Our Team

Our Leadership

Our leadership, staff, and instructors all embrace our core values of hope, truth, and love, creating a connected community that encourages the growth and development of our clients while supporting their families. The Jacob’s Ladder team is highly educated, qualified, and specially trained in our Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care. We are committed to creating loving environments where clients find joy in developing their abilities.

We effectively partner with mental and physical health professionals and complementary educational and therapeutic teams. This ensures caring continuity across all aspects of our clients' lives.

Amy O'Dell

Amy O'Dell, M.Ed., LPC, TRS, CNC, IWBMC-CE

Founder, Chief Executive Officer

Amy is a licensed professional counselor with extensive training in neurodevelopmental processes and is certified as a neurodevelopmental consultant. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Activity Therapy and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Clemson University. She has worked in a wide variety of clinical settings, including Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta, and Woodridge Psychiatric Hospital in Clayton, Georgia, where she served as director of activity therapy and director of adolescent psychiatric services.  She is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in the field of education and rehabilitation for individuals with neurodevelopmental challenges.

“I firmly believe that the human body, mind, and soul will move toward healing if given what is truly needed. Today, my son Jacob is a thriving 28-year-old educator at our school bearing his name, profoundly gifted in helping individuals who face difficulties similar to his. My family moved from darkness to light; from fear to hope. Through our work at Jacob’s Ladder, I have witnessed dramatic transformations in thousands of children and young adults that enabled their families to do the same.”

04 - Allegra Saunders

Allegra Saunders, IWBMC-CE

Chief Digital Strategy and Training Officer

Allegra leads the clinical team and has primary responsibility for completing the global initial assessment and treatment plan development. She is a Certified Clinician in the Jacob’s Ladder Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care and is a Dialectal Behavioral Therapy Professional trained in providing Trauma-Informed Care. She completed her undergraduate work at Florida State University. Her extensive certifications and training include Advanced TheraSuit Method, Integrated Listening Systems, and Quantum Reflex Integration.

 “One of my favorite things that I get to do at Jacob’s Ladder is support families through the Initial Evaluation process. We take the time to assess and understand each individual’s unique circumstances and are able to provide a deeper understanding of each client’s true needs, as well as an individualized plan for addressing their primary goals through a comprehensive plan of care.”

Brent Young RET sq

Brent Young

Chief Finance Officer

Brent holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and a Master of Business Administration with a Finance Concentration from Georgia State University. He has been a financial leader for over 20 years with companies such as WebMD and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Services. His experience includes financial leadership, budget management, mergers & acquisitions, organizational restructuring, and financial & strategic planning both nationally and internationally.

“I was drawn to Jacob’s Ladder after learning from Amy O’Dell her long-term vision for the program. I was seeking to leave the corporate work environment for an opportunity that would satisfy my desire to work for good. Very quickly I concluded that Jacob’s Ladder would more than fulfill that desire for me.”

30 - Evan Feldman

Evan Feldman, IWBMC-CE

Director of Staff Management

Evan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a minor in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University. She is trained and certified in the Therasuit Method and the Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) method, and has extensive experience utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis interventions while working with children with Autism and emotional-behavioral-relational challenges. She is also a Certified Clinician in the Jacob’s Ladder Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care.

“What continues to draw me to Jacob’s Ladder to this day is how that same story of perseverance, vulnerability, the desire to remain intentional and faithful to the call, and the power of transformation continue to be ever-present on this campus”.

76 - Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith, IWBMC-CE

Director of Training 

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Development with dual concentration in Child Life and Child Development from Georgia Southern University. She gained extensive clinical experience in multiple settings including the Child Development Center, Memorial Health, and completed a Child Life Practicum at Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital. Her certifications include Child Life, Integrated Listening Systems, and TheraSuit Method. She is also a Certified Clinician in the Jacob’s Ladder Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care.

“My role at Jacob’s Ladder allows me to daily help others and serve those in need of support. I have the opportunity to meet a lot of our students and families at one of the first moments they step onto our campus, often at their most vulnerable, and provide them with a clear path forward and hope in the possibility of change and untapped potential.”

Aubry Y.

Aubry York, IWBMC-CE

Co-Founder, Chief Content Officer

Aubry holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Communication from Kennesaw State University and is a Certified Nursing Assistant. She is trained as an Animal Assisted Activity Provider. She has extensive experience in Neurofeedback, EEG recording and Brain Mapping, along with Mental Health and Integrative Nutrition. She is also a Certified Clinician in the Jacob’s Ladder Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care.

 “I was drawn to work at Jacob’s Ladder because of the mission, life-changing services, and support we offer. As Jacob’s sister and Amy’s daughter, I have found my place as a sibling in our family dynamic and know how challenging that can be for an individual (the sibling) because, understandably, so much attention and support must be channeled to the child or person in need. From my own personal experience, I hope to encourage and inspire healing for not only the client or student who comes to Jacob’s Ladder, but also for the sibling(s) and their entire family.”

445 - Cathy LaClaire

Cathy LaClaire

Cathy holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Florida State University. She has over 20 years of experience and success creating and executing effective fundraising and communications programs for nonprofit organizations. During her career, she has worked primarily with independent schools, leading the strategic direction of philanthropic programs including annual giving, major gifts, and capital campaigns. Cathy’s work in communications and marketing has focused on building brand awareness through internal and external marketing strategies.

246 - Ashley Likes

Ashley Likes, IWBMC-CE

Ashley oversees student care for the Ladder Program and holds a Bachelor in Exercise Science from Georgia College and State University. She completes training and onboarding for all new staff at Jacob’s Ladder. She has a longstanding passion for working with individuals with neurodevelopmental needs. She is also a Certified Clinician in the Jacob’s Ladder Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care.  

“What I love the most about each day, is walking out our firm and steadfast mission: believing every brain is capable of change. This is how we help every person recognize their own cherished, extraordinary, and unrepeatable potential from within—the path of hope lies before them, and we have the privilege to walk hand in hand with our students.”

67 - Oscar Mendez

Oscar Mendez, IWBMC-CE

Oscar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Kennesaw State University with a minor in research analytics. He has worked at Jacob’s Ladder for 7 years and is a certified Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Trainer.  He is on the Digitization Team working alongside our Software Development Team for the customized buildout of the AHAVA Digital Platform. He is also a Certified Clinician in the Jacob’s Ladder Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care.

"My favorite experience at Jacob’s Ladder has been watching the growth and transformation of this school over the past seven years. When I started, we had one campus with around 40 teachers and now we have two campuses and over a hundred teachers, giving us the opportunity not only to help more families in the community but across the globe.”

“What I love the most about each day, is walking out our firm and steadfast mission: believing every brain is capable of change. This is how we help every person recognize their own cherished, extraordinary, and unrepeatable potential from within—the path of hope lies before them, and we have the privilege to walk hand in hand with our students.”

Jaclyn R.

Jaclyn Rhodes, IWBMC-CE

Chief Operating Officer 

Jaclyn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Chapman University and a Master of Art in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Argosy University. She brings over 15 years’ experience in Human Resources and Management to the organization and has been at Jacob’s Ladder for 13 years. In her role as Director of Operations she oversees Human Resources, Marketing, Admissions, and Development.

“When I found Jacob’s Ladder, I was searching for purpose - something to fill my soul with meaning and passion. I stand in awe and wonder of the work that I get to witness every day, not only of the transformation of the kids but the transformation of the staff as well. This mission is more than just educating children – it is a place of healing for all people.”

Katrina Huels

Chief Human Resources and Compliance Officer

Ericka holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the College of Charleston. She is in her 10th year at Jacob’s Ladder and is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, and is a certified Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Trainer. Ericka uses her extensive Applied Behavioral Analysis background combined with her knowledge in the Jacob’s Ladder Methodology to design treatment plans for in-home wraparound services. She is also a Certified Clinician in the Jacob’s Ladder Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care.

“Providing wrap around support and education to families is an area of passion for me, as it is paramount for the success of both the students we serve and their family dynamic as a whole, especially within the Hope School program.”

28 - Ericka Cooper

Ericka Cooper, IWBMC-CE

Director of Client Programming

Ericka holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the College of Charleston. She is in her 10th year at Jacob’s Ladder and is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, and is a certified Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Trainer. Ericka uses her extensive Applied Behavioral Analysis background combined with her knowledge in the Jacob’s Ladder Methodology to design treatment plans for in-home wraparound services. She is also a Certified Clinician in the Jacob’s Ladder Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care.

“Providing wrap around support and education to families is an area of passion for me, as it is paramount for the success of both the students we serve and their family dynamic as a whole, especially within the Hope School program.”

173 - Megan Finnegan

Megan Finnegan, IWBMC-CE

Director of Academic Programming and Compass Outreach

Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Marian University Indianapolis and is a Licensed Learning Behavior Specialist with graduate course work and additional certifications in Special Education and Secondary Education.  She brings over 19 years of extensive academic experience to Jacob’s Ladder. She is also a Certified Clinician in the Jacob’s Ladder Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care.

“I was drawn to work at Jacob’s Ladder because of their commitment to pursuing each child’s full potential. Knowing and understanding how a child takes in new information- and what we can do to maximize that on an individual basis is the ultimate reward.”

151 - Sarah Cannon

Sarah Cannon, IWBMC-CE

Director of Buckhead Campus

Sarah graduated from Georgia College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Health and Psychology and is a Certified Clinician in the Jacob’s Ladder Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care. She interned with Make A Wish Georgia, is Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certified, and has extensive experience working individually with children experiencing ADHD and learning difficulties. 

"I was originally drawn to work at Jacob’s Ladder because of the atmosphere where hope and love truly reside. The staff are committed to serving whole-heartedly and the support that both staff and students feel is unmatched.”

Student Care & Administration

105 - Adrienne Achille

Adrienne Achille, LPC

Mental Health Therapist

378 - Abby Williamson

Abby Williamson

336 - Ayana Van Dyke

Ayana Van Dyke

Client Program Specialist

408 - Barrett Stanford

Barrett Stanford

Extra-Curriculars Oversight

230 - Corey Barbre

Corey Barbre

Compass Pod Lead

Dani D

Dani Duguay

Business Office Manager

232 - Elaine Horii

Elaine Horii

330 - Ema Rainwater

Emalyn Rainwater

402 - Esther Waithaka

Esther Griffin

Client Floor Support Specialist

225 - Hunter Cooper

Hunter Cooper

431 - Isabella Lowery

Isabella Lowery

Jacob

Jacob Wuttke, IWBMC-CE

159 - Janie Pickett

Janie Pickett

424 - Jen Stowell

Jen Stowell

Joanne Cork

Joanne Cork

323 - Kalin Bagwell

Kalin Bagwell

388 - Kathy Milans

Kathy Milans

46 - Katie Cagle

Katie Cagle, IWBMC-CE

460 - Katie Emanuel

Katie Emanuel

Admissions and Outreach Coordinator

Kim B

Kim Berry

Program Services Administrator

53 - Leighton Persell

Leighton Persell, CAATP

Senior Provider and Hope School Floater

380 -Lindsey Craven

Lindsey Craven

Ladder Provider and iLs Support

143 - Lisa Parish

Lisa Parish

Hope School Group Lead 

303 - Madeline Rogers

Madeline Rogers

Hope School Group Lead 

Megan Mclaughlin

Megan McLaughlin, IWBMC-CE

Community of Care Client Program Specialist

Michele S

Michele Soteres

Front Office Administrator

425 - Rachel Reimer

Rachel Reimer

283 - Rebecca Hart

Rebecca Hart

144 - Sam Reynolds

Sam Reynolds

423 - Sarah Eades

Sarah Jenkins-Eades

77 - Shona Hurt

Shona Hurt, BCN

344 - Stephanie Strong

Stephanie Strong

Tricia S

Tricia Simonds

Registered Dietitian

84 - Victoria Bishop

Vicki Bishop

Compass Pod Lead

Our Staff

468 - Aaron Thomas

Aaron Thomas

331 - Adam O'Brien

Adam O'Brien

465 - Anna Hyde

Anna Hyde

432 - Andrew Vilar

Andrew Vilar

Neurodevelopmental Provider

436 - Becca Dideum

Becca Dideum

Neurodevelopmental Provider

331 - Bradi Jorda

Bradi Jorda

Neurodevelopmental Provider

12 - MacDonnell, Brian

Brian MacDonell

Facilities Team

458 - Catalina De Los Rios

Catalina De Los Rios

Neurodevelopmental Provider

Harley, Chuck

Chuck Harley

Facilities Team

440 - Courtney Martin

Courtney Martin

Neurodevelopmental Provider

448 - Darren Parkinson

Darren Parkinson

Harry Harvin

454 - Jacqueline Baker

Jacqueline Christophe-Baker

330 - Jessica Fisher

Jessica Fisher

413 - Julianna Novellino

Juliana Novellino

462 - Karen Johnson

Karen Johnson

48 - Katie Wisnewski

Katie Wisnewski

Kim Wainwright

274 - Madison Scott

Madison Dubois

Neurodevelopmental Provider

446 - Malika Jooma

Malika Jooma

Neurodevelopmental Provider

336 - Mary Kate Sullivan

Mary Kate Sullivan

453 -Matava Strang

Matava Strang

Maureen Halvorsen

Maureen Halvorsen

Maxine

Maxine Witteveen

439 - Michaela Dailey

Michaela Dailey

463 - Michael Block

Michael Block

456 - Mitch Kiley

Mitch Kiley

433 - Morgan Sanford

Morgan Sanford

461 - Olivia Lowe

Olivia Lowe

Patricia

Patricia Sison

441 - Shaunique Jones

Shaunique Jones

Neurodevelopmental Provider

Roy J image

Roy Johnson

Facilities Team

449 - Sara Ruesseler

Sara Ruesseler

Neurodevelopmental Provider

455 - Serena Brooks

Serena Brooks

Neurodevelopmental Provider

249 - Shelby McMichael

Shelby McMichael

311 - Stephanie Leland

Stephanie Leland

444 - Thomas Stuart

Thomas Stuart

Veronica

Veronica McClanahan

HTL graphic

Jacob's Ladder School & Therapy Centers
Roswell (Main Campus) & Atlanta (Buckhead)
407 Hardscrabble Road
Roswell, Georgia 30075

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