AFA Academy’s Certified & Experienced Staff helps children learn, grow, and attain their potential, while providing a safe, nurturing, positive therapy and learning environment to ensure each child’s success.
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
The Administrative Team at AFA/AFA Academy is dedicated to providing gold-standard Programs for children to ensure they reach their potential.
Please contact the Administrative Team with any questions.
Brad Buechler
Executive Director
Degrees/Certifications
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- ABA Implementer
Sheila Charlton
VP – Financial Assistance
Degrees/Certifications
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing
- Masters in Business Administration
Monica Combs
VP – Communications
Degrees/Certifications
Jennifer Kostecki
Academy Director - Pierside & Therapy Director
Degrees/Certifications
- Bachelors in English
- Masters in Special Education
- Extensive ABA Training and Experience
Ms. Christy L
Training and Outreach Coordinator
Degrees/Certifications
- Bachelors of Science in Child and Family Development
- Masters of Arts in Teaching
- Masters of Arts in Education – Special Education
- Completed coursework to be a Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Ms. Shamel S
Billing Manager
Degrees/Certifications
- Medical Billing Specialist
Ms. Linda S
Receptionist
Degrees/Certifications
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ABA THERAPY TEAM FOR IBI-PRESCHOOL/TODDLER PROGRAM
The Intensive Behavior Intervention (IBI) Program is staffed with a strong team of BCBAs, BCaBAs, RBTs, and Implementers, including certifications in ESDM, as well as Masters-Degreed Professionals specializing in autism and related fields.
Ms. Jessica R
BCBA
Degrees/Certifications
- Masters of Education in Foundations of Behavior Analysis
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst
- Missouri Licensed Behavior Analyst
Ms. Liz H
BCaBA
Degrees/Certifications
- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst, Licensed Behavior Analyst
Ms. Michelle W
ABA Implementer
Degrees/Certifications
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Ms. Samantha B
ABA Program Lead
Degrees/Certifications
- BS in Special Education - Cross Categorical
- Coursework in Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis/Autism
- ABA Training
Ms. Sarah G
ABA Implementer
Degrees/Certifications
- Coursework on Bachelors Degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences
- Associates Degree in Criminal Justice
- ABA Training
Ms. Maddie T
ABA Implementer
Degrees/Certifications
- ABA Training
Ms. Amber C
ABA Implementer
Degrees/Certifications
- Coursework in Associates Degree
- Coursework in Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
- Safety Crisis Management (SCM) Certified
- First Aid/CPR Certified
- Training in Positive Behavior Support & Visual/Environmental Supports
Ms. Ritu D
ABA Implementer
Degrees/Certifications
- Masters of Science in Food & Nutrition
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Ms. Teresa L
ABA Implementer
Degrees/Certifications
- Bachelors in Early Childhood/Elementary Education
- CPR Certified
- ABA Training
- Extensive Experience in Early Childhood Education
Ms. Laura A
ABA Implementer
Degrees/Certifications
- Associates Degree in Business
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Coursework
- Med Technician Certified
- Extensive Experience in Autism Field
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ABA THERAPY TEAM FOR IBI-ELEMENTARY PROGRAM
The Intensive Behavior Intervention (IBI) Program is staffed with a strong team of BCBAs, BCaBAs, RBTs, and Implementers, including certifications in ESDM, as well as Masters-Degreed Professionals specializing in autism and related fields.
Ms. Shannon M
BCBA
Degrees/Certifications
- BA Psychology
- MS Behavior Analysis & Therapy
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst
- Licensed Behavior Analyst
Ms. Liz H
BCaBA
Degrees/Certifications
- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst, Licensed Behavior Analyst
Ms. Jessica V
ABA Program Lead
Degrees/Certifications
- Special Education Degree
- Cross Categorical Certification
- ABA Training
Ms. Mercedes G
ABA Implementer
Degrees/Certifications
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Ms. Kelsey E
ABA Implementer
Degrees/Certifications
- Bachelor of Science in Special Education
- ABA Training
Ms. Madi R
ABA Implementer
Degrees/Certifications
- Bachelors in Psychology with Minor in Sociology
- ABA Training
Mr. Brian W
ABA Implementer
Degrees/Certifications
- ABA Training
Ms. Kelly G
ABA Implementer
Degrees/Certifications
- ABA Training
Ms. Christie K
ABA Implementer
Degrees/Certifications
- Bachelors Degree in Communications
- Masters Degree in Elementary Education
- ABA Training
Ms. Julia A
ABA Program Lead
Degrees/Certifications
- Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
- Autism Studies Graduate Certificate
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INCLUSION PRESCHOOL AND K-PREP PROGRAM
The Inclusion Preschool Program is staffed with a professional team of Teachers and Assistants.
Ms. Amelia D
Program Lead
Degrees/Certifications
- Bachelors in Early Childhood/Special Education
- Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood/Special Education
- Masters of Arts in Early Interventions in Autism and Sensory Impairments
- Extensive ABA Experience
Ms. Liz H
BCaBA
Degrees/Certifications
- Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst, Licensed Behavior Analyst
Ms. Lisa Y
Assistant/ABA Implementer
Degrees/Certifications
- Bachelors Degree
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
- Safety Crisis Management (SCM) Certification
- Extensive ABA and DTT Training
Ms. Deb S
Program Assistant
Degrees/Certifications
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
- 1
MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM
The Middle/High School Program is staffed with a talented team of Certified Teachers and Assistants.
Ms. Shannon M
BCBA
Degrees/Certifications
- BA Psychology
- MS Behavior Analysis & Therapy
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst
- Licensed Behavior Analyst
Ms. Danna H
Lead Teacher
Degrees/Certifications
- Bachelor of Arts Degree
- Masters Degree in Teaching
- Safety Crisis Management (SCM) Certified
- ABA Training
- Curriculum Training in Brigance, Corrective Reading, and Kagan Discipline
Ms. Megan K
Lead Teacher
Degrees/Certifications
- Bachelor of Arts in Special Eduction
- Certified Teacher
- ABA Training
Ms. Erin C
Paraprofessional
Degrees/Certifications
- B.A. in Psychology
- M.A. Certified ED Counseler
Ms. Marian V
Teacher Assistant
Degrees/Certifications
- -
Ms. Chris L
ABA Implementer
Degrees/Certifications
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Ms. Jessica V
Teacher Assistant
Degrees/Certifications
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- ABA Training
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THERAPY TEAM
AFA Academy’s therapy staff offers ABA, Speech, Occupational, Physical, and Aqua therapies, in both a push-in and pull-out approach.
Jennifer Kostecki
Academy Director - Pierside & Therapy Director
Degrees/Certifications
- Bachelors in English
- Masters in Special Education
- Extensive ABA Training and Experience
Ms. Marilyn B
Speech/Language Therapist
Degrees/Certifications
- Masters in Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders
Ms. Brooke Z
Speech/Language Therapist
Degrees/Certifications
- Master of Science in Communication Disorders
- Certificate of Clinical Competence
- State of Missouri Teacher’s License
- ASHA Member
- ACE Award (30 CEUs in 4 months)
- AFA Academy Therapist of the Year 2017
Ms. Laurie D
Speech/Language Therapist
Degrees/Certifications
Coming Soon
Ms. Aathirai S
Speech/Language Therapist
Degrees/Certifications
Coming Soon
Ms. Carol S
Physical Therapist
Degrees/Certifications
Check Back Soon!
Ms. Amanda S
Aqua Physical Therapist
Degrees/Certifications
- Masters Degree in Physical Therapy
- Bachelors Degree in Health Science
Ms. Christi F
Occupational Therapist
Degrees/Certifications
- Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy
- Bachelors Degree in Occupational Therapy and Occupational Sciences
Ms. Kelly E
Occupational Therapist
Degrees/Certifications
- Bachelors Degree in Occupational Science
- Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy
- Certificate in Interprofessional Practice
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