GET TO KNOW US

Meet the Team: Meet the Team

TRACY SMITH-KONG, MS, BCBA/CEO

Tracy Smith-Kong is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and received her Associate degree in Accounting from Nichols College, Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida, and finally her Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. She received her Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst certification in 2001 and then her Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification in April of 2005.

Tracy has over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with challenges and with varying disabilities, to include, but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Rett syndrome, etc. She has worked in a variety of settings such as in schools, day treatment centers, a senior center, group homes, client’s home, and in Intermediate Care Facilities. Throughout her career, Mrs. Smith-Kong’s achievements have resulted in numerous promotions and recognition awards. She has assisted in ICF Praesidium Accreditation, as well as open a senior center for individuals with disabilities.

She is or has been a member of the Orange County Local Review Committee (LRC) for Agency for Persons with Disabilities, a member of the Autism Society, a member of Association for Behavior Analysis International, a member of Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, a member of Florida Association for Behavior Analysis, a member of Washington Association for Behavior Analysis, a member of Texas Association of Behavior Analysis, a member of Georgia Association for Behavior Analysis, a member of the Organizational Behavior Management Network, a member in Behavioral Health Center of Excellence cluster, and currently assisting with Georgia Behavior Analyst Licensure. She has received training in Pivotal Response Training, VBMAPP, PEAK, Alzheimer's disease, Professional Guardianship, Early Intervention, Safety Care, PCM, OSHA, HIPAA, and CPR/First Aid/AED.

HOLLY PATRICK, BCBA/CLINICAL DIRECTOR

Holly Patrick is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Clinical Director. She obtained her BS in Secondary Education from Jacksonville State University. Shortly after began a job as a case manager for people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Holly quickly realized that she had found her calling. She went on to work at a non-profit agency that provided a variety of services to people with ID, Autism, and other related diagnoses. During this time Holly oversaw several programs including residential services, day services, personal care services, and behavioral services. She decided to further her education to better meet the needs of the people she served and completed her master’s degree in Educational Psychology at The University of Alabama (Roll Tide!!!). While completing her master’s she also completed the required coursework and training to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and obtained her BCBA certification in February 2017. She has over 12 years’ experience in the field working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings and diagnoses.. She is not only passionate about the behavioral services she provides, but also about providing education and advocacy to families, caregivers, and those receiving services. In her spare time Holly enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and her two beautiful cats, Luna and Orion, and astrophotography.

SKYLER THARPE, BCBA

Skyler Tharpe is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. She is a graduate from Florida State
University, where she received her Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis.
In her spare time, Skyler enjoys going to the beach, watching college football with her fiancé,
and playing with her Goldendoodle, Bentley. Her passion for helping children with disabilities
started when she met Jordan, her high school friend who was in the special education class she
was volunteering in. She helped make flyers and petition for Jordan to make the homecoming
court and she made it! She said Jordan was absolutely stunning and this life-changing moment
sparked her interest in researching the field of Applied Behavior Analysis! Her favorite thing
about working in the field is seeing meaningful change in the lives of the families and clients she
has the privilege to serve. Skyler loves the Lord and believes in having a servant’s heart which
means putting forth the best effort to achieve the goals that are set forth for the clients and
making a great impact in their life!

One of Skyler’s favorite quotes is: “Autism is a journey I never planned, but I sure do love my
tour guide.” She loves being able to learn more about the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and
applying what she has learned to help those around her because ABA changes lives!

AURIEL JACKSON, BCBA

Auriel Jackson earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Troy University with a minor in Art. She then went on to Ball State University’s graduate program to obtain her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Auriel worked as a RBT for 4 years before becoming a BCBA in 2019. In her spare time Auriel enjoys painting, working out, and spending time with her family, friends and dog Kipper.

AMBRE KNIGHT, BCBA

Ambre Knight achieved her undergraduate degree at Auburn University, War Eagle. She
continued her education at Troy University with a Master’s in Community Counseling
Psychology. Ambre began in the field of ABA in 2010, she fell in love with the field immediately.
After attend Florida Institute of Technology she completed her ABA classes and became a BCBA
in May of 2013. Ambre enjoys backpacking with her family and running. Ambre has over 10
years of experience in the field work of ABA. She has worked in a variety of environments to
include school settings, Head Start, home, and center. She is trained in Pivotal Response
Training, Safety Care, CPR, and First Aid. Ambre has a passion to ensure that all young people
have a nurturing environment to learn and grow.

MADDISON MONTGOMERY, BCBA

Maddison Montgomery is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She earned her bachelor's degree in collaborative special education from Auburn University and immediately returned to earn her master's degree in special education with an emphasis in autism and developmental disorders and applied behavior analysis. Maddison has 5 years professional experience in the field of behavior analysis and has worked in center and community-based therapy for 4 years. She is passionate about teaching independent living skills to children, adolescents, and adults and has experience with clients ranging from ages 18 months to 21 years old. In her spare time, you can either catch her spending time with her husband and daughter, reading, or doing puzzles.

SAMANTHA SETTY, TELEHEALTH BCBA

Samantha is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has received specialized training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma Informed Care and Organizational Behavior Management. She gained experience working in the mental health and case management fields before finding her passion in helping other through the use of applied behavior analysis. She became a BCBA in 2015 and has been providing applied behavior analysis services to individuals of all ages and background since that time. As a behavior analyst Samantha integrates behavior analysis with acceptance and commitment therapy to help support individuals with compassion and care. Samantha loves helping others advocate for themselves and achieve their goals. Outside of being a BCBA, Samantha enjoys spending time with her family, reading and traveling.

MARENA MARTINEZ, BCBA

Marena is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She earned her Master of Education from the
University of Arizona in 2017 and obtained her BCBA in 2019. Marena first started in the field in 2015
working as an RBT in Jacksonville, FL. Marena has worked in the community, school, clinic and telehealth settings with children ages 2 to 17 years old. Marena has had extensive training in PCM, CPR, feeding therapy, deescalating high magnitude behaviors, social skills, and self-care skills. Marena loves working with children of all age groups because she finds that each one gives her new challenges, learning experiences, and is rewarding in its own way. She can’t imagine doing anything else. In Marena’s words, “The field of ABA truly makes an impact on the child, their families, and their communities. Seeing families happy is what makes even the most challenging days rewarding”. In her free time, you will catch Marena outdoors or in the gym. She loves fitness, biking outdoors with her family, taking her dogs on long walks, and going to the beach.