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 25 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.
Cindy Loelkes
Executive Coordinator
Cindy has been with Family First since July 2011. She is the Executive Coordinator for all three 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!
Celina Evans, BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Celina has been with Family First since October 2015. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Education and is currently working towards a Master of Arts in Professional Behavioral Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. Her expected graduation date is December 2020. In her free time, Celina enjoys oil painting and refinishing antique furniture.
Leadership Team
Jesse Trautman, RBT
Office Administrator & Lead Registered Behavior Technician
Jesse has been with Family First since June 2019. She graduated with an Associate in Liberal Arts from Kansas City Kansas Community College in May 2019. In her free time, Jesse enjoys baking, singing, traveling, and taking adventures.
Lilian Andrade, RBT
Lead Registered Behavior Technician
Lily has been with Family First since December 2018. She has a Master's in Human Services and a Minor in administration. In her free time she enjoys nature and going to the gym.
Kelly Crowder, RBT
Lead Registered Behavior Technician
Kelly has been with Family First since February 2018. She graduated with an Associate in Arts in 1999 and an Associate in Science in 2012. In her free time, Kelly enjoys traveling, reading, trying new things, and entertaining. Prior to working at Family First, Kelly was active as an advocate for children, parents, and childcare providers at local, state, and federal levels.
Behavioral Specialists
Jordan Andrews, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Jordan has been with Family First since September 2018. In her free time, Jordan enjoys reading, listening to music, and playing with her cat.
Renee Collins, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Renee has been with Family First since December 2017. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her kids, family, and friends, and drawing.
Dakotah Ford, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Dakotah has been with Family First since September 2019. In her free time, she enjoys drinking coffee and watching shows on Netflix.
Mark Weiers, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Mark has been with Family First since August 2015. He is currently working on a bachelor’s degree in communication and is expected to graduate in 2020. He is currently taking classes at Maple Woods Community College but previously went to the University of Nebraska. In his free time, Mark enjoys watching sports and snowmobiling. He takes trips to Wyoming to ride in the mountains every year.
Anna Miller, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Anna has been with Family First since September 2020. She enjoys spending time with friends and family.
Bridgette Rooney, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Bridgette has been with Family First since May 2021. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her kids, Scarlette and Sterling. She also enjoys playing t-ball, painting her nails, and make up.
Ashley Denson, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Ashley has been with Family First since March 2021. She enjoys crafting, being outside, and spending time with her friends and family.
Amanda Mynatt
Registered Behavior Technician
Amanda has been with Family First since. Amanda graduated from University of Kansas with a Master of Science degree in Special Education. She enjoys crafting, hiking bike riding, reading, and cooking.
Jana Hoctel, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Jana has been with Family First since February 2021. She enjoys reading, hiking, cooking, and baking.
Katie Hetherington,RBT
Katie has been with Family First since October 2020. She enjoys hanging out with friends, going on trips, working out, singing, and just relaxing and having her "me" time.
Kiley Barnes,RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Kiley has been with Family First since September 2020. She is currently working towards her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at University of Saint Mary. She enjoys walking her rescued Pit Bull, Bella, on trails throughout Leavenworth.
Leah Seichepine, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Leah has been with Family First since April 2021. She is currently working towards her Nursing degree at Kansas City Kansas Community College. In her free time she likes to workout, hang out with her family, reading, and traveling.
Madison Dillion, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Madison has been with Family First since September 2020. She is currently working towards her Associate of Science degree at Metropolitan Community College. In her free time, Madison enjoys kayaking and hanging out with her dogs.
Marie St. Yves, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Marie has been with Family First since May 2021. Marie graduated with an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and Social work from Kansas City, Kansas Community College. In her free time, Marie enjoys watching TV, spending time with family, camping, and going fishing.
Patricia Denney, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Patricia has been with Family First since March 2021. She is currently working towards her Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education at Kansas City, Kansas Community College. She enjoys reading, hiking, bike riding, and spending time with her friends and family.
Samantha Aguilar, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Samantha has been with Family First since July 2020. She is currently working towards her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at University of Saint Mary. In her free time, Samantha enjoys making art.
Shilea Maldonado, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Shilea has been with Family First since April 2021. She enjoys spending time with her kids, her animals, being outdoors, and reading in her hammock.
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