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
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.
Jonathon Gholson
Jonathon has been in the ABA field for two years. He discovered his passion for ABA while pursuing his bachelor's degree in psychology and is grateful for the path it has led him on. Jonathon chose to continue his journey at UABL, drawn to the supportive environment of a smaller, BCBA-owned and operated clinic.
Building connections with the kids and witnessing their growth are what drive Jonathon each day. The smiles and laughter of the learners keep him motivated, and seeing them achieve their goals inspires him for the long term. His aim is for both him and his learners to leave each session with smiles on their faces. As he works toward becoming a BCBA, Jonathon is committed to helping learners reach their goals while enjoying the journey along the way.
Outside of work, Jonathon enjoys spending time with family and friends, indulging in good food, and watching sports.
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.
Paige Stalker
Paige has worked with individuals with special needs for several years, beginning with adults before transitioning to working with children. She entered the ABA field a little over a year ago, starting as a teacher’s assistant at UABL, where she quickly fell in love with the kids and the work.
Paige is passionate about helping children grow and reach their potential. Being part of their progress—no matter how big or small—is what drives her every day. She finds joy in knowing she’s making a positive impact and strives to make each session fun and engaging for her learners.
Paige is excited to assist in developing UABL’s vision of an equine therapy program, combining her love for horses with her commitment to supporting the children’s growth. She hopes to help learners build confidence, strengthen motor skills, and experience the therapeutic benefits of working with animals.
Outside of work, Paige enjoys riding horses and spending quality time with her family.
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.
Emily DeVaux
Emily has 10 years of experience working with individuals with special needs and 1 year in ABA. She began her career as an inclusion aide, driven by a desire to support children in developing independence. Emily was motivated to continue making a difference by offering targeted support to ensure that everyone, regardless of their challenges, could fully participate and succeed. She was inspired by the company's values and by Jamie's LinkedIn bio, which she felt aligned perfectly with her own beliefs.
What she loves most about her work is seeing the "aha" moment when the puzzle pieces fall into place, watching kids grow, and helping them move towards greater independence. Emily finds joy in interacting with the children and seeing their personalities bloom, with their smiles giving her an infectious energy. Her goal is to create a fun environment where children can make progress toward their goals, no matter how big or small.
Emily hopes to further her career in speech therapy or occupational therapy, continuing to support children in a meaningful way.
She enjoys staying active and outdoors with activities such as roller skating, playing sports, camping, hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, and skiing. She also enjoys painting, crafting, cooking, and reading.
Jordan Flickenger
Jordan has nearly 15 years of experience working with individuals with special needs and supporting people with a variety of diagnoses. For the past 1.5 years, he has specialized in ABA therapy, transitioning from working with adults to focusing on children. Inspired by the many positive stories he encountered in ABA, Jordan knew it was the field where he wanted to expand his knowledge and make an impact.
Drawn to UABL’s positive reviews, Jordan was excited to apply for the RBT position. During his interview, he immediately felt the warmth and positivity of the team and knew it was the right fit.
Jordan loves working with kiddos who constantly surprise him with their growth and unique ways of showing love and appreciation. Knowing he can positively influence their lives and help them live each day to the fullest is what drives him. His goal in every session is to keep his learners happy and maintain a positive atmosphere, regardless of how their day begins.
Looking ahead, Jordan plans to continue working with children in some capacity, furthering his dedication to making a difference in their lives.
Outside of work, Jordan enjoys going to the gym, running, and spending time with his family.
Kelli Chapman
Kelli has worked with learners with special needs for 12 years and brings both professional and personal experience as the parent of a 17-year-old with special needs. She has spent the past 5.5 years in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and is currently one year away from earning her undergraduate degree in psychology with a focus on ABA.
Her journey into ABA began while working as a special education paraprofessional. Looking for a career change that still involved working with the same population, she uploaded her resume to Indeed and was contacted by an ABA company. She jumped in with both feet and has never looked back. After gaining valuable experience at a previous clinic, Kelli joined UABL to expand her knowledge in a new environment.
Kelli is driven by the joy of watching learners overcome challenges and take pride in their accomplishments. She treasures the smiles and excitement from her clients when they see her, knowing that connection plays a crucial role in their progress. Her goal for each session is to make every client feel like they are her favorite, fostering a strong rapport that encourages learning and growth.
In the next five years, Kelli aims to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Outside of work, she is an avid reader and enjoys playing The Sims, crafting, and exploring interior design. To relax, she loves hiking, practicing yoga, and meditating.
Hailey Ryan
Hailey has worked with learners with special needs for about four years, with her journey in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) beginning after a close friend shared how much she loved her job. Inspired, Hailey reached out to a local ABA clinic and quickly discovered her passion for the field.
Hailey joined UABL because working with learners feels like what she is truly meant to do. She finds joy in building meaningful relationships with the kiddos, sharing laughs, and witnessing their growth and hard work. Her goal is for every child to leave each session knowing just how much they are cared for, emphasizing the importance of working hard while having fun.
Hailey sees her future at UABL and is committed to helping her learners thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, playing video games, baking, and spending time with her dog.