Providence Behavior Thearapy's team
Founder and Senior behavior Analyst
Heather Skeen, M.A., BCBA, LBA
Heather founded Providence Behavior Therapy in 2019. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in Texas. She's been in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) since 2009. Over the course of her career Heather has worked in various-sized private agencies as well as a state Deaf school.
Heather has provided behavior therapy and related services in clinics, homes, community settings (e.g., stores, parks, restaurants), schools, and daycares. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, specializing in toddlers through teenagers. Additionally, she has experience serving the Deaf/hard of hearing community. She has a Deaf+/DeafDisabled child and has been learning and using American Sign Language (ASL) daily since 2015.
Heather completed her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and English at Aurora University in 2009 and graduated from Valparaiso University in 2011 with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In 2013, she earned her ABA certificate from Florida Institute of Technology. She became a BCBA in 2014.
She accepts BCBS, Anthem, and United insurance plans.
Populations:
- Autism
- Caregivers of Autistic kids
- Twice exceptional (2e)
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Challenging behavior
- Autism and IDD with co-occurring mood disorders
- Deaf/Hard of hearing
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Common topics:
- Behavior support and management
- Parent/caregiver support
- Communication
- Autism support
- Toilet training
- Self-management skills
- Social behavior and interactions
Director of therapy services and Speech-Language pathologist
Emma Wermuth, M.S., CCC-SLP
Emma our speech therapist officially joined our team in January 2021! She is also our Director of Therapy Services. Emma is nationally certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) and a Texas-state licensed Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). She has been working as an SLP since 2013 in Texas. Emma has served clients in various sized and inter-disciplinary private practices.
During her professional career she has gained experience in the treatment and evaluation of children with a variety of communication disorders. Emma found her passion for speech and language therapy through learning American Sign Language (ASL) at Purdue University and working with the Deaf/hard of hearing community. Emma has experience supporting Deaf/hard of hearing clients and clients that are kids of deaf adults (KODAs). Additionally, she has worked with clients who utilize hearing aids, bone anchored hearing aids (BAHAs), and cochlear implants.
Emma completed her undergraduate degree in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences at Purdue University and received her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology with a minor in Audiology from the University of North Texas in 2013. She became a certified and licensed Speech-Language Pathologist in 2014.
Emma accepts BCBS, Anthem, and United insurance plans.
Primary populations:
- Receptive-expressive language disorders
- Articulation and phonological disorders
- Mild swallowing/feeding disorders
- Oral motor deficits
- Deaf/hard of hearing community
- KODAs
- Autism
Secondary populations:
- Learning disabilities
- Dyslexia
- Sensory processing difficulties
- ADHD
- Intellectual disabilities
- Other health impairments
Common topics:
- Managing behavior while encouraging communication to minimize meltdowns/frustrations
- Developmental language progression
- Social communication
- Parent support
- Functional communication training
ABA Team
Tiffany Dobry-Mendoza, M.A., BCBA, LBA
Tiffany joined PBT in December 2023. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She has been in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) field since 2020.
Tiffany has provided behavior therapy in clinics, homes, and schools. She has worked primarily with children, specializing in ages 2-11. She has experience working with non-speaking/non-vocal clients and using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.
Tiffany completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Texas A&M University in 2019. She graduated from Arizona State University in August 2023, with a master’s degree in Special Education with an Applied Behavior Analysis concentration.
She accepts BCBS, Anthem, and United insurance plans.
Populations:
- Autism
- Challenging behavior
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Common topics:
- Behavior support and management
- Communication skills
- Self-management skills
- Adaptive/independent living skills
- Play and leisure
- Social behavior and interactions
Suzette Lopez, B.A., RBT
Suzette joined PBT in December 2025. She is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). She has been in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) since 2024 and brings experience providing therapy in both home and daycare settings.
Suzette has worked primarily with children ages 4-10 and has supported clients with a range of communication needs, including non-vocal clients and those using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices.
Suzette graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Psychology in 2025.
Populations:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Challenging behaviors including aggression, tantrums, property destruction, and self-injurious behavior (SIB)
Common topics:
- Behavior support
- Communication skill development
- Social behavior and interactions
- Play and leisure
- Adaptive and independent living skills
MaKayla Banks, B.S., RBT
MaKayla is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and Student Analyst who joined PBT in January 2026! She entered the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in April 2024 and earned her RBT certification in July 2024. She has experience providing ABA services in clinic-based, home, and community settings.
MaKayla primarily works with children ages 3–12 and is passionate about supporting skill development, behavior support, and skill generalization across environments. Her commitment to the field is strongly influenced by personal experience, as she was routinely involved in her younger cousin’s ABA therapy throughout the first ten years of his life.
MaKayla earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas Wesleyan University. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in ABA at Texas State University and is working toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Populations:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Challenging behavior, including aggression, elopement, tantrums, property destruction, and self-injurious behavior (SIB)
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Common topics:
- Behavior support and management
- Communication skills
- Adaptive/independent living skills
- Play and leisure
- Social behavior and interactions
Chloe Davis, B.A., RBT
Chloe is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) who joined PBT in February 2026! She has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) since 2024 and has experience providing therapy in clinic-based and community settings.
Chloe works primarily with ages 3-10 and has supported clients on building communication, social, play, and adaptive living skills. She is passionate about helping clients generalize skills across all environments they encounter.
Chloe earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin in 2023. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) while working toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Populations:
Autism
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Challenging behaviors including aggression, tantrums, property destruction, and self-injurious behavior (SIB)
Common topics:
Behavior support acquisition
Communication
Play and leisure skills
Adaptive and independent living skills
Social behavior and interactions
Mental Health therapists
Cassandra Gonzalez, M.A., LPC
Cassandra joined PBT in September 2024. Graduating with a Bachelor's in Psychology in 2009 and earning her Masters in Counseling in 2021, Cassandra’s journey in the field includes a decade as a special education teacher and two years as a school counselor. Her experience in foster care has deepened her understanding of families and the impact of trauma. These experiences shape how she helps as a therapist. She’s passionate about neurodiversity, focusing on individuals with diverse neurological profiles. She is trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, trauma therapy, parent coaching, mindfulness, and art therapy, tailoring her approach to each client's unique needs.
She offers in-person or online therapy for adults and youth. As a therapist, she creates a safe space for exploration, growth, and healing. Her background in special education helps parents navigate special education plans and 504 plans within schools. With empathy and expertise, she supports clients in facing challenges and empowers them to lead fulfilling lives.
Cassandra accepts BCBS, Anthem, United, and Aetna insurance plans.
Populations:
- Depression
- Anxiety Disorders
- Autism
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
- Parents
Common topics:
- Life changes
- Self-esteem
- Emotional regulation
- Communication
- School issues
- Stress
- Parenting
- Relationships and friendships
Allison Turner, M.S., LMFT
Allison Joined PBT in January of 2025! She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2016 and earned her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University in 2022 and she recently gained full licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist in 2024! Most of Allison's experience has been working specifically with couples, gathering specified training and skills such as Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) and Gottman techniques to assist her and her clients. She uses a systematic approach when working with couples and individuals, gathering important information of the past that have influenced the behaviors and relationships. She also takes on evidence-based modalities in order to assist with her systemic approach.
Allison accepts BCBS, Anthem, United, and Aetna insurance plans.
Populations include:
- Adults and teens (age 18 and up)
- Couples
- Parents
- Anxiety and depressive symptoms
- Neurodivergence
Common topics include:
- Self esteem
- Adjustment or life transition
- Conflict resolution
- Stress/coping
- Communication
- Intimacy building
ASL Instructor
Amelia Balogun
Amelia joined PBT as an ASL Tutor in February 2026, bringing with her years of experience in both ASL and education.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in Deaf/Hard of Hearing Education from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2013 and her Master’s in Deaf Studies in Deaf Education from Lamar University in 2021. Her teaching background includes working at the Texas School for the Deaf. She worked in the Special Needs Department for 3 years, teaching middle and high school. Then she worked in the ACCESS department for 6 years, teaching life skills to individuals aged 18–22.
Amelia is a Deaf individual raised in a hearing environment who later discovered the Deaf community, quickly finding her home, values and traditions there.
In her off time, Amelia enjoys spending time with her husband, their 2 CODA children, and their 2 dogs.
Admin Team
Amsi Ochoa
Amsi joined PBT as an Office Manager in April 2025! She brings a strong
background in administrative operations, communication, and
organizational efficiency.
Amsi is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications
at Austin Community College. Over the years, Amsi has gained valuable
experience through a variety of roles. At the Alkek Library at Texas State
University, she digitized and archived over a thousand government
documents, strengthening her attention to detail and proficiency in data
systems. She previously interned at Accenture as a Marketing Intern,
contributing to creative campaigns and content management strategies.
Amsi also served as a Social Media Intern for My Brother’s Keepers
Scholars, using Canva to design engaging graphics and support event
Communication.
Prior to joining PBT, Amsi worked at Breakthrough Central Texas as the
Office Manager for the College Completion Success Team. There, she
oversaw office operations, managed electronic data systems, streamlined
student record keeping, and built strong relationships with community
partners and stakeholders to support donations and resources. She’s
passionate about creating efficient systems, supporting team success, and
connecting with others through meaningful communication—making her a
great asset to the team.
Penelope Reynolds
Penelope joined PBT as an undergraduate administrative
assistant and student intern in January 2026! She is currently
earning her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University
of Texas at Austin. Once she graduates in May of 2027, she
plans to pursue graduate school and earn a Master’s degree in
mental health counseling, and become a Licensed Professional
Counselor.
Penelope has a long-standing interest in mental health
counseling and the therapeutic process. She is drawn to building
supportive therapeutic relationships and helping individuals navigate their inner-worlds in a
grounded, evidence-based, and client-focused way.
In the future, Penelope hopes to open a private practice offering therapeutic services. She is
learning lots from PBT and plans to continue using a client-centered approach in therapy! She is
motivated and inspired by empathy, curiosity, and the belief that effective mental health care
should feel individually structured and human.
