Axis - Ankeny | Axis Therapy Centers

Axis – Ankeny

Phone: (515) 261-2402

[email protected]

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

DirectorS

Kristin Hanson

M.A., BCBA, LBA

CEO / Founder / Owner

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Kristin’s Bio

Kallie Ruggieri

M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

Ankeny Clinic Supervisor

Certified Professional Crisis Management Instructor

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Kallie’s Bio

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)

Sydney Adkins

B.S., BCaBA, LBA

Ankeny ABA Supervisor

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Sydney’s Bio

Moira Green

M.A., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Moira’s Bio

Brittany HORNOR

M.A., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Brittany’s Bio

Occupational TherapistS

Kelsie Leshen

MSOT, OTR/L

Certified Occupational Therapist / OT Supervisor

Kelsie’s Bio

Madison Sears

COTA

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Madison’s Bio

Kaitlyn Munsterman

Certified Occupational Therapist

Kaitlyn’s Bio

Speech Therapists

Casey Smith

M.A., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

SLP Supervisor

Casey’s Bio

Lexi Myli

M.A., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Lexi’s Bio

Jacey Zangerle

M.A., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Jacey’s Bio

Allie Carman

Speech-Language Pathology Student

Allie’s Bio

Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)

Tatiana L.

Registered Behavior Technician

Certified Professional Crisis Management Instructor

CPR Instructor

Tatiana’s Bio

Cheyenne T.

Registered Behavior Technician

Trainee

CPR Instructor

Cheyennne’s Bio

Callie F.

Registered Behavior Technician

Clinic Assistant

Callie’s Bio

Destiny J.

Registered Behavior Technician

Clinic Assistant

Destiny’s Bio

Tori V.

Registered Behavior Technician

Clinic Assistant

Tori’s Bio

Miranda G.

Registered Behavior Technician

Trainee

Miranda’s Bio

Makayla S.

Registered Behavior Technician

Makayla’s Bio

Addie G.

Registered Behavior Technician

Addie’s Bio

Tré G.

Registered Behavior Technician

Tré’s Bio

Johannah C.

Registered Behavior Technician

Johannah’s Bio

Jennifer L.

Registered Behavior Technician

Jennifer’s Bio

Vanessa S.

Registered Behavior Technician

Vanessa’s Bio

Toni N.

Registered Behavior Technician

Trainee

Toni’s Bio

Denise C.

Registered Behavior Technician

Denise’s Bio

Miranda P.

Registered Behavior Technician

Miranda’s Bio

Jade H.

Registered Behavior Technician

Jade’s Bio

Mackenzie S.

Registered Behavior Technician

Mackenzie’s Bio

Jordyn G.

Behavior Technician

Jordyn’s Bio

Averie D.

Behavior Technician

Intern

Averie’ Bio

Myra P

Registered Behavior Technician

Clinic Assistant

Myra’s Bio

Jordyn C.

Registered Behavior Technician

Jordyn’s’ Bio

Ankeny ADMIN Team

Kim hennick

Ankeny Clinic Coordinator

Kim’s Bio

Candy Gaedke

Clinic Coordinator Supervisor

Candy’s Bio

Ashley Rungee

Ankeny Scheduler

Ashley’s Bio

Genna LeRoy

Lead Clinical Scheduler

Genna’s Bio

Kim Slattery

Human Resources Specialist

Kim’s Bio

Kayla Cornelius

ABA Therapy Authorization Coordinator

Kayla’s Bio

Renea Johnson

Speech and Occupational Therapy Authorization Coordinator

Renea’s Bio

Christine Villalobos

Lead Billing Specialist

Chirstine’s Bio

Tamira Fitzjohn

Billing Specialist

Tamira’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.

Sydney is the ABA Supervisor for our Ankeny clinic. She 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.

Moira is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University in 2021, majoring in Kinesiology and Health as well as a Master of Arts in Special Education with a Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis degree from Arizona State University in 2023. Moira has always loved working with kids and has found a passion in her work at Axis. She loves celebrating the successes of her clients every day, both big and small. In her free time, she enjoys staying active, reading and spending time her cat, Jude. Moira is very happy to be part of the Axis Family and enjoys growing along with the wonderful individuals who come through the doors of Axis!

Brittany is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She received her bachelor of science degree in Psychology at Iowa State University and her master’s degree in applied behavior analysis with an emphasis in autism through Ball State University. 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.

Kelsie is a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist whose clinical experience has centered around the pediatric population with an emphasis on children with autism spectrum disorder. Kelsie attended Grand View University where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She then attended Allen University where she obtained her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Kelsie is a trained professional of the SOS Approach to Feeding and has also completed continuing education on MRNI Dynamic and Postural Reflex Integration. In her free time, Kelsie enjoys spending time with her husband and family, camping, fishing, watching movies, listening to podcasts and traveling.

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.

Destiny Y West Des Moines Behavior TEchnician

Kaitlyn is an Occupational Therapist certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy and licensed in the state of Iowa. After completing her undergraduate at Grand View University and receiving a bachelor's degree in psychology and kinesiology, she went to Drake University for her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Since she was 18, she has loved working with children and adolescents with many different diagnoses and settings. She has spent time in daycare settings, group sessions, and one-on-one support. When she is not at work, she will spend time with family and friends, get outdoors, play sports and games, read, and travel! Kaitlyn is excited to join the therapy team at Axis and collaborate with children and their families to support them in achieving goals in a fun way to increase their independence!

Casey is the Lead Speech-Language Pathologist and Speech-Language Pathology supervisor at Axis, 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 and two children. She enjoys spending time outdoors, exercising, singing, watching movies, eating good food, and participating in her local church.

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!

Jacey is a Speech-Language Pathologist certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and licensed by the state of Iowa. She received her 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. Jacey has experience working with kids of all ages and a wide range of diagnoses within the educational setting. She enjoys making good relationships with clients and their families and has a passion for helping kids find and use their voice. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks with her dog, Oakley, spending time with her friends and family, running, country concerts, traveling, and spending time outside. Jacey is excited to be part of the Axis team!

Allie is a Speech-Language Pathology student from the University of Northern Iowa. She is working toward her master’s degree, with a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders. Allie has had experience with many ages and various diagnoses. During her free time, she likes to be with friends and family, read, and make memories.

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.

Callie is currently a senior at Iowa State University, majoring in Human Development and Family Studies. She has always enjoyed being around kids and loves getting to be a positive light in their lives. She has over 8 years of experience working with children in a variety of settings. In her free time, you can find her spending time with friends or family, taking naps, going to concerts, or playing with her dog, Milo. Callie is excited to become part of the Axis family and grow in her professional career!

Destiny comes to us from Montana, with previous experience as a special education paraprofessional with kids in grades k-8th. She loves watching every child grow, learn & achieve their goals, and being a part of their journey is extremely special to her. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, cooking, playing games with her kids & going on walks.

Tori graduated from Western Iowa Tech Community College with her Associates of Arts Degree in Psychology. She attended Iowa State University and obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice. She has previous experience working with children in a residential setting. In her free time, Tori likes going for runs, playing pickleball, and spending time with friends.

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!

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!

Tre discovered his passion for working with children while tutoring elementary students in reading and math skills while attending Iowa State University. Since then, he has worked with children in many different capacities. He has been a track and football coach in the Des Moines Metro area, a 4-Hprogram assistant/intern for both Iowa State University and The University of Minnesota, and a Special Education Associate. In his free time, Tre likes to be at the gym, with his younger siblings, or just watching movies with his cat Oliver.

Jo received her BS from Purdue University Global in 2010. In was during her internship senior year that she discovered her true passion for working with children. She has 10 years of experience working children in multiple settings including special education associate in elementary schools, daycare, and preschool. She is excited to be a part of the Axis team and help children achieve their goals! In her free time, you can find her spending time with her children, hitting the gym, enjoying the outdoors fishing, and exploring or spending time with family and friends!

Jennifer currently attends William Penn University, majoring in psychology. Following completion of her bachelor's degree, she plans to continue further her education and work towards a master's degree in education. Jennifer has always loved working with children and helping them grow their confidence in education and in life.

Vanessa has been working with children since the age of 14. She has always had a passion to help kiddos be the best that they can be and get the most out of every day. She loves watching them grow and learn. Since moving to the Ankeny area, Vanessa has worked at daycares and was a nanny for 4 years. Vanessa feels that Axis is the perfect fit for her to be able to make a difference!

Toni graduated from the University of Iowa in 2023 and has 4 years' experience working with children and adults with special needs. She is currently completing her master's degree in applied Behavior Analysis from Purdue Global University. In her free time, Toni loves being outdoors and playing with her two dogs. She has also recently taken up a new hobby of golfing and is solely getting better over time!

Denise has experience working in special education as an associate with children in grades K-6. She finds it incredibly rewarding to witness each child's growth and celebrate their achievements. Outside of work, she's a proud mom of three boys, so she spends much of her free time at playgrounds with her youngest and attending practices and games with her oldest, cheering them on.

Miranda graduated from Des Moines Area Community College with her Associates of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts. She has worked in childcare for 9 years and is excited to expand her horizons in helping kids learn and grow in new ways. She strives to have an impact on each child’s life and being a safe space. In her free time, Miranda enjoys going on walks, reading, and hanging out with friends.

Jade attended Des Moines Area Community College and received her certificate in Photography. She has also worked in childcare for 10 years and loves helping and watching the kids grow and reach all of their milestones. Jade is excited for her new journey with Axis and feels that it is a good place for her to continue with her love of helping, while also getting the chance to learn with the kids as well. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching superhero movies, painting, and babysitting.

Mackenzie is currently pursuing her degree in Elementary education. She comes to us with previous RBT experience, as well as 2 years' experience working in a school as an elementary paraprofessional. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and choreographing for her local high school's dance team and musicals.

Jordyn is a recent graduate of Des Moines Area Community College with her Associates in Sociology. She has worked with, and loved working with children, since she was 18 years old. Once she finishes her bachelor's degree in Sociology/Social Work, she hopes to continue working with children throughout her career. In her free time, she likes watching reality tv, wedding planning with her fiancé, and traveling to go see her family in the Omaha area.

Averie has many years of childcare experience including 2 years as a level 3 Special Education paraeducator and 2 years at a childcare center. She is currently in school for Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education. She is looking forward to continuing to work with children and for all the rewarding experiences she will get to be a part of. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her daughter and my family.

Myra recently graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology, minoring in Criminal Justice. In her free time, she likes to hang out with friends and family, spend time with her husband and two cats, and find cute coffee shops to hang out at!

Before earning her RBT certification in May of 2024, Jordy worked as a level 2 special education associate at an elementary school. She also has a deeply personal connection to autism, having grown up alongside her brother who is on the spectrum—an experience that has shaped her understanding and compassion in meaningful ways. Outside of work, Jordan is incredibly creative and loves anything art-related. When she’s not making something beautiful, you’ll probably find her spending time with her cat, Romeo—they even enjoy going on walks together.

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!

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.

Ashley is the Scheduler for our Ankeny clinic. Prior to transitioning to this role, she spent over a year as an RBT with Axis! When not at work, she is running her two daughters to dance or show choir practices. Ashley lives in Ankeny with her husband, two daughters, and two German shepherds (Sherlock and Watson). She enjoys reading mystery books and adding rhinestones to everything!

Genna is the Lead Clinical Scheduler and the Scheduler for our Ames, Fort Dodge, West Des Moines clinics. 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!

Kim has been involved with helping children and adults achieve their highest potential for the past 28 years. First, as a teacher in the Des Moines metro, she was a classroom teacher with a passion to support all children in learning, growing, and developing into the best version of themselves. Now, in her second career, Kim has been successful in guiding and cultivating relationships for adults with their career journey. She believes in listening to employee concerns to make their work environment one that is conducive to safety, fairness, and culturally acceptive. When not working, Kim is passionate about reading, being outside and crafting. She is a beach lover and wants to explore as many white sandy beaches as possible. Kim’s two grown children are often a topic of conversation she is more than happy to brag to anyone about.

Kayla is the Authorization Coordinator for Axis. She now works remotely for all locations after having previously held the Clinic Coordinator role in both Ankeny and West Des Moines. 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 husband and their 7 children. In her free time, Kayla enjoys her kids’ activities or just being home on the farm with a good book and country music.

Renea is one of our Authorization Coordinators. She brings her background of working as a technician, and is expanding her passion and enthusiasm into a new role to serve the kids at Axis. When not working, she loves to chase her cats (Marlene and Cher) around her apartment, be outside, and travel.

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.

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.

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.