Meet the Staff

Jessica Bowers

Founder and Executive Director- M. Ed., BCBA

Jessica Bowers Founder & Program Director

Jessica is a 15-year teaching veteran and curriculum developer, with experience developing individualized education goals for a wide range of learners. She never saw herself as a behavioral therapist, but then she became a mother-and that changed everything!

Jessica and her husband Gary were blessed with four sons, including one who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of four. Through her own experience navigating a special needs diagnosis, she became a passionate advocate for children who learn differently and their families. Her own experiences living with and loving a child with autism fueled her desire to bring compassionate behavioral solutions to other families like hers.

Jessica has spent the last ten years working with children with special needs in church, scouts, and educational settings.  In her spare time, Jessica enjoys running, adventure travel, and embarrassing her teenagers.

About Jessica

Terra Jones

Clinical Director-M.S in Applied Behavior Analysis, BCBA

Terra Jones-Clinical Director, BCBA

Terra graduated with her Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas in 2017. While working on her degree Terra worked at the UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center where she specialized in Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention for young children with autism. During her time as a graduate student she conducted many research studies with a focus on finding the most effective and efficient instructional techniques for children with autism. One of those projects being recently published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Knutson, S. C., Kodak, T., Costello, D. R., & Cliett-Jones, T. (2018). Comparison of task interspersal ratios on efficiency of learning and problem behavior for children with autism spectrum disorder.

Terra has served this population in a variety of settings including centers, schools, church, and in-home. Her passion is to help not just her clients, but the whole family unit.

In her spare time, you can find Terra with her husband and son outside playing disc golf, riding bikes, or eating some local Mexican cuisine!

About Terra

Andreia Rhoten

Clinical Director, M.S in Applied Behavior Analysis, BCBA

Andreia Rhoten-Clinical Director, BCBA

Andreia graduated from Arizona State University with a Master’s degree in Education. She has worked with children in a variety of different settings ranging from in-center, in home and school for the past 8 years. She began working in ABA in 2011 where she fell in love with the ABA and seeing the impact ABA had on children. Her experiences include working with children with severe behaviors, early intervention, social skills, toilet training, functional communication training, verbal behavior training, instructional design, parent training, staff training, and supervising independent experience field work hours. When working with families, Andreia hopes to bring meaningful change to families that are functional and will increase the child’s quality of life. She believes in providing quality services to families and making a difference one child and one family at a time. Andreia is a member of Association for Contextual Behavioral Sciences, Association of Professional Behavior Analyst.

When Andreia is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family. Andreia is a wife and a mother of two amazing daughters ages 3 and 12. When she is not working, she enjoys watching her daughter play basketball and soccer, while her youngest is currently in gymnastics. Andreia has a passion for fitness and health and enjoys running and weight training.

About Andreia

Grace Erington

Regional Director-M.S, BCBA

Grace Erington-Regional Director, BCBA

Grace is a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas, where she received her Master of Science in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience and Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Child Learning and Development, graduating summa cum laude.  She continued her education at the University of Cincinnati, completing a post-baccalaureate certification program in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Grace knew she wanted to help children since she was a teenager, when her sister was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder.  She discovered into ABA three years ago and it immediately became her passion.  She has worked in a variety of settings, including center, educational, and in-home.  Grace lives in Rowlett with her husband.  In her free time, you will find her in a Zumba class, lounging by the pool, or enjoying a competitive game night! 

About Grace

Lexie Zachary

Behavior Therapist-RBT

Lexie

Lexie graduated from the University of North Texas in 2017 with her BA in Integrative Studies with focuses in Kinesiology, Anthropology, and Applied Behavior Analysis. She has been certified as an RBT since 2017 and has done ABA therapy in a variety of settings, including clinic, home, and school. Lexie is also mostly fluent in ASL and has experience with nonverbal clients.

She loves this job because her clients always help her to think outside the box and see every day situations in a whole new perspective. In her free time, Lexie enjoys antiquing, cooking new recipes, and hanging out with her dog Leo!

About Lexie

Jessica Clawson

Behavior Therapist-RBT

Jessica Clawson-RBT

Jessica graduated from the University of Kansas with a mayor in Applied Behavioral Science. During her time in college she worked with the Kansas Early Autism Program, where she completed two internship programs. She now has experience in clinic, in-home and school based settings. 

Jessica’s goals include entering a Masters program in Applied Behaviors Analysis this upcoming fall and opening her own ABA clinic in the state of Kansas. 

Jessica recently moved to Arlington, TX where she enjoys reading, watching movies, cooking and hiking.

About Jessica

Michelle Boney

Behavior Therapist-RBT

Michelle Boney-RBT

Bio Coming Soon!

About Michelle

Stephanie Cran

Behavior Therapist-RBT

Stephanie Cran-Behavioral Therapist

Stephanie is a graduate student studying behavior analysis at University of North Texas. Her interest piqued five years ago when she interned at an after-school center for children diagnosed with ASD and related disabilities and has worked in the field ever since. Her passion for the field is driven by the happiness the whole family, especially the child, feels when behavior therapy improves any part of their day-to-day life.

If Stephanie is not filling the role of student or therapist, she’s in her garden, biking around with her dog, or attempting to tame her baby iguana.

About Stephanie

Shannon Ash

Program Manager-RBT

Shannon Ash-Program Manager

Shannon Ash graduated from the University of North Texas and has been working with children with autism for over ten years. She is an RBT and has has worked in homes, clinics, schools, and in the community with learners, ages 2-19 years old.

Shannon is a program manager for Waypoint, works directly with clients, as well as trains newly hired therapists and directs programming under the supervison of a BCBA.  She is currently pursuing her masters degree at Arizona State University with the goal to graduate early 2020. Shannon plans to sit for the BCBA exam upon graduation. 

Shannon is also a mom of four and enjoys hanging out with her husband and children, coffee, traveling, and boating in her spare time. She currently lives in north Fort Worth with her husband, children, some fish, and a beagle. 

Attachments area

 

About Shannon

Annie Lucroy

Lead Behavior Therapist-RBT

Annie Lucroy-Registered Behavior Therapist

Annie went to East Carolina University for her BS in Special Education. While in college, she worked at the Autism Society of North Carolina where she first started in the field of ABA therapy. After college, Annie continued her education in ABA therapy and completed the qualifications to become a Registered Behavioral Technician. She has now been a Registered Behavioral Therapist for the last three years.

Annie truly believes that this field of work is a passion of hers. One of her favorite aspects of the job is watching both the clients and their families grow and excel at their goals and surpass expectations. Seeing her clients achieve new goals inspires her to continue her work in the field of ABA therapy.

Annie loves being outdoors with her family, including her husband, son and dog. She loves gardening, traveling, trying new recipes and a good Netflix binge.

About Annie

Beth Snear

Behavior Therapist-RBT

Beth Snear-Registered Behaviror Therapist

Beth graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2017 with her Bachelors of Social Work. She is currently working on her Masters in Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington. Beth’s experience in working with children with disabilities has been ongoing! She has two big sisters with developmental disabilities and she explains that they are where her love for serving in this field began. Her personal family experiences have given her a passion to be an advocate for not only the kids she works with, but their siblings, and parents. Beth has been working as an RBT since July of 2017 and shares that it has been an adventurous ride! 

“I have loved my work an as RBT! I am honored to be in such a special position in the lives of these children and families. In my job I get to work as a catalyst for turning children’s struggles into triumphs! It is my firm belief that each of our children have such a high potential for success that can be achieved through the teamwork of the entire family and ABA unit.”

As an Arizona native, Beth likes to spend her free time exploring the very big state of Texas with her husband and two pups! 

About Beth

Taylor Whitten

Behavior Therapist-RBT

Taylor Whitten-Registered Behaviror Therapist

Bio Coming Soon!

About Taylor

Ashlyn Moore

Behavior Therapist-RBT

Ashlyn Moore-Registered Behavior Tech

Ashlyn has grown up around autism all her life, and began working as ABA therapist in August 2015 at the Kristin Farmer Autism Center. She has spent the last 2 years there working on a grant project bringing ABA teaching strategies into the homes of families who cannot otherwise access therapy. 

Ashlyn plans to become a BCBA and eventually open her own private school for special populations.  

Ashlyn lives in downtown Fort Worth, with her dog, cat, and bearded dragon. In her free time she likes playing sand volleyball, going to concerts, and finding new places to eat. 

About Ashlyn

Jordan Haefling

Program Director - RBT

Jordan Haefling- Program Manager, RBT

Jordan graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Child Development. She began working in the field of ABA in 2004 and has now made it her passion.

While working on her degree, she became an active volunteer of the Global Autism Project, which trains professionals in other countries with minimal resources on the principles of ABA. To date, she has traveled to Kenya, Indonesia, India, and the Czech Republic and has taken on a leadership role within the organization.

Jordan currently lives in Fort Worth with her dog where she spends time at the dog park, finding the next best tacos, and has plans to purse her Master’s degree to become a BCBA.

About Jordan

Ashley Yarwood

Behavior Therapist-RBT

Ashley Yarwood-RBT

Ashley Yarwood is a driven and skilled RBT with 11-years of experience aiding children and young adults effectively in clinical, home, school, and community settings. She began her ABA training at Easter Seals-North Texas Child Development Center, while pursuing a BA in Psychology from UT-Permian Basin. 

She is passionate in helping clients gain and enhance their skill repertoire using behavior modification techniques.

Ashley lives in Fort Worth with her husband, Russell, and their two little boys. She enjoys dance, swimming, going to Ranger games, and making memories with her family and friends.

About Ashley

Lukas Snear

Behavior Therapist-RBT

Lukas Snear-RBT

Lukas Snear graduated from the Viriginia Military Institute in 2017 with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and plans to start a masters in the fall for his LPC. Luke has been an RBT since June, 2018.

With a background in psychology and a love for working with kids, ABA was the perfect fit! He started out in a clinical setting with Behavior Network in McKinney, but has fallen in love with the home and school setting. Luke has a real passion for meeting the kids where they are at, and helping them to live their best lives. 

Luke also enjoys training his (soon to be) therapy dog, Sam, and spending time with his wife, Beth. 

About Lukas

Rebecca Durham

RBT

Rebecca Durham-RBT

Rebecca graduated with her undergraduate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas. She is currently working towards her Master’s

degree in Behavior Analysis and BCBA certification at the University of North Texas. While in graduate school, her focus has been working toward finding effective and efficient instructional procedures for children with development disabilities. 

She has over four years of experience in a variety of settings including clinical, school, and in-home. 

Rebecca loves spending times with her two cats and dog, spending time with her family and friends, and traveling to new places! 

About Rebecca

Rachel Brister

Behaviora Therapist-RBT

Rachel Brister-Registered Behavior Tech

Rachel Brister has studied ABA therapy for four years. She is currently working on her RBT certification, and has one year left at Tarleton State University until she obtains her Bachelors Degree in Psychology. She brings a huge smile, and servicing heart to families here at Waypoint. Rachel’s job inspires her to be the best she can be, so in return she can help children with autism conquer the stars. One of her favorite things she cherishes about her job is having the opportunity to experience the joy that comes along with celebrating victories, and accomplishments with every child she encounters at Waypoint. 

One of Rachel’s favorite verses she adores is Psalms 23. “ No matter the storm, or what difficulties come our way it’s so comforting to know God is always guiding us, and protecting us.”

When she is not in a therapy session Rachel spends her days studying for school, singing, and playing the piano. One of her favorite things to do on the weekends is cuddling up next to Gabriel, her 200lbs Great Pyrenees doggie, and watching movies.  On Sundays she loves attending her home Church (The House of Fort Worth), and getting to worship the one she holds so dear to her heart. Rachel is a beacon of love, and is so happy to be apart of The Waypoint Family.

About Rachel

Ashley Pannell

Regional Director, BCaBA

Ashley Pannell-Regional Director, BCaBA

Ashley graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Disabilities and Development from Valparaiso University in 2015 and recently received her BCaBA certification from Florida Institute of Technology in June of 2018.

While attending her undergrad, she was a nanny for a child with Autism who was enrolled in ABA services, which led her to beginning her career in this field. After moving to Texas in 2015, she began working in both in-clinic and in-home providing ABA services to individuals of all ages. She has been with Waypoint since June 2018 as our Central Texas Regional Director. She is highly trained and specializes in communication and feeding related issues. She is PECS certified and trained in LAMP.

In her free time, she loves spending time at her home with her husband, Mini blue heeler, Millie and her cat, Willie. She prides herself on being the best Aunt in the world to her three adorable nieces!

About Ashley

Yani Carrio-Mendez

RBT

Yani Carrio-Mendez-RBT

Yani began working in the ABA field in 2015. She has  experience in both the home and clinic setting. Her favorite thing about being a behavior technician is seeing clients progress and develop their own personalities. Helping the kids reach their full potential it’s what motivates her to continue to be a great therapist for our clients. 

Yani moved to the Dallas/ Fort Worth area in 2008, from the island of Puerto Rico. During her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, painting and salsa dancing. 

About Yani

Joy Josephs

Behavioral Therapist-RBT

Joy Josephs-Registered Behavioral Therapist

Joy graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2016 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Speech Therapy and a minor in psychology. While at UT Austin, Joy conducted research in various clinical research laboratories, including the Adolescent Health and Development Lab, and The Clinical Neuroendocrinology Laboratory. In addition to research, Joy took several courses in American Sign Language and spent time volunteering at the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin,Texas. Joy was recently accepted into medical school and has aspirations of becoming a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

Joy became interested in ABA and obtained her RBT license in 2016, as ABA fused together her love for children and her speech/language, and psychological educational interests. She enjoys helping her clients acquire and build upon speech and language.  

Joy is a big lover of the arts. During her free time, you can catch her providing private violin and piano lessons to children with disabilities, frequenting Broadway performances, visiting a museum, or engaging in photography.

About Joy

Brittany Norman

RBT

Brittany Norman-RBT

Brittany graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station with a Bachelors of Science in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. After graduating, she found a job working at an ABA clinic. Within the next few years, she gained experience using ABA both in academic, as well as in-home settings. She loves learning about ABA theory and seeing how much simpler communication and growth becomes when ABA is introduced.

About Brittany