West Des Moines | Axis Therapy Centers

Axis – West Des Moines

Phone: (515) 505-7283

info@axisaba.com

7755 Office Plaza Dr N

Suite #105

West Des Moines, Iowa 50266

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)

Kelsey Schabold

M.S., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

West Des Moines Clinic Supervisor

Kelsey’s Bio

Kiley Johnson

M.A., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Licensed Behavior Analyst

Kiley’s Bio

MJ Holmes

M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Licensed Behavior Analyst

MJ’s Bio

Occupational Therapists

Kelsie Leshen

MSOT, OTR/L

Certified Occupational Therapist / OT Supervisor

Kelsie’s Bio

Jenna Scheckel

COTA/L

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Jenna’s Bio

Speech Therapists

Amy Dannenfeldt

M.A., CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Behavior Technician

Maleah’s Bio

West Des Moines Clinic coordination Team

Lacy Link

West Des Moines Clinic Coordinator

Lacy’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.

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Kelsey 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. Kelsey is the Site Supervisor of our West Des Moines location, and is a part of Axis’ Ethics Committee. Kelsey holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Drake University.

Kelsey knew that she wanted to pursue a helping field that would allow her to directly interact with youth. She has always been passionate about helping children build and develop their talents and skills through implementing programs that allow them to discover their potential in a safe, respectable, and encouraging environment. She enjoys being part of an amazing learning process, celebrating little things every day, and seeing so many smiles. Kelsey lives in Ankeny with her husband and their two dogs, Professor and Bodhi. During her free time, Kelsey enjoys taking the family on hikes, traveling, biking, sitting around a campfire, and playing piano.

Kiley 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. Kiley received her Bachelors of Science in Psychology through the University of South Dakota, and her Master’s Degree in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis through Arizona State University.

Kiley has always had a passion for helping children, and being a positive role model in their lives. Kiley lives in Ankeny with her husband, daughter, her dogs (Stella and Beau), and her cat (Pearl). In her free time, she enjoys going to movies, taking her dogs on walks and to the dog park, and spending time with her family and friends.

MJ 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 elementary education from the University of Missouri, a Master’s degree in special education from Central Missouri State University, and a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis through Arizona State University. MJ taught special education for 10 years, and loves celebrating with children as they grow and learn new skills. MJ is an instructor at a local gym and enjoys helping students reach their physical and health goals. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, kayaking, biking, and singing. Her favorite is spending quality time with her husband and two daughters.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Brooke is a Registered Behavior Technician credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She is currently working towards becoming a Registered Behavior Technician through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She is also working towards her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Iowa State and will graduate May 2022. After she graduates she would like to pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling. She also has an Associate degree in Biology and Chemistry. Brooke is originally from Salem, New Jersey and moved to Iowa to further her education at Iowa State. In her free time she enjoys baking, traveling, and enjoying the company of friends and family. Brooke is excited to join the Axis team!

Gabby is a Registered Behavior Technician credentialed through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. She previously attended Grand View University and plans on continuing her college education. Gabby is originally from Dubuque, Iowa, and recently moved to Des Moines. She has worked with children and adolescents since 2017 and ever since has continued to enjoy it. She loves working hands-on with clients daily and reaching milestones with them and being a part of it. In her spare time, Gabby enjoys working on projects, traveling, and going to concerts. She also enjoys spending time with her friends and family, especially her nephew and her dog Roscoe.

Cassidy graduated with her Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and is debating continuing on to graduate school. After graduating in December of 2022, She got married and moved to Iowa in early January. She has enjoyed working at preschools, elementary schools, and other organizations assisting individuals with disabilities while in Wisconsin and she is excited to begin serving the amazing kiddos at Axis! She enjoys spending time with her husband, Josh, friends, and family as well as hitting the gym and spending time outdoors.

Shayna is originally from California but has enjoyed the calmness of Iowa. She has experience working as a respite worker, as well as a paraeducator for an elementary and high school. In her free time, she enjoys going on scenic drives, trying new foods, and yoga.

Taylor grew up in Nebraska and recently moved to Iowa after getting married in June 2022. She previously studied at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with plans to continue her education. She has loved working with kids for the past eight years through church, camps, and mentorship programs. I’m her down time, Taylor enjoys spending time with her husband, Chris, family, and friends. She loves baking, reading, painting, camping, and doing anything outdoors.

Rivea grew up in Atlantic, Iowa and moved to the Des Moines area for school. She plans to continue her education and earn her degree in Psychology. Rivea has found a passion for helping others through her previous CNA and Youth Counselor positions and is excited to continue serving others through Axis. When not at work, she enjoys going to the gym, reading, and spending time with her dog Sadie.

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.

Kathryn was born and raised in Iowa City, IA. She attended the University of Iowa her freshman year of college and later completed her Liberal Arts AA at Des Moines Area Community College. Kathryn spent 4 years working in mental health services and another 4 years as a private nanny before beginning her time at Axis. She has a passion for working with children and helping others. In her free time, Kathryn loves spending time outside, gardening, crafting, and attending farmer's markets where she sells her handmade candles and soaps.

Maleah grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and is currently attending The University Of Kansas where she is pursuing an undergraduate degree in behavioral sciences. After her undergraduate degree, Maleah wants to attend graduate school to earn a doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy. She is currently involved in tennis, Greek life, and she teaches at the unique learning program at KU. In her free time, she loves reading, spending time with her nephews, and watching movies!

Lacy is our West Des Moines clinic coordinator. Lacy has over 15 years of experience in office management, having helped start and run multiple businesses with her husband. Lacy has also spent the last few years pursuing her love and passion for helping children but working as a Paraprofessional in a school setting, specializing in children with behavior and developmental disabilities. Lacy is the proud mom to two daughters. In her free time Lacy loves to travel, read and spend time with her dog, Jasmin. Lacy is a true believer that with love and support, all children are capable of a beautiful life.

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 – West Des Moines

Services Available

Clinical Director

Kristin Hanson

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)

Kelsey Schabold

Kiley Johnson

MJ Holmes

Occupational Therapists

Kelsie Leshen

Jenna Scheckel

Speech Therapists

Amy Dannenfeldt

Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)

Brent Tisl

Brooke Wilson

Gabby Riley

Cassidy Ehmcke

Shayna Fiatoa

Taylor Hornickel

Rivea Keen

Kenzie Kubovich

Kathryn Tvedte

Maleah Greenslade

West Des Moines Clinic coordination Team

Lacy Link

Genna Bertram

RCM / Billing Team

Christine Villalobos

Tamira Fitzjohn

Kayla Longren

Charlise Williams

Join Our Team

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