Axis - Ankeny | Axis Therapy Centers

Axis – Ankeny

Phone: (515) 261-2402

info@axisaba.com

220 W 1st Street

Suite 100

Ankeny, Iowa 50023

Services Available

Social Skills Groups

Speech Therapy

Feeding Therapy

ABA Therapy

Parent Training

Occupational Therapy

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)

Kallie Shear

M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Ankeny Clinic Supervisor

Kallie’s Bio

Occupational Therapist

Kelsie Leshen

MSOT, OTR/L

Certified Occupational Therapist / OT Supervisor

Kelsie’s Bio

Madison Sears

COTA

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Madison’s Bio

Jenna scheckel

COTA/L

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Jenna’s Bio

Speech Therapists

Lexi Myli

M.A., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Lexi’s Bio

Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)

Tatiana Leclair

Registered Behavior Technician

Certified Professional Crisis Management Instructor

Tatiana’s Bio

Cheyenne Tyler

Registered Behavior Technician

Cheyennne’s Bio

Brittany Hornor

Registered Behavior Technician

Brittany’s Bio

Moira Green

Registered Behavior Technician

Moira’s Bio

Makayla Senecaut

Behavior Technician

Makayla’s Bio

Anna Peterzalek

Registered Behavior Technician

Anna’s Bio

Sydney Carrol

Behavior Technician

Sydney’s Bio

Emma Taylor

Behavior Technician

Emma’s Bio

Ashley Rungee

Behavior Technician

Ashley’s Bio

Caitlin Bellingtier

Behavior Technician

Caitlin’s Bio

Kaylee Knapp

Behavior Technician

Kaylee’s Bio

Garrison Starkey

Behavior Technician

Garrison’s Bio

Miranda Greenhouse

Behavior Technician

Miranda’s Bio

Bailey McClain

Behavior Technician

Bailey’s Bio

Addie Grogan

Behavior Technician

Addie’s Bio

Ankeny Clinic coordination Team

Kim hennick

Clinic Coordinator

Kim’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.

Kallie 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. Kallie is the Site Supervisor of our Ankeny location, and is a part of Axis’ Ethics Committee. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Iowa State University, majoring in Criminal Justice and Sociology, and received her Master of Education degree in the Foundations of Behavior Analysis through the University of Cincinnati.

Kallie has experience working with challenging behaviors in a residential setting with youth ages 0 to 17, and also experience working with students in the Intensive Behavior Support classroom in a school setting. Through the many kids she has gotten the privilege of knowing over the years, Kallie has found her passion for working with children with different needs, and helping them become successful at home, school, and in the community. In her free time, Kallie enjoys biking, running, trying new restaurants, and traveling.

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.

Madison is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant licensed in the state of Iowa. She completed her education at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa. During her academic career and work experience, she developed a passion for helping others succeed and reach their own personal goals. In high school, Madison volunteered at her local elementary school and had the opportunity to engage with children of all ages. She developed interest in pediatrics due to the endless opportunities to be able to positively influence children while incorporating functional play. Madison has experience with pediatrics, outpatient, and long-term care. She is most excited to help children become the best, most confident version of themselves! When Madison is not working, she enjoys being outside with her dog, hiking and spending time with her friends and family.

Jenna is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant licensed in the state of Iowa. She received her Associate of Arts degree after attending the University of Dubuque and NICC in Dubuque, IA. She then received her OTA degree from Ross College in Davenport, IA. She has always been passionate about working with kids from watching her mom work as a Teacher’s Aid in the Special Education program to volunteering in the Special Education program while enrolled at DeWitt High School. It was during that experience she knew she had found her passion for helping others, watching the kids grow and break out of their shells. In her spare time Jenna enjoys singing, writing poetry, reading, binge watching her favorite TV series, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her friends, family, and cats. She is a Disney fanatic and a frequent concert goer- she loves live music. Her guilty pleasures are iced vanilla lattes, ice cream, and mac-n-cheese with peas and BBQ chips (don’t knock it till you try it!) Her goal one day is to learn to sail a boat, travel to Italy, and have her own sanctuary farm.

Lexi is a Speech-Language Pathologist licensed in the state of Iowa. She received her bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from Iowa State University and her master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Northern Iowa. Lexi has experience with children of all ages and various diagnoses. She has experience in a variety of settings including clinic, school, hospital, and private practice. Lexi lives in Des Moines with her roommate and during her free time, she likes to read, workout, and visit with friends and family. Lexi is excited to be a part of the Axis team!

Tatiana is a Registered Behavior Technician credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She is also a certified instructor for the Professional Crisis Management Association. She has her Associate of Arts Degree from Des Moines Area Community College, and looks forward to continuing her education in Child and Adolescent Psychology. Tatiana has always been very passionate about working with children. She enjoys watching her Los Angeles Dodgers and Las Vegas Raiders, and once in a while, to keep her husband happy, the Red Sox and Patriots. She also loves spending time with her husband and baby boy. She has a love for the outdoors and likes to play disc golf and various sports. She also coaches youth soccer. She has a passion for art and loves to paint. Tatiana looks forward to making a difference and creating a positive change for children and families.

Cheyenne is a Registered Behavior Technician credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She has her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Northern Iowa. She has 10 years’ experience working with children in both the preschool setting as well as in residential settings. She has always had a passion to work with children ever since she would visit her mother’s classroom when she was younger. Her future plans include continuing her education and working toward a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis . In her free time, Cheyenne enjoys powerlifting, trying new foods, going to farmers markets and festivals, and hiking.

Brittany is a Registered Behavior Technician credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology at Iowa State University and is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism through Ball State University. Brittany has experience working with individuals ages 6-20 in the school setting. She loves working with children and watching them succeed in their everyday lives. In Brittany’s free time she enjoys being with friends and family, grabbing an iced coffee, spending time with her cat, as well as helping grow and raise her family’s show pig herd.

Moira is a Registered Behavior Technician credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She graduated in 2021 from Iowa State University with a degree in Kinesiology & Health and always knew she wanted to work with children in some capacity. Moira plans to go back to school for her Masters in Special Education to further her education in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. In her free time, she enjoys staying active, reading and spending time her cat, Theo. Moira is very happy to be part of the Axis Family and to grow along with the wonderful individuals who come through the doors of Axis!

Anna is a Registered Behavior Technician credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 2021 and is currently working towards her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism through Ball State University. During her undergrad career she worked at a daycare where she gained experience working with kids with ASD, and Down Syndrome which led her to discover the field of ABA. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors with her fiancé and dog, Winston.

Sydney graduated in 2022 from Buena Vista University with a degree in Psychology and has always loved working in the mental health field. She plans go to back to school for her Masters in Mental Health Counseling. She has always had a passion for working with children and has experience in an in-patient setting. Sydney spends her free time staying active and spending time with family, friends, and her dog Beau.

Emma is currently a Graduate student at Drake University studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She lives with her boyfriend and cockapoo puppy Charlie. She graduated from Iowa State University in May 2021 with her degree in Psychology with a minor in Womens and Gender Studies. In her free time, she loves going to farmers markets, hockey games, movies and trying out new restaurants! She also loves taking Charlie out and about on walks or to indoor dog parks.

Ashley has experience working as a paraeducator for several years in the school setting. She has always had a love for working with children and has spent a lot of time volunteering in various high school classrooms. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. When she's not at a dance competition for her daughters, she enjoys hanging out at home with our two German Shepherds Sherlock and Watson.

Caitlin recently graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in criminal justice. She plans to continue her education through an online master's program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has a big heart and passion for helping others. In her free time, she likes to read, watch TV, or play games with her friends and family. Back home she has a cat named Luna, and her fish she brought to college with her, Skittles. She spends most weekends spending time with her niece and nephew.

Kaylee currently attends Buena Vista University; minoring in Sociology and majoring in Criminal Justice. She has always loved kids since she was very young and knew right away that she wanted to work with children in some way. If she's not at work, she's at the gym, enjoying the great outdoors, or hanging out with her dog, Malibu. She is so excited to help make a positive impact alongside her Axis family!

Garrison is currently studying psychology through DMACC and intends to become a Clinical Psychologist. He's always had a heart for children and loves any chance to act goofy. He currently lives in Ankeny with his wife and 2 cats. He is ecstatic to work with Axis because it allows for work to be meaningful. He will do his best and continue to improve so that the children are having a meaningful time while at Axis with him. When he is not working, Garrison enjoys evening walks, meaningful conversation, and learning new things.

Miranda graduated in 2022 from Grand View University with a major in Psychology and Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology. She plans to explore her love of helping children by advancing in her new career at Axis. Miranda has spent years in childcare settings as her mother ran a daycare in her home and Miranda also worked at DMACC’s Prairie Trail childcare facility entertaining children while their parents worked out. Miranda spends her free time playing volleyball, coaching volleyball, and spending time with her big family of 6 older siblings and loving her spoiled cats!

Bailey graduated in 2021 from Grandview University with her Bachelor's in Sociology. She has always loved working with children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to the gym, and hanging out with her family and friends. .

Addie is a senior at Iowa State University majoring in Human Development and Family Studies. After graduation, she plans to continue working with children! She always wanted to work with children, she loves getting to see them grow and learn new things and being able to help them get to that point. In her free time, she enjoys spending weekends at the lake with her boyfriend and family, and golfing at different golf courses!

Kim is our Ankeny Clinic Coordinator. She is the one that will greet you in the lobby, walk you through the intake process, and communicate any location updates. She is a Missouri native that moved to Maxwell in May 2021, sharing life with her significant other, Dennis. She two grown sons of her own who live in the Kansas City area (yes, she is a Chiefs fan!). They have given her two lovely daughters-in-law, and 5 beloved grands (4 silly little girls and one lone prince!). Dennis has three children, 2 grown and on their own, and one teenager that lives with them and has refreshed her memory of grocery shopping for teenagers! In her free time, Kim enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren and gardening. Kim strives to become a well-functioning cog in the wheel that helps Axis continue moving forward in its journey!

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 – Ankeny

Services Available

Clinical Director

Kristin Hanson

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)

Kallie Shear

Occupational Therapist

Kelsie Leshen

Madison Sears

Jenna scheckel

Speech Therapists

Lexi Myli

Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)

Tatiana Leclair

Cheyenne Tyler

Brittany Hornor

Moira Green

Makayla Senecaut

Anna Peterzalek

Sydney Carrol

Emma Taylor

Ashley Rungee

Caitlin Bellingtier

Kaylee Knapp

Garrison Starkey

Miranda Greenhouse

Bailey McClain

Addie Grogan

Ankeny Clinic coordination Team

Kim hennick

Genna Bertram

RCM / Billing Team

Christine Villalobos

Tamira Fitzjohn

Kayla Longren

Charlise Williams

Join Our Team

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