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, 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 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
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, 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”.
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 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.”
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 Likes, IWBMC-CE
Director of Clinical Integration
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, 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 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.”
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.”
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 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 Achille, LPC
Mental Health Therapist
Abby Williamson
Ayana Van Dyke
Client Program Specialist
Barrett Stanford
Extra-Curriculars Oversight
Corey Barbre
Compass Pod Lead
Dani Duguay
Business Office Manager
Elaine Horii
Emalyn Rainwater
Esther Griffin
Client Floor Support Specialist
Hunter Cooper
Isabella Lowery
Front Office & Operational Support Administrator
Jacob Wuttke, IWBMC-CE
Co-Founder, Hope School Provider
Janie Pickett
Client Program Specialist
Jen Stowell
Joanne Cork
Nursery Director
Kalin Bagwell
Client Program Specialist
Kathy Milans
Human Resources and Finance Administrator
Katie Cagle, IWBMC-CE
Client Program Specialist
Katie Emanuel
Admissions and Outreach Coordinator
Kim Berry
Program Services Administrator
Leighton Persell, CAATP
Senior Provider and Hope School Floater
Lindsey Craven
Ladder Provider and iLs Support
Lisa Parish
Hope School Group Lead
Madeline Rogers
Hope School Group Lead
Megan McLaughlin, IWBMC-CE
Community of Care Client Program Specialist
Michele Soteres
Front Office Administrator
Rachel Reimer
Hope School Group Lead
Rebecca Hart
Client Program Specialist
Sam Reynolds
Senior Provider and Hope School Floater
Sarah Jenkins-Eades
Client Program Specialist
Shona Hurt, BCN
Lead Neurofeedback Practitioner
Stephanie Strong
Compass Pod Lead
Tricia Simonds
Registered Dietitian
Vicki Bishop
Compass Pod Lead
Our Staff
Aaron Thomas
Adam O'Brien
Anna Hyde
Andrew Vilar
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Becca Dideum
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Bradi Jorda
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Brian MacDonell
Facilities Team
Catalina De Los Rios
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Chuck Harley
Facilities Team
Courtney Martin
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Darren Parkinson
Harry Harvin
Jacqueline Christophe-Baker
Jessica Fisher
Juliana Novellino
Karen Johnson
Katie Wisnewski
Kim Wainwright
Madison Dubois
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Malika Jooma
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Mary Kate Sullivan
Matava Strang
Maureen Halvorsen
Maxine Witteveen
Michaela Dailey
Michael Block
Mitch Kiley
Morgan Sanford
Olivia Lowe
Patricia Sison
Hope School Pod Lead
Shaunique Jones
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Roy Johnson
Facilities Team
Sara Ruesseler
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Serena Brooks
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Shelby McMichael
Stephanie Leland
Thomas Stuart
Veronica McClanahan
Jacob's Ladder School & Therapy Centers
Roswell (Main Campus) & Atlanta (Buckhead)
407 Hardscrabble Road
Roswell, Georgia 30075
