{"id":1030,"date":"2015-07-07T20:38:16","date_gmt":"2015-07-07T20:38:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/piercenter.org\/?page_id=1030"},"modified":"2024-04-08T14:14:08","modified_gmt":"2024-04-08T14:14:08","slug":"our-staff","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/piercenter.org\/about\/our-staff\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Staff"},"content":{"rendered":"
\u00a0<\/h5>\n
Jeremiah Gray<\/b>
Director of Operations<\/b><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a>Jeremiah has a bachelor\u2019s degree in Business Administration from Bellevue University. He joined the Pier Center for Autism in April 2017 following an 18 year career in Human Resource Management. \u00a0Jeremiah also has extensive knowledge of finance, sales, performance management, recruiting, and marketing . \u00a0He’s excited to be able to support the clinic, the staff, and the clients, any way that he can.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h5>\n
\u00a0<\/h5>\n
Miranda Smalley, M.A., BCBA, LBA<\/strong>
Director of Clinical Programming<\/b><\/h5>\n
BACB #1-17-25358, IA lic#95942<\/b><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a>Miranda has a master\u2019s degree in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Behavior Analysis from West Virginia University. She started her career at the clinic as a board certified behavior analyst in 2016 and was promoted to Clinical Director of the Pier Center for Autism in July 2018. She is a former graduate supervisor at the Intensive Autism Service Delivery Clinic and teaching assistant at an alternative elementary education program in Morgantown, West Virginia. Her expertise lies in the implementation of function-based interventions to reduce challenging behavior as well as teaching early acquisition skills, activities of daily living, and social skills. Miranda is excited to continue her journey working with children with autism.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h5>\n
Maddy Harman, M.S., BCBA, LBA
<\/strong>Director of Clinical Research<\/strong><\/h5>\n
BACB #1-17-27838, IA lic#95941<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Maddy has a master\u2019s degree in Experimental Psychology with an emphasis in Behavior Analysis from the University of Wisconsin \u2013 Milwaukee. She is a former behavior consultant and clinical supervisor at Autism Intervention Milwaukee and a graduate supervisor and lead therapist at the Tiger Center for Applied Behavior Analysis Services in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her training and experiences encompass early intervention with young children, skill acquisition, and the reduction of severe challenging behavior. Maddy has a continued passion for extending research within the field of ABA and leads multiple research projects within the clinic each year. Maddy joined the Pier Center as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in August 2018 and was promoted to Director of Clinical Research in September of 2022.<\/p>\n

Erin Schroeder, M.A., BCBA, LBA<\/strong><\/b>
Board Certified Behavior Analyst<\/strong><\/h5>\n
BACB # 1-22-62412, IA lic#114652<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Erin joined our team at the Pier Center in September 2020. She graduated from Augustana University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Religion. Erin had 3 years of experience in ABA with adolescents with autism and severe challenging behavior prior to her employment at the Pier Center. She recently finished her Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis and passed the BCBA exam. Erin loves ABA because she gets to help kids reach their full potential!<\/p>\n

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Hailey Grell, M.A., BCBA<\/strong><\/b>
Board Certified Behavior Analyst<\/strong><\/h5>\n
BACB # 1-23-67857, IA lic#118276<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Hailey is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a master\u2019s degree in Behavior Analysis Practice from Florida Institute of Technology. Her training and experiences include supporting children and adolescents with autism and other developmental disabilities with skill-acquisition and using function-based interventions for reducing challenging behavior. She\u2019s been part of the Pier Center team since June of 2020 as a behavior technician and is excited to continue her journey now as a BCBA.<\/p>\n

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Alex Quinlain<\/strong>
Sr. Behavior Technician\/RBT<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a>Alex graduated from Morningside College with a Bachelor of Arts in English. He formerly worked at an alternative school in South Sioux City, NE as a para-educator. He has a passion for working with people of all ages and spends his free time playing with his dogs and toddler.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Cheyanne Gocke<\/b>
Sr. Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Cheyanne has a bachelor’s degree in English from Morningside College. She joined the Pier Center in April 2019 after working as a para-educator for three years in the Sioux City Schools. Cheyanne found her passion for working with children with autism in her amazing relationship with her primary student. She is excited to build new relationships in supporting other children with autism. Cheyanne plans to further her education in an autism related field.<\/p>\n

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Maddie Neal<\/b>
Sr. Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Maddie graduated from Briar Cliff University in May of 2019 with a bachelor\u2019s degree in Psychology. During her last semester of college, she volunteered in the applied behavior analysis clinic at BCU, where she discovered her passion for working with children with autism. Maddie joined the Pier Center in November of 2019 and is currently pursuing a master\u2019s degree in applied behavior analysis and is accruing her practicum hours at the Pier Center for Autism.<\/p>\n

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James House<\/b>
Sr. Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

James graduated from Briar Cliff University with a double major in Psychology and Behavioral Science and joined us in June 2021. He volunteered at Briar Cliff\u2019s pro-bono behavior analysis clinic for two years. There he discovered a passion for working with children and enjoyed being a part of their research team. He\u2019s excited to continue that work here at the Pier Center and eventually plans to continue his education within the field of Behavioral Science and Psychology later down the road.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h5>\n
Shana McKie<\/b>
Sr. Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Shana has a bachelor’s\u00a0degree in Developmental Psychology and Counseling Psychology from Morningside University. She joined the Pier Center in December 2021 and has always had a passion for working with children. She is excited to further her education and knowledge of children on the spectrum while working at the Pier Center. Her goal is to make a difference in children’s lives while maintaining her purpose in life. Shana is grateful for this opportunity to excel and work with an amazing team!\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sarah Kach<\/b>
Sr. Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Sarah has a bachelor\u2019s degree in Psychology and a minor in Business Administration from Briar Cliff University. She joined the Pier Center in May of 2022. She is excited to further her knowledge about children on the spectrum. She has always had a passion for helping others and is excited to work with each child at the Pier Center! Her goal is to improve each child\u2019s daily living. Sarah is excited to start her career as a Behavior Technician and is grateful for the opportunity to work with the children and the amazing staff!<\/p>\n

Lexus Mosbrucker<\/b>
Sr. Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Lexus originally joined the Pier Center in January 2023 and rejoined us in November 2023 after a brief hiatus. Lexus graduated from Briar Cliff University in December 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Behavior Analysis.\u00a0 In 2021, Lexus joined the behavioral clinic at BCU, which led to her 2nd major. In summer of 2022, Lexus interned at the Pier Center, which helped her decide where she wanted to work post-graduation. She’s excited to continue with her passion of helping children.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h5>\n
Natasha Weltz<\/strong>
Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a>Natasha graduated from Buena Vista University in 2014 with her degree in elementary education with endorsements in reading and special education. She worked at Irving Elementary for 3 years as a reading interventionist then transferred to North Middle and worked as a para-educator in the School within a School classroom. Natasha joined the Pier Center in January 2015. As a behavior technician she excels in data collection, protocol implementation and assisting her clients in achieving their goals.<\/p>\n

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Breanna Fethkenher<\/b>
Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Breanna joined us in August 2020 and has a Bachelor\u2019s degree in Social work, a minor in Sociology and has a specialization in Child Welfare that she received from the University of South Dakota. Through Breanna\u2019s college career she has also taken courses in Human Development and Family Studies. Breanna has always had a passion for helping people and adores working with children. Breanna is excited to get to explore the world of autism and learn more about children on the spectrum.<\/p>\n

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Melody Tompkins<\/b>
Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Melody graduated from University of South Dakota in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. She formerly worked at Crittenton Center in the HOPES Program. She has a passion for working with children with autism. Melody is excited to learn more about children on the spectrum. Melody started at the Pier Center in October 2021. Children with autism hold a special place in Melody\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Vanessa Marquez<\/b>
Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Vanessa has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Iowa State University. She joined the Pier Center in April 2022.\u00a0 She is excited to work with the kids and watch them grow and improve in their daily tasks.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/h5>\n
Tim Walsh<\/b>
Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Tim joined the Pier Center in May 2022.\u00a0 Tim graduated the University of South Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology. Tim has been working with a variety of children for several years and is excited to work with children on the spectrum.<\/p>\n

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Noelle Rasmussen<\/b>
Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Noelle graduated from Morningside University with a Bachelor of Arts in counseling psychology. She has always had a passion for working with individuals with autism. She joined the Pier Center in May of 2022 and is excited to continue to learn and grow within this career. Noelle plans to continue her education to gain a Masters degree in therapy where she hopes to further help those with needs.<\/p>\n

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Day Anderson<\/b>
Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Day has a bachelor\u2019s degree in English with a minor in mass communications from Briar Cliff University. He joined Pier Center in February 2023. He is excited to help and watch the kids excel in their daily tasks.<\/p>\n

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Shelby Onwiler<\/b>
Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Shelby is a 2023 graduate of Morningside University with majors in biopsychology and counseling psychology and a minor in religious studies. She interned in the spring of the same year and instantly fell in love with the behavior analysis field. Hired in May 2023, she is very excited to learn and work with everybody.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n
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Gabriel Ruiz<\/b>
Registered Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Gabriel became certified as an RBT in April of 2022. Gabriel has worked with a wide variety of students over the last 3 years. His experience as a reading tutor and youth enrichment specialist has served to ignite a passion for education and joining the Pier Center in August of 2023 has gone above and beyond in fueling that spark. Gabriel is ecstatic to be expanding his skill set and help individuals with special needs to reach and exceed their potential through the implementation of ABA strategies. Gabriel plans to continue his education towards a masters in communications.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jenny Scofield<\/b>
Registered Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Jenny joined the Pier Center September 2023. With her patient and compassionate approach, she creates a positive and nurturing environment for her clients. Jenny\u2019s commitment to making a difference in people’s lives shines through in her work as an RBT.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/h5>\n
Hannah Walker<\/b>
Registered Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

After helping with a close relative, Hannah found her passion for working with children with autism.\u00a0\u00a0She worked in the Mercy Behavioral Health unit for a year and a half before joining the Pier Center in September 2023 and becoming a Registered Behavior Tech in November of 2023.\u00a0\u00a0Children with autism will always hold a special place in her heart and she is looking forward to helping the kids grow and learn during her time here.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h5>\n
Lexi McCormack-Saucerman<\/b>
Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Lexi has a bachelor\u2019s degree in Counseling Psychology and Social Services from Morningside University. She joined the Pier Center in October of 2023. She has always had a passion for working with children and is excited to use this opportunity to help the kids develop and grow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

\u00a0<\/h5>\n
Maryln Cooper<\/b>
Registered Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

After working as a paraprofessional for Sioux City Schools, Maryln found her passion for working with kids with Autism. She started her career as a Behavior Technician there and now joined the Pier Center as a Registered Behavior Technician in November of 2023. \u00a0Maryln is dedicated to learning each individual client\u2019s needs and learning styles.<\/p>\n

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Alexandria Moon<\/b>
Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"Lexi graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in May 2023 with her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a minor in Psychology. For four years she worked in an early language intervention program, and practiced as a speech clinician in her last semester. Since joining us in November 2023, Lexi plans on pursuing her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, and is excited to work with various clients and gain more clinical experience that will serve as valuable teaching towards her future career.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h5>\n
Melia Nemitz<\/b>
Registered Behavior Technician<\/strong><\/h5>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Melia joined us in December 2023. Melia started as a paraprofessional in the Sioux City Community School District in 2021. During the summer of 2022 she moved to Denver Colorado where she worked for Action Behavior Centers where she obtained her certification as a Registered Behavioral Technician. Melia plans to continue her education and grown in the field of Behavioral Analysis. Melia believes optimism, dedication, willingness, confidence, and a caring heart is at the heart of working with these children.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/h4>\n

Social Skills Team<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Jan Turbes<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Jan was an Autism and Challenging Behavior Specialist within the tri-state area with immense experience in the areas of assessment and treatment of challenging behavior.\u00a0 Jan works part-time with the Pier Center to support a variety of needs for our clients including challenging behavior and social skills.\u00a0 With over a decade of experience in the fields of behavior analysis and autism, Jan remains one of our biggest advocates for the advancement and continued training of our staff.\u00a0 In addition, Jan was one of the original board members for the Pier Center for Autism.<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00a0 Jeremiah GrayDirector of Operations Jeremiah has a bachelor\u2019s degree in Business Administration from Bellevue University. He joined the Pier Center for Autism in April 2017 following an 18 year career in Human Resource Management. \u00a0Jeremiah also has extensive knowledge of finance, sales, performance management, recruiting, and marketing . \u00a0He’s excited to be able to … <\/p>\n

Read more “Our Staff”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":5,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/piercenter.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1030"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/piercenter.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/piercenter.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/piercenter.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/piercenter.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1030"}],"version-history":[{"count":163,"href":"https:\/\/piercenter.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1030\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2223,"href":"https:\/\/piercenter.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1030\/revisions\/2223"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/piercenter.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/piercenter.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1030"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}