Axis - Ames | Axis Therapy Centers

Axis – AMES

Phone: (515) 337-0343

info@axisaba.com

1315 S Bell Ave.

Suite 108

Ames, Iowa 50010

Services Available

ABA Therapy

Speech Therapy

Feeding Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Parent & Caregiver Training

Social Skills Groups

Our online Intake Form is created to help our team understand your interest in services. Submitting the form creates a profile for your child and adds them to the waitlist based off of the services that you have indicated an interest in. Availability for services is always changing as we rapidly work to meet the needs of the communities that we serve. We look forward to meeting your family and contacting you with availability as it may arise. Please note that wait times depend on many factors and we may not be able to provide estimates for wait times at all locations. If you have any questions, we are happy to assist

Online Intake Form

Clinical Director

Kristin Hanson

M.A., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Axis Clinical Director

Kristin’s Bio

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)

Kylie Wheeler

M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Ames Clinic Supervisor

Kylie’s Bio

Jordan Lillard

M.S., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Jordan’s Bio

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA)

Sydney Adkins

B.S., BCaBA, LBA

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst

Sydney’s Bio

Dakotah Overton

M.S., BCaBA, LBA

Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst

Dakotah’s Bio

Occupational Therapists

Kelsie Leshen

MSOT, OTR/L

Certified Occupational Therapist / OT Supervisor

Kelsie’s Bio

Haley Austin

OTD, OTR/L

Certified Occupational Therapist

Haley’s Bio

Speech Therapists

Casey Smith

M.A., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Casey’s Bio

Amy Deist

Speech-Language Pathologist (intern)

Behavior Technician

Alli’s Bio

Ames Clinic coordination Team

Candy Gaedke

Ames Clinic Coordinator

Candy’s Bio

Genna Bertram

Clinical Scheduler

Genna’s Bio

RCM / Billing Team

Christine Villalobos

Billing Specialist

Chirstine’s Bio

Tamira Fitzjohn

Billing Specialist

Tamira’s Bio

Kayla Longren

Insurance Specialist

Kayla’s Bio

Charlise Williams

Billing Specialist

Charlise’s Bio

Join Our Team

Axis is always looking for highly-motivated, passionate, and energetic individuals to join our team!

Apply Today

Kristin is the CEO, Founder, and Clinical Director of Axis. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and a Licensed Behavior Analyst under the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Grand View University, and her Master’s degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Most of Kristin's clinical experience has been focused on the early detection and intervention of autism spectrum disorder and specializing in early intervention. She has completed advanced training in the administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and has experience testing toddlers and children for autism spectrum disorder. She is on the Board of Directors for the Autism Society of Iowa, on the Autism Expert Panel for the Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program, and is an active member of the Iowa Association for Behavior Analysis and Autism Speaks Iowa.

Kristin founded Axis in 2017 on her passion for serving children and families living with autism and special needs. Since building Axis side-by-side with her family from the ground up in 2017, Kristin couldn’t be prouder of the team, culture, and organization that it has become. As a family helping families, Axis looks for opportunities that will make the largest impact and create significant and life-changing outcomes for clients, families, and her staff. Kristin is dedicated to the mission of Axis and is committed to her own leadership development and actively participates in advanced training, mentoring, and deep self-exploration on how to live out her purpose to love and support her family and help others reach their full potential.

In her free time, she enjoys going to major league baseball games (Go Cubs and Go Braves!), watching Iowa Hawkeyes football, attending concerts, playing slow pitch softball, volleyball, coaching her children’s sports teams, listening to true crime and leadership podcasts, and spending time with her husband and their three children.

Kylie is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and a Licensed Behavior Analyst under the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science. Kylie is the Site Supervisor of our Ames location, and part of Axis’ Ethics Committee. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology through Iowa State University, and her Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis through Saint Joseph’s University. Kylie has experience working with children in the field of mental health, ages 10 to 17; and experience in the school setting working with elementary to middle school aged students. After having several years of experience working with children, Kylie got to know more about Applied Behavior Analysis and saw the positive changes in behavior ABA services provide. Kylie enjoys biking, running, and being outdoors in the summer time. She loves to visit new places and spend time with family and friends. Kylie is excited to be at Axis to offer dedication and support for children and their families. Kylie is the site supervisor at our Ames location.

Jordan is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and a Licensed Behavior Analyst under the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Genetics from Iowa State University and her Master of Science degree in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis through Eastern Kentucky University. Jordan loves working with children and looks forward to spending time with them and celebrating their successes. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and hanging out with her puppy, Nellie.

Sydney is a a Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Child, Adult, and Family Services at Iowa State University. Sydney values every relationship she has with the children she works with and loves watching them grow as an individual. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, and doing DIY projects.

Dakotah is a Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services and Psychology from William Penn University and her Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis through The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. When she is not working, she loves spending time with her husband and their two dogs Mable and Oaklie. She enjoys being outside, going on walks, watching movies and spending time with family and friends.

Kelsie is an Occupational Therapist certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and licensed in the state of Iowa. Kelsie graduated from Allen College with her Masters Degree in Science of Occupational Therapy. She graduated from Grand View University with a Fine Arts degree, majoring in psychology. She has always has had a passion for helping others, especially children.

Kelsie has been working with kids since she was 16 years old including working at daycares and before and after school programs and grew to love working with children with disabilities. Kelsie enjoys spending time with her family, especially her nieces. She also has a Great Dane puppy named Gemma and two cats named Margo and Milo. She also enjoys all things true crime and country music. Kelsie is excited to work with the children and families we serve in order to support them in successful achievement of goals to become as independent as possible in all aspects of life.

Haley is an occupational therapist certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. She graduated from Drake University with her occupational therapy doctorate degree (OTD). Haley also graduated from Grand View University with her Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology and was a member of the GVU competitive dance team (Go Vikings!). Haley's passion for working with kids started through working as a rehabilitation technician and interning for an adaptive sports organization while she was in college. Outside of work, Haley enjoys coaching dance team, going to concerts, traveling, hiking, going on walks, baking, and puzzles! Haley also enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog Archie, and two cats, Maeve and Nova, as well as her family and friends. Haley is thrilled to be part of the therapy team at Axis Therapy Centers and aims to make a positive impact on the Ames community by helping local children and their families reach their full potential and meet their goals.

Casey is a Speech-Language Pathologist certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and licensed by the state of Iowa. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Northern Iowa. From her time as a student clinician until now, Casey has had experience working with a wide range of clients, including children of all ages in both educational and clinical settings. However, her passion is serving children with autism and their families. Casey’s voice has always been important to her; and now, it is her ambition to “give a voice” to kids that need one, whether that be through expanding their verbal communication or through the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Outside of work, Casey loves spending as much time as possible with her husband, family, and friends. She enjoys exercising, singing, watching movies, eating good food, and participating in her local church.

Amy is our Speech Therapy Intern, and is currently getting her master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Emerson College. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Utah State University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Business from Drake University, where she studied classical voice. Outside of work and school, Amy spends most of her time with her two young kids, doing yoga, or singing in a local choir.

Shelby is a Registered Behavior Technician credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Psychology, minoring in professional ethics, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, minoring in social psychology, from Western Michigan University. She has experience with children aged 2 to 18 years. She has experience working in a school setting with children with developmental disabilities and with adolescents in the juvenile justice system. In her free time Shelby enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as with her husband, daughter, and their three cats. She loves reading, traveling, and various outdoor activities.

Meggie is a Registered Behavior Technician credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She has her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Special Education from Mount Mercy University. She has previously taught as a Special Education teacher for Kindergarten and First grade as well as a General Education teacher for First grade. Meggie lives in Ames with her husband and two little boys. She enjoys working with kids, and getting to help them learn and grow.

Tatum is a Registered Behavior Technician credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She’s currently a student at Iowa State University currently majoring in Human Development and Family Studies. She has a passion for working with children and adults with disabilities on everyday needs. She loves helping children of all ages to make progress in achieving meaningful life goals and helping them to learn and grow. In Tatum’s spare time you can find her actively involved with her church, listening to music, hanging out with friends, and going to the beach.

Mariah is a Registered Behavior Technician credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology through Buena Vista University and is currently working towards her Masters of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis at Ball State University. When she isn’t working, she loves spending her time reading, going to concerts, watching TikTok with her fiancée, and hanging with her cats.

Landi is a Registered Behavior Technician credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She recently graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She is continuing her education at Capella University to obtain her MA in Applied Behavior Analysis and is working to obtain her national certification. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, watch Chiefs Football and Cyclone Athletics, binge watch shows, play with her dogs (Jack and Kelly), and be with her fiancé. She loves being outdoors and having fun. Landi has always loved working with children with disabilities and their families and loves to continue learning about ways that she can help.

Maddie recently earned her bachelor of science degree in Psychology from Iowa State University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, specifically her nephew. She loves to try new restaurants, visit places she has never been to before, read and write poetry, and lie by the pool in the summertime. Her favorite sports to watch are softball and basketball and she likes being out and about as much as possible.

Sara graduated from Iowa State University. She lives in Ames with her 4 animals. She has worked with children for many years. She enjoys working with kids of all ages and backgrounds. Sara has a passion to help kids grow and learn. She is excited for the opportunity at Axis and what it has in store for her.

Katie recently graduated from Liberty University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She has worked with children in various roles and has loved getting to witness their growth and development in all areas of life. In Katie's free time, you can usually find her hanging out with family and friends, volunteering at her church, baking a new recipe she found, or dancing around her home. She is excited about the opportunity to serve the children and families at Axis Therapy Center.

Kelli currently attends Iowa State University and is majoring in Linguistics/Communication Disorders, as well as minoring in Psychology. Her plan after graduation is to pursue a master's degree in Speech Language Pathology. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends or dabbling in photography. A little fun fact about Kelli is that she writes left-handed, but plays most sports right handed, not including the few sports she is ambidextrous in!

Zara has experience working with kids since she was a teenager. She has always loved being around kiddos and interacting with them whenever she has the chance. Zara was previously a library director for two libraries and enjoyed planning events and making fun projects for the kiddos! In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, being outside, and doing anything that involves hanging out with her husband.

Alli has experience working with school-aged kids after heading up programming for a local after-school program for many years. She has a passion for working with children with disabilities and is inspired by her younger sister with special needs. In her free time, Alli likes to read, get outdoors, and spend time with her husband and daughter.

Candy is our Ames Clinic Coordinator. She has her Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education and has worked in the Early Childcare field for 30 years. The past 25 years has been in administration in childcare. Candy’s passion and focus has been coaching and educating teachers on Positive Behavior Interventions and quality care. It has also been very important to her that children and families feel valued and heard. She believes that collaboration and clear communication between families and providers is key to helping children succeed. Candy enjoys living in her small town of Colo, having get-togethers with her extended family, spending lots of time with her 3 grandchildren and binge-watching shows with her husband and dog.

Genna is the Axis Clinical Scheduler who handles scheduling for all three of our Axis locations. Genna started her career at Axis as one of our technicians and recently shifted her passion towards the administrative side of things. In her free time, Genna enjoys playing with her kitties Pepperjack and Chicken Sandwich, drinking coffee or listening to true crime podcasts. Genna loves seeing the kiddos come through the door everyday and saying hi to them in the hallways!

Christine has her Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Iowa. She has many years of client relations experience starting in retail management and most recently in administration for an outpatient mental health office. Christine is passionate about being part of a team that supports providers so providers can offer the best care to their clients. When she’s not cheering on the Hawkeyes with her husband Chris, she enjoys trying out new food venues. Christine recently moved from Urbandale, IA to Fort Myers, FL and is looking forward to exploring all the area has to offer.

Tamira is a part of the Axis RCM/Billing team. She resides in Atlanta, GA, and has had a successful 20-year career in the Medical Billing/Healthcare Administration industry. She completed her comprehensive Medical Billing and Healthcare administration certification in 2006, and then became a member of the (AAPC) The American Academy of Professional Coders and AMBA American Medical Billing Association. Tamira enjoys helping others map out financial responsibility during unfortunate circumstances. She makes it her priority to help families establish payment plans and understand health insurance benefits as it pertains to each individual situation. In her free time, she loves traveling to different beaches, being activate and spending quality time with her two daughters.

Kayla is the Insurance Specialist for Axis and she handles insurance benefit verifications, treatment authorizations, and anything else related to insurance. She came to us with several years of insurance and customer services experience. Kayla decided she wanted to be in a field where she could work with children after working in her small-town public library as their director where she planned all the activities for toddler time and their summer reading program. Kayla lives in Maxwell, IA with her significant other Chris and their 7 children. When not at work Kayla enjoys her time at the kids’ activities or home on the farm with a good book and country music.

Charlise is a part of the Axis RCM/Billing team. She resides in Detroit, MI, and is currently working toward her associate degree in Registered Health Information Technology. She has been working in the healthcare field for 23 years. Charlise is very passionate about healthcare and goes above and beyond to assist her clients. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching television, traveling, and family game nights.

Fore Autism Annual Golf Outing, September 6th 2023

Axis – AMES

Services Available

Clinical Director

Kristin Hanson

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)

Kylie Wheeler

Jordan Lillard

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBA)

Sydney Adkins

Dakotah Overton

Occupational Therapists

Kelsie Leshen

Haley Austin

Speech Therapists

Casey Smith

Amy Deist

Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)

Shelby Moore

Meggie Drietz

Tatum Lillibridge

Mariah Harlan

Landi Helgevold

Maddie Berns

Sara Niealsen

Bennett Soncarty

Katie Kessel

Kelli Dorwart

Zara Schmitt

Alli Fisher

Ames Clinic coordination Team

Candy Gaedke

Genna Bertram

RCM / Billing Team

Christine Villalobos

Tamira Fitzjohn

Kayla Longren

Charlise Williams

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