Urbandale | Axis Therapy Centers

Axis – Urbandale

Phone: (515) 509-6892

info@myaxistherapy.com

4406 114th street

Urbandale, IA 50322

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

DirectorS

Kristin Hanson

M.A., BCBA, LBA

CEO / Executive Director

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Kristin’s Bio

Kelsey Schabold

M.S., BCBA, LBA

Urbandale Clinic Supervisor

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Kelsey’s Bio

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)

Michaela Watson

M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

Urbandale Technician Supervisor

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Michaela’s Bio

Brooke Coe

M.A., BCBA, lBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Brooke’s Bio

Occupational Therapists

Kelsie Leshen

MSOT, OTR/L

Certified Occupational Therapist

OT Supervisor

Kelsie’s Bio

Kaitlyn Munsterman

Certified Occupational Therapist

Kaitlyn’s Bio

Speech Therapists

Casey Smith

M.A., CCC-SLP

Lead Speech-Language Pathologist

SLP Supervisor

Casey’s Bio

Amy Dannenfeldt

M.A., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Amy’s Bio

Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)

Abbigale G.

Registered Behavior Technician

Abbigale’s Bio

Kenzie K.

Registered Behavior Technician

Trainee

Kenzie’s Bio

Brent T.

Registered Behavior Technician

CPR Instructor

Brent’s Bio

Sami F.

Registered Behavior Technician

Trainee

Sami’s Bio

Kristy P.

Registered Behavior Technician

Kristy’s Bio

Kalyssa K.

Registered Behavior Technician

Clinic Assistant

Kalyssa’s Bio

Kendall K.

Registered Behavior Technician

Kendall’s Bio

Madison S.

Registered Behavior Technician

Madson’s Bio

Jamison R.

Registered Behavior Technician

Jamison’s Bio

Alyssa M.

Behavior Technician

Alyssa’s Bio

Mackenzi L.

Registered Behavior Technician

Mackenzi’s Bio

Elijah P.

Registered Behavior Technician

Elijah’s Bio

Drew V.

Behavior Technician

Drew’s Bio

Emily S.

Behavior Technician

Emily’s Bio

Urbandale ADMIN Team

Kathryn "Joy" Landolt

Urbandale Clinic Coordinator

Joy’s Bio

Genna LeRoy

Urbandale Scheduler

Clinical Scheduler Supervisor

Genna’s Bio

Candy Gaedke

Clinic Coordinator Supervisor

Lead Facilities & Maintenance Manager

Candy’s Bio

Kim hennick

Client Benefits & Services Coordinator

Kim’s Bio

Kayla Cornelius

ABA Authorization Coordinator

Kayla’s Bio

Myra Adams

OT & Speech Authorization Coordinator

Myra’s Bio

Kami McDonough

Human Resources Specialist

Kami’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 Hanson is an accomplished Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), and the Founder, CEO, Owner, and Clinical Director of Axis Therapy Centers. With over 15 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Kristin is a visionary leader known for driving organizational growth, fostering a culture of excellence, and championing client-centered, evidence-based care.

Kristin holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Grand View University and a master’s degree in child and adolescent psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her clinical expertise is rooted in the early detection and intervention of autism spectrum disorder, with advanced training in administering the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and evaluating young children for autism.

Since founding Axis Therapy Centers in 2017, Kristin has built a thriving, multi-location organization committed to serving children and families with autism and special needs. Under her leadership, Axis has grown into a dynamic and supportive clinical environment focused on continuous learning and meaningful outcomes. She is especially passionate about mentoring and training the next generation of ABA professionals, emphasizing clinical integrity, ethical practice, and skillful implementation of behavior-analytic principles.

Kristin actively collaborates with schools, educators, and families to create individualized, inclusive support plans, and strongly values parent and caregiver involvement as a cornerstone of successful treatment. Her empowering leadership style has contributed to high staff retention and a culture rooted in purpose, compassion, and impact.

In addition to her clinical and executive work, Kristin serves on several statewide and national committees. She is a Board Member of the Autism Society of Iowa, a member of the Autism Expert Panel for the Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program, and Co-Chair of the Council of Autism Providers Special Advocacy Group for Iowa. She also contributes to the Council of Autism Providers Marketing and Recruitment Committee and is actively involved with the Iowa Association for Behavior Analysis and Autism Speaks Iowa.

Kristin is committed to lifelong learning and personal growth, continually engaging in advanced leadership training, mentorship, and self-development. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, reading, listening to podcasts, attending concerts, and golfing.

Kelsey Schabold (BCBA : Clinic Supervisor)

As the Clinic Supervisor at Axis in West Des Moines and Fort Dodge, Kelsey leads a team of dedicated behavior analysts and therapists, ensuring high standards of clinical practice and personalized care for each client. Kelsey's leadership is characterized by a commitment to ongoing professional development and training, empowering staff to deliver effective and compassionate treatment plans. Passionate about professional development, Kelsey enjoys training and mentoring aspiring behavior analysts, fostering a culture of continuous learning within the field. Currently serving as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and the Clinic Supervisor of the West Des Moines location, Kelsey combines clinical expertise with a compassionate approach, ensuring that each client receives personalized, evidence-based treatment tailed to their unique needs.

With a passion for improving the lives of individuals through applied behavior analysis (ABA), Kelsey brings over 6 years of experience as a BCBA to Axis. Specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Kelsey has dedicated her career to implementing evidence-based interventions and fostering positive behavior change.

Kelsey holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Drake University, is certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), and is licensed in the state of Iowa as a Licensed Behavior Analyst and maintains active involvement in professional organizations such as Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP).

Outside of work, Kelsey enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs, Professor and Bodhi. You can find them taking hikes, traveling, biking, or sitting around a campfire. Kelsey also enjoys participating in sports, her gym community, and playing the piano.

Destiny Y West Des Moines Behavior TEchnician

Michaela 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 Arts in Communicative Disorders at San Francisco State University and master's in special education with an emphasis in Autism at San Diego State University. She has a passion for early intervention and celebrating victories, big or small, with her clients and families. In her free time, Michaela enjoys spending time with her husband and Golden Retriever, Doug. She enjoys going on long walks, reading, and finding new restaurants to try.

Brooke graduated from Iowa State University with her bachelor's degree in human development and Family Studies. Since then, she has been working and gaining experience as an RBT while also working towards her master's degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her miniature dachshund, being outdoors, and spending time with family.

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.

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.

Amy 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 in Speech-Language Pathology and her Master of Arts in Communicative Disorders from the University of Northern Iowa. Go Panthers! Amy has always loved working with children and has a vast background working with kids in the schools, clinical settings, and private practice. She lives in Urbandale with her husband, Steve, and loves visiting her three grown children in Florida and Iowa City. During her free time, Amy enjoys playing pickleball, playing the piano, reading, and going to movies. She is excited to be a member of the Axis team!

Abbigale brings several years of experience working in both educational settings and ABA clinical environments. She is passionate about supporting children's development and finds great fulfillment in observing their growth and learning progress. Outside of her professional work, Abbigale enjoys reading and spending time outdoors camping with her family. She is a proud mother of three boys and also shares her home with a turtle and a golden retriever.

Kenzie graduated from the University of Iowa in 2022 with a degree in Entrepreneurial Management but, has decided to change courses based on her passion of working with children and it has led her here! Kenzie’s experience working with special needs individuals started in the 9th grade when she began using her free class periods as an opportunity to help out in the special education classrooms and into her adulthood through substitute teaching. In her free time, she coaches gymnastics and tumbling at a local gymnastics gym, volunteers for Dance Without Limits, is involved in a young adult ministry and loves spending time with her family.

Brent is a Registered Behavior Technician credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Crown College in Minnesota. He has had experience as a teacher and Special Education Associate for the last 8 years, and has worked with children in some capacity for the last 22 years. Brent realized he wanted to work with special needs children when he volunteered in the special needs ministry at his church. He believes that all children have the ability to learn, and it is his duty to help them achieve that. When not working, he can be found hanging out with his wife and two children. He enjoys swimming, playing minor league football in Des Moines, staying active, and going to different parks with my children.

Sami attended Drake University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in clinical and applied science. She wishes to continue her education in the field of ABA. Sami is passionate about working with children and young people. She has been working with children since 2015, starting with kids coming out of foster care. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband Konnor, and two dogs Max and Cooper.

Kristy has a background in education and a strong commitment to supporting children with autism. Prior to joining the Axis team, she spent three years as a Physical Education Teacher at an Autism Academy in Tucson, Arizona. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for working with neurodiverse children and helping them thrive through structure, encouragement, and individualized support. Outside of work, Kristy enjoys spending quality time with her husband and daughter, often exploring the outdoors as a family.

Madison has experience working with kids with special needs for the last 6 years. She has three kids of her own and loves spending time outside when it’s nice out. In her free time, some of her favorite things to do are go swimming and go hiking at ledges state park.

Jamison has been working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) for nearly three years and is on the path to becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). He earned his master's degree from Arizona State University and his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Grand View University. Before beginning his career in behavioral health, Jamison served in the U.S. Navy from 2011 to 2018, where he worked in construction and deployed to Japan and the Philippines. After completing his service, he and his wife returned home to Iowa in 2020, and they welcomed their son the following year. Outside of work, Jamison enjoys spending time on the disc golf course and attending live music events. He is passionate about helping others, lifelong learning, and making a positive impact in his community.

Alyssa was born and raised in Iowa. She found her passion working with kids when she used her free periods in high school to help out in classrooms for special needs kids. She was a coach at Mid-Iowa Gymnastics for two years, as well as a nanny in the summertime. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, doing self-care, and watching movies with her two dogs.

Kenzi attended DMACC, where she studied Early Childhood Education. She has 12 years of experience since 2013 working with children in roles such as an early childhood educator, a pre-kindergarten teacher, and a special education associate. She has been working in ABA clinics as an RBT since early 2023. Kenzi found her passion for working with neurodiverse children at a young age through volunteering in younger classrooms during elementary and high school, as well as being the secondary caretaker of her autistic nephew. She loves providing a safe and positive space for children to grow into their best selves and supporting their development to improve their quality of life. Kenzi was born and raised on the south side of Des Moines, Iowa. She has two cats at home named Meezy and Paradise. When she’s not working in the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, thrifting, going to the gym, and collecting oddities.

Born and raised in Central Iowa, Elijah graduated from Dallas Center-Grimes High School in 2017 before continuing his schooling at Wartburg College where he completed his bachelor's degree in social work. In the last four years, Elijah has worked with children in schools and clinical settings and discovered a lifelong passion for that work. In his free time, Elijah enjoys engaging his passion for stories through creative writing and or playing games or watching movies and shows with his friends.

Drew holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science from California State University, San Bernardino. He has experience working with children as a YMCA daycare provider, youth sports coach, and volunteer at a K–8 educational therapy center supporting students with learning and behavioral disabilities. He later worked for the State of Iowa providing vocational rehabilitation services to adolescents and adults with disabilities. Drew chose a career in ABA because he loves working with children and wants to make a meaningful difference in their lives. Currently, he is pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. In his free time, Drew enjoys spending time with his wife and their two dogs, Bodhi and Maya, volunteering in providing educational services through his church, and exploring the outdoors and new coffee shops.

Emily received her Master of Arts degree in Communication & Media from the University of Northern Iowa. She has been working professionally with children since 2019 and has been working with the special needs community for over a decade. In her free time, Emily loves arts and crafts as well as special with friends and family.

Joy is our Urbandale Clinic Coordinator. She came from a big family in Buffalo, NY. She moved here when she got married to her high school sweetheart. Joy loves serving her family and her church and enjoys exploring new cafes and hanging out with friends.

Genna is our Lead Clinical Scheduler. She likes reading thrillers, doing crafts, and hanging out with her two cattle dogs, Spork & Goose. In her free time, she also likes going to concerts and football games with her husband.

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.

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!

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.

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!

Kami is our Human Resources Specialist. Before joining Axis, she spent 23 years at a single organization, where she held a variety of roles, most of which centered around Human Resources. Kami brings experience and passion with a strong commitment to foster positive culture and employee growth. Over her years in HR, she has developed expertise in talent acquisition, employee relations, and performance management. Her approach is combining strategic thinking with empathy and ensuring HR initiatives align with the business goals. Outside of work, you will find her with her husband, cheering on her daughter at high school sporting events.

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.