ABA Therapy North Carolina

Amy Angell

aangell@brighterstridesaba.com

Amy is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Behavior Analyst, and Board Certified TeleMental Health provider specializing in early intervention therapy, social skills development, and family training and supports. She has over 15 years of experience working with children and families and has worked with clients ranging in age from toddler through adulthood with a specialization in children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. She is passionate about helping families learn and communicate together and has worked with families across the United States throughout her career. In her free time she enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Carmen Drier

cdrier@brighterstridesaba.com

Carmen Drier

BCBA, LBA

Carmen Drier, MS, BCBA, LBA earned her master’s degree in psychology with a specialization in applied behavior analysis (ABA) from Capella University in 2018. She has over 15 years of experience working with children and adults with various disabilities. She was introduced to evidence-based early intervention when her youngest son began receiving services in 2008. Carmen decided to make a career change which led her to transition from finance to education and finally to ABA. In 2015, she started her work as a registered behavior technician (RBT) and fell in love with the field. In 2019, Carmen moved into the BCBA role with a focus on caregiver collaboration and RBT Supervision. In 2020, she began leading training of new hires and providing graduate student supervision. Carmen served as a subject matter expert (SME) with the behavior analyst certification board (BACB) from 2022-2024. Carmen also serves as an active grassroots lobbyist and advocate for the rare disease community. She is passionate about impacting science-driven legislation and promoting equitable access to treatment. In her spare time, Carmen enjoys travel, music, creating art, and lifelong learning. She started travelling internationally with a mother-daughter trip in 2018. She visited seven countries by 2020 and looks forward to more in the future.

Chelsea Carter

ccarter@brighterstridesaba.com

Dr. Carter has worked in the field of ABA for over 15 years, working with children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and behavioral disorders (ADHD, ODD, DMDD, among others) in a variety of settings. In addition to working at Brighter Strides, Dr. Carter also teaches ABA courses at Purdue Global University and has published research on teaching safety skills to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as research on gun policy. One unique fact: I own a classic Jeep Wagoneer and over 500 vinyl records.

Erica Allen

eallen@brighterstridesaba.com

Erica Allen

BCBA, LBA

A little about me: I've been in the field of ABA for 12 years and a BCBA for 8 years. I have worked with clients from the age of 2 to 22 with needs all across the spectrum. I have ample experience collaborating and working with schools, other therapies such as ST and OT, and any other stakeholders that are important in the child's life. I strive to ensure that the clinic therapists, BCBAs, and families are supported throughout their time with Brighter Strides and look forward to working with future families.

Joanne Stoner

jstoner@brighterstridesaba.com

Joanne Stoner

BCBA, LBA

Joanne Stoner is a dedicated Regional Clinical Director and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with nearly 8 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She has worked with individuals ranging in age from 18 months to 24 years across diverse settings and has provided services across three states. Originally from Michigan, Joanne brings a warm, collaborative approach to leadership, striving to cultivate clinical environments where kindness, growth, and teamwork thrive. Professionally, she is most passionate about supporting the development of others—whether it’s mentoring clinicians, guiding families, or making a positive, lasting impact on the field. With nearly six years as a BCBA, Joanne is committed to fostering spaces where both individuals and teams can grow meaningfully and sustainably. Outside of work, Joanne is a proud sports and theater mom to two children, a wife, and an avid fan of DIY projects and the outdoors.

Katrina Deminski

kdeminski@brighterstridesaba.com

Katrina Deminski

BCBA

My name is Katrina but everybody calls me Trina! I graduated with my undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Services. I moved from upstate New York and attended Ball State University and received my masters in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis on Autism. I have such a love for this field and dedication to help children and families. A fun fact about me is I am adopted and I am currently writing a memoir in hopes of publishing.

Keira Burton

kburton@brighterstridesaba.com

Keira graduated from East Carolina University's Health and Human Services program with a bachelor's degree in early childhood development and holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from Saint Joseph's University. Keira has over a decade of child development and early intervention experience across the states of North Carolina and Virginia, with an extensive background and experience in working with current and former military families. Keira enjoys collaborating with others and works closely with members of the community to bring awareness and accessibility to families in need of ABA services while enjoying raising her son, who was diagnosed as autistic from early screening services.

Kelsey Bennett

kbennett@brighterstridesaba.com

Kelsey Bennett

BCBA, COBA, LBA

Kelsey serves as the Director of RBT Development and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), overseeing the LeadRBT program and providing comprehensive support and training for all behavior technicians at the company. Alongside her leadership role, she supervises clients across clinical, in-home, and school settings. Throughout her career as both a special education teacher and a BCBA, Kelsey has gained extensive experience working with children and young adults aged 18 months to 22 years old. Her key strengths include leadership, effective communication, organization, creativity, and building positive relationships within her team and with the families she supports. Outside of work, Kelsey enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, dogs, and teaching herself to play new songs on the piano.

Kelsey Miller

kmiller@brighterstridesaba.com

Kelsey Miller is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over eight years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. She specializes in early intervention, verbal behavior, functional communication training, and caregiver collaboration for children with autism and developmental delays. Kelsey is known for her strengths in treatment planning, staff training, and implementing data-driven, compassionate care across home, school, and community settings. She holds a Master of Education in Special Education from George Mason University and graduate certificates in Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism, and Assistive Technology. Kelsey earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, with a minor in Special Education, from Old Dominion University. Kelsey is currently completing her doctoral degree and dissertation research at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, with a commitment to advancing ethical, evidence-based, and culturally responsive ABA practices.

Kristen Wallace

kwallace@brighterstridesaba.com

Since entering the field of Applied Behavior Analysis in 2017, Kristen has been passionate about supporting children with developmental differences and their families. Starting as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), she quickly fell in love with the field and was inspired to pursue her graduate studies to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Her professional experience spans working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), ranging in age from 18 months to 12 years. She has provided services in a variety of settings, including clinics, homes, and daycares. As a BCBA, Kristen brings a strong foundation in early intervention, with particular strengths in developing play and communication skills. Her approach is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a deep commitment to individualized support that helps each child thrive. Fun fact: When she’s not working, Kristen loves spending time with her family, traveling the world, and getting lost in a good book.

Mackenzie Pass

MPass@brighterstridesaba.com

Mackenzie Pass

BCBA, LBA

Regional Director of BCBA Development, with emphasis in team leadership and commitment to effectively providing clinical onboarding and continued training for data platforms, QA policies and protocols, tailored mentorship needs to novel BCBA's, as well as ongoing collaboration to ensure state credentialing / licensure standards are obtained. Specialized interests include: ABA delivered within public and private educational, and early education (daycare) settings along with AAC communication device training and complex diagnoses (comorbidities).

Melisa Moscoso

mmoscoso@brighterstridesaba.com

Melisa Moscoso

BCBA, LBA

Hi, I’m Melisa Moscoso, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over seven years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. I started my journey as a Registered Behavior Technician and earned my undergraduate degree from Florida International University. I later completed my master’s degree in Behavior Analysis at Capella University. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with individuals ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years old, across various settings including homes, schools, and clinics. Being bilingual in English and Spanish has allowed me to connect with a wider range of families and provide culturally responsive care tailored to each client’s unique needs. I’m passionate about making a positive impact through individualized, evidence-based interventions, and I truly enjoy collaborating with families and teams to support meaningful progress. Fun fact: I’m a big reader and always have a book nearby!

MIckisha Barboa

mbarboa@brighterstridesaba.com

I’ve been in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for seven years and have been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for five of those years. Prior to entering the field of ABA, I served in the United States Air Force for 14 years as a flight medic, where I primarily addressed trauma, injuries, and acute medical needs. My professional experience spans working with children and adolescents ages 2 to 18 across home, school, and clinic settings. I specialize in developing individualized treatment plans, training staff and caregivers, and implementing behavior intervention plans rooted in evidence-based practices. My background in both medical and behavioral fields enables me to bring a holistic and compassionate approach to client care. Key strengths I bring to the team include crisis management, interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural responsiveness, and a strong ability to build rapport with both clients and families. I am also passionate about mentorship and supporting newer clinicians and behavior technicians in their professional development. Notable accomplishments include leading a multidisciplinary team in developing and launching an early intervention program for toddlers with ASD, and creating caregiver training modules that improved parent implementation fidelity by over 40%. Fun fact about me: I was born and raised in Jamaica and bring the warmth, resilience, and vibrant culture of my roots into everything I do. I’m also a proud mom of six children—including three on the autism spectrum—which fuels my personal passion and advocacy for neurodiverse individuals and their families.

Natalie Toups

ntoups@brighterstridesaba.com

Natalie earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology from Millsaps College and went on to receive her Master of Arts in Psychology with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis from McNeese State University. Her clinical training included intensive fieldwork in early intervention and advanced experience at the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Neurobehavioral Unit, where she specialized in severe behavior interventions in an inpatient setting. Over the years, Natalie has worked across school, clinic, and in-home environments—but what she enjoys most is simply being with the kids and celebrating every milestone, big or small. Outside of session, you will likely find Natalie enjoying the sunshine with her dog, Toby Gator.

Samra Afzal

safzal@brighterstridesaba.com

Samra Afzal

BCBA, LBA

Hi, I’m Sammi—Clinical Director of North Carolina and a longtime lover of all things ABA! I hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminology and a master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis and Criminal Justice. With over 10 years of experience in the field, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work across multiple states, support diverse teams, and help clients reach meaningful milestones. I bring a big-picture mindset, a passion for mentorship, and a deep commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care. One of my favorite parts of this role is the opportunity to build empowered, connected clinical teams and witness the incredible growth that unfolds—for both our staff and the clients we serve. And when I’m not doing that? You’ll probably find me at a coffee shop with a mountain view, because nothing fuels behavior change quite like caffeine and a scenic backdrop!

Shannon Knisely

sknisely@brighterstridesaba.com

Hello! I’m originally from Pennsylvania, and I earned my board certification in behavior analysis in 2009. Over the past 16 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals across the autism spectrum and those with developmental disabilities and severe behavior challenges. My journey has taken me into classrooms, group homes, day programs, clinics, and clients’ homes, supporting people from as young as 18 months up to 65 years old. Whether I’m developing social skills for a toddler or implementing life-skills training for an adult, my goal is always the same: to empower each person to reach their fullest potential. Throughout my career, I’ve collaborated closely with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure consistency and meaningful progress. When I’m not designing behavior interventions, you can find me exploring new destinations with my two energetic sons. I love traveling, embracing fresh adventures, and making memories that last a lifetime. Fun fact: I’ve gone skydiving five times—each jump reminds me how exhilarating it is to face challenges head-on and savor the view from a new perspective.