Meet Our Guides
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Teri Leffler, M.Ed., BCBA, Executive Director
Teri has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2004, bringing over two decades of hands-on experience to her practice. She played a key role in building a successful ABA company beginning in 2007 and has since dedicated her career to advancing high-quality, individualized care for learners and meaningful support for staff.
Certified as a BCaBA in 2012 and a BCBA in 2021, Teri specializes in programming for children and adolescents. Her approach blends verbal behavior methodology with precision teaching and is rooted in a deep understanding of behavior science and data-driven decision-making. As a precision teacher and an expert in AAC (with extensive experience in LAMP Words for Life), she is especially skilled in working with learners with complex communication needs and high-intensity behaviors.
Teri holds a certificate in Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) from the Florida Institute of Technology and is passionate about systems development, staff training, and building reinforcement strategies that are creative, fun, and sustainable for both staff and learners. She’s also received direct coaching and feedback from some of the most respected voices in ABA through national training and mentorship.
Teri is deeply committed to staying current in the field—always learning, always evolving—and is driven by a belief that ABA should be both effective and empowering for everyone it touches.
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Angel Davila, RBT, Outreach & Engagement Director
Angel Davila is an educator and advocate who brings heart, experience, and a deep commitment to care in every space she enters. With a background in behavioral support, crisis counseling, and team development, she most recently served in a clinic-based leadership role, where she helped nurture a positive, connected workplace through thoughtful training, mentorship, and staff appreciation events.
Angel’s journey in behavioral services began in 2018 when she started as a Behavior Technician and earned her RBT certification. She played an integral role in opening a specialized academy in 2021 and brings hands-on experience with both Discrete Trial Training (DTT) and Precision Teaching as part of her foundation in applied behavior analysis.
Before that chapter of her career, Angel spent eight years at Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, where she worked as a Crisis Counselor and created a dating violence prevention program for young people. Advocacy has always been central to her work, and she now serves on the board of Shoulder to Shoulder, West Virginia’s first culturally specific agency supporting survivors from marginalized communities.
Angel believes deeply in showing up—for her colleagues, for families, and for those whose voices are too often overlooked. Whether volunteering at events, marching for justice, or providing one-on-one support, she works to build spaces where people feel seen, safe, and valued. Her approach is rooted in compassion, dignity, and the belief that real change begins in community.
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Jordan Blankenship, BCaBA, Clinical Director
Jordan Blankenship began working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis in 2021, starting as a behavior technician before becoming a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) later that year. From the beginning, she was drawn to the meaningful, hands-on nature of the work, which inspired her to pursue advanced training and education in the field. She is now a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (2025) and has completed her Master’s in Behavior Analysis.
Jordan’s experience spans working with children on the autism spectrum between the ages of 4 and 12, with a strong emphasis on communication, emotional regulation, and fostering independence. She is a precision teacher and integrates the verbal behavior approach into her practice. She has extensive experience using, programming for, and coaching families on AAC devices—especially LAMP Words for Life.
Jordan is also well-versed in a variety of assessments including the VB-MAPP, PEAK, IGLR, and ABLLS, and is constantly expanding her knowledge to better support her learners. Parent training is a key part of her approach, and she is passionate about helping families feel informed, empowered, and involved.
As a co-founder of Sycamore Point Academy, Jordan is committed to building a space where every child is seen, every team member is valued, and the small moments that matter most are never overlooked.
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Emma McAdoo, BCBA
Emma began working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) seven and a half years ago and has since developed a strong passion for helping individuals reach their fullest potential through evidence-based practices. Starting her career as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in 2018, Emma gained extensive hands-on experience implementing behavior intervention plans and supporting clients on the autism spectrum. In 2023, she earned her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification, marking a significant milestone in her professional journey.
Emma received her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. Her professional interests include precision teaching, discrete trial training (DTT), and community-based programs, areas where she strives to promote meaningful skill acquisition and long-term independence for clients.
Outside of work, Emma has been happily married for three years and is a proud parent to her son. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, cross stitching, and hanging out with her family. She is very excited for this journey and cannot wait to share her love of ABA with your family.
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Sara Kessler, RBT, Student Analyst
Sara began her journey in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis during her undergraduate studies at West Virginia University, where she developed a strong interest in behavior principles and research. During her senior year, she worked as a research assistant and completed her capstone supporting school-aged children, focusing on the use of positive reinforcement to promote beneficial behaviors and academic success.
After graduating in 2024, Sara became a Registered Behavior Technician and worked directly with children ages 5 to 10 diagnosed with autism. Through this experience, she saw firsthand the meaningful progress children can make through ABA, which inspired her to continue her education in behavior analysis. As a Student Analyst, Sara is completing supervised fieldwork as she works toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Sara is from Charleston, West Virginia. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends, trying new restaurants, and traveling. Her dream destinations include visiting Japan during cherry blossom season and exploring castles in Scotland.
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Michael Leffler, Director of Business Operations
Michael brings over a decade of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and a deep understanding of both the clinical and operational sides of care. Throughout his career, he has worked in a wide range of roles, from providing direct one-to-one services to supporting the systems that keep programs running smoothly.
Over the years, Michael developed extensive expertise in insurance processes, including billing, authorizations, and compliance. His knowledge and advocacy have contributed to meaningful policy changes at the state level, helping expand access to ABA services for children across West Virginia. His work in this area has been formally recognized through industry awards and professional acknowledgment.
At Sycamore Point Academy, Michael oversees insurance operations and related processes that allow clinical teams to focus on providing quality care. He is known for his persistence, problem-solving skills, and commitment to navigating complex systems on behalf of families. When challenges arise, Michael works diligently to find solutions and ensure services remain accessible.
Most importantly, Michael approaches his role with a strong sense of responsibility to the children and families served. Having firsthand clinical experience, he understands what is at stake and is committed to supporting families as they navigate the insurance process and access the care their children need.
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Leroy " WeeWah" Leffler, Head of Office Morale & Snack Detail
Leroy is our most seasoned team member and an important part of daily life at Sycamore Point Academy. At 14 years old, he brings a calming presence, steady routines, and a level of consistency we all strive for. He starts each day excited to greet staff and families alike, always happy to make the rounds and remind everyone they’re welcome here.
Around here, Leroy also answers to many affectionate nicknames, including Weewah, Hoss, Brown, Brownpants, and Big Brown, depending on who you ask and how the day is going. He takes meetings seriously and can be found attending every one, offering quiet supervision from a comfortable spot on the floor. He is highly motivated by treats, maintains a long-standing professional disagreement with the mail carrier, and has never taken a sick day. His dedication is unmatched.
Families quickly fall in love with Leroy, and staff often rely on him for a moment of calm or comfort during busy days. He has a way of making the space feel grounded, warm, and just a little more joyful.
We’re grateful to have Leroy as part of our team. He reminds us daily that showing up with heart, consistency, and kindness matters just as much as the work itself.
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Tate Lee, RBT
Tate has worked in the healthcare field since 2021 and brings a broad range of experience and perspective to their role at Sycamore Point Academy. They began their career in a nursing home setting, where their work quickly led them to pursue certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Tate went on to work in multiple nursing homes as a CNA through mid-2024, supporting individuals across a variety of care needs.
While working in healthcare, Tate was introduced to Applied Behavior Analysis and spent a period working as both a CNA and a Registered Behavior Technician. Following their own autism diagnosis, they felt a strong connection to the field of behavior analysis and chose to fully pursue this path. Tate has since worked with children ages 2 to 15 and provided ABA-based respite services for adults on the autism spectrum.
Tate’s work centers on supporting autonomy, independence, and self-regulation. Their lived experience, combined with clinical training, informs a thoughtful and empathetic approach to supporting individuals across the lifespan.
Tate plans to continue their education and return to school to further their career in behavior analysis. Outside of work, they enjoy spending time outdoors, crocheting and other crafts, and expressing creativity through ever-changing hair colors. They are also a devoted cat parent to their cat, Brit.
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Katie Spencer, RBT
Katie entered the field of Applied Behavior Analysis after being introduced to RBT work by a friend and quickly found a strong connection to the role after graduating from Marshall University in 2023. As a Registered Behavior Technician, Katie values the opportunity to support clients as they grow, learn, and develop new skills, and finds the work deeply meaningful.
Katie earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art and brings a creative perspective to their clinical work. They recognize that communication and self-expression can take many forms, and their background allows them to support learners in ways that extend beyond words alone. This approach helps foster growth, confidence, and meaningful connection.
Originally from Birch River, West Virginia, Katie enjoys creating art in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, painting, and textiles. They are also a member of a local artist collective called Hacks, which works to make art more accessible within the Huntington community. Outside of work, Katie enjoys video games, horror podcasts, and going to the movie theater.
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Madison Litton, RBT
Madison first became interested in Applied Behavior Analysis while earning her undergraduate degree at West Virginia University. During her studies, she worked with preschool-aged children using play-based strategies to support the development of communication, social, and developmental skills in engaging and supportive ways.
After graduating in 2024, Madison began working as a Registered Behavior Technician, supporting children ages 5 to 12 through individualized goals and positive behavior strategies. She brings a thoughtful and encouraging approach to her work and is passionate about helping each child grow and succeed.
Outside of work, Madison enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading thriller novels, and watching movies. She also hopes to travel and explore new places in the future.
Madison plans to continue her education by returning to school to earn her master’s degree in ABA. She is a valued member of the team at Sycamore Point Academy and looks forward to continuing to support learners and the people who care for them.