Amy Dillree

adillree@brighterstridesaba.com

I am a BCBA-D with over 20 years experience. I have provided services in home, in clinic, in the community, in school settings, and in residential settings for individuals of all ages and needs. My primary interests include the reduction of maladaptive behavior, skill acquisition, and the biological basis of behavior. I was a Department of Justice Consultant in Texas and I successfully treated many individuals with life-threatening behaviors. I have a son on the Spectrum and he has been one of my best teachers.

Angel Shu

ashu@brighterstridesaba.com

Angel Shu

BCBA, LBA

"I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master’s degree in Sport Psychology, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and a post-master’s certification in Applied Behavior Analysis. I have been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for 5 years—beginning as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and now serving as a BCBA. My experience spans in-home, in-clinic, and in-school settings, supporting clients across diverse environments and needs. Throughout my ABA career, I have worked with individuals on the autism spectrum ranging from ages 2 to 18. I have provided support in various environments including homes, clinics, schools, and through telehealth. I am skilled in implementing evidence-based interventions and conducting assessments such as the VB-MAPP, Vineland-3, SRS-2, Socially Savvy, ABLLS-R, and PDDBI. I also have experience working with individuals diagnosed with co-occurring conditions, such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I truly believe in teaching ABA by using each individual’s motivation and providing them with autonomy. My approach is trauma-informed, always seeking to create a safe, respectful, and empowering environment for clients and families. I focus on fostering engagement, emotional safety, and meaningful progress through personalized, learner-centered interventions. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my three fur kids, who I lovingly train using ABA techniques. My passion for behavior analysis continues to guide both my professional work and personal interests."

Catalina Rodriguez

crodriguez@brighterstridesaba.com

Catalina Rodriguez

LBA

My name is Catalina and I have been in the field of ABA for 10 years. As a BCBA I have worked in the following settings: in-home, in-center, in-school, and via Telehealth. I have worked with children ages 18-months-old to 16-years-old. I am bilingual in Spanish and French. I really appreciate being able to support my Spanish-speaking community!

Dex West

dwest@brighterstridesaba.com

Dex West

BCBA, LBA

Dex West, M.S., BCBA, LBA Dex brings over three years of experience as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), providing compassionate and data-driven care across schools, clinics, and in-home settings. He earned his undergraduate degree from Saint Louis University (Go Billikens!) and holds a master’s in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from Saint Joseph’s University. Dex is known for his commitment to ethical care and learning the science.. Outside of work, he enjoys watching basketball and staying active—and here’s a fun fact: he’s a former kickboxing instructor.

Elaine Woods

ewoods@brighterstridesaba.com

Elaine Woods

BCBA, LBA

Elaine Woods is the Regional Clinical Director at Brighter Strides ABA Therapy, where she leads a team of exceptional BCBAs across Maryland. With more than a decade of experience in ABA and six years in clinical leadership, Elaine is committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to children with developmental disabilities. Elaine began her career at the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program and has since worked with children aged 1 to 18 in home, clinic, school, and daycare settings. She oversees clinical operations across multiple service locations, ensuring high standards of care and supporting the professional growth of her team through mentorship and training. Elaine holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She is a licensed Behavior Analyst in Maryland and a certified Safety Care Trainer. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and she has presented at both regional and national conferences. Fun Fact: Outside of work, Elaine enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and their two energetic dogs.

Hailey Odell

hodell@brighterstridesaba.com

Hailey Odell

BCBA, LBA

Hailey Odell M.Ed., BCBA, holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. She brings over eight years of teaching experience in Oklahoma to her work in the field of ABA. Since joining Brighter Strides in January 2023, she has served as an RBT and Lead RBT before earning her BCBA in August 2024. Her professional background includes providing services across clinic, school, home, and telehealth settings. She is dedicated to delivering high-quality, individualized care that supports the diverse needs of the families she serves. In her personal time, she enjoys exploring new places as a travel enthusiast and spending meaningful time with her family.

Jenna Martin

jmartin@brighterstridesaba.com

Jenna Martin

BCBA, LBA

With over seven years of experience as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), I have had the opportunity to work with children and adults across a wide range of ages and developmental needs. My background includes providing services in clinic settings, in-home programs, and via telehealth. I have also had the privilege of supervising and mentoring fellow BCBAs. For the past two years, I’ve served as a BCBA with Brighter Strides, where I remain passionate about delivering meaningful, individualized care and making a lasting impact on the lives of our clients and their families.

Jerry Hurtado

jhurtado@brighterstridesaba.com

Jerry Hurtado

BCBA, LBA

Hi there! I’m a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 10 years of experience in the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), officially stepping into my BCBA role in 2020. Over the years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with both children and adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions across a variety of settings—including in-home, clinic-based, schools, and even via telehealth. Each environment has taught me how to adapt, connect, and deliver care that’s both meaningful and fun. I pride myself on being a strong communicator and a creative thinker—whether that means collaborating with families and teams, building engaging behavior supports, or finding new ways to turn everyday moments into learning opportunities. I believe therapy should never be one-size-fits-all, and I enjoy customizing supports to help individuals thrive in their own unique way. And just for fun—a little about me outside of work: I’m a travel lover, gym rat in the best way, and a total foodie. From street tacos to sushi, if it’s edible, I’m probably down to try it. So whether we’re working on a behavior plan or swapping restaurant recs, I’m all in.

Kara DeVito

kdevito@brighterstridesaba.com

Kara DeVito

BCBA, LBA

Kara is a New England native, originally from the smallest state in the country—Rhode Island—but known for bringing big energy and warmth to every client interaction. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Loyola University in Baltimore, Maryland, and earned her Masters of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Kara has worked with individuals across the lifespan, from early learners to adults, providing compassionate, client-centered care. Kara believes that the most effective treatment is built on strong relationships, motivation, and collaboration. She prioritizes treatment protocols that are tailored to each individual’s unique needs, placing clients and their families at the core of every decision. Her clinical philosophy is grounded in evidence-based interventions delivered with empathy, flexibility, and respect. Before transitioning to telehealth, Kara provided in-person services for many years in both clinical settings and school environments. This diverse experience informs her holistic and practical approach to remote care. Kara deeply values the dedication and skill of her Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), describing them as the heartbeat of the team. She considers herself incredibly fortunate to collaborate with some of the best RBTs in the ABA field at Brighter Strides and holds immense respect for their hard work and professionalism. Outside of her professional work, Kara is a devoted mom to two boys and shares her home in Rhode Island with her husband and three beloved cats. She brings the same compassion, energy, and advocacy she applies in her home life to her work with clients and their support teams.

Laura Panter

lpanter@brighterstridesaba.com

My name is Laura Panter and I have been in the field of ABA for 8 years now (5 years as an RBT and 3 years as a BCBA). I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Sociology from Midwestern State University and wet on to earn my Masters of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. I love helping children and their families learn how to navigate the world through the child's lens in order to help them reach their own goals and dreams. I have worked with children and adults who have Autism along with other diagnoses such as ADHD, ODD, OCD, DMDD, Anxiety, Depression, and more. I strive to always show up for my clients and their families by listening to specific wants and needs, being open to new ideas, and creating individualized goals! Along with my B.S and M.S, I also am a Licensed Behavior Analyst in Oklahoma and in Texas. I have a wide range of experience from working with individuals from all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. I have also provided my services in the clinic, home, school, and community settings! Some fun facts about me include that I was born and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas and currently reside here and I plan to earn my PhD in Clinical Psychology and work as a Forensic Psychologist! My favorite place to be is at home with my 5 dogs, husband, and 3 children on our many acres of land enjoying a beautiful Texas sunset!

Meckenzie Nelson

mnelson@brighterstridesaba.com

I have a degree in special education and ABA. I worked in the field for several years as an RBT before working toward my BCBA. I have worked in the clinical setting, school setting, and in-home and have enjoyed each one. I love watching kids and parents discover all the great things they are capable of. I recently had a baby boy, and aside from having fun with him, I love to make pottery on my wheel!

Melissa Balkenbush

mbalkenbush@brighterstridesaba.com

Melissa Balkenbush

BCBA, LBA

I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with extensive experience providing ABA services across school, home, community, clinic, and remote settings for children and adolescents ages 3 to 16. My work is centered around developing individualized, evidence-based interventions to address challenging behaviors and ensuring every cleint is able to live a life as independent as possible. I am passionate about collaboration and work closely with families, other BCBAs, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure consistency and success across environments. A fun fact about me: I’m a huge foodie and love exploring new places to eat with my husband and son!