About Us

Rachael Cain

Regional Clinical Director

M.S. – ABA, BCBA

Rachael Cain, a Regional Clinical Director and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) serving locations in North Carolina and Virginia, brings diverse experience in Applied Behavior Analysis. Raised in a military family, she holds a B.A. in Anthropology and obtained her BCaBA certification during her undergraduate studies. Rachael furthered her education with a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Drexel University and is now a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. With a focus on both clinical and operational leadership roles, she advocates for comprehensive, culturally sensitive programs to promote client independence. Beyond work, Rachael enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with family, friends, and her dog.

Jessica Hudson

Clinical Director

Jessica is the Clinical Director and BCBA based in Durham, NC. Originally from Charleston, SC, Jessica has lived and worked in South Florida and all over the state of South Carolina, before making her way up to North Carolina and settling in Raleigh. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Florida International University and her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. Jessica has been in the field of ABA since 2008 and has worked in home, school, and center settings over the years. She enjoys and has extensive experience working with families to more successfully navigate the unique challenges that come with parenting. She has experience with individuals ages 18 months to 21 years old and, like Florina, is an advocate for early intervention and verbal behavior programming. Jessica is passionate about communication development in learners of all ages to ensure everyone has a chance at finding their voice.

Zcharvay Ponton-Bey

Clinical Director

M.Ed. – BCBA, LBA

Zcharvay (pronounced Sharr-Vay) Ponton-Bey is a Clinical Director and BCBA in Chester, VA. She is an RVA native who holds a B.A. in Psychology from Christopher Newport University. She began her ABA career right after graduation, working as a behavior technician. She later became a BCBA student and received her master’s in Special Education with a concentration in ABA from George Mason University. Her dedication to children with autism spans over eight years, a journey that has been both her passion and her world. She has worked with individuals from ages 2-17. Her professional and personal core values are deeply rooted in authenticity and understanding. With an outgoing personality, she is committed to building meaningful relationships with her colleagues and clients! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and painting.

Alina Lovano (Ali)

Assistant Clinical Director

M.S. – LBA, BCBA

Ali Lovano is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 10 years of experience providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services across clinic, home, and school settings. Since becoming certified in 2019, Ali has supported individuals ages 2 through 55, designing individualized programs that promote meaningful skill development and quality of life.

As both a BCBA and a mother to a child with autism, Ali brings a deeply personal understanding to her work. Her approach is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and respect—ensuring that every client and family feels heard, valued, and empowered. She is a strong advocate for assent-based practices, family involvement, and trauma-informed, compassionate care, with a focus on helping individuals thrive across all areas of daily living.

Ali’s mission is to create supportive environments where clients, families, and teams can work together to build lasting success through kindness, trust, and evidence-based strategies.

Dr. Carlton Sutton

Senior BCBA

Ph.D. – Sp Ed, BCBA – D

Carlton holds a Master’s degree in behavioral disorders and a Doctorate degree in Special Education and Reading, with extensive training in applied behavior analysis from Columbia University, Teachers College. He has dedicated his career to special education, using behavior analysis to support individuals with emotional-behavior disorders, learning disabilities, and autism. Carlton has worked in various roles, including as an educator, school administrator, and behavior analyst in both home and community settings. With over 25 years of experience, he is passionate about implementing evidence-based practices and promoting independence and communication skills. In his leisure time, Carlton enjoys watching movies and dancing with his family, including his wife, four children, and their dog.

Allison Holder

Senior BCBA

M.S. – ABA, BCBA

 Allison Holder is the Licensed BCBA based in Durham, NC. She has been proud to call North Carolina home for her entire life. She possesses a B.S. in Sociology with a concentration in families and intimate relationships from Appalachian State University, and an M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University. Allison has spent the last five years working in the field of psychology and behavioral health with learners ranging from 2 to 18. She has worked in residential homes, group homes, schools, and clinic-based settings. Allison is a fierce advocate in both her personal and professional life and strives to empower all children to both maximize their potential and find their joy. She believes in connection over compliance and utilizes an assent-based, learner-led intervention style to foster self-advocacy skills, functional communication, and trust.

Marissa Taylor

BCBA

M.A. – ABA

I graduated with my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati in 2018. I received my master’s in Applied behavior analysis from Purdue Global University in 2020. I have worked in the ABA field for over 3 years working directly with clients in the early intervention stage. I have experience working with children ranging from ages 2-14 years old in a variety of settings (schools, homes, daycares, and clinic). In my free time, I enjoy being around my friends and family playing games or watching movies. I am very excited to be a part of the Autism COE family, and help my clients and their families!

Alexandra Cipriani

BCBA

M.S. – BCBA, LBA

Alexandra has been working in the special education field for 8 years. After receiving her undergrad degrees in elementary education and special education, she started working in the field in various schools as a teaching assistant and head teacher serving children with all needs and on all different levels. Alex has always been a passionate advocate to the population she serves and wants more than anything to be able to give her learners the toolset to live fulfilling lives. In 2020 she decided to advance her career by pursuing a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis. Her passion continued and grew throughout her time in the master’s program and working in two different clinics. Alex is now a dedicated BCBA serving in the Richmond location. She has an advanced understanding of applied behavior analysis and an enthusiasm to keep learning.

Shamika Godbold

Clinical Director

M.S. – BCBA, LBA

Originally from The Bronx, New York, Shamika Godbold is a Clinical Director at AutismCOE in Virginia Beach, VA. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), she is dedicated to supporting autistic children and their families through compassionate, trauma-informed care. Since beginning her career in 2015 as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), she has gained experience across schools, clinics, homes, residential, and inpatient settings—delivering person-centered, assent-based interventions that foster dignity, growth, and meaningful outcomes.

In 2023, Shamika became the first Behavior Analyst hired by The Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters to help develop its Neurodevelopmental Disorders Unit in Norfolk, Virginia. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Traumatology at Liberty University, with the goal of integrating trauma-informed principles into behavior analysis to advance clinical care for neurodivergent youth.

Her research interests include neurodivergent advocacy, trauma-informed care for autistic youth, severe behavior intervention, food selectivity, care coordination following inpatient discharge, and caregiver collaboration.

Outside of her professional work, Shamika enjoys traveling, reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband, two daughters (ages 3 months and 6 years), and extended family. She also proudly supports her eldest daughter’s swim, cheer, dance, and gymnastics events.

Fritz Leonard

BCBA

M.S. – BCBA, LBA

Fritz Leonard, BCBA in Richmond, VA, has years in the Mental health and ABA field. Born and raised in Bronx New York, he holds a B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Leonard furthered his education at Purdue Global University receiving his M.S. with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Leonard enjoys working out, reading, eating healthy, networking, spending time with family and friends, and playing an assortment of card games.

Joy Owolade

BCBA

M.S. – BCBA, ABA

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Allyson Jefferson

BCBA

M.S. – BCBA, ABA

Hi Everyone!! My name is Allyson but I typically go by Ally. I grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and moved to Virginia in 2014 to attend Shenandoah University where I got my bachelors in Psychology and my Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis! I have been in the field of ABA since 2018 and have been a BCBA since 2021. When I am not working you can find me at home playing or cuddling with my two fur babies, Charlie (mini-Aussie doodle) and Zumi (Labrador Retriever)! I am excited to have joined the ACOE team and look forward to working with some pretty amazing people!

Joanne Valcin-Dickson

BCBA

M.S. – BCBA

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Ayteria Crow

BCaBA

M.S. – BCaBA, LaBA

Ayteria Crow received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Francis Marion University in South Carolina where she was first introduced to ABA. Starting in July 2020 she completed coursework at the University of South Carolina to become board certified. She is a Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst and has worked in the field for 13 years prior to becoming a team member at the Autism Center of Excellence. She has experience working in both clinical and home settings. Ayteria says the most rewarding part of her job is knowing that she is playing a vital role in her learners’ lives and watching them learn different things every day.

Andrew Harrelson

BCaBA

B.A. – BCaBA, ABA

Andrew Harrelson received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Virginia Wesleyan University back in 2018 and started his introduction to ABA following graduation. In April 2020, he started his coursework through the Florida Institute of Technology to become a Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) and completed his requirements in October 2021 to become licensed. He has been in the field of ABA for 6 years both in the center and home setting and loves working with kids and their families to provide the best quality of life they can have. When he’s not working, Andrew enjoys hiking in the mountains, yoga, and running and just completed his first 10k back in May of 2024.

Mahmoud Shehata

BCBA

M.S. – ABA, MSW

Mahmoud Shehata is a dedicated professional in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with over 8 years of experience. A Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) and QABA-certified Behavior Analyst, he is fluent in Arabic and English, allowing him to connect with diverse clients effectively. He earned a master’s in ABA from Mary Baldwin University in 2023 and a master’s in Social Work from Helwan University in 2020. Starting as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in Egypt, Mahmoud gained hands-on experience and later worked in clinics in Dubai, Egypt, and New York as a clinical supervisor and behavior consultant. Mahmoud’s bilingual skills and cultural competence enable him to deliver personalized, evidence-based interventions, driving meaningful progress for individuals and families.

Nick S

Administrative Director

Nick S. serves as the Administrative Director, overseeing operations in North Carolina and Virginia. With a strong background in billing and administrative management, and play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and compliance of financial and operational processes. His expertise spans implementing streamlined systems, managing budgets, and fostering collaborative workflows that enhance organizational performance. He is always committed to creating efficient solutions that support both staff and clients, ensuring that every detail aligns with the organization’s mission and goals. Outside of work, Nick enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with family, friends, and his beloved dog, embracing every opportunity to explore the outdoors.

Nereida Ortiz

Intake Manager

Nereida Ortiz also known as Tasha to everyone, Intake Manager with over 20 years’ experience in Operations.  Originally born in Brooklyn, New York.   She has three daughters, four grandsons and two granddaughters. Passionate about helping others. Loves traveling and spending time with her family.  She oversees two office managers, one in Fayetteville and one in Durham, North Carolina.

Courtney Jones

HR Professional

Courtney Jones, MHRM, SHRM-CP is a certified HR professional with a Bachelors degree in Media and Communications and a Masters degree in Human Resources Management. She has 4 years of HR experience and has a passion for developing organizations and creating spaces where talented professionals can thrive.

Clarissa Riggleman

BCBA – Training and Compliance Specialist

M.S. – ABA, BCBA

Clare is the Training and Compliance Specialist for AutismCOE. She has her master’s degree from Shenandoah University in Applied Behavior Analysis with over five years as a BCBA. She has worked with a wide range of ages from two to seventeen years in school, community, daycare, clinic, and home settings. She is passionate about assent-based care and growing her team’s clinical skills. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and exploring the Triangle area. She has two dogs and two cats and will always show pictures.

Nicole Ashkar

Clinical Director

M.S. – Ed, ABA

Nicole began her ABA career in 2017 as an RBT in California, developing a passion for helping children achieve their goals through behavior science. She earned a master’s degree in Education with a focus on ABA from Arizona State University in 2019.

With experience in leadership roles across crisis care, in-home services, schools, and clinics, Nikki is currently serving her second term as a BACB Subject Matter Expert. She specializes in interdisciplinary collaboration, mentoring students during fieldwork, and using active learning strategies to connect clinical knowledge with practical ABA applications. Her private practice focuses on supporting clients with rare genetic comorbid diagnoses, a population she is deeply committed to serving.

Nikki is dedicated to improving outcomes for individuals with complex needs, mentoring clinicians, and expanding access to compassionate, personalized care. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor adventures with her husband and two Dalmatians, finding inspiration in nature.

Jennifer Head

ABA, BCBA

M.S. – ABA, BCBA

I’ve been dedicated to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) since 2017, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality services that drive meaningful outcomes for clients. My passion extends to supervising and supporting the next generation of ABA providers, developing effective training programs, and promoting growth across every level of care.

When I’m not working, you can find me enjoying time with my cats, crocheting, gaming, or spending quality time with my family.

Dr. James Adkins

Ph.D., BCBA, LBA

Melessa Walter

M.S – ABA, BCBA

Javron Keene

BCBA, MS Behavior Analysis

Javron Keene, BCBA, serves as Clinical Director at the Autism Center of Excellence, bringing 10+ years of behavior analysis expertise. A Simmons University Master’s graduate, he previously spent six years at Kennedy Krieger Institute, focusing on severe behavior and skill development for individuals with autism and complex needs. He is known for his compassionate, results-driven leadership.

Samantha Greenough

BCBA

M.S. – BCBA, LABA

Samantha is a dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analyst with 8 years of experience in the field. She has worked with individuals ages 2-21 across a variety of settings, including in home, clinic based, and both private and public schools. Samantha was born and raised in New England before relocating to California, she has most recently provided hybrid telehealth services to clients on the East Coast and is licensed in Massachusetts and North Carolina. 

Samantha worked as a behavior technician while completing her bachelors in psychology at the University of Southern Maine. As she began seeing progress and building relationships with her families, she knew she wanted to grow within the ABA field. Samantha obtained her masters degree from Bay Path University and has been a BCBA since 2023. 

Samantha prioritizes serving as an advocate for her clients and staff. She believes in meeting families where they are at, while working to identify appropriate strategies to increase functional communication and independence. Samantha believes in establishing a positive relationship across providers to increase collaboration and provide more effective support to families. 

In her free time, Sam enjoys crafting, nature walks, or spending time at home with her partner and pets.

Kristy Parker

Interim Clinical Director

M.S. – BCBA, ABA

Kristy Parker has been working with children with autism and mental health needs since 1997. She was an early childhood special education teacher prior to becoming a BCBA in 2011. She has served as a treating BCBA, Clinical Director, Regional Operations Manager and ABA Business Consultant in the past. She has worked with children and adults of all ages and had opportunities to serve as part of an Autism Diagnostic Team, Specialized Feeding Team, IEP advocacy team and Caregiver Support Group coordinator. Kristy is also a proud mother of six wonderful children and has a child with high support needs autism.

James Capo

BCBA

M.S. – BCBA, ABA

James, is a dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analyst originally from Long Island, NY specializing in supporting parents and caregivers with the behavior analytic tools needed to support children’s growth and development. James also served in a United Staes Air Force. He began his ABA journey in 2011 working in the home and school settings as a behavior technician and BCaBA while completing his Graduate studies in Exceptional Student Education at the University of South Florida St. Pete. He brings experience and expertise in Business Development, Behavior skills training and connecting and building relationships with parents, caregivers, and colleagues. He has 9 years working as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in multiple states to include CA, FL, SC, and is licensed in NC. James has worked in multiple environments to include, in home, school, and clinic settings. His most recent roles were Clinical Director, Clinical supervisor, and Senior Behavior Analyst. When not working, he enjoys reading, thrift shopping, traveling, and  spending time with his wife. 

Carolyn McGuire

Talent Acquisition Manager

Carolyn McGuire brings years of experience in healthcare recruitment with a focus on building mission-driven teams. Before joining the Autism Center of Excellence, she helped connect talented professionals to meaningful careers in ABA therapy, dental, and allied health roles across the country. Her passion for supporting individuals with autism and neurodevelopmental differences grew during her time recruiting Registered Behavior Technicians and Board Certified Behavior Analysts — and continues to inspire her every day.

Sabrina Sarlo

BCBA

M.A., BCBA, LBA

Sabrina is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) who has worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for the last 5 years. She has experience supporting individuals across a variety of settings—including in-home, clinic-based, and school environments—and has worked with clients ranging from toddlers to teenagers. Sabrina earned her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of South Florida and became a BCBA in 2024. She is especially passionate about helping clients develop functional communication skills that promote independence and meaningful engagement. Outside of work, Sabrina enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her husband and their two dogs.

Pooja Patel

Asst. Clinical Director

M.S. – ABA, BCBA

Pooja is the Assistant Director of Autism Center of Excellence at Durham, North Carolina. She has served children from ages 2 to 19 years old in a diverse array of settings, including daycares, centers, in-home, and in schools. She has been a BCBA since November 2019 and received her Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. She is an advocate of Functional Communication Training and always advocates to teach her clients to use functional communication to communicate their needs and wants, and empowers her clients by giving them the freedom to use communication to access what they want. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling, going to restaurants, and exploring new hobbies.