Our Team
Stephanie Hood, BCBA-D
Ph.D., BCBA-D, Founder and Clinical Director
Stephanie A. Hood, Ph.D., BCBA, is the founder and clinical director at SSAIL. She previously was an assistant professor at Marquette University, 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.
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.
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.