Executive Director/Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Nancy Wagner received 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.
ConsultantJim Kopp, Ph.D., BCBA, has been a mentor for Nancy as she completed her ABA graduate studies at UTA and they have kept in touch through the years. He is excited about collaborating to develop learning opportunities for UTA students close to their Arlington campus. Jim received his Ph.D. in ABA from Western Michigan long before it was popular. As a university professor and scientist, Jim has worked with many children with autism and other developmental challenges. He has also played a key role in the development and ongoing support for the Texas Association of Applied Behavior Analysis (TXABA) and ABA International.
Therapist
Jill (Hutsell) Oldham, B.S. began working at ABA Academy as a practicum student in January of 2007. She is interested in learning more about how a child with a disability affects the family. Keeping our playroom sparkling, she is one of our most requested play assistants. You may find her having a tea party, racing cars, learning about transformers or playing dinosaurs. Our young clients don’t realize they are learning while Miss Jill is working. Her excellent skills make the learning seamless. She began working toward her graduate degree in the summer of 2008.
Therapist
Elicia (Cook) Allred, B.S. has provided ABA therapeutic services to young children with autism for several years. Prior work experience includes working as a house parent in children’s homes and working in vocational settings with people with disabilities. Her area of special interest is combining ABA and teaching communication skills. Elicia received her bachelor’s degree in ABA from UNT in May 2008.
Therapists
–Emily Maxwell, B.A. Emily began as a practicum student in the fall of 2007. Her playful attitude and consistency with our young clients adds to the fun they have. She has been found galloping like a horse, turned into a kangaroo by a young client learning manding, playing Rosie (Ring Around the Rosie) or having a puppet show for Show and Tell. Emily received her bachelor’s degree in May 2008.
–Chelsea Sherwood began as a practicum student in the spring of 2008 and loved it so much she is pursuing her degree in ABA. Her gift of data collection in intense environments is amazing. Joining the ABA Academy Team in the summer of 2008, Chelsea is intent on learning how to apply the principles of ABA in a play environment.
Admissions Coordinator
Gisela Daniel, B.S. - Often the first voice you hear when you call us is Gisela’s. Her degree in Early Childhood Education and her experience with her own son, Sammy, bring a special knowledge to our office. What a blessing she is to us as she works with parents, insurance companies, and staff to keep everyone smiling.
Office Clerk
Mallory Jordan - Before Mallory joined our team, keeping data sheets up to date was a challenge due to the rapid progress of our young clients. Her data entry skills allow us to continue to make programs very specialized for each child. She loves to write and is enjoying her college classes.
Practicum Students
We are happy to contribute to the autism community through providing a practicum site for UTA applied behavior analysis students. Each semester we are privileged to have several students who contribute greatly to the academy while learning about autism and ABA treatments.
