Our Team
DR. Stephanie Hood, BCBA-D, PhD, LBA
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. 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.
Outside of her professional work, Stephanie enjoys time with her family, being outside, and active.
Sylvia Aquino, M.S., BCBA, LBA
Sylvia Aquino, M.S., BCBA-LBA (she/her/ella)
Sylvia Aquino is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Wisconsin. She earned her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from California State University – Northridge and is currently a doctoral candidate at Marquette University.
Sylvia specializes in the assessment and treatment of complex social and conversational skills and is passionate about delivering high-quality, culturally responsive services that support individuals in achieving meaningful goals. She has experience across a variety of service delivery models, including in-home, telehealth, university-based clinics, and school-based settings.
Outside of her professional work, Sylvia enjoys taking Barre fitness classes and running.
Jesey Gopez, M.S., BCBA, LBA
Jesey Gopez is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Wisconsin. She is a 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 enjoys teachings individuals 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.
Our Team
Emma Mass, MS, BCBA
Emma Mass is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who specializes in supporting adolescents in developing social skills, independence, and confidence. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and currently serves as a BCBA at the SSAIL Center, where she collaborates closely with families to develop individualized, compassionate care plans.
Emma is passionate about building trusting relationships with both clients and caregivers. She believes in meeting people where they are, growing through vulnerability, and creating space for laughter and progress, both inside and outside the therapy room. With a background in education, Emma brings a thoughtful, values-driven approach to her work and is dedicated to helping each child thrive in therapy and everyday life.
Katlynn Finley, MS
Katlynn Finley has a Master's Degree of Science in Behavioral Analysis. She completed her clinical experiences at the SSAIL Center. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Marquette University in 2023. She also was a research assistant at SSAIL. She is now working as a behavior therapist. Katlynn discovered her interest in Behavior Analysis through her time working with Dr. Hood as an undergraduate. Katlynn enjoys being able teach clients a variety of skills resulting in a positive impact on their every day lives.
Veronica Vega, MS
Veronica is a Behavioral Therapist at the SSAIL Center. She has been part of the SSAIL team since 2023, serving as a Behavior Technician and research assistant. Veronica earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in 2021 and completed her Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Psychology at Marquette University in 2025.
Veronica discovered her passion for Behavior Analysis while working as a behavior technician during her undergraduate studies. She is excited to continue expanding her clinical expertise and is dedicated to supporting individuals across a range of developmental stages during her time at the SSAIL Center.