Hiring Full Time Technicians, BCBAs and an Occupational Therapist!
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.
Jessica Sowers, Chief Operations Officer
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!
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.
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.
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.
Kelsey Bennett, M.Ed., BCBA, COBA
Kelsey Bennett, possesses a Master's degree in Educational Administration and holds a K-12 Intervention Specialist License. Before becoming a BCBA, Kelsey taught moderate to intensive special education in high school for 4 years and then a 3-5 classroom for 2 years. With a dedicated focus on leveraging Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to enhance the lives of individuals, Kelsey combines academic expertise with practical experience to develop individualized interventions that foster positive behavioral change and support academic growth. Kelsey is passionate about collaborating with families, educators, and professionals to create innovative solutions that empower individuals to reach their full potential.