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 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.
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!"
Mariah Dobson, BCaBA
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst
Mariah has been with Family First since November 2017. She graduated from Ball State University in 2022 with a Bachelor's in Applied Behavior Analysis. She currently is working on her Master's at the Florida State of Technology and is expected to graduate in December 2024. Mariah enjoys hanging out with family and friends, Netflix of course, and going outdoors.
Laken Reel, BCaBA
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst
Laken has been with Family First since January 2017. She graduated with a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Minor in Biology from Culver-Stocklton University in May of 2014. She also is working on a Master's in Behavioral Analysis Practice from Florida Insitute of Technology and is expected to graduate in December of 2023. Laken enjoys spending time with loved ones, swimming, art, books, and trying new restaurants.
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!
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.
Courtney Hyde, 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
Caitlyn Campbell, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Caitlyn started with Family First in February 2023. She currently is working on her Bachelor's in Elementry Education at Benedictine College and is expected to graduate in December 2023.
Kelsey Barnes, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Kelsey started with Family First in January 2023. In her free time, she enjoys taking walks outside with her children, and bow hunting.
Molly Henson, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Molly started with Family First in February 2023. She is currently working on a Bachelor's in Social Work and a Minor in Theology at the University of Saint Mary and is expected to graduate in 2025. She enjoys hanging out with friends, reading, and swimming.
Renee Collins, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Renee started with Family First in 2023.
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 Caldwell, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Samantha started with Family First in 2023. She enjoys exploring new places with her family and dog.
Tia Thompson, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Tia started with Family First in April 2023. She is currently working on an Associate in Arts at Barton Community College. She enjoys playing piano and learning new languages.
Wesley Waters, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Wesley started with Family First in January 2023. He enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, shop, and watching TV.
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!
Brandon Dickerson, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Brandon started with Family First in April 2023. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports, playing DND, and watching anime.
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