Northeast Behavior Consultants

Amy Opliger has been working as a behavior consultant with Ferraro Behavior Services since January of 2012. Amy possesses a Master of Science degree in School Counseling from Indiana University and a Ph.D in Educational Leadership from Union Institute. Amy has spent many years as a special education teacher and a school counselor in Fort Wayne, Ohio, Indonesia, and Abu Dhabi. She was also the director of the Burmese Refugee Program in Indianapolis. As a school counselor, Amy has spent many years collaborating with teachers to address the academic and social needs of special needs' students. The focus of her research for her doctoral program revolved around the belief that all children need to develop trusting relationships in a safe and caring environment if effective learning is to take place. This belief carries over into her current work as a behavior consultant - everyone can learn when they trust the people with whom they are working with.

Ashley Hudson obtained a Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Russell Sage College and has her BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst). She has over ten years of professional experience working with children and young adults with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. Ashley has a strong background in Applied Behavior Analysis and Functional Behavior Assessment. She also has extensive experience in training direct care professionals and parents in developing and implementing behavior modification programs in the home, work, community, and school settings. She joined the team at Ferraro Behavior Services as a behavior consultant in May of 2017.

Brittany began working in the developmental disabilities field as a direct care staff in 2006. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 2008, she realized she had found her career path and moved into the position of a Medicaid waiver case manager for individuals with developmental disabilities. She spent seven years as a case manager before coming to Ferraro Behavior Services as a behavior consultant in September of 2015. Brittany graduated with a Master's degree in Counseling from Grand Canyon University in June of 2014. She also works in private practice, counseling adults and children to gain experience with a broader population. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and is working towards becoming a licensed mental health counselor. 

My name is Candy Pease and I live in Churubusco, IN. I have been a behavior consultant for 6 years, but my entire career has been in service to people with disabilities and their families, specializing in those with autism. I provide services for Medicaid Waiver consumers in Whitley, Allen, Noble, Wells, and Dekalb counties. My skills include staff training, behavior assessment, and teaching behavior intervention strategies at the collegiate level. I enjoy incorporating art into my therapeutic sessions. I also volunteer as a curator for art shows for individuals with disabilities. I graduated from Capella University with a Master's of Counseling Studies and Applied Behavior Analysis.

Carrie Sievers started working with individuals with disabilities as a high school volunteer at a sheltered workshop teaching hygiene and social skills groups. This experience then led to numerous other positions in the field including skills trainer positions in group homes and other waiver programs as well as case management. She has cared for this population for over 10 years. Carrie received her Bachelor's Degree in Communication from Hanover College and went on to receive a Master's Degree in Social Work in 2008 from IUPUI. Carrie has worked with Ferraro Behavior Services serving individuals with disabilities as a behavior consultant since 2008.

Faye Case started working with individuals with disabilities as a senior in high school, working rotations at a sheltered workshop through an opportunity through the school. While pursuing her Bachelor's Degrees' in Science majoring in Psychology and Criminal Justice through Trine University, she gained experience working at a workshop and in a waiver home as direct support staff. Faye moved on to work three years at an ABA center while she obtained her Master's Degrees' of Art in Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education through Ball State University; with these degree's she obtained certifications in Autism, Applied Behavior Analysis and Response to Intervention. Faye joined the Ferraro Behavior Services team in 2018, with three years of experience working as a Behavior Consultant. 

Frank Mikulski received his Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Southern Illinois University and his Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Frank has provided behavioral services to clients who receive waiver services since 2006. Prior to that time he provided behavioral services to clients in a variety of settings for over 25 years. All of the individuals he has supported have an intellectual disability. The individuals have had a variety of behavioral challenges, some very severe. He has supported individuals who have mental health issues (participating in psychiatric evaluations, counseling sessions and observations at in-patient settings) and legal issues (providing testimony in court). Frank began working with Ferraro Behavior Services as a Behavior Consultant in the Fort Wayne area in May 2013. He looks forward to using his experience to provide client centered services.

Heather Follis received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Indiana University Bloomington in 2005 and graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne in 2010 with a Master's of Science in Counselor Education, with specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. Heather began working with individuals with developmental disabilities in 2005 as direct support staff in a waiver home. Throughout her career she has also worked as a Team Coordinator, Program Coordinator and Waiver Case manager, as well as completing two counseling internships. Heather came to Ferraro Behavior Services in September of 2010 to begin her career as a Behavior Consultant and Outpatient Therapist. She continues to work toward licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy in hopes to reach out to a larger and more diverse population of people with mental health needs. Heather relishes in the pleasure of helping to improve the quality of the lives and meet the needs of those who seek her help. 

Jeff received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, and a Master's degree In Counselor Education from Indiana-Purdue University at Fort Wayne. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Indiana with over 15 years of experience. Jeff currently provides counseling services in a small private practice, and previously worked for Park Center in Fort Wayne as an outpatient therapist. While with Park Center he was coordinator for the Family Education Center, providing counseling and clinical supervision of day program services to students with severe emotional disabilities. Jeff has been a consultant with Ferraro Behavior Services since April 2011.

Jennifer Mollema obtained a Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University in 2017. She has a strong background working with children and young adults with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder in a clinical environment as well as home, work, community, and school settings. Jennifer has extensive training experience in training direct care professionals and parents in developing and implementing behavior modification programs based on Applied Behavior Analysis and Functional Behavior Assessment. Jennifer feels extremely blessed to be working as a Ferraro Behavior Consultant where she can pursue her passion for working with individuals with disabilities. Jennifer joined the team at Ferraro Behavior Services in November of 2018. 

Jenny Nelson, MSW, LSW graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Human Services from IPFW and a Master's in Social Work from the IU School of Social Work at IUPUI in 2011. While in grad school, Jenny began work doing direct care as well as providing respite for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Seeing how rewarding working with this population can be, she decided to continue in this area upon returning to Fort Wayne after graduation. Jenny worked as a supervising caseworker, learning many aspects of waiver services, prior to beginning her career as a behavior consultant in 2013, joining the FBS team in August of 2016. 

Jesse Underwood received a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Wright State University in Dayton, OH. He has over 7 years of education and experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families in a variety of settings. Jesse's training and experience allow him to work with a variety of specialties including: behavior management, play therapy, art therapy, chemical dependency treatment, and individual and marriage counseling. Jesse Underwood started work at FBS as a Behavior Consultant and Outpatient Therapist in August of 2011 and enjoys working in this field to assist individuals with overcoming challenges in their lives, while strengthening their relationships and contributing to their personal growth. 

John received his Masters degree from Indiana-Purdue University (Fort Wayne, Indiana) in 2003 and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Indiana. His graduate internship was at the Family Education Center at Park Center, Inc. In his internship, John worked with severely emotionally handicapped children and their families. John joined FBS in April of 2010 as a Behavior Consultant and Therapist who works with many different populations. John treats individuals who suffer from depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. He works with individuals, couples, and families and has extensive experience in dealing with grief and mourning issues.

 Julie received her undergraduate degree/Bachelor of Arts through Anderson University, Anderson, Indiana in 1998. She earned her Master's of Arts in General Psychology in 2013 and then received her graduate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis through Ball State University in 2020. Julie has worked in the Fort Wayne area most of her life and served developmental disability field since 2001. She provided direct support to individuals with developmental disabilities upon completion of her undergraduate education. She eventually moved on to the role as a case manager and advocate through the Medicaid waiver program for over 10 years. Julie has prior experience working as a Youth Behavior Manager in a correctional setting and served as direct support for the infant/toddler population with special needs. Her area of expertise includes working with individuals who have the diagnosis of Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Depressive Disorders, Traumatic Brain Injury and other physical disabilities. She is very passionate about her role as a therapist, supporting individuals to progress in his or her personal growth, and to help them to achieve their lifelong goals. Julie received her national BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) in the fall of 2021.

Katie Goodman received her Bachelor's of Social Work Degree and a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne. Katie has previously worked with crisis management at Lutheran Hospital in the field of social work for approximately 5 years. She has worked with neonatal infants, pediatrics, geriatrics and families in this setting as well as in a private practice setting as an intern. Katie has special training working with autism spectrum disorders, grief and loss, behavior management, and ADHD assessment and treatment. Katie started working with Ferraro Behavior Services, LLC in February of 2012 as a Behavior Consultant and welcomes the challenge because, "it gives me the opportunity to continue to learn and grow, but the true reward lies in the lives that I am able to touch." 

Kayla Putt started at Ferraro Behavior Services in February 2019 as a Behavior Consultant. Kayla graduated from Ball State University with her Bachelor's in Social Work in 2012. Kayla has experience in child welfare, mental health, addictions, domestic violence, teen pregnancy and individuals with disabilities. After gaining experience in the field of social work Kayla went on to earn her Master's in Social Work from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. Kayla's passion is working with individuals to determine and achieve their goals all while being kind, compassionate and genuine.

 Lisa graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Saint Francis in 2005. She also got her master’s in social work from Indiana University in 2008 with a concentration in Mental Health and Addictions. Lisa has been working in the social work field for a little over 10 years now. Most of Lisa's work experience has been doing individual and group therapy with the adolescent population. Lisa enjoys working in a team setting and being able to help the quality of life of others. Lisa began working at Ferrero Behavioral Services in July 2012. 

Marquita S Phillips, MS Received my Undergrad for Indiana Tech in 2007 in Psychology. While pursuing that degree I worked as a direct support staff with young adults. After completing that degree I began working for SCAN; assisting young mothers who were at risk of abusing their children; providing case management services and also providing the mothers with coping skills. While working at SCAN I also obtained my Master of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. After 5 years of service there I transitioned to provide home based case management services to youth, young adults and adults at the Bowen Center. I also worked as home based therapist providing services to troubled youth, and as a Rehabilitation Counselor for 4 year for the State of Indiana. I have many years of experience over a variety of different areas but ultimately my main focus and passion is assisting individuals accomplish goals that they normally wouldn't be able to accomplish on their own. 

Melinda received her Master’s Degree from University of Saint Francis. She has over 15 years’ experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities in a variety of settings. Melinda specializes in working with individuals who have sensory challenges. 

Rebekah Glunt has been with Ferraro Behavior Services for about 2 years, she received her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2015 from Ball State University. She has been working with individuals with special needs for about 10 years, starting in her home state of Maine, and ranging in positions from direct care specialist, to now, as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Her professional experience started in an out-patient clinical setting working with pediatrics with varying diagnoses but primarily Autism. As a Behavior Consultant, Rebekah emphasizes the importance of training parents directly on behavioral principles, working with schools, and collaborating with clinic staff. Rebekah helps provide a link between parents and other service providers, to better support the individuals requiring assistance. Rebekah feels blessed to be able to help the clients she serves and is extremely honored to work for Ferraro Behavior Services. When not being a behavior nerd, she is enjoying time with her son Oliver and her partner Justin. 

Sarah Miller earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a dual major in Psychology at Trine University and a Master of Science degree in Psychology at the University of Saint Francis. Prior to joining Ferraro Behavior Services, she worked at Allen County Community Corrections as a substance abuse counselor and social skills group facilitator. Sarah has a history of working with individuals with addiction, chronic mental illness, Autism spectrum disorder, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and varying levels of ability. Sarah has a passion for guiding people to meet their highest potential in life and works with the individual, their family, and professional caregivers to build a network of support for the clients that she serves.

Sheila received her Bachelor's degree in elementary and mild interventions from the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, IN. She also received her Master's in Special Education from Ball State University. She has worked the past 10 years being a teacher in a centralized emotional disabilities classroom. She has chosen to change her career and begin as a Behavior Consultant where she can focus on helping with challenges that adults and children can face each day. She joined Ferraro Behavior Services in February of 2017.

Sherry Conley graduated from the University of St. Francis with a Bachelor's degree in special education and a Master's in School Counseling. She has over 23 years of teaching in various school settings with the majority of experience in working with high school students. Her experience includes working as a guidance counselor and teaching English to Burmese and Karen students. During her college days she worked in a variety of group homes. Residents included: those with special needs, adults who struggled with mental illness and juvenile justice offenders placed in a group home by the court system. Sherry also lived for 4 years in a foster care home and helped take care of special needs adults on a daily basis. She helped them with daily living skills, transported them to their place of work as well as took them to doctor appointments and social outings. Sherry values and maintains long term relationships with those she has worked with in the past as well as continues to mentor to former students who are now adults. Her passion is helping others to help themselves to succeed. Sherry is happy to join the FBS family and learning from others in the field.

Zinajda Mehurovic received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Certificate of ABA from Indiana University-South Bend in 2010 and Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University in 2016. Zinajda began working with individuals with developmental disabilities and psychiatric diagnosis in 2010 as a Skill Building Specialist at Oaklawn Psychiatric Center. Throughout her career she also worked at an ABA institute doing intensive therapy with children ages 3 through 12. Additionally, Zinajda has worked with a wide variety of individuals of all cognitive levels as a Case Manager. Zinajda began working at Ferraro Behavior Services LLC in April 2018. Zinajda finds great joy in helping people build new skills which will help them live a happier and more meaningful life.

  Jon previously worked in the field of ABA for 9 years before joining FBS as a behavior consultant in May of 2019. Jon received his bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Indiana Wesleyan University and his master’s degree in ABA from Ball State University. In Jon's free time he enjoys spending time with his family and anything sports related. 

I graduated from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and from the Ohio State University in Columbus, OH with a Master of Social Work. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Indiana, and am a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Ohio. Prior to behavioral consulting, I provided outpatient mental health and substance abuse services in Ohio and Indiana. I provided individual and family therapy to

children, adolescents and adults to address multiple disorders including Depression, Anxiety, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Substance Use Disorder. I also provided Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to inmates, completed crisis assessments on suicidal individuals,

and provided anger management group therapy. My favorite population to work with in these settings were individuals with autism or an intellectual disability, which is when I transitioned to the waiver program providing behavior management services. Aside from providing behavior management, I am also trained in Art Therapy and provide this service to schools in Steuben

County through the Steuben County Literacy Coalition. When I’m not working, I enjoy boating on the lake, watching football, going to races, reading, and spending time with my husband, daughter, and two dogs

Heather Demerly earned her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University in 2021, and joined Ferraro Behavior Services shortly after. Heather has a background working with young adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, in the home, school, community, and clinical settings. Heather feels fortunate to be a part of the Ferraro Behavior Services team where she can purse her passion working with individuals with developmental delays and disabilities.