Executive Team
Executive Director
Sara Nall, M.Ed.
Sara Nall joined Mitchell’s Place in 2017 and currently serves as the Executive Director. Sara received her bachelor’s from Auburn University and holds a master’s from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in Special Education with an emphasis in Behavioral Disorders.
Sara has over 30 years of experience rooted in special education. Her journey started as a special educator at Engel Day Treatment Center at UAB, then she transitioned to a self-contained classroom for children with behavior disorders in Birmingham City Schools which lead her to Mountain Brook High School where she taught for more than 25 years.
Sara’s favorite part of working at Mitchell’s Place is witnessing the small miracles our children achieve every day.
Director of Applied Behavior Analysis
Lauren Graham, M.A., BCBA, LBA
Lauren Graham joined Mitchell’s Place in 2017 and serves as the Director of our Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Program, which includes Teach Me, ABA Outpatient services, ELP ABA, School Consultation, and MP Southside. Lauren received her master’s degree from the University of West Florida in Comprehensive Exceptional Student Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. She became a Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst in 2012, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst received in 2015, and her license as a Behavior Analyst in the state of Alabama in 2017. She is also certified in Professional Crisis Management.
Lauren has experience in a variety of settings, clientele, and developmental disabilities over the past 11 years in the field of ABA. Her interests lie in early intervention, problem behavior reduction, verbal behavior, and adaptive skill training, which is why Mitchell’s Place has been such a great fit. Outside of ABA, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, and being on the water.
Director of Advancement
Bree Hester, LMSW
Bree Hester is a licensed social worker who joined Mithcell’s Place in 2024. She received her bachelor’s of science in Psychology from Mississippi State University in 2014 and holds a master of science in social work from Columbia University. Her masters work and field experience focused on public policy for equitable services for children and families which remains her passion.
Prior to a career in social work, she gained 4 years of experience fundraising and providing administrative support for various elected officials and government relations teams.
Bree’s favorite part of working with the advancement team at Mitchell’s Place is that it allows us to make a tangible difference in the lives of the children and families we work with while raising public understanding that fosters a more inclusive community
Director of Billing
Darrell Fitzgerald, CPAR
Darrell Fitzgerald joined Mitchell’s Place in 2012, and currently serves as the Director of Billing. Darrell received his Associate Degree from American Public University System, and is certified in Patient Accounting through the Healthcare Financial Management Association. He has over 30 years of experience in Healthcare Billing, Collections, and Revenue Cycle Management.
Prior to joining the team, Darrell managed billing for 16 hospitals, in 6 states across the southeast. He brings extensive experience with healthcare analytics, systems, training, billing and collections.
Director of Clinical Psychology
Laura K. Hansen, PhD
Laura K. Hansen, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who joined Mitchell’s Place in 2020. She received her bachelor’s from Centre College in Psychology and French and a doctorate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Clinical Psychology in 2019. Her dissertation research examined factors and correlates of knowledge of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in parents, teachers, and medical trainees.
Dr. Hansen completed extensive training in both general and pediatric psychology, as well as specialized supervision in the assessment and treatment of autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Indiana University School of Medicine and a postdoctoral fellowship at Children’s Mercy Hospital. She is a member of the American Psychological Association and the International Society for Autism Research.
Director of Education
Sama Pate, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Samantha Pate joined Mitchell’s Place in 2006 and currently serves as the Education Director. Samantha received her bachelor’s from Auburn University in Human Development and Family Studies and holds a master’s from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in Special Education. She also holds a certificate from Auburn University in Early Intervention. Sama received her certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analysist in 2021, and her license as a Behavior Analyst in the state
of Alabama in 2022.
Since joining the team, Samantha has held many positions ranging from lead teacher in the Early Learning Program, Teach Me Therapist, assistant teacher, extended day staff and floater, but she moved into the Director of Education position in 2017.
Sama’s favorite part of working at Mitchell’s Place is knowing she is a part of a community of professionals committed to improving the lives of children with asd.
Director of Related Services
Abigail Wood Dibble, Speech-Language Pathologist, M.S., CCC-SLP
Abigail Wood joined Mitchell’s Place in 2019 and currently serves as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Abbie received her bachelor’s in Communication Science and Disorders from the University of Tennessee and holds a master’s in Speech Language Pathology from University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Abbie has over two years of experience in providing speech therapy for children with speech and language impairment.
Her certifications and credentials include: a license in the state of Alabama as a speech-language pathologist and certification through ASHA. In additional her credentials, Abbie gained experience through her work as an SLP in the public school system specializing in the preschool classroom, pediatric private practice.
Abbie’s favorite part of working at Mitchell’s Place is working with families to help their kiddos realize the power of communication so they can express themselves to friends and loved ones.
Controller
ControllerJeannie Adams, CPA
Jeannie Adams joined Mitchell’s Place in May 2023 as the agency’s first Controller. She oversees the billing department and all financial reporting and accounting matters. Jeannie received her bachelor’s degree in accounting and master’s degree in taxation from the University of Mississippi and has over 25 years of experience as a CPA. Outside of work, Jeannie enjoys spending time with her husband and two teenaged daughters, mainly outdoors in nature: hiking, camping, kayaking, or traveling on overseas adventures!
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Team
Assistant Director of ABA
Sarah McIntosh, M.A., BCBA, LBA
Sarah McIntosh serves as the Assistant Director of ABA at Mitchell’s Place and her focus is primarily developing RBTs, assisting BCBAs in program management, facilitating enhanced relationships with clients and their families and establishing procedures which increase the consistency of the services rendered. She began working at Mitchell’s Place in 2013 and has served in various capacities during her time with the organization. In 2019, she completed her Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst certification and was licensed in the state of Alabama. In 2021, Sarah graduated from the University of West Florida with a master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. She completed her Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification in 2022 and was licensed in the state of Alabama. Sarah is also certified in Professional Crisis Management.
Sarah’s varied experience has increased her understanding and enjoyment of working alongside children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and their families to accomplish meaningful outcomes in their lives. She deeply values the potential in each Mitchell’s Place client and is honored to play a small role in their unique journeys. When she is not at work, you can find Sarah enjoying time with her favorite people: her husband, their two children and their dog!
School Consultant/Advocate
Emilie Stahlhut, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Emilie Stahlhut has been a part of the Mitchell’s Place family since 2011. She started at Mitchell’s Place as an assistant teacher in the preschool program where she gained interest in the field of ABA. Emilie gained further experience in the field by working as an early intervention therapist providing focused and comprehensive ABA services to children with autism. She completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Alabama in Elementary Education in 2011 and received her master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from UAB in 2018. In 2014, she received her certification as a Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst and received her certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Alabama in 2018. In addition, she is a certified instructor in Professional Crisis Management. Emilie is dedicated to supporting the mission and values of Mitchell’s Place by providing evidence-based treatments to improve the lives of families and individuals diagnosed with autism and other related disorders. her goal is to provide every child with the necessary skills to communicate their wants and needs and enhance their overall quality of life. In her free time, Emilie enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring Birmingham with her friends and dog.
Comprehensive ABA Supervisor
Michelle Steneck-Merineau, Southside Focused Program, BCBA, LBA
Michelle started in the field of ABA as an RBT in 2020, and joined Mitchell’s Place as an RBT in the Comprehensive ABA department in 2021. In August 2021, she transitioned into a Floater role where she had the opportunity to work with multiple kids across departments at Mitchell’s Place. She transitioned into the role of Supervising BCBA in the Focused ABA department at Southside in 2023 and returned to the Overton location as a Supervising BCBA in the Comprehensive ABA department in 2024! She grew up in Birmingham and completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at Florida State University in 2013. . She received her Masters of Science in Counseling with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2022 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2023. She values providing compassionate and evidence-based treatment within ABA, individualized to the priorities of each client. Michelle’s favorite part of Mitchell’s Place is collaborating with families and watching the children learn and grow every day!
Comprehensive ABA Supervisor
Lauren Cotlin, BCBA, LBA
Lauren Cotlin joined Mitchell’s Place in 2022 and is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Alabama. Lauren received her Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Education from Auburn University in 1993. Lauren worked in special education through two city school systems for 12 years where she was first introduced to ABA and developed a passion for serving children with a diagnosis of ASD. In 2020 Lauren became certified as a Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst and in 2021 received her Master of Arts in Professional Behavior Analysis.
Lauren’s favorite part of working at Mitchell’s Place is working with the children and caregivers to promote meaningful life changes.
ABA ELP Supervisor
Necia Mathews, Early Learning ABA, B.A., BCBA, LBA
Necia Mathews joined Mitchell’s Place in 2007 and currently serves as a supervisor of ABA therapy for the Early Learning Program. Necia received her bachelor’s from Auburn University. Her credentials include a certification as a Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) received in 2014 and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) received in 2019.
Necia’s favorite part of working at Mitchell’s Place is watching the children grow and learn!
Comprehensive ABA Supervisor
Hannah Schneider, M.A., BCBA, LBA
Hannah Schneider got her start at Mitchell’s Place in 2019 as an assistant teacher in the Early Learning Program. In the preschool department, she was introduced to Applied Behavior Analysis and quickly knew she wanted to continue to build her career in this field. She soon transitioned into an RBT position working in the Teach Me department for 2 years. She gained experience through working as an RBT sub where she had the opportunity to work with multiple kids across departments in Mitchell’s Place. She is so excited to currently hold the role of a Teach Me Supervisor.
Hannah received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2017 and she received her M.A. in Comprehensive Exceptional Student Education specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of West Florida in 2022. She became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Alabama in 2022.
Hannah’s favorite part about Mitchell’s Place is interacting with the kids, seeing their progress, and collaborating with the Mitchell’s Place team and the client’s parents!
ELP ABA Supervisor
Alex Darty, BCBA, LBA
Focused ABA Supervisor
Tara Neely, Southside Focused Program, BCBA, LBA
Tara Neely joined the Michell’s Place team in August 2023, and is currently training to be a supervisor at Southside!
She is originally from Pennsylvania and attended Penn State for her undergraduate career. She moved down to Alabama in 2021 and graduated with a master’s degree in ABA from Auburn University.
She has worked in ABA for the past five years and is passionate about creating learning opportunities in a fun and creative way through naturalistic environment teaching (NET).
Outside of work, she enjoys being in nature, hiking, and traveling! She is excited to be part of a welcoming and collaborative team!
Comprehensive Program RBT Staff
- Ashley Blackmon
- Paige Bowman
- Shelby Davis
- Lauren Jones
- Adair Klapow
- Julia Leonard
- Lottie Macleod
- Paige Martin
- Krysten O’Brien
- Gracie Outzen
- Clair Peek
- Caroline Perkins
- Denia Sanchez
- Ashlyn Seale
- Sarah Smeraglia
- Jessica Pickett
- Dom Simonetti
- Kelsey Tadlock
- Carilyn Workman
- Dauryn Zavala
Southside Focused Program RBT Staff
- Madison Brown
- Jenna Burfield
- Colette Crowder
- Ashley Elliott
- Christie Johnson
- Olivia Mitchell
- Alexandria Moore
- Anna Grace Sorrells
- Raegan Wright
RBT Floaters
- Cassie Crocker
- Jordan Doss
ELP Program ABA RBT Staff
- Kinlee Aviles
- Amanda Fitzgerald
- Alyssa Johnson
- Ashley Waltz
Clinic Managers
- Jennifer Mayerhofer
- Gabbi Prieto
Early Learning Preschool (ELP) Team
Lead Teacher, Ladybug Classroom
Melissa Pittman, M.Ed.
Melissa Pittman joined Mitchell’s Place in 2020 and currently serves as the Lead Teacher for the Ladybug classroom, ages 2-3, in the Early Learning Preschool. Melissa received her bachelor’s of science from Birmingham-Southern College in Elementary and Special Education. Melissa holds a master’s from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in Early Childhood Special Education. Melissa also worked at the YWCA Central Alabama’s Youth Development Center prior to joining the Mitchell’s Place family.
Melissa’s favorite part of working at Mitchell’s Place is working with children and connecting with the community to create lifelong learners.
Lead Teacher, Butterfly Classroom
Kelly Rice, M.Ed.
Kelly Rice joined Mitchell’s Place in 2015 and currently serves as the Lead Teacher for the Butterfly classroom, ages 3-4, in the Early Learning Preschool. Kelly received her bachelor’s in Collaborative Education and holds a master’s in Early Childhood Special Education, both from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Kelly has over 10 years of experience in education including: elementary special education, special education church ministry, and early childhood special education.
Kelly’s favorite part of working at Mitchell’s Place is seeing her students grow academically and socially in the classroom!
Lead Teacher, Songbirds Classroom
Yolanda Rogers, M.Ed.
Yolanda “Yoyo” Rodgers joined Mitchell’s Place in 2007 and currently serves as the Lead Teacher for the Songbird classroom, ages 4-5, in the Early Learning Preschool. Yolanda received her bachelor’s from the University of Montevallo in Child and Family Studies and holds a master’s from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in Early Childhood Special Education. Yolanda has over 10 years of experience in early childhood education and is instrumental in the expansion of Mitchell’s Place.
Lead Teacher, Flamingo Classroom
Glenda Grbac, M.Ed.
Glenda Grbac joined Mitchell’s Place in 2016 and currently serves as the Lead Teacher for the Flamingo classroom, ages 5-6, in the Early Learning Preschool. Glenda received her bachelor’s in Psychology and holds a master’s in Early Childhood Special Education, both from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Her other credentials include her certification as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) received in 2016. Glenda has held several positions within Mitchell’s Place, ranging from a teacher’s assistant, a Teach Me therapist and an ABA Outpatient therapist.
Glenda’s favorite part of working at Mitchell’s Place is getting to see the students grow academically and socially every single day. She loves teaching them as well as learning from them!
ELP Classroom Assistants:
- Carley Boone
- Desiree’ Brooks
- Alexus Griffin
- Sarah Hensley
- Jessie Hickey
- Gillian Nelson Ellard
- Francesca Nestor
- Bailey Segars
- Brooke Wells
- Annie Wyatt
Occupational Therapy (OT) Team
Occupational Therapist
Layne Wood, M.S., OTR/L
Layne Wood joined Mitchell’s Place at the beginning of 2023. She received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in December 2022 and has lived in Birmingham for the last five years. She graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management in 2020.
Her certifications and credentials include: a certification in the state of Alabama as an occupational therapist, a National Board-Certified Occupational Therapist, and is licensed in general occupational therapy. Layne has experience in working with both the pediatric and adult/geriatric populations. Currently, she works at both Mitchell’s Place Overton and Southside.
Outside of work, Layne enjoys spending time with friends and family, trying new recipes, and exploring local coffee shops!
Occupational Therapist
Lauren Comer, M.S., OTR/L
Lauren Comer joined Mitchell’s Place in 2020 and currently serves as an Occupational Therapist. Lauren received her bachelor’s from the University of North Alabama in Chemistry and holds a master’s from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Occupational Therapy.
Her certifications and credentials include: a certification in the state of Alabama as an Occupational Therapist, a National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy, and is licensed in general occupational therapy. Lauren has experience working in both pediatric and adult inpatient rehabilitation settings. She is currently working with outpatient services.
Lauren is passionate about providing family-centered care while helping children continue to learn, grow, and play in a caring and loving environment
Occupational Therapist
Grace Daigle, M.S., OTR/L
Grace Daigle joined Mitchell’s Place in the Fall of 2021. She received her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in December of 2021.
Her certifications and credentials include: a certification in the state of Alabama as an Occupational Therapist, a National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy, and is licensed in general occupational therapy. She is originally from New Orleans, but has called Birmingham home for over 6 years now. Grace’s favorite part of working at Mitchell’s Place is building relationships with her clients and their families to maximize their potential!
Speech Team
Speech-Language Pathologist
Addison Rentschler, M.S., CCC-SLP
Addison Rentschler joined Mitchell’s Place in 2018 and currently serves as Speech-Language Pathologist. Addison received her bachelor’s from the University of Mississippi in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and holds a master’s from the University of Mississippi in Speech-Language Pathology.
Her certifications and credentials include: a certification of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association and is licensed in the state of Alabama and in the state of Florida. Addison has experience working in a public-school system as well as a pediatric private practice setting. She currently provides speech and language services to children in the Early Learning Program, Teach Me program and outpatient settings. She also leads weekly social groups in the Early Learning Program classrooms and after school Social Skills group (ASAP) for the 2nd-5th graders.
Addison favorite part of working at Mitchell’s Pace is getting to know the kids and their families.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Morgan McGowan, M.S., CCC-SLP
Morgan McGowan received her bachelor’s from The University of Montevallo in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and graduated from The University of Alabama with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology. She has experience working in multidisciplinary clinics and private practice settings, focusing on serving children on the Autism spectrum and early language therapy.
Her certifications and credentials include: the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and she is licensed in the state of Alabama for the practice of speech-language pathology. Additionally, Morgan is trained in Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) and has clinical experience with feeding and oral motor therapy.
Morgan loves working collaboratively with families and getting to be a part of celebrating the small, everyday victories the kids make!
Speech-Language Pathologist
Sally Bajalieh, M.S., CCC-SLP
Sally Bajalieh joined the Mitchell’s Place team in 2021 and currently serves as a Speech-Language Pathologist at the Southside location.
Sally received her bachelor’s in Communicative Disorders from the University of Alabama and holds a master’s of science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of South Alabama. Sally has worked as a speech-language pathologist (SLP) for nine years with previous experience in rehab settings, elementary schools, and pediatric private practice. Sally currently holds her license to practice in the state of Alabama and her certification of clinical competence through the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association.
Sally’s favorite thing about being an SLP at Mitchell’s Place is helping children gain independence and confidence through communication.
Psychology Team
Psychologist
Gianna Gambera, PhD
Gianna Gambera, Ph.D., BCBA joined Mitchell’s Place in 2022. She earned a BA in Psychology from Ave Maria University in Naples, Florida in 2016, an M.S. in Psychometry from Mississippi State University in 2019, and a doctorate degree in School Psychology from Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS in 2022. Dr. Gambera is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and completed her pre-doctoral internship at UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute in Omaha, NE.
Dr. Gambera specializes in providing behavioral treatment and assessment services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. She is skilled in providing services not only to pediatric populations but adult populations as well.
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapy Associate
Sara Mayers, LMFT-A
Sara Mayers is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate at Mitchell’s Place. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, she received her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Alabama as well as her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. Sara has extensive professional experience working with kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopment disorders. Additionally, she is trained to care for a wide variety of needs, including anxiety, depression, and life transition struggles. She is dedicated to helping our families using a systemic approach. In her free time, Sara loves to bake and explore the Birmingham area.
Administration Team
Administrative Coordinator
Megan Barnett
Administrative Assistant, Overton
Intake Coordinator
Nikki Williams
Administrative Assistant, Southside
Dorian Hicks
Billing Administrative Assistant
Tim Kring
Billing and Authorization Specialist
Haley Grace Evans
Associate Director of Advancement
Julia Riedel
