Leavenworth Executive Team
Dr. Farrell Weiers, PhD, BCBA
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Dr. Weiers is a Child and Adolescent Psychologist, licensed in the state of Missouri, who has spent the last 35 years working with families and children. In her private practice, Behavioral Solutions, she specializes in psychological evaluations and therapy for children ages 2 – 19. She additionally runs a non-profit organization called Hand in Hand Foundation. In her free time, Dr. Weiers enjoys spending time with her husband, Marty, and five children. She loves to go camping with her family. Dr. Weiers aspires to be the best. Family First Center for Autism and Child Development is her brainchild and passion.
Celina Evans, BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Celina has been with Family First since October 2015. She has a Bachelor's degree in Arts Education and a Master's Degree in Professional Behavioral Analysis. Get to know Celina through a quote "I like piña coladas, and getting caught in the rain, I am not into yoga, and I have half a brain! I like eating snacks at midnight in the dunes on the cape, if I'm the BCBA that you've looked for, write to me and let's play!"
Leavenworth Leadership Team
Abby Wassum, Support
Support Team
Abby has been with Family First since August 2021. She enjoys spending time with friends, camping, traveling, PC gaming, and cooking.
Brittney Farrell, RBT
Office Administrator
Brittney started with Family First in 2023.
Courtney Richter, Support
Support Team
Courtney has been with Family First since August 2020. She graduated from Peru State University with Bachelor in Psychology. She is currently working on her Master's in Professional Behavioral Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology and is expected to graduate in 2025. She enjoys reading, hanging out with family, and eating good food.
Leavenworth Registered Behavioral Technicians
Robert McCabe, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Robert started with Family First in February 2023. He enjoys hanging out with friends and family, riding his motorcycle, playing billiards, and playing with his two dogs.
Samantha Bowsher, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Samantha started with Family First in 2023. She enjoys exploring new places with her family and dog.
Morgan Baltazor, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Morgan started with Family First in May 2023. She enjoys sipping tea on her porch with her cats and playing animal crossing. She also loves to read!
Marie Yambo, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Marie started with Family First in May 2023. She enjoys hanging out with her dogs, going fishing, being outside, spending time with her husband and kids, and watching movies.
Marion Wolters, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Marion started with Family First in 2023.
Katheryn Walker, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Katheryn started with Family First in 2024.
Dana Goodman, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Katheryn started with Family First in 2024. In her free time she enjoys spending time with kiddos, playing with her 3 dogs, listening to music, and binge watching Netflix!
Victoria Flores, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Victoria started with Family First in 2024. She is currently working on her B.A. in Psychology from University of Saint Mary. In her free time she enjoys hiking, playing video games, sports and cuddling with her dog!
Corinne Stephens, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Corinne has been with Family First since June of 2024. During free time Corinne enjoys volunteering, hanging out with family, reading and traveling.
Lauren McConaghie, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Lauren has been with Family First since January of 2025. Lauren is currently enrolled at the University of Saint Mary working towards her bachelor's of science in Nursing. During her free time Lauren enjoys spending time with her dog, boyfriend and spending time outdoors
Leighann Thoos, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Leighann joined Family First in October of 2024. Leighann enjoys spending time with her puppy and baby. As well as crocheting and baking.
Elijah McGruder, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Elijah has been with Family First since June of 2025. Elijah is currently enrolled at the University of Saint Mary majoring in political science. Elijah is expected o graduate in December of 2025. During free time Elijah enjoys playing basketball, working out and spending time with friends and family.
Assistant Director
Cindy Loelkes
Assistant Director
Cindy has been with Family First since July 2011. She is the Assistant Director for all four locations and is primarily based in the Kansas City office. Cindy has been working with individuals with autism since 1987. In her free time, Cindy enjoys spending time with her family, reading, camping, traveling, and watching the KC Chiefs. Cindy has a wonderful husband and three amazing children – two of whom are on the autism spectrum. Working at Family First is the perfect meld of her personal and professional experience, which makes her super motivated to make Family First be the very best in the region!
Speech Therapist
Julie Wallis, SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Julie has been with Family First since summer 2018. She is the Speech Language Pathologist for the Kansas City and Liberty locations. Julie has a Master of Science in Speech Pathology from the University of Central Missouri (formerly Central Missouri State University) in 1983. She has been working with individuals with autism since 1984. Julie is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and Missouri Speech-Language-Hearing Association. In her free time, Julie enjoys working with the Platte County Historical Society.
Billing Specialist
Rachel Papera
Billing Specialist
Rachel has been with Family First since May 2017. She is the billing specialist for all three locations and is based out of Omaha, Nebraska. In her free time, Rachel enjoys working in her yard.If you have any questions regarding exact payment costs for ABA therapy, speech, or billing, please contact her via email: rpapera@familyfirstkc.com