Meet Our Staff
Nancy Wagner, Executive Director / BCBA / Therapist
Nancy Wagner earned her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis in 1985 and has worked continuously in the field since that time. Her early exposure to children with autism included working in a highly successful research project using an ABA format. She has worked in a variety of settings applying behavior analysis techniques in early childhood programs, state institutions, group homes, school districts, private schools, churches and with families in their own homes. Nancy has also provided leadership in various agencies serving both children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Taking an active part in the community has always been an important part of Nancy’s life. She has served as a volunteer in many ways including coaching youth sports for over 15 seasons, working in both Girl Scout and Cub Scout Day Camps, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and serving on committees to support these activities. Other community involvement to support people with disabilities includes serving on Boards of Directors such as The Arlington Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities and Helping Restore Ability.
Elicia Cook, M.Ed. / BCBA / Therapist
Elicia was one of the first employees of ABA Academy and has been working in various aspects of children’s education, primarily with learners with special needs for over 30 years. She has provided ABA therapeutic services to young children with autism since 2007. Other related work experience includes working as a house parent in children’s homes, experience in helping support families engaged in foster and adoption and working in vocational settings with people with disabilities. Her area of special interest is combining ABA with teaching communication skills. An additional area of interest is teaching people how to support special needs families, and she enjoys speaking at various community organizations. Elicia is passionate about teaching, coaching, and supporting parents and therapists as they gain the skills to support learners to thrive and gain skills far beyond previous limitations. She received her bachelor’s degree in ABA with a minor in Speech from UNT and her Master’s of Education in the Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Cincinnati and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Heather Harrison, M.Ed. / BCBA / Therapist
With over 11 years of experience with children on the autism spectrum, Heather’s skills are solid and she makes learning fun. Heather completed her undergraduate degree in ABA from UNT in August 2010 and her Master’s of Education in the Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Cincinnati in 2015. Heather began working at ABA Academy in 2010, and knew she had found her calling. Heather grew into a strong therapist and pursued her master’s degree and BCBA license in order to reach more families and children with autism. Her excellent organization and time management skills, love of sports and expertise/creativity in developing craft projects have enhanced our program for our young clients. Heather has always had a love for children, and was introduced to ABA in college where she fell in love with the field due to the potential to make life changing improvements in the lives of the children served. Heather brings a passion to ABA Academy for helping children learn to be successful and independent in all of their environments, and finds great motivation in watching the children she serves accomplish things previously thought impossible. Heather excels with learners of all levels, and has a particular passion for children who are early learners, and beginning to acquire skills.
Practicum Students
We are happy to contribute to the autism community through providing a practicum site for students of applied behavior analysis. Each semester we are privileged to have several students who contribute greatly to the academy while learning about autism and ABA treatments. Supervision of future BCBAs is an important goal of our agency. We currently hold a graduate level lab one day a week to enhance the graduate programs our staff are completing.