Our Staff
Dr. Carol Bline is a Clinical and Developmental Psychologist who specializes in the field of developmental disabilities and individuals on the autism spectrum. She has been in practice for over 27 years.
Dr. Bline is the Executive Director for Developmental Associates, LLC and employs Psychology Aides that are focused on in-home programs, behavior management, school consultations, home consultations, and other non-traditional psychological services. We have over 60 years’ experience in Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy and Discrete Trial Training Programs.
Please research further the qualifications of our exemplary staff as referenced below!
Meet The Executive Staff
DR. CAROL A. BLINE
Dr. Bline completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies at Cornell University. She took a position as a Residential Teacher in a residential facility for children with autism for a year, then completed her doctoral degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She then completed an internship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Both of these programs are approved by the American Psychological Association (APA). She has been licensed by the State of Ohio as a Clinical Psychologist (OH #5339) since 1987.
Through Developmental Associates, LLC, (DA) Dr. Bline practices one-on-one therapy with children and adults, as well as administers evaluations for autism spectrum disorders and/or learning disorders. DA houses the Psychology Aides/ Residents and is focused on in-home programs, behavior management, school consultations, home consultation, and other non-traditional psychological services.
Dr. Bline has a special interest in autism spectrum issues as she is the sister and guardian of a precious young man, Greg, who is a year younger than she. Greg fit the classical definition of autism when he was a young lad, and was frequently distressed, upset, and completely unable to communicate until he learned sign language at age 8. He was not diagnosed with autism until age 6, and subsequently entered into a rudimentary applied behavior analysis/ discrete trial training program under the direction of a protégé of Ivar Lovaas. He is now a happy, content, socially engaged young man who fully participates in the activities of life. He remains her inspiration and motivation.
LEIGH ANNE LAWSON
Leigh Anne Lawson has been with Developmental Associates (DA) for eight years and is our Practice Director. She studied Business Management and Psychology at Columbus State and Ohio State University. She is a Columbus native, and utilizes her vast experience in the legal field to keep DA HIPAA compliant, organized, and constantly moving forward through the latest healthcare practices of e-health and telehealth. As DA’s Practice Director for the Columbus Easton and Geneva, Ohio offices, Leigh Anne manages all business practice management, handles our funding resources and seeks out new growth opportunities. She oversees office management and is responsible for the psychological evaluation process.
Meet Our Psychology Aides
Amy Ramsey
Amy is a dedicated educator who is passionate about helping children reach their full potential. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Otterbein University and her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from American InterContinental University. Amy also has a Reading Endorsement from Ashland University and Behavior Analysis from the University of Cincinnati, and is working on completing her Board Certification for BCBA. She is licensed to teach grades 1-8 in General Education and grades 1-12 in Reading. Amy is a Certified Life Coach and WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) Facilitator. She has over 15 years of teaching experience. For the last decade, Amy has served students with various developmental disabilities and has taught in many settings. Her enthusiasm and dedication for helping children, along with her educational background, make her an excellent addition to the Developmental Associates Team.
Tara Belczak
Tara has been working with children and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder for about six years. She came to Developmental Associates at the beginning of 2017. She has a Bachelors’ degree from Miami University in Kinesiology and Health Promotion, with a focus in Child Developmental Psychology. She loves spending time with her family and giant pup, photography, and taking her kayaks out on the water.
Kacey Lawson, LSW
Kacey was our first Licensed Social Worker to hire. She is a jack of all trades! She has been with the company for eight years and continues to progress. Kacey has her Bachelor’s in Social Work, along with her state licensure. She is also currently working on her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She works mainly with teenagers and adults with anxiety and depression and likes to incorporate art in her therapy sessions. She works with individuals to improve many areas of their lives and helps them to succeed using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She works at many different levels within the company.
In her free time, she likes to play video games across several different platforms, spend time with all her different animals, and watch many different types of movies/shows.
Andrea Townsend
Andrea is one of our office assistants who has spent her entire career working in medical offices. Her expertise lies in reception and billing. Andrea loves to spend her time outside of work with her husband, children, and fur-baby at racing events and traveling.
Mathew Richards
Mathew is a Psychology Aide with 9 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Mathew has a master’s degree in developmental psychology and is currently pursuing his doctorate in same. In the past Mathew has worked as a substitute teacher in Columbus City Schools as well as a home health aide. Growing up with a brother on the autism spectrum has been an inspiration for Mathew’s pursuit of higher education and desire to help others in similar positions. At home, he enjoys writing fiction, tabletop games, and playing his violin.
Erin Ashmore
Erin is a behavioral intervention therapist with a Bachelors’ degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from The Ohio State University. For the past 10 years, she has acquired experience with families and children of all ages. She enjoys teaching social skills through play interactions and music (using her guitar.) She also has two therapy rabbits, Bebop and Rocksteady, who accompany her to the office and to homes for sessions. She uses them in sessions with clients to help with recognizing nonverbal cues, understanding perspectives of others, improving impulse control, and so much more.
Laurie Malony
Laurie comes to us as a Psychology Aide with over 20 years experience in the field of school psychology in a variety of settings. She has enjoyed her roles as a team member, consultant, counselor, learning specialist, life coach, speaker and problem solver. Laurie has worked with preschoolers to adults and their families throughout her career. She views people holistically. She is glad to join you at school meetings as your advocate. She has two young adult daughters, a big White Shepherd dog named Maggie and 3 cats. She really enjoys helping children, young people and parents through transitions in their lives.
Amanda Kennedy, LSW
Amanda Kennedy graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in Social Work and is a Licensed Social Worker. She has six years of experience working with families and children in the field of Developmental Disabilities. In her free time, she enjoys reading, community involvement and being outdoors.
Mallory Wise
Mallory has been working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum on and off for over a decade. She has her Master’s Degree in Behavioral Analysis from the University of Cincinnati and is passionate about working with children. During her career in behavior analysis, Mallory was the Behavior Support Specialist for a local school district where she was the Crisis Intervention and De-escalation trainer. There she was responsible for presenting on several topics related to behavior and behavior management for professional development for district staff. Mallory loves being around people and likes to incorporate music into anything she can.
Kirah Triplett
Kirah joined the team in 2022, and has been a social worker for 2 years. She graduated Kent State with a degree in Sociology and Psychology with a minor in Medical Sociology in 2018. She then went on to finish her Masters in Social Work at Ohio State University in 2019. A native of the Columbus area, she enjoys travelling (with the goal of going to all 50 states), and going to concerts with peers. Kirah enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family!
Jennifer Yoder
Jenn is a Behavioral Intervention Therapist and qualified Teacher with Bachelor’s Degree in Early Elementary and Special Education and Master of Arts Degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She is licensed to teach in grades Prek-5 and in a special needs setting for grades K-12. She specializes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), and a variety of communicative needs. She enjoys teaching social/communicative skills through game play in natural environments while centering on each individual’s unique areas of interest. “In addition to my professional experience, special needs/autism is my entire world … literally. My little boy has autism/significant communicative needs and is my sole inspiration for everything I do and everyone I help.”
Ari Bandler
Ari joined our team at the beginning of 2023. He has a Masters in Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work in New York City and is a Licensed Social Worker. Ari has over 10 years of experience working with youth and young adults who struggle with mental health and behavior management as well as providing guidance to their families. He is passionate about helping the clients he works with and seeing their successes. Ari enjoys spending time with his family, reading, cooking, and watching any and all of his favorite DC sports teams.
Taylor Locascio
Taylor is a Psychology Aid who joined the team in 2022. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of Alabama (roll tide) in 2019 and recieved her Masters in Social Work in 2021 from the Ohio State University. She has been working with children for 5+ years and has a strong passion for helping families. Taylor loves the beach, traveling, and spending quality time with her friends and family!
Sorpresa Jones
Sorpresa is a licensed Intervention Specialist with a Master’s in Mild-to-Moderate Educational Needs from Ohio University. Sorpresa has several years of experience teaching students with exceptional needs. She has taught all subjects, including social and emotional learning, in various grade levels to meet the diverse learning needs of her students. She specializes in teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She enjoys spending time with her family, eating Chipotle, and going to church in her free time.
Ciarra Strange
Ciarra joined our team in 2023. She recieved her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University. She has been working in the medical field for 5 years and with children for 2+ years. First, as a Registered Behavioral Technician, and now as a Psychology Aide. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, watching movies, roller skating, and traveling.
Kyle Baker
Kyle is a psychology aide with experience in the field of counseling. He is also a CET coach focused on assisting clients with schizophrenia, bipolar, and autism improve mindfulness and achieve their vocational goals. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University. Kyle is dedicated to assisting people meet their personal and vocational goals. In his free time he enjoys playing board games and video games. He also enjoys music in all forms and playing his ukulele.
Nicholas Mayle
Nicholas Mayle is a Psychology Aide with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of Akron, minoring in Sports Coaching & Education. With experiences in ABA services, addiction services, psychological research, non-profit after-school programs, and strength and conditioning coaching, Nicholas strives to use his broad experiences to provide open-minded and adaptable approaches to therapy. As a former division-one football player for the Akron Zips, Nicholas incorporates physical activity, cooperation, communication and teamwork in his therapeutic approach. Nicholas enjoys spending time with his younger brother, supporting his college football recruitment process, and can often be found in the gym, or at home, indulging in music, research and art.
Jennifer Jackson
Jennifer is a Psychology Aide with 4 years of experience working with individuals with developmental and learning disabilities. She has a master’s degree in Educational Studies and is currently pursuing her doctorate in School Psychology. In the past 3 years, Jennifer has worked with school psychologists in the clinical and school setting to evaluate children suspected of having a disability. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.