OUR ABA THERAPY CLINIC IS OPEN AS OF 9/12/22!
The Proactive team
Leah Gongola, Ph.D., BCBA-D, COBA
Leah Gongola, Ph.D., BCBA-D, COBA 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). 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.
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.
Courtney Downing, BCBA, COBA
Courtney Downing is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst that provides services to children and adults with exceptionalities. She earned her undergraduate degree from Youngstown State University and her Master’s degree in Special Education from The Ohio State University. Courtney has provided ABA services in a variety of settings including schools, homes, and other residential settings. She was a co-author in a published article in the Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities journal and has presented at the NADD national and Ohio conferences. Courtney is passionate about connecting with individuals and using Applied Behavior Analysis practices to enhance their lives.
Jessica Sowers, Practice Manager
Jessica Sowers joined Proactive as our Practice Manager in early 2021 and 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!
Ashley Dover, BCBA, COBA
Ashley Dover has been working with individuals with Autism for more than 10 years. She earned a bachelor's degree in both Elementary and Special Education as well as a masters in Professional Behavior Analysis. In practice, Ashley is dedicated to supervising staff to provide quality care for clients and their families. As well, Ashley collaborates alongside school based teams to develop classroom management strategies and individualized intervention packages. Her passion remains with supporting the holistic growth of children and their families.
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.
Caitlynn Conner, BCBA, COBA
Caitlynn Conner has a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst as well as a Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst. Caitlynn has experience in working with children with Autism across settings and has worked with severe challenging behaviors. She also has worked with children with a variety of disabilities and skill sets. Caitlynn has provided Applied Behavior Analysis services in Belize and is planning future trips to provide ABA to those who do not readily have access to these services. She is passionate about teaching and promoting positive behavior change for her clients.
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.