The Proactive team
Leah Gongola, Ph.D., BCBA-D, COBA
Leah Gongola, Ph.D., BCBA-D, COBA is the Director of Proactive. She has licensure in general and special education. She taught in the classroom and was a home-based Medicaid provider. Gongola was also an Associate Professor in the Counseling, Special Education, and School Psychology Department at Youngstown State University. Dr. Gongola is the Owner and Director of Proactive Behavior Services. Dr. Gongola is passionate about applying the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) across a variety of settings and in setting up plans and programs that infuse the science of ABA in tandem with behavioral artistry and the human connection.
Jennifer Loudon, Ph.D., BCBA-D, COBA
Dr. Loudon is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) and the Clinical Director at Proactive. She taught moderate to intensive special education elementary through middle school for 26 years and was an adjunct professor at Youngstown State University. Dr. Jen received a Masters in Supervision and Curriculum from Wright State University and a Doctorate in Special Education from Kent State University. In 2017, Dr. Jen was awarded the Outstanding Special Educator award through the National Association of Special Education Teachers. Dr. Jen’s expertise is in the areas of autism, behavioral interventions, curriculum modifications, and accommodations.
Jessica Sowers, Chief Operations Officer
Jessica Sowers joined Proactive as our Practice Manager in early 2021 and has grown into the COO role. She brings her experience of owning 3 successful businesses. She's also a 500hr-E-RYT yoga instructor, specialized in Trauma focused classes and education. Her unique background blends mindfulness into our processes as well as bringing balance for our staff. She loves working with others, sharing knowledge and teaching new skills to people and is super excited to be a part of the Proactive Team!
Aisha Mitchell, Practice Manager
Aisha Mitchell joined Proactive as our Practice Manager in July 2023. She brings 20 years of customer service, management experience and 10 years in Behavioral Health field. Her attention to detail, strong work ethic, timeliness, and positive attitude blends right in at Proactive. We are excited to have her with us!
Gay Dent-Yonkers, BCBA, COBA
Gay Dent-Yonkers is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She earned her Masters Degree in Education with a major in Community Counseling and an emphasis on marriage and family. She was a certified CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention trainer. Gay worked for Orange City Schools for 33 years as an Intervention Specialist and Behavior Coach. She holds permanent teaching licenses across a variety of specialty areas and grade levels K-12. She has provided services across many different settings including in-home, separate facility, and school-based for children and adults with various emotional needs and abilities. Gay enjoys training families and other professionals about the application of behavior analysis. Her goal for all clients is to create comprehensive, evidence-based programs that encompass social, behavioral, and life skills, using the strengths and preferences of the individual.
Samantha Brackman, BCBA, COBA
Samantha Brackman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and licensed Intervention Specialist who has been working with individuals of all ages with Autism and other related disorders for over 10 years. She has experience working across clinical, home, school, and community environments. Sam received a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorder from Ball State University. Samantha currently acts as Proactive’s Assessment Coordinator. She is passionate about making connections using assessment and designing individualized programs and interventions.
Caitlyn Trebella, BCBA, COBA
Caitlyn Trebella has a Masters in Special Education with a Behavior Intervention Specialist Certificate. Caitlyn is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst (COBA). Caitlyn has been with Proactive Behavior Services as a Registered Behavior Technician providing home and school-based services since September 2019. She is passionate about providing services for clients to access the community and different environments. Also, Caitlyn enjoys collaborating with caregivers and teachers to enhance their knowledge in ABA to aid in the clients' growth and success.
Emily Werbeach, BCBA, COBA
Emily Werbeach has a Masters in Special Education from Ball State University with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. She holds licensure as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst (COBA). Emily has been working with individuals with autism and co-occurring mental health diagnoses for over ten years, including the past five years as a BCBA. With her previous experience working with individuals with severe behaviors in the residential treatment environment, she brings a focus on early intervention to build foundational skills necessary for achieving long-term goals and a successful future. Emily is passionate about providing each child an individualized approach to treatment based in collaboration from families, school teams, medical providers, and specialty services to create the best possible outcomes.
Samantha Robison, BCBA, COBA
Samantha Robison has a Master's in Education Psychology and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has experience as a case manager, substitute teacher, and ABA therapist. She spent four years working in the ABA field as a tech in the clinic and home settings before joining Proactive. Now she is working as a BCBA and is passionate about helping kids access the services and support they need to thrive!