About Impact Autism
What does Impact do?
Impact Autism provides ABA Therapy for clients ages 2 and up. Sessions focus on teaching communication, social and behavior skills to enhance the client’s daily life. We work with clients in our center targeting behaviors that lead to independence and successful interactions within a client’s living environment.
Impact Autism offers ABA Therapy for clients receiving services through insurance and private pay. Please contact our office to request more information regarding behavior coaching for your family member, or to request an initial consultation.
Our Vision
Strengthening families and communities by helping people be their best selves through dignity and acceptance.
Our Values
At Impact Autism, we value excellence, honesty, and transparency in all we do.
Our Mission
Impact Autism wants to make a difference to help each child achieve their best success.
What is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a Therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. ABA is commonly practiced as a therapeutic intervention for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ABA helps the individual improve social interactions, learn new skills, and maintain positive behaviors. ABA therapy applies our understanding of how behavior works in real situations.
Clients and families who receive ABA Therapy through Impact Autism enjoy a consistent and premium level of treatment from the onset of services.
Clients Receive ABA Therapy To Target Some Or All Of The Following Areas:
Decreasing Aggression
Anxiety/Coping
Interpersonal Relationships
Social Integration
Expressive and Receptive Language
Self Regulation
Daily/Independent Living
Organization/Planning
Executive Functioning
Functional Communication
Our Owners
Paul Tesi
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Paul double majored in Business and Psychology in college. Prior to founding Impact Living Services, he spent twenty-two years working for a local social services agency. During that time, he founded and directed several group homes, an alternative day school, and an Independent Living Program for at-risk youth. Paul is distinctively passionate about providing long-term relationships with youth that transcends acute-care, in an effort to create a true sense of permanency in their, often impermanent, circumstances. Paul goes above and beyond in helping youth reach their goals; he is especially skilled in teaching problem-solving skills and aiding youth in recognizing their strengths. He has been a foster parent and adopted two foster youth, who are now adults. Paul’s vast experience in training, encouraging, and supporting his staff to mitigate challenging behavioral pathologies, mixed with his desire for youth to succeed, make him an invaluable asset to Impact Living Services. When he’s not working, Paul enjoys doing mission work in Cambodia.
Travis Butner
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Travis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). He received his B.A. in Psychology from Southwest Baptist University in 2004 and his M.A. in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in 2013. Travis has been working in the mental health field since 2004, first serving within various leadership roles at a residential treatment center in Texas and then working for a privately owned mental health organization in Virginia. Travis enjoys working with both children and adults, but specifically has a passion for those who have substance-related disorders. In his free time, Travis enjoys spending time with his family, cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs, working out, doing projects around the home, and traveling whenever possible.
Adam Pavao
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Adam is a graduate of Liberty University and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. With over ten years of experience in mental health and child welfare services in the Lynchburg Region, Adam brings an extensive knowledge of complex family issues and behavioral health concerns. Adam has experience working in the non-profit setting, with government agencies, and in private mental health agencies. With that, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to families involved in the various government systems. Adam specializes in family engagement and utilizes this client-centered, family systems approach to incite motivation and navigate change with the clients he works with. Adam is a proud father of three, and husband to his beautiful wife, Haley.
Management Team
Bryan Eure
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Bryan is a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in the state of Virginia, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and an International Behavior Analyst (IBA). As a behavior analysts (since 2016) Bryan has provided direct therapy, conducted assessments, provided supervision to RBTs, provided supervision to students working toward certification and provided trainings to professionals and families alike. He attended Johnson University in Knoxville, TN where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministry (‘03). After working in a group home, a nonprofit organization and the local Community Service Board (CSB), Bryan returned to school at Lynchburg University and completed his M.Ed. in Special Education (‘09). Along with being a behavior analyst, he continues to maintain his teacher licensure. In addition, Bryan worked in the public school setting for 11 years. During that time Bryan again returned to school at George Mason University to complete a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (‘14). Throughout his career Bryan has worked in various roles in group homes, the CSB, public schools, non-profit organizations, therapy providers, health care organizations and most recently as principal of a private day school (for 3 years). Bryan is passionate about helping young people and individuals with disabilities achieve success and to live their best life. Along with this passion for serving others, Bryan enjoys spending time with his wife and four daughters, serving on the board of directors for non-profit organizations that support these interests, being outdoors and watching sports.
Alanna G. Neal
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Alanna is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Virginia. She earned her undergraduate degree from James Madison University, followed by a Master's in Special Education from Liberty University. Alanna further honed her expertise by completing graduate coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis through Arizona State University.
Alanna has left her mark in both private and public settings, playing influential leadership roles in clinics, in-home settings, private and public schools, as well as therapeutic consultation. Her journey involves hands-on experience in the realm of behavior analysis, coaching special education teachers, and providing mentorship and support to direct staff members.
On a personal note, Alanna is a passionate wife to her husband, Carrington, and the proud companion of two furry friends, Charlie and Pancake. Balancing her career with the joys of family and pet life, she brings a unique blend of empathy, understanding, and expertise to every aspect of her work. Whether crafting behavior plans, staying active, or unwinding with loved ones, Alanna approaches each endeavor with a genuine commitment to making a positive impact.
Lauren Tiller
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Lauren is a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in the state of Virginia and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise in Elementary Education and Special Education. Lauren received her Master’s degree in Special Education from Lynchburg College in 2014 and a post-graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. Since 2012, Lauren has been working with children in private day schools (1 year) and public schools. Lauren has spent the majority of her career in public education working as a special education teacher in adaptive classrooms and as an itinerant early childhood special education teacher. She has provided mentorship to other special educators and coaching to families with students who have IEPs. Lauren has provided supervision to RBTS in the public-school setting, conducted Functional Behavior Assessments, and written Behavior Intervention Plans. Lauren loves working with early childhood families and supporting families through teaching and advocacy. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys.
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Hattie has a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and Master of Business Administration from Lynchburg College. She has worked in community, residential, and school settings to provide various services to people of various ages and needs. After earning her Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Clemson University CBA, Hattie became a BCaBA, LABA and has provided Therapeutic Consultation services across the Commonwealth. She currently also works to support adults with Developmental Disabilities receiving Medicaid Waiver services. She is a bookworm, animal lover, and big Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan.
Hattie Singleton
Speech Therapists
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Michelle is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. She received her Bachelor’s of Arts from James Madison University in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 1996 and her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from Old Dominion University in 1998. Michelle began working in the Lynchburg area as a Speech-Language Pathologist in 1998 and has worked with pediatrics since 1999. She has experience working with children in Early Intervention, preschool, Headstart, schools, and in an outpatient setting. Michelle enjoys working with other professionals and parents as a team to assist each child in being able to communicate successfully. Outside of work, Michelle is a wife and mom. She enjoys being outside, exercising, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Outside of work, Ashley is a wife, a mother, and a fur mom who enjoys any and all outdoor activities, reading, music, yoga, and traveling.
Michelle Richardson
Behavior Technicians
Chelsey Setliff
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Chelsey has served in the mental health field since 2014. She has a M.S. in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. Chelsey discovered her passion for working with youth with disabilities during a mission trip to Guatemala. During her work at a private day school, she fulfilled many roles which provided her with experience working directly with individuals with disabilities and their families. Chelsey enjoys working hands-on with clients to develop skills and independence. Away from work, Chelsey enjoys spending time with family, and traveling to new places.
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Kiersten graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education in 2020. She is currently working toward a Master’s of Social Work, motivated by her passion for foster care. Kiersten has experience working within various Lynchburg City Elementary Schools as well as volunteer experience working with inner-city youth ministries. In her free time she enjoys hanging out at coffee shops with friends and spending time outside with her dog.
Kiersten Wilder
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Paul is a Behavioral Technician who graduated from Liberty Christian Academy in 2021 and is passionate about serving children with special needs. He is a champion for the underdog and for those who are underserved. In his free time, Paul enjoys music and is an avid drummer.
Paul Tesi II
Jordyn Nelson
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Jordyn graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Psychology in 2021 and am currently working towards an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Jordyn has been working with kids of all ages ever since she was 10 years old, as a babysitter, she has helped in children’s ministry, served in youth ministries, worked for a childcare program all throughout high school, college, and much more. Jordyn has completed extensive research and coursework in ABA and am continuing to learn how ABA can be the most effective treatment for kids. Jordyn has always naturally connected with kids and find much purpose and fulfillment in working with kids who require unique services in order to work towards their fullest potential and discover their gifts and talents, which is something that brings me great joy. In her free time, she loves to workout, run, travel, hike, go to the lake and beach!
Winston Tesi
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Winston Tesi studied Child and Adolescent Psych at Liberty University. Winston has a passion for working with kids who have disabilities. Throughout his career, he worked in different settings where the youth had more challenges and had a broad spectrum of disabilities. Winston worked as a home aid for 4 years and found great joy in assisting kids along their journey. Winston says, seeing how many challenges parents of children with autism face has increased his passion for helping. Winston states, “I am very excited to come alongside families through Impact to help shape kids’ futures for the better.”
Secelia Clark
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Secelia is a dedicated and compassionate professional in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). With two years of experience as a Registered Behavior Technician, she has been making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Secelia's journey in the world of ABA began at the University of Lynchburg, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Her academic foundation provided her with a deep understanding of human behavior and psychology, setting the stage for her career in ABA. Currently, Secelia is pursuing her graduate studies in Applied Behavior Analysis at Capella University. Her commitment to continued learning and professional growth underscores her passion for helping individuals with ASD reach their full potential. Secelia's ultimate career goal is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) after obtaining her master's degree. Her unwavering dedication to this goal is driven by a desire to provide the highest level of care and support to her clients and their families. One of Secelia's greatest joys in her work is witnessing her clients achieve their goals, whether they are big or small. She firmly believes that every accomplishment is a significant step forward, and she is proud to be a part of their journey towards a brighter future.
