Dr. Trevor Stokes
Alvin V. Baird Centennial Chair in Psychology
Director, Alvin V. Baird Attention and Learning Disabilities Center
Campbell Building 2241
540-568-7931
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 2245
540-568-7931
leven2mk@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.
Francis (Trey) Gary Powers III
External Administrative Clinic Coordinator
Campbell Building 2243
540-568-7931
BairdCenter@jmu.edu
Francis (Trey) Powers is a second-year 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, and is a Registered Behavior Technician through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. Last year, Trey was a BCBA intern at the Virginia Institute of Autism (VIA) providing services to adults with developmental and learning disabilities. This is Trey’s second year working at the Baird Center, where he is currently the External Administrative Coordinator for the clinic. In addition to working at the Baird Center, he is also a BCBA Intern at Augusta County Public Schools this year. Trey’s research interests include the effect of community feedback-based trainings, improving interactions between those in the Autistic Community and First Responders, and Social Skills Training (SST).
Emily Weinberg
ABA Parenting Clinic Coordinator
Campbell Building 2243
540-568-7931
BairdCenter@jmu.edu
Emily Weinberg 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 and Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Christopher Newport University with a minor in History, and is a Registered Behavior Technician through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. Last year, Emily was a BCBA intern at Waynesboro City Public Schools providing services to students with developmental and learning disabilities. This is Emily’s second year working at the Baird Center, where she is currently the ABA Parenting (ABAP) Coordinator for the clinic. In addition to working at the Baird Center, she is also a BCBA Intern at VIA Centers for Neurodevelopment this year. Emily’s research interests include early intervention among children diagnosed with ASD, behavioral interventions for PICA, and improving relationships between neurodivergent and neurotypical sibling pairs.
Claire Piatt
Inter-Professional Autism Clinic Coordinator
Campbell Building 2243
540-568-7931
BairdCenter@jmu.edu
Claire Piatt 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 North Carolina State University with a minor in Sociology, and is a Registered Behavior Technician through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. Claire previously worked as an RBT at HANDS Center for Autism in Cary, NC using Applied Behavior Analysis with children aged 2-12 years with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Last year, Claire was a BCBA intern at Harrisonburg City Public Schools providing services to students with developmental and learning disabilities. This is Claire’s second year working at the Baird Center, where she is currently the Interprofessional Autism Clinic (IPAC) Coordinator for the clinic. In addition to working at the Baird Center, she is also a BCBA Intern at Rockingham County Public Schools this year. Claire’s research interests include parent training, Teacher-Child Interaction Training (TCIT), and early intervention.
Ben Troyer
Internal Administrative Clinic Coordinator
Campbell Building 2243
540-568-7931
BairdCenter@jmu.edu
Ben is a second-year 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 Goshen College with a minor in Spanish, and is a Registered Behavior Technician through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. Last year, Ben held an internship at Rockingham County Public Schools providing services to students with developmental and learning disabilities. This is Ben’s second year working at the Baird Center, where he is currently the Internal Administrative Coordinator for the clinic. In addition to working at the Baird Center, he is also a BCBA Intern at Staunton City Schools this year. Ben’s research interests include evaluating the Efficacy of Social Stories in Promoting Prosocial Behavior and Reducing Maladaptive Behavior in Spanish-speaking children with Autism.
Ethan Gutter
Clinical Therapist
Ethan is a Master’s student in the Psychological Sciences program with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis at James Madison University. He received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology-Behavior Analysis from the University of Florida. Ethan worked at UF as a researcher assistant studying the effects the good behavior game has in managing classroom behaviors among public elementary/middle schools, centering around children with learning and developmental disabilities. This is Ethan’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, Ethan is also working at VIA as a BCBA Intern this year. He is primarily working with children who have developmental and learning disabilities. His research interests include treatments for autism spectrum disorder ASD, pediatric feeding disorder (PFD), & substance abuse.
Kendall Hewitt
Clinical Therapist
Kendall 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 Science in Psychology with a minor in Writing Rhetoric and Technical Communication from James Madison University. She currently holds a Registered Behavior Technician certification through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. In addition, Kendall worked at Continuum Behavioral Health as a Behavioral Technician supporting young children diagnosed with autism. This is Kendall'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, Kendall 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 for children experiencing ASD and identifying the impact of relationships and attachment on childhood development.
Kendall Hewitt
Clinical Therapist
Tatum 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 Science in Psychology from James Madison University. She currently holds a Registered Behavior Technician certification through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. In addition, Tatum worked at the Speech and Language Center as a Registered Behavior Technician, providing ABA therapy to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is Tatum’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, Tatum is also working at Shenandoah County 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, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and Social Skills Training (SST).
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.
Luis Alberto Escalera Romero Jr.
Clinic Therapist
Luis is a Master’s student in the Psychological Sciences program with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis at James Madison University. She/He received her Bachelor of Arts in General Psychology with a minor in Medical Spanish from James Madison University. In addition, Luis volunteered at the Alvin V. Baird Attention & Learning Disabilities Center as an interpreter engaged in providing services for Spanish speaking clients. This is Luis' 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, Luis is also working at Waynesboro City Public Schools as a BCBA Intern this year. He is primarily working with children who have developmental and learning disabilities. His research interests include Cultural differences among social significance and validity among LEP client and cultural sensitivity in ABA.
Anna Thomas
Clinic Therapist
Anna 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 Science in Rehabilitation Services with a minor in History from East Carolina University. She currently holds a Registered Behavior Technician certification through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. In addition, Anna worked at Aces for Autism as a behavior technician, providing ABA services to children and youth with autism spectrum disorder. This is Anna’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, Anna is also working at VIA as a BCBA Intern this year. She is primarily working with children who have developmental and learning disabilities. Her research interests include gender gaps in treatment effectiveness.