Staff
Here at The Keystone Academy our staff is made up of highly trained and knowledgeable individuals. Staff members are both certified teachers and BCBA™ (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) and BCABA™ (Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst).
Katie Falwell, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Executive Director
Licensed Psychologist
Board Certified Behavior Analyst- Doctorate (BCBA-D)
Dr. Katherine Falwell is the Executive Director of Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics and The Keystone Academy. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctorate (BCBA-D). Dr. Falwell received her Ph.D. in Psychology from Fielding Graduate University, and her certification in Behavior Analysis from George Mason University. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Kennedy Krieger Institute and completed her postdoctoral training at the University of Florida. Dr. Falwell serves both typically developing and special needs children as a clinician, educator, consultant and researcher. In addition to serving as Executive Director, Dr. Falwell is also faculty at the University of Massachusetts and teaches courses in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Marlena Jenkins, BCaBA, School Director
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst
PCMA- Professional Crisis Management Instructor
Marlena Jenkins is the School Director of The Keystone Academy. She has been a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst since 2005. Marlena received her Bachelor of Arts degree in K-12 Exceptional Student Education from The University of North Florida in 2004. Marlena has worked with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, developmental and cognitive disabilities, and genetic and behavioral disorders in both public and private agencies. She has also served as a consultant with the University of Florida at Jacksonville Center for Autism and Related Disabilities and an intervention specialist with the public school system. In addition to serving as School Director, Marlena also coordinates the Feeding Disorders Program and provides ABA services to children for after school services.
Kelli Braner, BCaBA, Assistant School Director
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst
Kelli Braner graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Educational Studies and American Sign Language from Kent State University in 2007. After graduation, she moved to Las Vegas, NV to teach Pre-K and American Sign Language in a private school setting. During that time, she also served as a respite care provider. Kelli then relocated to the Jacksonville area where she worked as a Supportive Living Coach under the Medicaid Waiver Program. She assisted adults with developmental disabilities and severe behavior disorders live and work independently in the community. Kelli taught at The Jericho School for Children with Autism before joining The Keystone Academy. Kelli specializes in behavior modification, staff coaching, parent training and treatment plan integrity. Kelli completed her BCaBA certification requirements through Florida Institute of Technology.
Julie B. Riley, MSW, Director of Administration
Julie Riley is the Director of Administration for Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics and The Keystone Academy. She received her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University at Buffalo in New York. Julie's previous experience includes working as the Director of Admissions for a non-profit psychiatric center for children with severe psychiatric disorders. She also was employed by the Department of Children and Families Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program Office as the Program Coordinator for the Comprehensive Behavioral Health Assessment Program which coordinates mental health care and substance abuse treatment for children in Florida's foster care system. Additionally, Julie has served as the Clinical Director for Jacksonville's only Child Baker Act receiving facility. At Keystone Julie works provides consultation and direction to staff to ensure we are delivering the highest quality education and clinical practices to our clients and families.
Erika Holtz, MA, Operations Manager
Erika Holtz is the Operations Manager for Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics and The Keystone Academy. She carries a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Florida State University and a Master's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Western Michigan University. Her main area of study is Organizational Behavior Management. In her previous position in the media industry, she had dual functionality as the Employee Performance Specialist and Human Resources Manager. She also brings with her experience in practicums as a systems analyst, behavioral based safety consultant and volunteer hotline crisis counselor. Erika continues to stay current in the field with active memberships in the Association for Applied Behavioral Analysis International (ABAI) and the Organizational Behavior Management Network (OBMN). As the Operations Manager, Erika oversees systematic and continuous improvement of operations. She is responsible for risk management and all financial actions at Keystone. Additionally, Erika oversees all vendor contracts and is responsible for human resource policies, benefits, and all aspects of facilities.
Pam Lively, M.Ed., BCBA, Curriculum Coordinator
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Autism Endorsement, K-12 ESE, Elementary Education Certified
Pam comes to The Keystone Academy from the public school system where she taught in self-contained classrooms for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders as well as Intellectual Disabilities. She holds a teaching certificate in the State of Florida. She is certified in Kindergarten through 12th grade Exceptional Student Education, Elementary Education (K-6), and has the Autism Endorsement. Pam has a Master's degree in Special Education, and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA.) She is the proud mom of two children, an 11 year old son who is on the autism spectrum and a 5 year old daughter. Prior to her career in education, Pam worked in the dental insurance industry as an office manager and then as a regional representative. She later ran her own daycare business in order to take care of the needs of her family when her son was first diagnosed. At that time, she was also the coordinator of a program that provided a place for children to be safely and peacefully transferred between divorcing or separated parents. Pam has been a member of the Clay County Special Olympics Management Team for the past 5 years. She has a great love for learning and loves to teach children, believing that every child can learn.
Bethany Anderson, M.S., CCC-SLP, Director of Speech and Language Pathology
Licensed Speech and Language Pathologist
Bethany Anderson is the Director of Speech-Language Pathology. She holds a Masters of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. Bethany's has vast experience in treating individuals ranging from birth to adult in school-based and clinical settings. Her specialties include: behavior management, early intervention, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delay, cognitive disorders and language disorders. Bethany is also a certified bilingual (Spanish) speech-language pathologist and has experience working with children and adults from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Bethany is a passionate clinician who enjoys bringing creativity to her team. Most recently, Bethany is pursuing her training and certification in PROMPT and Early Start Denver Model for treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
Michelle Klindtworth, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech and Language Pathologist
Licensed Speech and Language Pathologist
Michelle Klindtworth is the newest Speech Language Pathologist to join the Keystone Behavioral Pediatric team. Michelle received her Master's of Science degree from the Florida State University holds her Certification of Clinical Competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA). Mi chelle's professional experience includes providing students within the academic setting therapeutic support as they improve their communication skills. Her professional, educational, and personal experiences have allowed her to help a wide range of individuals, from pediatric clients to adults, who present with a multitude of communicative challenges. Her specialties include: cognitive disorders, receptive and expressive language disorders, motor speech disorders, and developmental delays.
R.J. Navarro, Occupational Therapist
RJ graduated with his degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles (USC). He has spent his entire career in settings specializing in Neurological Rehabilitation in both the adult and pediatric populations. Areas of specialty with adults include Stroke and Spinal Cord Injury rehabilitation. Within the pediatric population, RJ has focused his services to those with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Cord Injuries, and Downs Syndrome working in pediatric home care, the school system, and a pediatric Sensory Integration Clinic. He has worked extensively in Visual Therapy, Hand Splinting, and Wheelchair seating. RJ is also certificated in Neuro-Developmental Treatment with practical knowledge of all modalities. He is currently the Senior Occupational Therapist at Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics working within a multi-disciplinary team approach.
Dionne Griffin, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant
Dionne graduated with the first COTA class at Florida State College at Jacksonville and maintains her affiliation with the college as a member of the Program Advisory Committee. She received a Bachelors of Science Degree in Community Health from the University of North Florida. Dionne completed her internship with the Duval County School system, where she worked with students with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome and Developmental Delays.
Summer Adair, RN, BSN, Nurse/Office Administrator
Summer joins Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics and The Keystone Academy with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama. Some of her responsibilities at Keystone include infection control, student medication administration, communication between student doctors and academy staff, as well as maintaining overall health and safety of the students. She is BLS and medical error prevention certified
Dawn Berg (Donny), Training Coordinator
Donny split time growing up between Arizona and Vermont, where she received her undergraduate degree from the College of St. Joseph. She completed the Professional Development courses in ABA through Florida Institute of Technology in 2012. Donny previously worked and trained at the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta for 7 years providing services for the pediatric feeding disorders clinic and working in the severe behavior unit. Donny will be drawing from her wealth of experience in providing professional training here at Keystone as well as overseeing the feeding program.
Jessica Seckinger, Field Trainer
Jessica Seckinger graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She completed her internship at New Foundations Children and Family Services, counseling children in residential placement and conducting group therapy with men convicted of domestic violence. She has gained experience working with people with varying mental disabilities at the Patrick B. Harris Mental Institution, the Lee University Developmental Inclusion Classroom, and in the public school system. Jess worked at the Jacksonville School for Autism as a 1:1 behavior therapist before joining the Keystone Academy team. Jess works as a 1:1 teacher, school consultant, and ABA therapist for both clinic and home-based services. Jess is fulfilling her requirements for BCaBA through the Florida Institute of Technology.
Garrett Adamson, Teacher
Garrett Adamson was born and raised in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Florida and is a certified Florida Educator in grades K-6 with also an ESOL endorsement. Garrett brings diverse teaching experience to The Keystone Academy from previously working in Title 1, Inclusion, and ESOL magnet schools. Garrett is the Lead Teacher for Primary 5 and is currently pursuing his BCaBA certification through the Florida Institute of Technology. During school breaks in the summer, Garrett is a 9th year certified First Responder, holding a Lieutenant status for the City of Atlantic Beach Ocean Rescue.
Omar Aleman, Behavior Specialist
Omar Aleman is a graduate from the University of North Florida with a degree in General Psychology. He has experience working with students from Head Start in Callahan as well as research experience in self-persuasion and self-monitoring. With his younger brother being autistic, he has firsthand experience with special needs children which led him to start his career here at Keystone Academy. His hobbies include watching movies, music, and reading.
Leah Baker, Teacher
Leah Baker moved to Jacksonville in 2005 after graduating from Minnesota State University Moorhead, a NCATE school. There she received her B.S in elementary education with a specialty area in mathematics and a minor in coaching. She currently holds a K-6 license in Minnesota and mathematics endorsement in 7th and 8th grade, as well as Florida professional certification. Her teaching experience includes children diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities as well tutoring at Sylvan Learning Center. At Keystone, Leah conducts pull-outs to provide individual intensive instruction in language, reading, math, and writing. Leah's future plans include pursuing her Master's degree in Education and BCBA.
Elsa Baltazar, Behavior Specialist
Elsa Baltazar graduated with a BA in Psychology, with a concentration in ABA from Armstrong Atlantic State University in May 2011. She began working with children with developmental disabilities and Autism in 2009. Elsa's undergraduate experience included practicum hours as a Behavior Consultant Intern with the Chatham County Public Schools System in the Exceptional Children Department in Savannah, Georgia. Elsa worked for one year with children with Autism and Asperger's syndrome in a Jumpstart and Inclusion program. Her work experience includes providing ABA therapy in varying environments including public schools, home therapy, and 1:1 therapy. Elsa's experience in school observation and consultation, and parent/teacher training makes her an asset to our team. She recently enrolled at NOVA Southeastern University to pursue a Master's degree in Counseling with a concentration in advanced ABA, and will be taking the BCaBA exam soon.
Lynsey Barrier, Teacher
Lynsey Barrier graduated from the University of North Florida in the summer of 2009. She completed a number of internships with CARD and later worked at the Jericho School and Butterfly Effects serving children with autism and other developmental delays in home, school, and community settings. At Keystone, Linsey provides both classroom support and after school therapy. Linsey is pursuing further education in psychology and ABA.
Lauren Busch, BCaBA, Senior Behavior Specialist
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst
Lauren graduated from the University of Florida in Spring 2010 with a Bachelor'sdegree in Event Management and a minor in Mass Communications. Although she enjoyed her work in wedding planning, Lauren decided to pursue a career that would satisfy her love for children. Past work experience includes camp counselor, nanny, and pre-kindergarten teacher in a private school. At Keystone, Lauren has worked as a 1:1 teacher, classroom behavior specialist, and provides clinic and home-based therapy after school. Lauren completed her BCaBA certification requirements through Florida Institute of Technology.
Sarah Callahan, Teacher
Sarah Callahan was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Upon moving to Florida in 2009, Sarah obtained her Florida Teaching Certificate in K-6. Sarah has taught Pre-k, Kindergarten, First grade and Inclusion classes. She also has experience working with students of all age groups working on literacy and reading recovery. In her free time, she loves being outside and spending time with her family. Sarah plans to further her education by pursuing her master's degree in Literacy and Curriculum Development.
Kelly Currier, 1:1 Teacher
Kelly grew up in Chicago, Il. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2011, having majored in Applied Psychology with a minor in Sociology. While in school, she worked on campus researching the implicit measures of emotions, in addition to group interactions. She went on to work in children's psychiatry at Children's Memorial Hospital before relocating to Jacksonville. Kelly is very passionate about working with children and intends to further her education and experience.
Nora Darr, Teacher
Nora Darr was born and raised in southern Illinois and received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education at Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville. Upon moving to Florida she received her K-6 Florida teaching certificate. Nora comes to us with experience as a 2nd grade and Kindergarten teacher. She also has experience working with students in Reading Resource. In November 2011, Nora moved to Jacksonville with her husband and enjoys spending her spare time with family and friends. She is the lead teacher for the Primary 3 classroom and loves being a member of the team!
Roseann Egidio, Administrative Assistant
A native of New Jersey, Roseann's previous career was as an art director in New York. Roseann has won many awards while serving as a member on The Jacksonville Watercolor Society. She teaches watercolor in the community education at Fletcher High School and other locations in the Jacksonville area. Roseann's work was shown at the Cummer Museum and she has been a recipient of the Jacksonville Community Foundation Grant for Individual Artists. She was also senior "Artist in Residence" for the Arts in Medicine program at Shands Hospital. A graduate of Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts, and Parsons School of Design in New York, Roseann now shares her talents with the children and teachers of The Keystone Academy. Roseann's roles include front office administration, classroom assistance, aftercare, and art and resource planning.
Anne Everett, Teacher
Anne graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor's degree in Exceptional Student Education. She holds a Florida Teaching Certificate in K-12 Special Education with the added endorsements of English for Speakers of Other Languages and Preschool Disabilities. Anne has several years of experience working with young children with developmental disabilities in the preschool setting. Anne is the lead teacher for Primary 2. Additionally, she provides afterschool therapy and tutoring. Anne plans to pursue her Master's degree and complete her BCBA.
Stephanie Fryback, Behavior Specialist
Stephanie Fryback graduated from Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) in 2011 with a Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Minors in Linguistics and Psychology. She then relocated to Jacksonville where she was a teacher's assistant at The Jericho School for Children for Autism. Stephanie is currently pursuing her BCBA certification through coursework at Ball State University.
Kyle Gay, School Coordinator
Originally from Sarasota, FL, Kyle graduated from Florida State University in the summer of 2009. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Family and Child Sciences with a minor in Psychology and a concentration in Education. Upon graduation, Kyle began her teaching career as a pre-k teacher at a local private preschool where she taught for two years. She is currently enrolled in the Teach First Coast program at Florida State College of Jacksonville to obtain her Professional Teaching Certification in elementary education. As School Coordinator, Kyle is responsible for admissions, tours, tuition/finance, attendance and substitute teaching when needed. Kyle often will be the first person you see when entering the Academy and serves as liaison between parents and school staff.
Victoria Gazarova, BCaBA, Behavior Specialist
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst
Victoria received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of North Florida as well her course requirements for BCaBA completion. Victoria completed multiple internships at the University of Florida- Jacksonville Center for Autism and Related Disabilities where she focused on social skills training to children with Asperger's and high-functioning autism. Her interests include behavioral assessment and intervention, school observation and consultation, and parent/teacher training.
Maegan Howell, 1:1 teacher
Meagan graduated from University of North Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Previous experience includes volunteering at North Florida Community Hospice, Honor Buddy tutoring program, and at-risk youth camp counselor. Maegan then came to Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics in September of 2010 as an UNF practicum student, where she worked underneath Dr. DeSantis completing psychometric services. In April 2011, Maegan became a part of The Keystone Academy staff. Meagan works as a 1:1 teacher and oversees aftercare programming. Meagan plans to pursue a master's degree in counseling.
Leslie D. Johnson, Teacher
Leslie comes to us with eleven years experience as lead teacher at a private local preschool. She also has seven years of experience providing ABA services in both in-home and school settings. Leslie worked several summers as a behavior therapist at Jacksonville School for Autism. She currently holds a Child Developmental Associate Credential from the Childcare Education Institute/University of Cincinnati. Leslie is the lead teacher for Primary 1 and oversees training and implementation of Tools of the Mind curriculum.
Tephanie Little, Behavior Specialist
Tephanie received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Tephanie is currently in enrolled in graduate school to complete a Master's degree in Counseling with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Tephanie has experience working in the field of Child Protective Services as a Mental Health Associate and in working with children that have autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities administering ABA therapy. Tephanie is currently pursuing BCaBA certification.
Natalie Partridge, Teacher
Natalie was born and raised in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. She graduated from the University of North Florida, an NCATE school, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education and Child Development. Natalie is a certified Florida Educator in grades K-6 with an ESOL Endorsement. Natalie brings a magnitude of diverse teaching experiences to The Keystone Academy having previously worked in Title 1 schools, Inclusion classrooms, delivering cognitive therapy and implementing basic principles of ABA at a pediatric clinic. She is currently pursuing her BCaBA certification through the Florida Institute of Technology.
Dawn Rasner, Teacher
After graduating from The University of Rhode Island with a BA in marketing and working in corporate America, Dawn completed the education program at the University of North Florida. She then taught pre-kindergarten in a private school in Jacksonville. Dawn is currently pursuing her BCaBA certification through coursework at Florida Institute of Technology. Dawn is the lead teacher in Primary 6 and provides ABA therapy after school. Additionally, Dawn teaches English at the University of North Florida.
Tori Salinas, Behavior Specialist
Tori was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Sciences with a specialization in early childhood from the University of Texas at Austin in 2009. While attending, she volunteered and completed an internship at a local Children's Hospital in the Child Life department. After graduating, she was an Assistant Teacher at a Montessori school until beginning a job as a Case Manager at a foster to adopt agency. Tori and her husband relocated to Jacksonville, Florida for his job in September 2011. She enjoys working with children and families and plans to pursue ABA or counseling.
Scott Scheff, Behavior Specialist
Scott Scheff received his Bachelors degree in Psychology and a minor in Illustration from Flagler College. He was drawn to the special education field by his interest in behavior modification. Scott has worked as a 1:1 instructor at the Keystone Academy and now works as behavior specialist in Primary 6. Scott is continuing his education in Physical Therapy. When not working hard at The Keystone Academy, Scott spends his time running and traveling.
Dana Smith, Behavior Specialist
Registered Licensed Mental Health Intern
Dana Smith moved to Jacksonville from Orlando where she attended the University of Central Florida. During this time, Dana interned at Easter Seals Daybreak and was a nanny for families with children with developmental delays. In 2009, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders (speech therapy). After graduation, Dana taught pre-kindergarten and began graduate courses in Exceptional Student Education. At Keystone, Dana provides classroom support, works as a 1:1 teacher, conducts feeding therapy and after school ABA services and tutoring. Dana is currently pursuing her master's degree in counseling with a specialization in ABA and fulfilling her BCBA requirements through NOVA Southeastern University.
Aneka Stewart, Behavior Specialist
Aneka Stewart received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Florida State University. She comes to the Keystone Academy with three years of teaching in Duval County Public Schools and previously worked with The Arc of St. John's. Aneka is currently working on her Master's degree in Special Education with an emphasis in ABA at The University of North Florida. She plans to earn her BCBA after graduation.
Nicole Theiler, Resource Teacher
Nicole Theiler received her B.S. from Florida State University in psychology with a minor in child development. Niki's past work experience includes teaching children with disabilities in multiple private ABA-based schools. Niki is currently in graduate school to complete her master's degree in mental health counseling. At Keystone, Niki has served as the pre-k teacher and now as resource teacher, providing intensive pull-out sessions for students who require remediation and increased individual instruction in language, reading, writing, math, and ABA programming. Additionally, Niki provides afterschool ABA services and is completing her certification in ESDM through UC-Davis.
David Thornton, 1:1 Teacher
David Thornton was raised in Fernandina Beach, Florida, where he currently resides. He earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from North Greenville University in December of 2010. While studying psychology, David became interested in ABA . He pursued further coursework on ABA with a focus on autism which ultimately led him to The Keystone Academy. David plans to earn his graduate degrees in education and his BCaBA while working at The Keystone Academy. When not working, David enjoys reading and spending time at the beach.