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Meet Your Midwest Team

Choosing the right care team for your child is one of the most important steps in your family’s Autism journey. At Midwest, our goal is to connect you with the highest-quality care teams. To do that, we recruit Master’s level Board Certified Behavior Analysts from all across the U.S. to lead our care teams. And, we work hard to keep our staff caseloads small so you can be sure that when you enroll at Midwest, you’re getting a care team who knows your family inside and out. 

Iowa Clinicians

Minnesota Clinicians

Iowa Clinicians

Shayna Landsberry, M.S., BCBA, LBA

Altoona, Iowa Campus | She/Her

  • Bachelor’s in Psychology (University of Nevada – Reno Campus)
  • Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (Capella University)

Shayna Landsberry is a Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst coming to us from Reno, NV! She graduated with her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Nevada and went on to earn her Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis at Capella University. Prior to sitting for her board exams, Shayna worked as an RBT in Reno. Her areas of expertise include behavior shaping, differential reinforcement, and teaching verbal behavior.

Michaela Smith, MS, BCBA, LBA

Michaela Smith, M.S., BCBA, LBA

Ankeny, Iowa Campus | She/Her

  • Bachelor’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (University of Northern Texas)
  • Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (University of Northern Texas)

A graduate of the University of N. Texas, Michaela Smith was mentored by Doctors Richard Smith, Traci Cihon, and Joseph Dracobly in the application of behavior principles, administration of functional assessments, and the use of behavior analysis to increase community engagement. Her passion for those on the Autism Spectrum started early through a family connection. Michaela continues to examine complex social issues through a behavioral lens and celebrate client milestones.

Kiley Dewhurst, M.ED, BCBA, LBA

Kiley Dewhurst, M.ED, BCBA, LBA

Ankeny, Iowa Campus | She/Her

  • Bachelor’s in Psychology (University of Iowa)
  • Master’s of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis (Arizona State University)

Kiley is a passionate Behavior Analyst who has clinical experience in developing integrated curriculums for early learners. Her skill set allows her to engage easily with families, schools, and other service providers to curate comprehensive treatment plans that empower children.

Shawna Johnson, MS, BCBA, LBA

Shawna Johnon, M.S., BCBA, LBA

Waukee, Iowa Campus | She/Her

  • Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Psychology (McNeese State University Louisiana)
  • Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (Simmons University)

Shawna Johnson received her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Simmons University. In addition to her Board Certification in Behavior Analysis, she is also completing her Certification of Clinical Competency in Behavioral Feeding therapy and obtaining a second Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology. Shawna has been working with children in early intensive developmental and behavioral intervention for over 5 years. She says the best part of working with this age group is being able to be creative and goofy while watching them learn valuable life skills.

Caitlin Pena, MS, BCBA, LBA

Caitin Kotz, M.ED, BCBA, LBA

Waukee, Iowa Campus | She/Her

  • Bachelor’s in Psychology (Central College)
  • Master’s of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis (Arizona State University)

Caitlin Kotz is a Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst with 7+ years of experience. She graduated with her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Central College in Pella, Iowa, and went on to earn her Master’s of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. Caitlin started working as a behavior technician and knew she wanted to be part of the field to witness the incredible life-long impact ABA can have on individuals, families, and communities.

Rowan Langbehn, M.S., BCBA, LBA

Rowan Langbehn, M.S., BCBA, LBA

Hybrid/West Des Moines, Iowa Campus | They/Them

  • Bachelor’s in Psychology (University of Aberdeen)
  • Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (Simmons University)

A graduate of Simmons University and the University of Aberdeen, Rowan has joined us as a hybrid BCBA working onsite, primarily at our West Des Moines office. Rowan has ample experience building programs for school-aged children based on the Essential for Living curriculum, and supporting high-needs students who are unable to attend traditional schools due to behavior severity and limited functional communication skills.

Minnesota Clinicians
Melanie Bren, M.ED, BCBA, Regional Clinical Director​

Melanie Bren, M.ED, BCBA, Regional Clinical Director

Edina, Minnesota | She/Her

  • Bachelor’s of Family Social Science (University of Minnesota)
  • Master’s of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis (Arizona State University)

Melanie received her Master’s of Education Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University in 2018 and she has been working in the field ever since! Melanie has a passion for working with early intervention-age kids and is fascinated by how our environments impact our learning and behavior. She finds tremendous joy in watching her clients meet their milestones and watching their families cheer them on.

Danielle Braun, MS, BCBA, LBA​

Danielle Braun, MS, BCBA

Edina, Minnesota | She/Her

  • Bachelor’s in Elementary Education (Southern Oregon University)
  • Positive Behavior Support/Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate (Northern Arizona State University)
  • Master’s in Family and Human Development (Arizona State University)

Danielle was drawn to the field of ABA by her love for working with children and their families. She graduated from ASU with an advanced degree in Family and Human Development and enjoys building meaningful connections with her clients. The field of behavior analysis allows for continuous learning and growth which are two of Danielle’s favorite things!

Rose Ludescher, MA, BCBA, LBA

Rose Ludescher, MA, BCBA

Edina, Minnesota | She/Her

  • Bachelor’s in Psychological Sciences and Biology (Gustavus Adolphus College)
  • Master’s in Behavior Analysis Practice (Florida Institute of Technology)
Rose Ludescher joined Midwest as an RBT in 2023 and was promoted to a Sr. RBT position before completing her Master’s degree and Board Certifications. In June, Rose officially accepted a new role with Midwest as our second BCBA in our Edina Minnesota office. As a BCBA, Rose will be working with center-based early intervention clients ages 2-5. She looks forward to continuing her journey with Midwest and working with local families!

Jennifer Waggoner, MA, BCBA

Woodbury, Minnesota | She/Her

  • Bachelor’s in Finance (West Chester University)
  • Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (Florida Institute of Technology)

Jennifer entered the Autism services field in 2020 when she began working as a support staff member in an alternative placement school focusing on ABA therapy. She became fascinated with the field of behavior analysis and its many applications. 6 months later she enrolled in an ABA Master’s program at the Florida Institute of Technology. Shortly thereafter, she started working at an early intervention center. Jennifer is so proud to be a part of this field and has fallen in love with helping little learners build lifelong skills.