13295 Illinois St, Suite 302 Carmel, IN 46032

Behavior Services

What are Behavioral Support Services?

Behavioral support services include training, supervision, or assistance in:
  • Appropriate expression of emotions
  • Compliance
  • Assertiveness
  • Acquisition of socially appropriate behaviors & social skills
  • Stress reduction techniques
  • Consultation with family and team members
To meet the needs of each unique individual we serve, we interact with individuals:
  • In their homes
  • At their schools (for observation only)
  • At their places of employment
  • At community places, such as parks, stores, etc.

We consider an individual’s strengths and positive attributes when developing a plan to best support him or her in learning new behaviors to replace maladaptive behaviors.

Our Behavioral Service Team

Stephanie Shank

My name is Stephanie Shank and I founded Positive Pathways in 2004. I have a Master’s of Science degree in Counseling from Indiana University and have served individuals with special needs since 1989 in State Hospitals, group homes, ICFMR’s, and Supported Living settings. I have been providing behavioral supports to children and adults participating in the Medicaid Waiver for the past 12 years. My skills include program development, teaching replacement behaviors, training caregivers, and utilizing common sense in my approach to supporting individuals with behavioral challenges. I currently maintain a caseload as I love to provide direct support! Please feel free to contact me for additional information.

Email:sshankpospath@gmail.com

Serving White and Tippecanoe Counties

Alissa Rhoda

My name is Alissa Rhoda and I live in White County. I have worked with special needs children and young adults for seven years. While discovering the passion for these special individuals, I discovered and pursued the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Purdue University and my Master’s Degree in ABA from Ball State University. I love working one on one with my clients and their families. I want my clients to have a meaningful life and live it to their fullest potential!

Email:arhoda.positivepathways@gmail.com

Serving Delaware Co (Muncie), Henry Co (New Castle), Jay Co (Portland), Marion Co (Near Damar or Beech Grove), Johnson Co (Greenwood), Hamilton (Fishers) Counties

Angela Jordan

My name is Angela Jordan. I am a Behavior Clinician who works with individuals with disabilities of all ages. I am a graduate of Ball State University with a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology. I have worked with ages ranging from 10 to 56 in multiple settings. My experience includes providing individual and group based counseling services to both male and female inmates at a correctional facility and 6 years of behavior consulting with individuals with varying level of behavioral support needs. I am a proud mother of two boys, who are currently attending Ball State University, and a very doting MiMi to one precious 4 year old. I also love animals, working out, eating healthy, and spending time with friends and family.

Email:aejordan0228@gmail.com

Serving Howard, Cass, Miami, and Carroll counties and surrounding areas

Angie Bostic

My name is Angie Bostic. I consider it an honor to help people and utilize a team approach when working with clients and their families. I feel strongly that in order to create change, people need to be heard, understood, and valued. My skills include program development, teaching replacement behaviors, and using a team approach to supporting individuals with behavioral challenges. I find tremendous value in education and teaching and am also an adjunct, teaching in the Psychology department at Ivy Tech Community College. Being an educator is a true asset in the field of behavior management. I hold a Master’s of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Indianapolis and thoroughly enjoy my time in the educational field. I also have served as a Clinical Director at the Youth Opportunity Center, as well as a therapist in the community mental health setting. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss any questions that you may have.

Email:bosticfamily@comcast.net

Serving Hamilton, Hancock, Western Marion, Boone, and Madison Counties

Charles Spray

Chuck has a Masters in Counseling Education. He has twenty-five years of experience in assessment and treatment of individuals of all ages. He has also worked as a behavior consultant through the Medicaid Waiver Program and in partial and Intensive outpatient programs, residential, inpatient, outpatient, and school-based Alternative Education Programs. Chuck specializes in anxiety, mood disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, behavioral and family problems, and school-related concerns. He serves the following counties: Hamilton, Hancock, Western Marion, Boone, and Madison.

Email:charlesspray@comcast.net

Serving Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Tipton, Madison, Howard, and Shelby Counties

Dan McDonough

My name is Dan McDonough and I live in Noblesville, IN. I have been a Behavior Consultant for eleven years but my entire career has been in service to people with disabilities and their families, specializing in those with autism. I provide services for Medicaid Waiver consumers in Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Tipton, Madison, Howard, and Shelby counties. My skills include staff training, behavior assessment, and teaching behavior intervention strategies at the collegiate level. I’ve also supervised many graduate school interns from IUPUI. I graduated from Fordham University in New York City with a Masters of Social Work. Contact Positive Pathways LLC to set up an interview.

Email:danmmc1@yahoo.com

Serving Kokomo, Logansport, Peru and Wabash areas

David Kurfman

Hello, I am David Kurfman and I have been working as a behavior consultant for over 8 years, serving the Kokomo, Logansport, Peru and Wabash areas. I am a licensed in Indiana (LMHC) and in Tennessee (LPC) and am a Registered Behavior Consultant (RBC) with the state of Indiana. As a therapist I have worked in hospitals, community mental health, mobile crisis, private practice, family preservation programs, critical incident debriefing teams and also as a central diagnostic reviewer (CDR) for Value Options Insurance substance abuse clients. As a behavior consultant I work with a variety of dually diagnosed clients with developmental disabilities, chronic mentally ill and substance abuse issues. On a personal note, I love spending time with my wife and family, traveling, hiking, music, sports, electronics and working with my church.

Email:davidckurfman@gmail.com

Serving Hancock, Marion, Henry, Madison, Rush, Shelby, and Fishers, Noblesville in Hamilton County

Dawn Cottrell

Hello! My name is Dawn Cottrell. I have 23 years of experience in the developmental disabilities field including supervision of residential programs, consulting, education, and behavior therapy. My skills include program development, assessment, staff training, functional behavior assessment, and teaching functionally equivalent behaviors. I use a behavior analytical approach to behavior change by thoroughly examining the variables that evoke and maintain problem behavior in order to implement appropriate proactive procedures and identify a replacement behavior. I graduated from University of Indianapolis with a B.S. in Psychology and art, and a Masters of Arts with an emphasis on autism from Ball State. I’m passionate about working in this field and to serving both adults and children.

Email:dawncottrell.dabc@gmail.com

Serving Hamilton, Boone, Hendricks and Marion Counties

Jennifer Chadwick

My name is Jennifer Chadwick and I have over 20 years of experience in various areas of human services; including residential services for persons with intellectual disabilities, home/school based services; the Department of Correctional Services by court ordered mental health services for parents, children and teens, behavior management and crisis intervention. I completed my undergraduate work in psychology at the Univ. of Evansville and master’s work at Indiana Univ. I am a recognized leader producing sustainable positive outcomes with issues such as: autism, ADD/ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma and abuse issues, and opposition and defiance in children and teens and utilizes varied principles and techniques. I am able to complete assessments on an autism spectrum diagnosis as well as work with children who have sexual maladaptive behaviors.

Email:jennpositivepathways@gmail.com

Serving Steuben, Lagrange, Noble, Whitley, Huntington, Elkhart, Kosciusko, Wells, Adams, DeKalb, and Allen Counties

Justin Groscop

My name is Justin Groscop. I am a behavior consultant serving the following counties: Steuben, Lagrange, Noble, Whitley, Huntington, Elkhart, Kosciusko, Wells, Adams, DeKalb, and Allen. I received my Master of Science in Psychology from The University of St. Francis, Fort Wayne. I have been a behavior consultant for three years, and have worked on redirecting and coaching behaviors in other fields for over fourteen years. I have assisted clients as young as 8 and as old as 69. I have worked with individuals diagnosed with various forms of disorders. My skills including teaching and developing, training, and building strong developmental plans. I take a personal approach with each client which allows me the ability to connect with each person uniquely.

Email:justin.positivepathways@gmail.com

Serving Hamilton, Northern Marion Counties

Kari Sheward

My name is Kari Sheward. I have a Master’s degree in psychology with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis. I have worked in the mental health field in various capacities for over 20 years. I have a background in working with individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and severe and persistent mental health issues. I am most importantly the mother of 4 wonderful children. My 9 year old was diagnosed with autism at age 3, which lead me to obtain my Board Certification in Behavior Analysis. I enjoy working with both children and adults. I believe that spending time with individuals in their natural environment along side family members, educators, and other supportive individuals is paramount to providing good care and making educated treatment decisions

Email:kari.positivepathways@gmail.com

Serving Hendricks, Hamilton, South and North sides of Indy

Kathy Ackerson

Hello, my name is Kathy Ackerson and I have a Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. My background includes over 18 years of working with children and adults with developmental disabilities. My experience includes residential services, home and school based services, and 6 years in an Autism Center. I love being able to share what I have learned and experienced with others. My education and experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis has given me great insight on observing functions of behavior and the importance of teaching replacement behaviors as well as increased my ability to teach functional communication to those that need it. I enjoy working with clients and families in their natural environments to help facilitate positive relationships.

Email:kathy.positivepathways@gmail.com

Serving Hamilton, Marion Counties

Kelly Creek

I have worked in the field of Special Needs and Behavior Consultation for 20 years. I have a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Purdue University-Indianpolis (1991), Master of Art Degree in Psychology from Ball State University (1993), Master of Science Degree in Counseling from IU-Indianapolis (1998) and just finished a Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball Stated (2012). I specialize in identifying the function of the unwanted behavior(s) and developing intervention(s) to decrease the malfunctioning behavior while improve independence. I have also worked in the excited field of Verbal Behavior and increasing communication with individuals with Autism. I enjoy working with consumers and their families and teams, and hope to work with you soon.

Email:kcreekbcba@gmail.com

Serving Hamilton, Madison, and Delaware Counties

LaBella Wallace

My name is LaBella Wallace. I am a retired Special Education Teacher. I taught for HBM Cooperative for 33 years. I am now a Behavior Consultant with Positive Pathways. I cover Hamilton, Madison, and Delaware Counties.

Email:labella.positivepathways@gmail.com

Serving Miami, Cass, Howard; Tippecanoe and Hamilton areas

Laura Stapleton

My name is Laura Stapleton. I graduated from Ball State University in 2003 with a Bachelor degree in Special Education with a Concentration in Deaf Education. I have worked with individuals with disabilities for 15 years. I lived in Florida for 2 years where I worked as Behavior Specialist and a Waiver Case Manager. While living in Indiana I have worked as a Supported Living and Group home staff, QDDP, and as an ABA therapist. In 2012, I graduated from Ball State with a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with Emphasis in Autism. I have also been a CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) trainer for 4 years. I have been a volunteer with Special Olympics for about 13 years. I love working with adult and children with all abilities.

Email:laura.stapleton6714@gmail.com

Serving Hendricks, Hamilton, Boone, Morgan, and Marion Counties

Laurie Johnston

My name is Laurie Johnston. I live on the west side of Indianapolis and offer behavior support services for Medical Waiver consumers in Hendricks, Hamilton, Boone, Morgan, and Marion counties. I am a former teacher with 12 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities including Autism, Down Syndrome, Moderate Cognitive Disabilities, Speech/Language Impairments, Specific Learning Disabilities and Intellectual Impairments. My Bachelor’s Degree is in Elementary Education and my Master’s Degree is in Special Education along with extensive training in Autism interventions. I enjoy working with people of all ages and I’m very passionate about helping others achieve their life dreams.

Email:laurie.johnston@lajohnston.com

Serving Perry, Lawrence, Martin, Bartholomew, Jackson, Brown, Morgan, Jennings, Orange, Dubois and Martin Counties

Marcy Thompson

My name is Marcy Thompson. I have been a Behavior Clinician for 10 years. I have a masters degree in special education. I have worked with people with intellectual disabilities for 30 years. I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. I work with children, adolescents and adults. I specialize in building relationships in order to best serve each individual. Areas served: Perry, Lawrence, Martin, Bartholomew, Jackson, Brown, Morgan, Jennings, Orange, Dubois and Martin. In December 2020 accepting referrals in Monroe County.

Emaill:marcythompsonpositivepath@gmail.com

Serving Marion, Hamilton, and Johnson Counties

Michael Robinson

Teacher, Coach, Advocate, Leader, are words that were used to describe Michael Robinson in 20+ years in education, he now loves just being called Michael. Mr. Robinson is coming to us from an educational background to the consultant world and has been practicing for 3 years. His specialty is working with urban males with various challenges. In his free time, Michael loves spending time with young men, enjoys sports, volunteering and helping others tap into their passion and talents. Michael serves the following counties: Marion, Hamilton, and Johnson counties.

Email:mwr2273@gmail.com

Serving Hamilton, Marion, Johnson, Jay, and Wabash Counties

Nicci Starr

My name is Nicci Starr and I have a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. My background includes 15 years of working as a teacher in the elementary levels. I have taught Kindergarten, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades, always including students with varying special needs. I am just beginning my career as a behavior consultant and enjoy learning as much as I can to serve each individual on my caseload. My skills include teaching replacement behaviors, training caregivers, and utilizing common sense in my approach to supporting individuals with behavioral challenges. I am current serving in the following counties: Hamilton, Marion, Johnson, Jay, and Wabash. I look forward to the many possibilities that I will experience through Positive Pathways

Email:niccistarr@gmail.com

Serving Southern Marion and Johnson Counties

Nick Zuckerman

My name is Nick Zuckerman and I started working in the helping profession in 2004 at The Julian Center for Domestic Violence shortly after earning a degree from IU in Kinesiology. After being employed there for two years, I returned to school and earned a Masters Degree in Social Work from IUPUI in 2008. I then joined Positive Pathways in February of 2009 and have served clients of all ages across central Indiana for the last 5 years. As a Social Worker, I utilize a strength based approach that stresses identifying the least restrictive and natural course of action to help individuals overcome behavioral issues in their lives. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my significant other and tiny dogs. I also love live music, sports and good food + drink.

Serving Hamilton, Marion, Johnson Counties

Pernella Stewart

My name is Pernella Stewart. I live in Hendricks County. As a Behavior Consultant, I work with Positive Pathways Counseling & Consulting, LLC. I hold a Master’s Degree in Education, a School Counselor license and an Addiction Counselor license. I have worked as a special education teacher, school counselor and addiction counselor. My experience entails helping others with emotional disabilities, intellectual disabilities, co-occurring disorders and other developmental disabilities. My passion is to support individuals of all ages with behavioral challenges, inadequate social skills and substance use disorders using evidenced-based modalities. I am offering behavior consultation services for Medicaid Waiver consumers in all Indiana counties. I look forward to working with you!

Email:np10284@comcast.net

Serving Greenwood and Indianapolis

Sarah McDermont

My name is Sarah McDermont. I have my masters in Social Work. I primarily work with youth who have intellectual disabilities, autism, and other behavioral concerns. I serve in the Greenwood and Indianapolis communities.

Email:sarahmcd30@gmail.com

Serving Tipton, Howard, Hamilton, Marion, Madison, Hancock, Boone, Clinton Counties

Tamara Stowers

My skills include functional behavior assessment, program development, teaching functionally equivalent replacement behaviors, training caregivers, and utilizing a behavior analytic approach to behavior change. I graduated from the Univ. of Indianapolis with a BA in Psychology and from Ball State Univ with a MA in Special Education with a concentration in ABA and Autism. I have worked with individuals with disabilities for 21 years, including residential services for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, home/school based services, case management of Medicaid Waiver and First Steps services, and provided support to children and adults with emotional disorders, individual/group therapy and milieu management for children in locked residential services, crisis intervention, and supervision and management. I also have experience with Article 7.

Serving Hamilton, Tipton, Howard and Madison counties.

Jennifer Herceg

Jennifer Herceg joined Positive Pathways in August of 2019. She has a Bachelors Degree in Sociology from Spring Arbor University and her M.S.W. through Boston University. Jennifer has worked in the social work field for 15+ years serving multiple populations including four years in mental health services, 8 years with aged and disabled and 5 years with special needs through the waiver. Before becoming a behavior consultant, Jennifer worked as a QIDP for The Arc and then a Case Manager for CIH and FSW

Email:jenniferpospath@gmail.com

Serving Marion and Johnson counties

Bonnie Fisher

Hello, my name is Bonnie Fisher. I have a Masters Degree in Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. I specialize in Autism but I work with anyone who has special needs. I am very passionate about my work; that passion is a result of the love I feel for my own daughter. My daughter was diagnosed with Hearing loss at 2 ½ years old and with Autism at 3 years old. As a result of therapeutic interventions and hard work, my daughter is meeting and exceeding every goal that is set before her. I want to share my expertise with other families so they can experience the same success. I work with families to build the scaffolding for the best quality of life for their loved one. There isn’t any problem that we cannot solve together. I serve families in the Southern Indianapolis and Greenwood area. Please contact me for more information.

Email:bonnie.positivepathways@gmail.com