Our Team
Stephanie Hood, BCBA-D
Ph.D., BCBA-D, Founder and Clinical Director
Stephanie A. Hood, Ph.D., BCBA, is an assistant professor of psychology at Marquette University. She previously was an assistant professor at California State University-Northridge and Briar Cliff University. She earned a Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Psychology and Special Education at the University of Minnesota- Duluth. She subsequently was a licensed special education K-12 teacher in Minnesota. She earned a Master’s of Science in Behavior Analysis and Therapy from Southern Illinois University- Carbondale. She received her Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis from the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Munroe-Meyer Institute. Dr. Hood teaches undergraduate and graduate coursework in applied behavior analysis. She has experience with assessment and treatment of behavior disorders with individuals with and without disabilities and early intensive behavioral intervention. However, her primary clinical focus now is teaching social and vocational skills. She has work with various service delivery models, such as, university based clinics, inclusive preschools, school consultation with elementary and middle schools.
Sylvia Aquino, BCBA
Sylvia Aquino is a third-year doctoral student. She received her Bachelor of Psychology at California State University - Channel Islands. She received her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis at California State University - Northridge. She has been a practicing board certified behavior analyst in the state of Wisconsin for over 2 years. She specializes in the assessment and treatment of complex social and conversation skills. She is passionate about providing quality, culturally sensitive services that will help individuals reach their goals.
Kendall Kastner, BCBA
Kendall Kastner is a third-year doctoral student. She obtained her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Masters in Behavior Analysis from Marquette University. She has been a practicing Board Certified Behavior Analyst licensed in the state of Wisconsin for over 2 years. During that time Kendall has served individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities in the greater Milwaukee area. She is especially passionate about providing clinical care to those who present with significant behavioral challenges.
Jesey Gopez, BCBA
Jesey Gopez is a second-year doctoral student in the Behavior Analysis program at Marquette University. She completed her undergraduate degree at California State University, Northridge with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Adolescent Development. She received her Master of Science in Behavior Analysis from Marquette University. Jesey has had experiences working with the neurodivergent population with a primary focus on social and conversational skills. She is currently working to teach individuals foundational conversation skills for building and maintaining friendships. Her other interests include teaching individuals competitive and cooperative play skills and teaching individuals with ASD to identify and discriminate critical features of emotions.
Natalie Schmaus, RBT
Natalie Schmaus is a second-year Master's student in the Behavior Analysis program at Marquette University. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Spanish from Marquette University. Natalie began working in the SSAIL Lab as an undergraduate research assistant in Fall 2020 and became a behavior technician in Spring 2021. Her current interests include incorporating advocacy and diversity into behavior analytic practices and focusing interventions on client specified goals and identities. She is also interested in creating comprehensive sex education programming for neurodiverse individuals.
Kassidy Ashbeck
Kassidy Ashbeck is a first-year Master's student in Marquette's Behavior Analysis program. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in theatre studies from St. Norbert College. Kassidy found her passion for ABA while working in an early intervention clinic. She is excited to broaden her knowledge and experience through the SSAIL Center.
Nicholas '“Nick” Pikarski
Nicholas (Nick) Pikarski is a first-year master's student and a recent graduate from Marquette university. Nick attained a bachelor's in science in Cognitive Science and is now working for a master's in science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Nick has been working with Dr. Hood and the SSAIL team since April of 2022 as a technician and research assistant. Nicks clinical interests involve the study of resilience and the implementation of cognitive behavioral treatments to help foster resilience growth. Nick's goal is to grow in the discipline of both cognitive and behavioral psychology and one day obtain a PHD in clinical psychology.
Emory Payne, RBT
Emory Payne is a second-year master’s student in the Behavior Analysis program at Marquette University. She completed her undergraduate degree at St. Norbert college with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Sociology. Emory has experience working with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in various roles. She earned her RBT certification in January 2022. Her clinical experience in the SSAIL Center has afforded her opportunities to learn how to write protocols, present data, make data-based decisions, and lead a clinical case to prepare her for a career as a behavior analyst. In the future, she hopes to obtain her BCBA certification and work with adolescents and young adults with ASD and developmental disabilities on social skills in either a school or clinic setting.
Claudia Todd
Claudia Todd is a first-year master's student at the SSAIL Center. She received her B.A. in Psychology and Gender & Sexuality Studies at Marquette University in 2022. Claudia has worked with Dr. Stephanie Hood as an Undergraduate Research Assistant and Clinical Intern since the fall of 2020. She looks forward to growing as a student and clinician in the SSAIL Center and is particularly excited to work on and lead research projects in her time as a master's student.
Grace Philip
Grace Philip is a senior undergraduate student at Marquette, double majoring in Cognitive Science and Psychology. At SSAIL, Grace is a research assistant and a behavior technician. She hopes to attend a masters program in behavior analysis next year and continue doing research. Grace enjoys working with neurodiverse individuals and those with disabilities.
Tressa Forrest, RBT
Tressa is currently a second-year master's student working in the SSAIL clinic. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Biology from Luther College in Decorah, IA. Prior to coming to the SSAIL clinic, she spent two years providing early intervention behavior analytic services to children with autism. She is interested in teaching complex social skills, especially play skills and self-advocacy skills, to a wide range of individuals. Tressa hopes to continue her education following graduation and receive her Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis so she can teach the next wave of behavior analysts and help move the field forward.
Robert “RJ” Bottalla
Robert “RJ” Bottalla is a first-year Master’s student at the SSAIL Center. He received his bachelor of arts in psychology from Marquette University in 2022. He has been working at the SSAIL Center since October of 2021 as a research assistant and clinical intern. He is excited to be working with children, adolescents, and adults to help them grow and develop their social skills. He will also be working with Dr. Hood on several research projects throughout the year.
Elizabeth Goodbody
Elizabeth Goodbody is a second-year master’s student in the behavior analysis program at Marquette University. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Oberlin College. She is looking forward to being involved in research.
Emma Mass
Emma Mass is a first-year master's student in Marquette’s Behavior Analysis program. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Broad Field Science from Marquette University. Emma has previous experience working with young children with an Autism Diagnosis. She is looking forward to working with a wide range of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Emma strives to marry her knowledge in education and passion for helping the Neurodiverse by working in a School Setting in the Future.