Fort Dodge | Axis Therapy Centers

Axis – Fort Dodge

Phone: (515) 293-5620

info@myaxistherapy.com

2520 9th Ave. S

Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501

Services Available

ABA Therapy

Preschool & School Readiness Groups

Parent & Caregiver Training

Peer Play Groups

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

Fort Dodge Clinic Supervisor

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Kelsey’s Bio

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)

Jayne Beisel

M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

Fort Dodge Technician Supervisor

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Jayne’s Bio

Brooke Coe

M.A., BCBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Brooke’s Bio

Kenzie K.

Registered Behavior Technician

Trainee

Kenzie’s Bio

Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)

Axis Therapy Center Behavior Technician Erin M

Hailey B.

Registered Behavior Technician

Clinic Assistant

Hailey’s Bio

Melissa J.

Registered Behavior Technician

Melissa’s Bio

Jayci P.

Registered Behavior Technician

Jayci’s Bio

Mariah E.

Behavior Technician

Mariah’s Bio

Sabrina H.

Behavior Technician

Sabrina’s Bio

Fort Dodge ADMIN Team

Dawn Miller-Jansen

Fort Dodge Clinic Coordinator

Dawn’s Bio

Genna LeRoy

Fort Dodge Scheduler

Clinical Scheduler Supervisor

Genna’s Bio

Candy Gaedke

Clinic Coordinator Supervisor

Lead Facilities & Maintenance Manager

Candy’s Bio

Kami McDonough

Human Resources Specialist

Kami’s Bio

Kayla Cornelius

ABA Authorization Coordinator

Kayla’s Bio

Kim hennick

Client Benefits & Services Coordinator

Kim’s Bio

Christine Villalobos

Lead Billing Specialist

Christine’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.

Jayne is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst with a decade of experience in the field of behavior analysis. She began her career as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and has since grown into her current role, where she is dedicated to supporting meaningful and lasting change. Originally from sunny Tucson, Jayne is now based in Iowa, where she enjoys exploring local trails. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys hiking, reading, and engaging in creative projects. Recently married, she is excited about this new chapter in her life.

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.

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.

Destiny Y West Des Moines Behavior TEchnician

Hailey is a 2025 graduate from Wartburg College, obtaining her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music. Spending her first 3 years as a Music Education major, her previous experience in special education classrooms as a para-educator and working with exceptional children one-on-one were a highlight of her educational journey, setting her down a new career path. Getting to watch her students learn and grow into themselves, celebrating their successes, and helping them through their challenges is the most rewarding feeling to her. In her free time, Hailey enjoys spending time with her friends and her "niece", attending live music concerts, and making music in any capacity she can.

Melissa really enjoys helping children learn and grow into the best version of themselves. Most of her previous experience working with children was in the daycare setting. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and going fishing.

Jayci has several years of experience working with children ages 1-12 in a variety of settings. She enjoys helping kids learn independence and autonomy while focusing on personal growth. Just recently she has moved from New Mexico to Fort Dodge and in her free time she enjoys playing video games and painting.

Mariah has three years of experience working in a daycare setting, where she developed a strong passion for caring for children and supporting their growth and development. She enjoys helping children learn new skills each day and is excited to begin this next chapter in her professional journey.

Sabrina is a 2026 graduate from Iowa Central Community College, on track to receive a bachelor's in Secondary Education. Her passion for working with children who see the world from different perspectives has only grown through her hands-on experience in student teaching and spending meaningful time in classrooms. These traits have strengthened her commitment to supporting young learners, especially those with diverse needs. In her free time, she loves exploring the world through arts - particularly literature- spending time with her family, and volunteering in local community plays and musicals.

Dawn is the first person to greet you as you walk in the clinic with a smile. She has several years with medical and therapy, so she has a great understanding of client-based care. She looks forward to keeping our clients informed and help them excel. Dawn has two children, Zach and Emra. As a family, they enjoy spending time with their pet dog Gigi and taking her for walks in local parks. Dawn and her significant other, Kevin, enjoy date night playing Yahtzee and Uno. Dawn looks forward to her favorite part of her job, which will be seeing their smiles throughout the day.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.