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.
BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)
Hillary Lane, M.S., is an amazing ABA Therapist. Her energy for the work she does provides a very positive therapeutic style for our young clients. Firmness mixed with enthusiastic reinforcement makes her an excellent addition to the ABA team. She received her M.S. from the University of North Texas and has worked in the field for 6 years.
Therapist
Emily Maxwell, B.A., 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 and began graduate work in linguistics in the fall of 2008.
Therapist
Elicia (Cook) Allred, B.S. has provided ABA therapeutic services to young children with autism for over 6 years. Other related 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 with a minor in Speech from UNT in May 2008.
Therapists
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 keen observation and data collection in intense environments is amazing. Joining the ABA Academy Team in the summer of 2008, Chelsea has become a talented ABA Therapist.
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 Manager
Vicki Vinson, B.S. - Vicki joined our staff in November of 2008. Her bachelor’s in education and her many years serving people with special needs bring a wealth of information to ABA Academy. She has worked as a behavior therapist, adapted physical education tech., case manager, and program manager for various types of services. She has helped train many ABA therapists in various settings with both hands on and more formal inservices. She also is a Human Resources Specialist and Quality Assurance Monitor. We are excited to bring her wealth of information and support to ABA Academy.
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.
