 2-13 with varying diagnosis including autism, ODD, and AHDH. Alex’s passion is working with learners who communicate in different ways, such as vocal language, American Sign Language, and Augmented communication devices. Alex currently provides ABA services to clients in the clinic, school, and home setting. In her free time, Alex loves being active and spending time outdoors.

RBT

Alisa Finney

Alisa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of North Florida and a Master’s degree in Human Services with a concentration in Adolescent and Child Psychology from Capella University. Her post graduate training includes psychology, sociology, counseling, and social work. She is a Registered Behavioral Therapist and began working with children diagnosed with autism in Duval Public Schools. Her interest lies in enjoying family, studying meditation and mindfulness, and communing with nature.

RBT

Allie Robertson

Allie received Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University in 2021. She is currently completing her Master’s in Behavior Analysis at Florida Institute of Technology and pursuing her BCBA certification. During college, Allie worked with elementary-age children with special needs and fell in love with the field. Following undergrad, she became a registered behavior technician in the clinic setting and soon found herself working at Mandala in the school setting. Outside of work and school, Allie enjoys walks on the beach with her dog Sadie and spending time outdoors.

 

M.A., BCBA

Amber Smith

Amber holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of North Florida and a Master of Arts degree from Florida Institute of Technology focusing on Behavior Analysis. Amber discovered the field of Applied Behavior Analysis through her experience in caregiving for children in natural environments where she fell in love with the field. She has been a Registered Behavioral Technician for several years where she has worked with a multitude of children ranging from 3 to 13 years of age. During this time, she has worked with children with varying ranges of communication needs. Amber currently works with children in the clinic, home and natural settings promoting independence in hygiene, play, social and life skills. During her free time Amber enjoys the outdoors traveling and exploring the terrain through 4×4 activities as well as photography.

RBT

Anjelica O'Shea

Anjelica received her Bachelor’s in Fine Arts degree from Savannah Collage of Art and Design with a concentration of Illustration. Anjelica is in coursework for her Master’s in Education with a concentration on Foundation of Behavioral Analysis, as she pursues her Board Certification in Behavior Analysis. She started working with Special Needs children and families as a Special Needs Yoga instructor. Her professional experiences include illustration, drawing, yoga instruction, and providing behavioral therapy services. Anjelica currently provides ABA services in the clinic, community and school settings to children and their families. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and son watching movies and going to the beach.

RBT

Antonio Harrison

Bio Coming Soon!

M.A., RBT

Briana Mourao

Briana received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of North Florida, where she was inducted into the Lambda Alpha Epsilon chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association as their Vice President. Briana then went on to obtained her Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. She is finishing up collecting her hours in order to sit for her Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam. Briana has been working in the field of ABA since 2017, and has over 6 years of hands-on professional experience including clinic, school, and home based therapy. Briana has an array of experience working with children of all ages, however she specializes in early intervention and school-aged children. Briana currently provides ABA services in the clinic, home, community, and school settings to children here at Mandala Family Wellness. In her free time, Briana loves spending time with her husband and two kids and RV traveling.

M.A., RBT

Brittany Lhotka

Brittany received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from University of North Florida. She obtained a Master’s of Arts in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology.  Brittany has been a registered behavioral therapist for four years. During this time, she has gained invaluable experience. She has worked with a wide range of ages and diagnosis in school, clinic, community, and home settings. Brittany is passionate about her work and prides herself on being an autism advocate in all aspects of her life. She is  working on fieldwork hours to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Brittany also has an extensive military background, serving in the Air Force as a Medic for 5 years where she assisted with hurricane response and COVID-19 relief missions. She received numerous distinguished service awards and medals. In her spare time, Brittany likes trying new foods and going to the beach with her two dogs and fiancé.

RBT

Brooke Pound

Brooke received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Development from Florida State University. She is working towards her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of South Florida. Brooke is an Registered Behavior Technician and has been since 2022. She loves to travel, go to the beach, and spend time with her family and friends.

RBT

Cassandra Larson

Cassie received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in At-Risk Youth from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Cassie moved to Florida, from Wisconsin, to get her Master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavioral Analysis, from the University of North Florida. She is currently an RBT and has been since 2019. Cassie began working with individuals with disabilities in high school by volunteering in the Special Education classrooms. Before she moved to Florida her professional experiences included working as a camp counselor for children and adults with disabilities, a CNA for adults with sever and profound disabilities, in home care adults with disabilities, and as a high school Special Education teacher helping juniors and seniors in find  jobs in the community. In her free time, Cassie enjoys crafting, tending to her plants, lifting weights, and going to the beach. She loves ice cream and spending time with family and her dog, Dewey.

RBT

Dario DiRenzo

Dario received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminology from Flagler College. He became an RBT after learning about ABA from a close friend and quickly became passionate about the field. He is now on track to begin a graduate program in ABA in the Fall of 2023 at Ball State. Dario began working in a clinic setting to start his career. He had then transitioned to working in home and the community to learn the different dynamics of field. Dario found his way to continue to work in school and clinic settings through Mandala Family Wellness. In his free time, Dario loves to play ice hockey and go camping.

RBT

Dawn Baker

Dawn is a Registered Behavior Technician who has worked with kids for nearly a decade. Dawn has worked with children ranging from 4 -22 years of age. She works with children teaching social, community, communication and functional skills. Dawn has worked in education starting in public schools where she started teaching social and play skills to pre-k and functional living skills to adults in a transition program. She is currently leading a social group for all ages and abilities with Mandala. Dawn spends her free time adventuring state parks and springs with her family.

RBT

Elizabeth Nearney

Bio Coming Soon!

RBT

Elizabeth Binef

Bio Coming Soon!

RBT

Josh Cuddy

Joshua Cuddy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics with a minor in American Sign Language from Flagler College. He is purusing his Master’s degree at Ball State University, with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Working as an RBT since 2021, Josh has created therapeutic rapport with both his clients and their families to promote a wholistic approach.  Encouraging an active lifestyle has been a top priority in Josh’s life and uses sports as a way to get children active and developing healthy habits early on. Josh works with enrichment programs to introduce and develop skills for various sports such as basketball, football, and baseball.

RBT

Madelyn Shaw

Madelyn received her Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of North Florida. Madelyn currently has her Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) certification. Madelyn is currently working towards her Masters degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis at Florida Institute of Technology. She is passionate about working with clients in early intervention settings and brining in-clinic therapy into the home and community.  In her free time, Madelyn enjoys taking her dogs on walks and shopping.

RBT

McKenzie Reilly

A Rhode Island native, McKenzie received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminology from Flagler College. She became a Registered Behavioral Technician in 2019 and began providing early intervention ABA services for children with special needs. In 2020, McKenzie began providing in-home, clinic, and school setting services with Mandala Family Wellness. She soon realized her passion for this field and desire to grow more in order to provide quality services to individuals with special needs and their families. McKenzie is pursuing her Master’s degree from Florida Institute of Technology in Applied Behavior Analysis and is also working to obtain fieldwork hours to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam early next year. In her free time, McKenzie enjoys trips to the beach and playing with her dog, Rhody.

RBT

Miriam Nelson

Miriam is a Registered Behavior Technician at Mandala Family Wellness. With a background in education, Miriam has excelled as an after-care coordinator and interim teacher. She has specialized in elementary special education and general education populations, where she has gained valuable experience working with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other learning/developmental disorders. As a skilled Registered Behavior Technician, Miriam provides ABA services to children of all ages. Beyond her professional pursuits, Miriam finds joy in reading and listening to music.

RBT

Morgan Phillips

Morgan received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminology from Flagler College, where she played soccer while obtaining her degree. She became a Registered Behavior Therapist in 2020 and has always enjoyed working with children. Morgan is passionate about early intervention and impacting the lives of clients as well as their families. In her free time, Morgan loves spending time with her family and enjoys going to the beach.

RBT

Natalee Allen

A Florida native, Natalee attended Nashville State Community College with a focus in Sociology and graduated in 2019 with her Associates in Applied Science at Volunteer Community College. While spending time in the medical field, she realized her passion in working with children, following her mother’s footsteps working with children with special needs.  Natalee began working as a teacher’s assistant in special education classrooms in 2020. After 3 years, she moved with family to Florida in January 2023, where she became a Registered Behavior Technician. In her spare time, she enjoys bike rides with her son, going to the gym, and spending time doing anything by the water.

M.A., RBT

Natalie Quinones

Natalia Quinones received her Bachelors’ degree from the University of North Florida in Psychology with a minor in American Sign Language. After obtaining her Bachelors’ degree she began her  RBT journey; she has currently been a practicing RBT for several years. She discovered a passion for working with individuals with autism and the wonderful impact of ABA. With this passion, she then obtained her Master’s degree at the University of West Florida and is actively working towards becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Natalia has experience with diverse skill sets and ages and looks forward to expanding her knowledge and expertise further.  In her free time, Natalia enjoys exercising, cooking, quality time with family, friends, and her beloved dog.

RBT

Nisha Farmer

Nisha graduated with a medical degree, however found her passion in the world of Applied Behavior Analysis. She has been a Registered Behavior Technician for nearly a decade and is passionate about teaching skills to individuals that they can apply to their daily lives. Nisha is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Nisha, as the youngest of 5, loves working with children and their families to ensure a quality life filled with laughter. In her spare time, Nisha enjoys spending time with her daughter, meditating, and dancing.

RBT

Sarah Cunningham

Sarah studied Musical Theatre with a Minor in Dance at East Tennessee State University from 2013-2016. She received her ABA training through Relias Academy in 2019 and obtained her certification as a Registered Behavioral Technician in April of 2020. Before entering into the ABA world, Sarah taught Classical Ballet at Trinity Arts Center and was a Photographer for Chevrolet in East Tennessee. Sarah has been a RBT with Mandala since May of 2020 and started teaching the Dance Enrichment classes at Collage Day School in March of 2022. She enjoys cooking, playing music, and finding sharks teeth on the beach in her down time.

RBT

Stephanie Gandero

Stephanie is a Massachusetts native who moved to Florida a few years ago. In 2014, Stephanie graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology. Over the past several years, Stephanie served as a Life Skills teacher, Job coach, and paraprofessionals for students with disabilities where she was introduced to applied behavior analysis. Stephanie is passionate about working with individuals with Autism and continues to pursue furthering her career in the field of ABA.

RBT

Thyra Morton

Thyra received her Bachelor’s degree from Salem State University and attended George Mason University to pursue her Master’s in special education. She has worked in the education field since 2013, providing a myriad of services to a diverse population of children and families. Thyra leads with a passion for improving the quality of educational environments, and she demonstrates a strong commitment to the learning experiences of students of all types. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking with her husband, trying new foods, traveling, and going to the beach with her two dogs.