OUR TEAM
Founder & Executive Director of Clinical Operations
Shannon has chosen to work in the mental health field for over 20 years, utilizing her innate desire and passion to advocate for children. She holds a master’s degree in Counseling and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Her extensive career began in the juvenile justice system working to preserve and reunify at-risk families.
While furthering her training, she transitioned from outpatient counselor to behavior specialist, where she met a child with Autism and immediately found her life’s calling. Shannon completed her post graduate work to obtain her certification in Behavior Analysis and considers practicing in Applied Behavior Analysis her most rewarding position.
Shannon is a proud native of Gulf Breeze and is excited to provide this essential service within this wonderful community, in which she lives with her husband, Dr. Michael Leveille and their two children.
Tara Rietz, MA, BCBA
Clinic Director
Tara is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has experience working within the clinic, community and home setting. She received her master's degree in Behavior Analysis from Ball State University after receiving her bachelor's degree in Psychology at University of West Florida. During Tara's years of extensive experience, she has provided behavior services to children between the ages of 2 and 12. She has worked with children with behaviors including self-stimulatory, self-injurious, aggression, obsessive-compulsive, pica and anxiety. Tara has lived in Pensacola, Florida for the past 20 years and currently resides in the lovely downtown area with her young daughter.
"I have a passion for helping children with mental and developmental diagnosis."
Amanda Bazo, MA
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Amanda received a bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Studies and a master’s degree in Family and Human Science. Currently, Amanda is pursuing her second master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with a focus in Autism - in pursuit of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Amanda brings leadership, passion and energy to her work. She is dependable and the epitome of a team player.
"I got into the field of ABA because I wanted to apply my passion for helping children in a way that would change their lives and the lives of their families."
Tiffany Morris, MA
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Tiffany has worked with children with developmental disabilities for 13 years. She holds a master's degree in Exceptional Student Education & Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of West Florida. Tiffany is a confident leader who exemplifies patience and understanding within her ability to facilitate growth in the children with whom she works. She provides strong leadership and support for the entire team.
"I decided to join the field of ABA to help children reach their full potential."
Patricia Wheeler, MA
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Patricia received her bachelor's degree in Teaching from the University of West Florida and holds a master's degree in the dual program of Exceptional Student Education & Applied Behavior Analysis. Her future goals include becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Patricia is from Washington, Indiana and enjoys activities within the Jewish community, traveling and writing poetry.
"I personally witnessed how ABA improved my Mother's life by teaching her functional communication and life skills
to gain independence & improve her overall health. I hope to do the same for other individuals."
Thaise Cuadros
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Thaise was born and raised in Brazil and has been living in the United States for six years. She is pursuing her second master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of West Florida. Thaise has a passion for Behavior Analysis and a special love for teaching social skills.
"Being able to see first-hand the way that the lives of our patients and their families
are changed because of ABA - is a feeling I can’t even begin to explain."
Ali McRae, BA
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Ali came to our area from Meridian, Mississippi to attend the University of West Florida. She received her bachelor's degree in Psychology while minoring in both Child Welfare and Sociology. During her undergraduate study, Ali worked in UWF’s child cognitive development lab – where she primarily researched the effects of language brokering on the development of the child and adolescent mind. Her research led her to present her findings of language brokering on children’s working memory and intelligence composite scores to UWF’s Scholar’s Symposium.
Ali's desire to further her knowledge about language brokering led her to autism-related language research. She enrolled in UWF’s master’s degree program for Exceptional Student Education focusing in Applied Behavior Analysis and is excited to graduate in May, 2021.
"My journey through research inspired my passion to pursue a career in Applied Behavior Analysis."
Samantha Bass, BSW
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Samantha is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis from the University of West Florida. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and has transitioned from a wonderful career in social work. She brings to our clinic 18 years of experience with children, adolescents and adults who have experienced adverse childhood trauma. Samantha enjoys playing beach volleyball, paddle boarding and doing outdoor activities with her husband of 20 years and their three young children.
"I want to help people with developmental disabilities gain independence and
reach their full potential through Applied Behavior Analysis."