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.
Laken Reel, BCaBA
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst
Laken has been with Family First since January 2017. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biology from Culver-Stockton College in 2014. She is currently working towards a Master of Arts in Professional Behavioral Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. Her expected graduation date is spring 2021. In her free time, Laken enjoys animal rescue, watching movies, spending time with loved ones (including her fur babies), and thrifting. Fun facts: Laken studied abroad in Ireland and has a three-legged cat.
Leadership Team
Mark Weiers, RBT
Office Administrator and Lead 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.
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
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.
Katie Hetherington,RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nicole Whitlow,RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Nicole has been with Family First since October 2020. She enjoys traveling, photography, painting, and spending time with her husband and 5 kids.
Tanisha Jones,RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Tanisha has been with Family First since June 2018. She is currently working towards her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Park University. Tanisha enjoys spending time with her family, drawing, playing video games, and watching movies/shows.
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.
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.
Jordan Arnett,RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Jordan has been with Family First since September 2018. She enjoys hanging out with her cats, spending time with her family, and watching movies with her husband.
Katie Kallenberger,RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Katie has been with Family First since June 2021.
Courtney Hyde,RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Courtney has been with Family First since September 2020. She graduated with an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Development from Kansas City Kansas Community College. She is currently working towards her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Penn State University. Courtney enjoys hanging out with family, trying new things, and binge watching shows.
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.
Lacy Kingshirn,RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Lacy has been with Family First since July 2018. She has her CNA from CWI College of Western Ohio. Lacy enjoys spending time outdoors with her kids and husband. She also likes to craft on her Circuit.
Taffie Dolph,RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Taffie has been with Family First since June 2021. She graduated with an Associate of Arts in Healthcare Administration from University of Phoenix. Taffie enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Abby Wassum, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Abby has been with Family First since August 2021. She enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and playing video games.
Jennifer Davis, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Jennifer has been with Family First since November 2020. She enjoys hiking, playing video games on the x-box, PS4, or Nintendo. Jennifer is also a huge fan of Vampire Diaries.
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