Dr. Trevor Stokes
Alvin V. Baird Centennial Chair in Psychology
Director, Alvin V. Baird Attention and Learning Disabilities Center
Campbell Building 2241
stokestf@jmu.edu
Dr. Stokes is the Alvin V. Baird Centennial Chair in Psychology and Professor of Graduate Psychology at James Madison University. He is also the Director of James Madison University’s Alvin V. Baird Attention and Learning Disabilities Center at the Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services. He was educated at the University of Western Australia and the University of Kansas. Dr. Stokes is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and licensed Behavior Analyst in Virginia. Before coming to James Madison University, he held academic appointments at the University of Manitoba, West Virginia University, and the University of South Florida. Dr. Stokes has a diverse research background and a wide range of experience in practice and teaching in Clinical and School Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis.
Dr. Krisztina Jakobsen
Alvin V., Jr. and Nancy C. Baird Professor
Campbell Building 2240
540-568-4301
jakobskv@jmu.edu
Dr. Jakobsen is the Alvin V. and Nancy C. Baird Professor of Psychology and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at James Madison University. She also conducts research with the Cognitive Development Lab at James Madison University. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, her Master’s of Science from University of Georgia, and her Ph.D. in Lifespan Human Development also from the University of Georgia. Dr. Jakobsen’s research interests include cognitive development in infants and children, visual attention and eye tracking, and evidence-based teaching practices.
Maria Leventhal, BCBA, LBA
Behavior Analyst
Campbell Building 2240
540-568-7931
BairdCenter@jmu.edu
Maria is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, licensed through the Virginia Board of Medicine. She is a graduate of James Madison University where she received a M.A in Psychological Sciences with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. While in the program, Maria held graduate assistantships in JMU's Baird Center Clinics and internships in the public schools and the Virginia Institute of Autism. In these roles, she provided ABA services to clients with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, created and implemented individualized programs, and worked with caregivers to identify areas of need. Her professional work is guided by an interdisciplinary approach, facilitating collaboration among professionals in various disciplines to achieve effective and lasting outcomes for clients. Her areas of interest include early intervention, caregiver training, and interprofessional collaboration.
Jessica Boss
ABA Parenting Clinic Coordinator
Campbell Building 2243
540-568-7931
BairdCenter@jmu.edu
Jessica Boss is a second-year Master’s student in the Psychological Sciences program with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis at James Madison University. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education in Special Education, K-12 Adapted Curriculum from James Madison University with a minor in Exceptional Education, and is a Registered Behavior Technician through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. Last year, Jessica was a BCBA intern at the Virginia Institute of Autism providing services primarily to children and adults with developmental and learning disabilities. This is Jessica’s second year working at the Baird Center, where she is currently the ABA Parenting (ABAP) Clinic Coordinator for the clinic. In addition to working at the Baird Center, she is also a BCBA Intern at Augusta County Public Schools this year. Jessica’s research interests include the use of a Variety of Praise statements to increase on-task behavior and early intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Samantha Eckstein
Administrative Clinic Coordinator
Campbell Building 2243
540-568-7931
BairdCenter@jmu.edu
Samantha Eckstein is a second-year Master’s student in the Psychological Sciences program with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis at James Madison University. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a minor in Applied Behavior Analysis, and is a Registered Behavior Technician through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. Last year, Samantha was a BCBA intern at the Virginia Institute of Autism (VIA) providing services to children with developmental and learning disabilities. This is Samantha’s second year working at the Baird Center, where she is currently the Administrative Coordinator for the clinic. In addition to working at the Baird Center, she is also a BCBA Intern at Page County Public Schools this year. Samantha’s research interests include contingency contracts as a means to decrease interfering behaviors, and generalization of contingencies across settings.
Sydney Setchel West
Inter-Professional Autism Clinic Coordinator
Campbell Building 2243
540-568-7931
BairdCenter@jmu.edu
Sydney Setchel West is a second-year Master’s student in the Psychological Sciences program with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis at James Madison University. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from James Madison University with a minor in Exceptional Education, and is a Registered Behavior Technician through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. Last year, Sydney was a BCBA intern at Page County Public Schools providing services to students with developmental and learning disabilities. This is Sydney’s second year working at the Baird Center, where she is currently the Inter-Professional Autism Clinic Coordinator (IPAC) for the clinic. In addition to working at the Baird Center, she is also a BCBA Intern at Harrisonburg City Public Schools this year. Sydney’s research interests include toilet training and using self-affirming verbal statements to increase on-task work behavior.
Nino Mikaia
Clinic Therapist
Nino is a second-year Doctoral student in the Clinical and School Psychology program at James Madison University. She holds a Master of Education Administration and a Master of Psychology in Child and Adolescent Psychological Assessment and Counseling. Nino has experience with conducting psycho-educational evaluations of children and providing consultations for families regarding child behavior management. Nino’s research interests are Applied Behavior Analysis, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Teacher-Child Interaction Therapy, and Parent Support.
Valencia Pankey M.A, BCBA, LBA
Clinic Therapist
Valencia is a third-year Doctoral student in the Clinical and School Psychology program. She is a graduate of James Madison University where she received an M.A. in Psychological Sciences with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, licensed through the Virginia Board of Medicine. As a doctoral student, her research interests include evidence-based parenting interventions, pediatric sleep, working collaboratively with others through interprofessional practice, and the implementation of effective supervision and training models. Valencia has had the opportunity to work in various settings throughout her journey which include, outpatient clinics, public schools, and integrated primary care. Valencia's clinical work broadly is an integrated care model that uses evidence-based practices in the context of compassionate and collaborative care.
Claire Piatt
Clinic Therapist
Claire is a Master’s student in the Psychological Sciences program with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis at James Madison University. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from North Carolina State University. She currently holds a Registered Behavior Technician certification through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. In addition, Claire assisted graduate students with developmental psychology publications and attended state-wide research conferences during the latter half of her undergraduate career. This is Claire's first year working at the Baird Center as a Graduate Assistant using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis with children who have developmental and learning disabilities. In addition to working at the Baird Center, Claire is also working at Harrisonburg City Public Schools as a BCBA Intern this year. She is primarily working with children who have developmental and learning disabilities. Her research interests include early intervention in children experiencing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and parent training.
Tess Pieragostini
Clinic Therapist
Tess is a third-year Doctoral student in the Clinical and School Psychology program at James Madison University. She holds a Master of Arts and a Sixth Year Certificate in School Psychology from Fairfield University. She is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP). Prior to her time at JMU, Tess worked as a school psychologist in Connecticut where she provided comprehensive psychological services to students in PreK through 12th grade. She has experience in psychoeducational assessment, consultation, and crisis intervention. Her research interests include self-regulation, teacher training and support, and working with culturally and linguistically diverse children and families.
Trey Powers
Clinic Therapist
Trey Powers is a Master’s student in the Psychological Sciences program with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis at James Madison University. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from James Madison University. This is Trey's first year working at the Baird Center as a Graduate Assistant using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis with children who have developmental and learning disabilities. In addition to working at the Baird Center, Trey is also working at The Virginia Institute of Autism (VIA) as a BCBA Intern this year. He is primarily working with adults who have developmental and learning disabilities. His research interests include behavioral interventions and communicative capabilities.
Ben Troyer
Clinic Therapist
Ben is a Master’s student in the Psychological Sciences program with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis at James Madison University. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Spanish from Goshen College. He currently holds a Registered Behavior Technician certification through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. In addition, Ben worked at Therapeutic Alliance as an RBT providing in-home ABA services for children with ASD. This is Ben's first year working at the Baird Center as a Graduate Assistant using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis with children who have developmental and learning disabilities. In addition to working at the Baird Center, Ben is also working at Rockingham County Schools as a BCBA Intern this year. He is primarily working with children who have developmental and learning disabilities. His research interests include effective reinforcement practices for behavior modification and environmental factors that impact individuals with ASD.
Emily Weinberg
Clinic Therapist
Emily is a first-year Master’s student in the Psychological Sciences program with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis at James Madison University. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology with a minor in History from Christopher Newport University. This is Emily’s first year working at the Baird Center as a Graduate Assistant using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis with children who have developmental and learning disabilities. In addition to working at the Baird Center, Emily is also working at Waynesboro City Public Schools as a BCBA Intern this year. She is primarily working with children who have developmental and learning disabilities. Her research interests include early intervention training and childhood trauma effects in a forensic application.