Meet Our Team
Lisa Abdalla, M.A., BCBA
Owner, Director, and Behavior Analyst
Lisa is a dedicated and compassionate Behavior Analyst with a strong commitment in helping her clients to achieve positive changes in their lives. For over 20 years, she has used the Positive Behavior Support approach with her clients. The Positive Behavior Support approach is a holistic approach that considers all of the factors that impacts a person’s behavior and how they deal with their challenges. She believes that, by building a positive relationship with her clients, their families, care takers, and their supports and including them in the ABA treatment planning, lasting changes can occur for her clients. Lisa uses neurodiverse affirming practices in her approach.
Lisa has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, both from the University of South Florida. She has also obtained Professional Certification in the Fundamentals of Neurodiversity, from Florida State University, and is an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP). She has experience working with neurodiverse clients of all ages with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3), ADHD, and Intellectual Disabilities. Lisa also has experience working with neurotypical adolescents and adults with Depression, Mood Disorders, Anxiety, and Self-Harm in an intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization program, in Tampa Bay. Lisa started her career working at the University of South Florida as a Research Associate, in the Division of Applied Research and Educational Support, with a focus on Autism Spectrum research and working at St. Josephs Hospital’s Child Development Center in Tampa, with neurodiverse and neurotypical children. Since 2005, she has owned and served as Director of ABA Therapy Associates, Inc., which serves a 5-county area in the Tampa Bay Area. She has been a practicing Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), since 2003. She has also been faculty for the University of West Florida as a Practicum Supervisor for their ABA graduate program, as well as a Fieldwork Supervision Site for Ball State University. Lisa provides BCaBA Supervision, as well. Lisa has made presentations to local organizations about Applied Behavior Analysis and consulted with Mental Health Counselors to create awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder-specific approaches in mental health treatment.
Jessica Valladares, M.A., BCBA
Senior Behavior Analyst
Hillsborough County
Jessica’s approach to behavior analysis combines her experience of having worked with young children, adolescents, and young adults, as well as middle aged and older clients, to assist them and the people supporting them, in accessing the goals that they have for themselves. She values building a positive rapport with her clients and their support teams, in order to be able to hone in on what is really important to them at their current stage in life, and to identify ways to help them access their wants and needs in safe and comfortable ways. She emphasizes utilizing teaching and reinforcement techniques that are personalized to the type of strategies that help her clients learn best, while focusing on maintaining their dignity and a high quality of life. She loves to see her clients succeed and live their best life.
Jessica received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at Florida State University and her Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, at the University of South Florida. Jessica has worked in the field of Intellectual Disabilities and Autism, since 2003. She became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), in 2004. Jessica was a teacher in the past and has a background in working in the school system. She has experience supervising Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT's). She provides ABA Therapy to adults in group homes and family homes, as well as in Adult Day Training programs, and the community. Jessica has been a part of the ABA Therapy Associates' team since 2006 and works the Hillsborough County area. She served as a member of the Hillsborough Local Review Committee for the Agency for Person's with Disabilities, for several years.
Kyla Walker, M.S., BCBA
Senior Behavior Analyst
Sarasota and Manatee Counties
Kyla's approach with her clients is compassionate, giving time and grace to the individual, as well as to others involved in each case. She provides individualized treatment, consistent service, and support to each person involved, including her client, as well as other team members within their circle of supports.
Kyla received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Florida State University, on the Performance Management Track. Kyla also received her Master's Degree in Psychology with the Specialty in Applied Behavior Analysis, from Florida State University. Kyla has worked in the field of Intellectual Disabilities and Autism, since 2000. She became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), in 2003. Kyla also has experience with the school system, psychiatric inpatient facilities, and ICF's. She provides ABA Therapy to adults in group homes, family homes, Adult Day Training programs, and the community. She has been a member of the ABA Therapy Associates' team, since 2006. Kyla works the Manatee and Sarasota County areas. She served as a committee member on the Sarasota/Manatee Local Review Committee for the Agency for Person's with Disabilities, for 10 years. In 2017, she established a local FABA chapter, the Suncoast Association for Behavior Analysis (SCABA), of which she still serves as President.
Tate McGhee, M.S., BCBA
Senior Behavior Analyst
Pinellas County
Tate's approach to behavior analysis is authentic, interactive, and empathetic. He believes in building, emphasizing, and maintaining rapport with his clients throughout the behavior analysis therapy process. Tate specifically utilizes a three-term sequence in his assessment process and then uses functional-based treatments that are assessment-driven. Some of the behavior analytic techniques that Tate uses are staying close, providing positive consequences, and functional communication training, to assist his clients with making positive behavior changes in their lives.
Tate received his Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts in 1996 from Carnegie-Mellon University and his Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2004 from the Florida Institute of Technology. He became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), in 2004. Tate has been working in the field of Intellectual Disabilities and Autism, since 1997. Tate has worked in settings such as: early intervention clinics, day programs, forensic and psychiatric settings, ICF developmental facilities, schools, and in private ABA practice. He provides ABA Therapy to clients in their homes, Adult Day Training programs, and in the community. Tate also currently works with adults who live in Behavior Focus Group Homes. In the past, he served two terms on the Local Review Committee for Pinellas County from 2005-2009, for the Agency for Person's with Disabilities. He became a part of the ABA Therapy Associates' team in 2012 and works the Pinellas County area.
Danah Collier, M.A., BCBA
Senior Behavior Analyst
Pinellas County
Danah's approach to behavior analysis incorporates full consideration of the client's background, life experience, and future goals. She strives to serve her clients through an empathic lens, encouraging them and their supports to keep the client's wants, needs and safety in the forefront of services. Danah believes that communication is key in promoting the client's well-being and overall quality of life. She enjoys being a part of the strong teams of support for each individual she serves.
Danah received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Florida in 2008 and her Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of South Florida in 2014. In 2012, she completed the Professional Development Program in Applied Behavior Analysis through the Florida Institute of Technology and obtained certification as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). She then became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), in 2014. She provides ABA Therapy to adults with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities in their group homes, family homes, Adult Day Training programs, and the community. Danah also currently works with adults who live in Behavior Focus and Intensive Behavior Group Homes. In the past, she worked as a Certified Senior Case Manager in the child welfare system. She has made professional presentations at the University of South Florida and at the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis Conference. Danah currently serves on the Pinellas and Pasco County Local Review Committee, for the Agency for Person's with Disabilities. Danah joined the ABA Therapy Associates' team in 2014 and works the Pinellas County area.
Satori Kearney, M.A., BCBA
Senior Behavior Analyst
Pinellas County
Satori’s approach to behavior analysis draws from her experience of working with adults and children, focusing on the individuality of each client. She believes in building a positive rapport with her clients and their support team, in order to foster progress towards their behavior goals. Satori is passionate about creating individualized treatment for her clients that helps them succeed in their environments.
Satori received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in 2006, from the University of South Florida and her Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University, in December 2016. In 2011, she completed the Professional Development Program in Applied Behavior Analysis through the Florida Institute of Technology and obtained certification as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA), in 2012. In February 2017, she then became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She provides ABA Therapy to adults with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities. Satori has worked specifically in client's homes, Adult Day Training programs, summer camps, and other community settings. Satori also currently works with adults who live in Behavior Focus and Intensive Behavior Group Homes, as well as provides Behavior Focus Group Home Oversight. In addition, she brings a unique background of working in child welfare, spending 5 years as a Certified Welfare Case Manager and Senior Case Manager. Satori joined the ABA Therapy Associates' team in 2014 and works the Pinellas County area.
Lindsey Golonka, M.A., LMHC, BCBA
Behavior Analyst
Sarasota and Manatee Counties
Lindsey believes in utilizing the principles and strategies of ABA to help her clients meet their individualized goals. She enjoys working with her clients’ support teams to provide the best support in helping them make progress towards meaningful, socially significant goals. Lindsey is passionate about helping others and believes that her background in mental health counseling combined with her training and certification in ABA have developed her holistic approach in working with her clients and their families and support teams. She enjoys working with her clients on making individualized choices on what is meaningful to them and then working with those in their environments on how to best meet those outcomes. Lindsey is also dedicated to a life long goal of learning and continuing to stay up to date on best practices within the field of ABA.
Lindsey received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Sociology, from Purdue University in 2004. In 2012, she earned her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Valparaiso University, becoming a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (in Indiana), in 2013. Then in 2015, Lindsey received her Certificate of Completion in Applied Behavior Analysis, from the Florida Institute of Technology. She became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), in 2016. Lindsey works with adults with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism. She provides ABA therapy in clients' homes, Adult Day Training programs, and community settings. Lindsey joined the ABA Therapy Associates' team in 2019 and works the Manatee and Sarasota County Areas.
Morgan McKeown, M.A., BCBA
Behavior Analyst
Pasco County
Morgan's approach to behavior analysis places an emphasis on reinforcement strategies and creating positive environments where people can flourish. She tailors her services to the whole individual and builds relationships within each case that allow her client and their circle of supports to feel safe, heard, and in control of their life and their decisions. Interventions are designed to help her clients grow into their desired possibilities, with an emphasis on expressing authenticity and making meaningful choices. Morgan is passionate about disseminating education and guiding change agents toward positive, evidence-based strategies.
Morgan received her Bachelor's Degree in Public Health, from the University of South Florida in 2017. In 2019, she completed her Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, from the University of South Florida. In 2020, Morgan became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Morgan has worked in the field of Intellectual Disabilities and Autism, since 2016, and before that she did extensive work with homeless veteran women in Tampa, FL. She has experience providing ABA Therapy to clients with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism in their group homes, family homes, Adult Day Training programs, and in the community. Morgan also currently works with adults who live in Behavior Focus Group Homes. In addition, she is currently a Certified Behavior Assistant Trainer and serves as a committee member of the Local Review Committee for Hillsborough County, for the Agency for Person's with Disabilities. Morgan is also a certified PCM Instructor. She joined the ABA Therapy Associates' team in 2022 and works the Pasco County area.
Karis Owens, B.A., BCaBA
Behavior Analyst
Pinellas and Manatee Counties
Karis' approach to behavior analysis is about connecting with her clients, developing positive relationships with them and helping them brainstorm, to make their own choices that are meaningful to them. She believes in creating behavior goals that align with her clients' personal preferences and then assisting them to voice their choices to others. Karis finds her true value in her behavior analysis approach, when her clients' behavior goals can truly be achieved. What Karis values the most about the work she does in ABA is the advocacy that naturally occurs, while working with individuals.
Karis received her Bachelor's Degree in English/Professional and Technical Writing from the University of South Florida in 2004. In May 2012, she completed the Professional Development Program in Applied Behavior Analysis through the Florida Institute of Technology and obtained certification as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). Karis has worked in the field of Intellectual Disabilities and Autism, since 2009. She has specific experience in providing ABA Therapy to clients in their group homes, family homes, Adult Day Training programs, and job-training with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism. In the past, she also served as a Liaison and Trainer amongst clients' circle of supports and ensuring goals were met. Karis joined the ABA Therapy Associates' team in 2013 and works the Pinellas County area.