Mindy Peterson, M.Ed., Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst, Director of Community Outreach, graduated from Texas Christian University in 1992 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education then received a Master's Degree in Education from The University of Texas in 1996. She is a certified Special Education teacher with 9 years of experience teaching students with autism and other developmental disabilities in both public and private schools. In 2001 she began her training and mentorship in Applied Behavior Analysis and Verbal Behavior as a lead teacher in a private school. She helped Ms. Rich open the center in 2002 as a lead teacher.

Ms. Peterson now serves as the Director of Community Outreach at CTAC. She conducts student evaluations and provides training and consultations for families and school districts throughout Texas.

Assistant Director :

Candace Garcia Wahlers, M.Ed., BCBA

Since 2003, Candace Garcia Wahlers, M.Ed., BCBA, has served CTAC as a Therapist, Lead Teacher, Supervisor of Therapy and, most recently, as Assistant Director. Candace earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The University of Texas at Austin as well as her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education. Prior to her employment at CTAC, Candace served children with Autism and their families as an in-home ABA/VB therapist and as a lead teacher in a private ABA/VB school setting.

Senior Therapist/Consultant:

Cara Brown, BCABA

Cara graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1999 with a Bachelor’s degree in Individual and Family Development.  After graduating, she worked for Behavioral Intervention for Autistic Children (BIFAC) from 2000-2004 where she provided in-home one-to-one services to children with Autism in verbal behavior programs.  Cara moved to Texas in 2004 to work with Kelle Wood Rich at Central Texas Autism Center (CTAC). Cara became a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst (BCABA) in December of 2004. She currently works as CTAC’s senior therapist, school consultant and workshop presenter.

Lead Therapist:

Michelle Tews, B.M., MT-BC, BCaBA

Michelle Tews, Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst, Lead Therapist, graduated from Florida State University in 2004 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy. She received her board certification as a Music Therapist in January 2005. With several years experience working with children with a variety of diagnoses, Michelle joined the staff at CTAC in May 2005 with a desire to focus her service to children with autism. During her time at CTAC, Michelle has received ongoing supervision under Kelle Wood Rich and completed graduate coursework through the University of North Texas. In November 2007, Michelle received certification as a BCABA and now serves as a Lead Therapist.

Lead Therapist:

Morgan Stockdale, BCBA

Morgan Stockdale, Lead Therapist, graduated from St. Edward's University with a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish and Psychology. With several years experience working with children with autism in private schools and home programs, Morgan joined the staff at CTAC in April 2006. During her time at CTAC, Morgan has received ongoing supervision under Kelle Wood Rich and completed graduate coursework in ABA through the Florida Institute of Technology. She graduated with a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Texas, Austin in 2009 and received her BCBA.

Therapist:

Meghan Bonner, BCBA

Meghan Bonner joined CTAC as a behavior therapist in July 2007. She graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology. Meghan also earned a Master’s degree in Special Education (Autism and Developmental Disabilities concentration) from the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to her position at CTAC, she provided services to children with autism in residential, school, community, and home programs for 4 years. Meghan received her BCBA in November of 2008.

Therapist:

Kari Kacal, M.Ed., BCBA

Kari Kacal, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from Texas State University in 1999, as well as her Master’s Degree in Education with a major in Special Education in 2001. Prior to her employment at CTAC, Kari served children with Autism and their families as an in-home ABA/VB therapist and as a lead teacher in a private ABA/VB school setting. She currently works as a co-lead teacher in Central Texas Autism Academy as well as, a therapist at CTAC.

Therapist:

Amy Carter, B.A.

Amy Carter graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 1998. She is a certified Special Education Teacher that taught children with Autism and other developmental disabilities in a public school for 3 years. She has worked with children with Autism for 6 years in both public and private settings and has been at CTAC since January 2007.

Therapist:

Lauren Wisegarver, BCBA

Lauren graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor's degree in History in 2004. She moved to Austin in 2006 to complete her Master's degree in Special Education with a concentration on Autism and Developmental Disabilities at the University of Texas. She taught for one year while providing in-home services before joining CTAC in June of 2008. She has completed her BCBA coursework and supervision requirements and plans to sit for the exam in the spring.

Office Manager:

Lindsey Ortiz, Certified SL Interpreter

Lindsey started with CTAC as the Office Manager in April of 2008. She is a certified Sign Language Interpreter and comes to us with years of experience. She assists with new clients, current clients, appointments, workshop set up, contracts, invoicing/accounts receivable, and will be happy to assist with any questions involving services at CTAC.