This webinar will cover the full and brief assessment from the Pretend Play and Language Assessment and Curriculum (PPLAC) and the first 3 stages in the curriculum: Stage 1: Single Agent, Stage 2: Chaining Play, and Stage 3: Play Schemes.
Webinar Content: Describing the 5 elements of play and viewing video examples of each. Assessing the play and language skills of a child from a video example. Analyzing the data and coding the 2 parts of the brief assessment. Utilizing the coding to complete the full assessment. Designing pretend play goals after video review of 2 assessments. Describing Stage 1: Single Agent, Stage 2: Chaining Play, Stage 3: Play Schemes, and viewing video examples. Reviewing and explaining prompting, positioning, initiating play, providing feedback, programming for generalization, understanding and developing goals, preparing for Stages 1-3, implementation, barriers, and progression. Additionally, we cover the 5 elements of pretend play and how they are incorporated into Stages 1-3.
Melissa is the Director of Research and Development for ACI Learning Centers and has been with ACI since 2009. She has her Master’s degree from Sage College in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism and received her BCBA credential in 2012. She has experience and expertise developing social skills packages, designing individualized research-based programs and behavior reduction plans for children and adolescents diagnosed with autism. She has conducted research on establishing and increasing appropriate play skills and has presented her research at ABAI and other state ABA conferences. In 2017, Melissa and Nancy Champlin, CEO, published the Pretend Play and Language Assessment and Curriculum (PPLAC): A Behavioral Approach to Targeting Play Skills.
Emily Hogan, BCBA
Clinical Director, Southlake TX
Emily currently serves as the Clinical Director in Southlake, TX and has been with ACI Learning Centers since 2016. She received her undergraduate from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and her Master’s degree from Baylor University. Emily has over four years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. During her free time, Emily enjoys traveling and playing with her Golden Retriever, Reggie.
Corissa O'Dell, BCBA
Clinical Director, Harker Heights, TX
Corissa is the current Clinical Director of ACI Learning Centers in Harker Heights and has been with ACI since 2015. Corissa has over four years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. In 2013 she graduated from Kaplan University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavioral Science. In 2017, she graduated with a Master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Kaplan University and became a BCBA shortly after. Corissa has been marred for eight years, and is a mom of two daughters and a son. Whenever possible she enjoys traveling overseas to experience new cultures and the local arts.
Nora Clark
Coding and Claims Specialist
Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Nora graduated with a Sociology degree from Kutztown University. She spent three years as a preschool teacher for a non-profit organization, where she discovered her love of being a part of a group that provides services to all children. In 2016, Nora joined the ACI team as an administrative assistant for the Colorado Springs center and has since become a claims specialist as part of the billing department.
Kaylee Condoulis
Insurance Liaison
Kaylee currently serves as ACI Learning Centers’ expert in insurance as the Insurance Liaison. From being in the field for 4+ years and working on her Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management, she brings a wealth of experience to support our families through the labyrinth of the insurance process. While not at work Kaylee loves to go hiking with her dog and exploring all that Colorado has to offer.
Ian Santus, BCBA
Executive Director
Ian is the Executive Director and has been with ACI Learning Centers since 2011. He is responsible for oversight of clinical operations across the company and works hand-in-hand with the business manager on company operations, systems, and procedures. Ian began his career in the field of applied behavior analysis in 2002 while receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University. Achieving his BCaBA certification in 2011 and his BCBA in 2013 after finishing his master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism from Sage Colleges, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge in behavior reduction strategies, staff performance improvement procedures, occupational behavior management, as well as unparalleled leadership skills. Ian currently resides in Michigan with his family and enjoys a variety of hobbies from photography to motorcycles.
Melissa Hancock, BCBA
Clinical Director, Oklahoma City, OK
Melissa Hancock is the Clinical Director at ACI Learning Centers in Oklahoma City and has worked with ACI since 2017. Melissa received her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from California State University Fullerton and Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles Campus. Melissa received her BCBA Certification in 2016. She has nearly 20 years of experience in ABA and has a passion for working with individuals with ASD. Melissa is an expert in reducing challenging behavior and developing social communication. When Melissa is not working with children, families, and staff at ACI, she enjoys exploring Oklahoma City.
Cody Morando
Executive Assistant
Cody Morando earned her Bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University and graduated with honors upon completion of her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She then became a Certified Child Life Specialist practicing in pediatric hospitals. She has served several roles at ACI Learning Centers ever since her return home to Kansas City in 2015; Kansas City’s Office Manager, lead research assistant in the development of the PPLAC resource guide, and currently as the Executive Assistant in our Corporate ACI office.
Katharina Coleman
Human Resources Administrator
Born and raised in Vienna, Austria, Katharina Coleman relocated to the United States after graduating with a degree in Finance and Business Administration. As part of ACI’s Human Resources Team, she is responsible for payroll and benefit administration, new hire processing and provider accreditation. In her free time, Katharina can usually be found at the park spending time with her dog Blue or supporting local nonprofits by volunteering in the community.
Jessica Berger
Intake Coordinator
Jessica graduated from Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and then went on to get her Master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Louisville. Jessica has more than 10 years’ experience working with children with special needs. She been with ACI since 2015, starting as an RBT and is currently working as our Intake Coordinator and Administrative Assistant in the Oklahoma center. In her free time she enjoys DIY projects around the home, especially if they involve landscaping.
Ashleigh Hill
Coding Specialist
Ashleigh graduated from the University of Kansas in 2010 with a Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Upon graduation, she moved to Boston, MA and worked in a residential setting at the New England Center for Children. In 2014, she moved back to Kansas to work at ACI, and it was there where she received training in insurance coding. Ashleigh enjoys photography, spending time with her husband and daughter, and visiting her in-laws in Boston when she gets the chance.
Julia Feygin
Director of Marketing and Recruitment Originally from Michigan, Julia moved out to Kansas City after graduating from the University of Michigan in 2015. She utilizes her Communications and Global Media degree by handling all marketing and recruitment needs at the corporate office. When she is not at work, Julia’s free time revolves around her two Briard dogs, Juno and Alfie, and watching her favorite TV show, Friends.
Deborah Sieve
Accounting Manager
Deborah holds an MBA with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration from Avila University and a Bachelors of Business Administration in Finance from Rockhurst University. She has 30 years of experience in healthcare management which includes private practice, corporate practice and University of Kansas medical department administrator. She is also a faculty member at the University of Phoenix where she teaches classes in human resources, communications and healthcare marketing. Her favorite vacation destinations are Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean. With her sons living in LA, she also travels to see them at least once a year.
Elle Smith, BCBA
Clinical Director, Overland Park, KS
Elle currently serves as the Clinical Director in Overland Park, Kansas and has been with ACI Learning Centers since 2017. She received her undergraduate degree from Aurora University and her Master’s degree from The Ohio State University in 2017 and became a BCBA shortly thereafter. Elle has over four years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. She enjoys traveling and taking long walks with her pug, Hercules.
Nicole Norris, BCBA
Clinical Director, Colorado Springs, CO
Nicole is the current Clinical Director of ACI Learning Centers in Colorado Springs and has been with ACI since 2012. Nicole has over five years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and working within the early intervention field. She graduated from The University of Kansas with an undergraduate degree in Applied Behavioral Science. In 2016, she graduated with a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Sage College and became a BCBA shortly after. Nicole is a mom of two adorable little girls and when they are not in Colorado Springs, they are up in the mountains skiing.
Tori Evans, BCBA
Regional Director
Tori first began working at ACI as a therapist at the Southlake location in October 2011. She has since held the positions of Team Lead, Clinical Director of two different centers, and now serves at the South Regional Director. Tori has worked in the field of ABA for the past 11 years and credits her passion for the field to her younger brother, Jay Lee, who was born with Down Syndrome. Tori holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Tori especially enjoys training others in the principles of ABA and spreading the knowledge of the field. She loves spending time with her husband and their three beautiful children.
Whitney Wehrkamp, BCBA
Regional Director
Whitney is the Regional Director for the Colorado Springs, Oklahoma City, and Kansas City locations and has been with ACI since 2013. Prior to working at ACI Learning Centers, Whitney provided ABA therapy to children with various developmental disabilities aged 2 to 21 in a residential treatment setting. Whitney has a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis and is an expert in training, providing support and guidance to both staff and parents. In her free time, Whitney likes to spend her weekends skiing with her family.
Tanner Sierks
Business Manager
Tanner Sierks joined ACI Learning Centers in 2014. Tanner holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing from the University of Missouri Kansas City. He brings over 8 years of healthcare and insurance sector experience. Tanner manages the corporate team supervising insurance and healthcare relations, human resources, payroll and employee benefits, and marketing. Ian Santus, Executive Director, and Tanner utilize their strengths and expertise to work collaboratively to provide ‘best practice’ management across the company.
Brad Champlin
Chief Financial Officer
Bradley Champlin is the Chief Financial Officer of ACI Learning Centers. Prior to joining ACI, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Third Millennium Technologies Inc. for 20 years. Bradley received a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Kansas and a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Missouri Kansas City. Bradley joined ACI Learning Centers in 2005 as the business manager. He has over 30 years’ experience of executive business management. In his current capacity, he is responsible for financial planning and accounting, as well as financial reporting to management.
Nancy Champlin, BCBA
Chief Executive Officer
Nancy is the owner, founder, and Chief Executive Officer of ACI Learning Centers. Nancy holds degrees in elementary education, learning disabilities, and early childhood special education. She has over 35 years’ experience working with individuals with autism and other developmental delays. She has developed teaching curricula that correspond with the ABLLS-R and the VB-MAPP, I’m Learning to Be Me PlayTubs™ and is the co-author of The Pretend Play and Language Assessment and Curriculum (PPLAC). She has lectured and trained professionals and parents locally and internationally on Applied Behavior Analysis, as well as conducted and presented research on a behavioral approach to teaching play skills to children with autism. Nancy enjoys downtime with her family and 8 grandkids, as well as skiing the mountains of Colorado.
