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 growth and development of our students while supporting their families. The Jacob’s Ladder team is highly educated, qualified, and specially trained in our Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care. As well, we are committed to creating loving environments where students 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 students’ 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.”

Allegra

Allegra Saunders, IWBMC-CE

Chief Clinical 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.”

Evan Feldman (1)

Evan Feldman, IWBMC-CE

Senior 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 Ladder Programming

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 HR 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.”

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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.

Ashley L.

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.”

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.”

Ericka C.

Ericka Cooper, IWBMC-CE

Senior 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.”

Megan F.

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.”

Sarah C.

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

Adrienne

Adrienne Achille, LPC

Mental Health Therapist

abby

Abby Williamson

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Angela Cremers

Compass Pod Lead

Ayana B

Ayana Van Dyke

Client Program Specialist - Clinical Support and Model Integrity

barrett

Barrett Stanford

Extra-Curriculars Oversight

Corey

Corey Barbre

Compass Pod Lead

Dani D

Dani Duguay

Business Office Manager

Elyse

Elyse Stokes

Compass Pod Lead

Elaine Horii

Elaine Horii

Hunter C

Hunter Cooper

Isabella D

Isabella De Los Rios

Jacob

Jacob Wuttke, IWBMC-CE

Janie P

Janie Pickett

Joanne Cork

Joanne Cork

kalin B

Kalin Bagwell

Kathy

Kathy Milans

Katie C

Katie Cagle, IWBMC-CE

Kim B

Kim Berry

Program Services Administrator

Leighton

Leighton Persell, CAATP

Senior Provider and Hope School Floater

Lindsey

Lindsey Craven

Ladder Pod Lead

lisa

Lisa Parish

Hope School Pod Lead

Madeline

Madeline Rogers

Hope School Pod Lead

Megan Mclaughlin

Megan McLaughlin, IWBMC-CE

Community of Care Client Program Specialist

Michele S

Michele Soteres

Front Office Administrator

Morgan

Morgan Agnew

Patricia

Patricia Sison

Rachel

Rachel Reimer

Rebecca H

Rebecca Hart

sam

Sam Reynolds

Sarah J

Sarah Jenkins-Eades

Sarah D

Sara McDonald

Shona

Shona Hurt, BCN

Stephanie S

Stephanie Strong

Taylor W

Taylor Wade

Admissions and Outreach Coordinator

Tricia Simonds

Registered Dietitian

Ulany

Ulany Bradt

Ladder Pod Lead

Vicki

Vicki Bishop

Compass Pod Lead

Our Staff

Grimm, Alison

Alison Hopson

Andrew V

Andrew Vilar

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Ashley W

Ashley Wood

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Becca D

Becca Dideum

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Bradi J

Bradi Jorda

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

12 - MacDonnell, Brian

Brian MacDonell

Facilities Team

Carol A

Carol Atwood

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

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Catalina De Los Rios

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

CC

CC Sedar

Harley, Chuck

Chuck Harley

Facilities Team

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Courtney Martin

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

448 - Darren Parkinson

Darren Parkinson

Ester

Esther Griffin

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Ema R

Emalyn Rainwater

454 - Jacqueline Baker

Jacqueline Christophe-Baker

447 - James Franklin

James Franklin

Jen

Jen Stowell

410 - Julian Gonzalez

Julian Gonzalez

Julianna

Juliana Novellino

Katie W

Katie Wisnewski

Maddy S

Madison Dubois

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

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Maribel Cabrera

336 - MaryKate Sullivan

Mary Kate Sullivan

453 - Matava Strang

Matava Strang

Maureen Halvorsen

Maureen Halvorsen

Maxine

Maxine Witteveen

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Michaela Dailey

456 - Mitch Kiley

Mitch Kiley

Morgan new

Morgan Sanford

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Olivia Garrett

Shaunique Jones

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

446 - Malika Jooma

Malika Jooma

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

449 - Sara Ruesseler

Sara Ruesseler

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Serena Brooks

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Sheila F

Sheila Firmino

McMichael, Shelby

Shelby McMichael

452 - Sophia DeLise

Sophia DeLise

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Stephanie L

Stephanie Leland

taylor wi

Taylor Witte

444 - Thomas Stuart

Thomas Stuart

Veronica

Veronica McClanahan

V'Ronica Adkins-Henry

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

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