Where Passion Meets Expertise:
Get To Know Our Team
Jamie Hitchins, MA BCBA, LBS1
Jamie has been working with children and adults diagnosed with neurological and developmental disabilities for over 14 years. Jamie completed her special education certification from Quincy University and received her Learning Behavior Specialist teaching certification in May of 2010. She then began her teaching career at a therapeutic day school for students with Autism.
It is at this time that she was introduced to the world of Applied Behavioral Analysis with the help of a wonderful mentor. She soon began to increase her knowledge of ABA by providing in-home therapy under the supervision of her mentor, a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst. As she continued teaching students with various disabilities and providing in-home ABA services, she began her coursework in Behavioral Analysis through Southern Illinois University. She received her certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board as a BCBA in February of 2014.
Since then Jamie has continued to provide ABA services in various settings including in-home, clinical, community, and within the school environment to a variety of learners. Jamie founded Unlocking Abilities Behavior and Learning with the vision of continuing to provide services and support to children and families through the evidenced-based practices of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Meghan Rye, MA BCBA
Meghan is an accomplished Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), boasting a career spanning over a decade dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental challenges. Previously serving as a Regional ABA Director at Westside Children’s Therapy, Meghan oversaw five ABA clinics, successfully launching four new clinics under her leadership. She was instrumental in setting new productivity standards and wage bands for BCBAs, policy development, and developing comprehensive onboarding programs for leadership roles within the organization.
Before joining Westside Children’s Therapy, Meghan contributed significantly to Behavioral Perspective, Inc. as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Program Coordinator, and Practicum Supervisor. She played a key role in policy development, operations management, and staff training, emphasizing the implementation of behavior intervention plans and fostering collaborative relationships within the team.
Earlier in her career, Meghan made substantial contributions at Streamwood Behavioral Healthcare Center, where she applied ABA principles to positively impact the lives of over 250 individuals with complex needs. Her expertise in reducing problem behaviors and designing tailored intervention plans underscored her commitment to enhancing therapeutic outcomes and family support. Throughout her career journey, Meghan has demonstrated a passion for mentorship, serving as a clinical resource and supervisor for BCBAs and RBTs. She has engaged actively in professional development through training initiatives and university collaborations, further solidifying her reputation as a leader in the ABA community. Her multifaceted experience and dedication to advancing ABA practices reflect a commitment to excellence in behavioral therapy and client-centered care. Meghan says, “I love teaching our clients that their voices have power and opening up their world by teaching communication.”
Karen Macella-Intihar, MA BCBA
Karen received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Northern Illinois University, and completed her Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis at Aurora University. She has been a BCBA for 9 years, but has more than 11 years of experience working in the field. Karen has gained experience in both in-home and clinic settings, while having the pleasure of helping individuals between the ages of 2 years to 22 years of age on a large variety of skills.
While she enjoys helping her learners in any way she can, she has a real passion for increasing independence and communication! She is also very dedicated to collaborating with all of her learners’ team members; family members, school staff, and other therapists (e.g. Speech therapists, Occupational therapists, etc). Karen strongly believes every ABA session should be fun and engaging, and that children learn best through play. She brings energy, enthusiasm, creativity, and a strong educational foundation to her sessions.
Jennifer Cosmos, MS CCC-SLP
Jen dedicated speech-language pathologist with 16 years of experience helping children develop their communication and feeding skills. Jen earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Illinois State University and her Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and is also licensed to practice in Illinois
Throughout her career, Jenn has worked in a variety of settings, including early intervention, schools, private practice, and hospitals. She has also provided speech-language and feeding services virtually via teletherapy. This diverse experience has made her a versatile clinician, allowing her to adapt her approach to meet the unique needsof each child and family she serves.
In her pediatric clinical practice, Jen specialize in receptive and expressive language development, augmentative communication devices, articulation, oral-motor skills, apraxia of speech, phonemic awareness (pre-reading skills), oral-pharyngeal dysphagia, and sensory-oral-motor feeding skills. I also have experience in breastfeeding support and sensory integration techniques, helping families navigate feeding and sensory integration challenges and promote positive developmental outcomes.Jen's approach in therapy is evidence-based and individualized, ensuring that each child receives the support they need to communicate effectively and confidently. Beyond her clinical work, Jen is passionate about exploring innovative therapy techniques and mentoring aspiring speech therapists. She also a strong advocate for the families she serves, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to help their children thrive.Outside of work, she enjoys baking with her kids and spending time outdoors camping and boating with her family. She also loves animals, reading a good book with a hot cup of coffee, and rehabilitating old furniture. However, nothing is more rewarding than seeing the progress her kiddos make every day. She looks forward to partnering with your family to help children thrive on their communication journey
Kim Gomez
Kim has been passionate about supporting individuals with special needs since high school. With a sibling who has special needs, she began volunteering at summer camps and serving as a student aide in her school’s life skills program. Before entering the ABA field, Kim worked in public school autism programs and then spent over five years providing direct support in ABA. She joined Unlocking Abilities while searching for a tight-knit team that shared her values—and found exactly that.
Now in an administrative role, Kim finds the greatest joy in watching the kids grow, supporting families, and being a strong voice and advocate for parents. Kim also plays an essential role in supporting our UABL staff and helping everything run smoothly behind the scenes. In her free time, she loves reading and spending time with her family.
Laura Quezada
Laura earned her Masters in Psychology with a concentration in ABA from Cappella University. She has over 5 years of ABA experience virtually, in-home, and in the clinic setting. She is currently preparing to pursue her BCBA certification. Laura states, "The best part about my job is seeing the progress my clients have made and knowing I was part of the team. I'm committed to creating meaningful outcomes for each client and their family."
Sydnee Stalker
Sydnee has spent ten years working with individuals with special needs, with the past five years dedicated to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Her passion for supporting individuals with disabilities began in high school when she volunteered at a local organization and discovered how much she enjoyed making connections. In college, a course on ABA deepened that passion as she saw the positive impact ABA can have on each child’s life.
Sydnee joined UABL because she believed in Jamie’s vision of creating a small center that provides high-quality ABA services while letting kids be kids, meeting each individual where they are, and remembering that childhood only happens once. What drives her each day is seeing the progress each kiddo makes—what may seem like small victories to others are huge milestones to her.
Sydnee loves the new adventures each day brings, knowing that no two days in ABA are ever the same. Her goal in every session is to ensure that the kids are having fun while learning and growing. Sydnee is currently working toward her master’s degree with the goal of becoming a BCBA. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, playing softball, and cheering on her son at his various recreational sports games.
Courtney Gigler
Courtney has worked with learners with special needs for nearly seven years. Before joining UABL, she spent five years as a paraprofessional with the Grundy County Special Education Cooperative in a preschool STARS classroom, where her teacher mentor introduced her to the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Courtney formally began working in an ABA clinic setting almost two years ago but has been familiar with ABA for much longer.
Her journey to UABL began when Jamie invited her to join the team during a summer break. Courtney quickly fell in love with the clinic atmosphere and decided to stay full-time—a decision she describes as the best she’s ever made. She finds immense joy in witnessing her clients' progress firsthand and values the bonds she forms with each learner. Whether they’re sharing piggyback rides, running around breathless with laughter, or playing with a marble maze, her goal for every session is to ensure that the learner has fun and feels safe.
Courtney’s passion for working with children drives her daily. While she’s uncertain what her future holds, she knows that it will involve being part of children's lives—whether continuing her journey at UABL as an RBT or possibly having children of her own. Outside of work, you’ll likely find Courtney on morning Starbucks runs with her best friend, spending quality time with her husband and dog, or curling up with a good book. She enjoys walks to clear her mind and is a die-hard Baltimore Ravens fan—during football season, she unapologetically blocks out the world during games. Courtney and her husband share a love for travel, especially to Baltimore, which they hope to call home one day.
Jacqueline Phillips
Jacqueline has been in the field of ABA for six years. Her journey into ABA began by chance when a parent from her preschool class referred her to an ABA company. Seeking change and promise, she joined UABL and has since become a vital part of the team.
For Jacqueline, the most rewarding aspect of being a behavior technician is the strong relationships she develops with her clients. Witnessing their progress and the skills they acquire to achieve success and independence in various areas is truly fulfilling. Her motivation stems from knowing that she is dedicated to caring for her clients, treating them with respect, understanding, fairness, and kindness.
Jacqueline’s objective in every session is to ensure that her clients feel heard and understood. Looking ahead, she envisions herself furthering her education and expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis in the near future.
Outside of work, Jacqueline loves spending time with her children, completing puzzles, and reading murder mysteries.
Kyla Henderson
Kyla has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for one year and brings a personal perspective to her work as a parent of a child with special needs. Her journey into ABA began when she took her son to a preschool screening where autism was first mentioned. Navigating the process of seeking a diagnosis opened her eyes to the challenges families face, inspiring her to support other children and families through her work.
Kyla finds the greatest joy in seeing her learners make progress, no matter how small, and watching them strengthen and grow their capabilities. She is driven by the hard work each learner puts in every day and takes pride in guiding them—an experience that has also given her confidence in supporting her own son. Her goal in every session is to maintain a strong rapport and connection with her learners, ensuring they feel safe and free to be themselves.
Kyla is currently working toward her bachelor’s degree in ABA and plans to pursue her master’s degree to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Outside of work, she enjoys riding horses, fishing, target shooting, and spending time outdoors.
Tyler Rock
Tyler has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for a year, spending his entire ABA journey with UABL. Prior to joining the team, he worked with learners with special needs in crisis situations for a year, which gave him valuable experience supporting individuals during challenging times. A friend suggested he explore ABA at UABL, and after observing learners interact joyfully with his future coworkers, he decided to take the leap into the field.
Tyler is driven by seeing the daily progress his learners make, both academically and socially. Watching them take small steps and make significant strides brings him a sense of fulfillment, making his work feel more like a reward than a job. His goal for each learning experience is to ensure learners love attending UABL and find joy in learning.
Looking ahead, Tyler plans to pursue a master’s degree in a psychology- or sociology-related field, such as social work or ABA. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching wrestling, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family.
Molly Panepinto
Molly has worked with children with special needs for two years and has been in the field of ABA for a little over a year. Her passion for ABA began while working at an inpatient hospital, where she provided one-on-one support to a patient with autism. That experience taught her so much and sparked a deep interest in the field, ultimately leading her to transition from mental health to ABA.
When searching for a workplace, Molly sought an environment that would encourage her growth and development. UABL has exceeded her expectations, providing her with the support and opportunities to build confidence as a therapist. She loves that every day brings something new, and the kiddos she works with never fail to make her smile—even on the tougher days. Watching them grow and make progress is what drives her passion.
Molly is dedicated to ensuring her learners feel loved and confident in their abilities. She values being actively involved in both structured learning and NET time, creating an engaging and supportive environment. Her ultimate goal is to earn a psychology degree with a focus on ABA and mental health. Outside of work, Molly enjoys serving in her church’s kids and youth ministry, grabbing coffee with friends, and reading plenty of books.
Kyla Kinney
Kyla has been working with learners with special needs and in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for about a year and a half. Her journey began as a direct support professional for adults with special needs, where she discovered her passion for helping others grow and succeed. When she was introduced to working with children as well, she quickly knew this was the path she wanted to continue.
Kyla was drawn to Unlocking Abilities because of the safe, welcoming environment the center provides—allowing every child to be themselves while learning and growing. She loves building meaningful bonds with her learners and celebrating the progress they make, both big and small.
What motivates Kyla each day is the joy and individuality of the kiddos she works with. She strives to make every session positive and encouraging, always making sure her learners know how proud she is of their efforts and achievements. Kyla hopes to continue working with children for years to come, as helping them grow is what she loves most. Outside of work, Kyla enjoys arts and crafts, thrifting adventures, spending time with family, and relaxing at home with her cat.
Stevi Angell
Stevi has spent the past five years working with learners with special needs and has been in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for nearly a year. Her journey into ABA began in a special-needs and multi-needs classroom, where she discovered her passion for supporting learners in a more structured, growth-focused environment. After exploring the clinical setting and pursuing her RBT certification, Stevi knew she had found the right fit.
Stevi was drawn to Unlocking Abilities by the organization’s rapid growth and strong commitment to providing the kind of support she felt was missing in previous roles. From the start, UABL felt like exactly where she was meant to be—a place that values meaningful progress, collaboration, and individualized care.
What Stevi loves most about her role is building genuine relationships with her learners and cheering them on as they work toward their goals. Whether progress comes in baby steps or big breakthroughs, watching her learners gain new skills and independence is what motivates her each day. Stevi approaches every session with intention, positivity, and just the right amount of silliness to ensure her learners feel supported, confident, and engaged.
Looking ahead, Stevi plans to continue growing with UABL by strengthening her clinical skills, working with a wide range of learners, and becoming a high-performing Behavior Therapist. Outside of work, Stevi embraces mom life—spending time with her daughter and doing art projects. She also enjoys painting, cooking, time with family and friends, and fueling it all with plenty of coffee.
Madeline Duffy
Madeline brings over seven years of experience working with learners with special needs and is just beginning her journey in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. She was inspired to pursue ABA to deepen her knowledge and expand her ability to support learners in meaningful, effective ways.
Madeline was drawn to Unlocking Abilities because she knew it was a place where she could continue growing professionally while making a real difference in children’s lives. She values the opportunity to learn more about ABA while contributing her experience and dedication to the UABL team.
What Madeline loves most about her role is seeing the progress her learners make and building strong, trusting relationships with them along the way. She approaches each session with patience, encouragement, and a commitment to making sure her learners know she is there to support them however they need. Madeline plans to continue furthering her education and growing with UABL in the years ahead. Outside of work, Madeline enjoys art, baking, hiking, and spending time reading.
Victoria Franz
Victoria Franz brings about four years of experience working with learners with special needs, along with volunteer work at special-needs church events. She is new to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and was drawn to it through her love of working one-on-one with children and helping them grow.
Victoria chose Unlocking Abilities because she was inspired by the strong support system she saw within the clinic—for both the learners and the staff. She values being part of a team that works together to help each child succeed in a safe, encouraging environment.
What Victoria loves most about her role is building meaningful relationships with her learners and celebrating the goals they accomplish each day. Watching their progress motivates her to give her best in every session, always aiming to make sure each child leaves feeling proud and supported. She hopes to continue growing in the ABA field and building a lifelong career helping children thrive.
Outside of work, Victoria enjoys spending time with her dog, reading, and writing. She especially loves journaling, poetry, and short stories as a way to relax and reflect.
Theresa Dabrowski
Theresa serves as a Behavioral Technician at Unlocking Abilities after making a meaningful career transition from the corporate world into the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. While she has previous experience working with young adults with special needs, UABL marked her first opportunity to work with little ones—a role she finds both rewarding and deeply fulfilling.
Theresa’s ABA journey began after eight years in corporate life, when she followed her heart and pursued her longtime passion for working with children. After moving from Chicago to Morris, discovering UABL felt like a sign she couldn’t ignore. Inspired by the center’s mission and the meaningful impact she saw UABL making in the community, Theresa knew she had found more than just a job—she had found a family.
What motivates Theresa each day is bringing joy, love, and positivity into every session. She believes learning should be fun and approaches her work with gratitude, creativity, and a playful spirit—often calling herself a “silly goose” who loves making her learners laugh. To Theresa, even the smallest moments of progress are worth celebrating. Theresa hopes to continue growing with UABL and supporting both the learners and the organization for years to come. Outside of work, she enjoys being “Aunt T,” spending time with her nieces and nephews, walking by the river, and embracing all the charm and community that Morris has to offer.