Staff
Founders of Applied Learning Institute
Casey Falen, M.A., BCBA, COBA
CEO, Director of Business Operations
Casey Falen received her Masters of Arts from Western Michigan University in Psychology/Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in both Organizational Behavior Management and Professional Psychology (Autism) and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Licensed Behavior Analyst. Upon graduating from WMU, she was recruited to work for a private agency in Ontario, Canada, which specialized in autism services. After three years abroad, Casey returned to the U.S. where she has worked as a behavior analyst in the states of California, New York, and Ohio providing in-home services, behavioral consultation, staff training, parent training, and more, both with agencies and privately. She has worked with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities for over fifteen years. Casey’s passion for helping others has led her to link arms with other leading behavior analysts to co-found two ABA therapeutic agencies including the Autism Behavior Consulting firm in New York and most recently, Applied Learning Institute in Ohio.
Holly Rittenhouse-Cea, Ph.D. BCBA, COBA
COO, Director of Clinical Operations
Dr. Holly Rittenhouse-Cea received her PhD from Fordham University in Language, Literacy, and Learning specifically related to students with disabilities, and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has worked in clinics, public and private schools, and in home programs for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities for over 15 years. As a behavior analyst, she has served the Ohio, Chicago, and Greater New York areas. Holly taught in the Division of Curriculum and Teaching at Fordham University training special education teaching candidates in behavioral methodologies for eight years, and in the Department of Special Education at Hunter College for three years. After spending the majority of her career out of state, Holly’s devotion to her home community of Dayton, Ohio led her back. She is currently the Director of the Master of Applied Behavior Analysis program at the University of Dayton, where she trains future behavior analysts and conducts research in applied behavior analysis. Holly is committed to expanding high quality treatment options for individuals with ASD in Ohio, as the Co-Founder of Applied Learning Institute.
Qualified Professionals Who Care
At ALI, we employ only the most qualified behavior technicians with extensive knowledge and experience in treating a wide range of issues. Each ALI behavior technician has undergone extensive training in ABA and autism spectrum disorder. All ALI staff receive ongoing training to ensure that ALI services reflect best practices.
Our staff exemplify a passion for implementing high quality, evidence-based ABA services. We work diligently to support our clients at every stage of development and are dedicated to ensuring our clients and their families can learn, grow, and thrive with the therapeutic care we provide.
Each ALI family comes to us with a unique set of needs. Our board certified behavior analysts will conduct skill based and functional assessments to identify the specific needs of each client to develop an individualized curriculum. Our data-based approach ensures that clients are making advances toward the best possible outcomes.
Director of Human Resources – Erika Russ
Erika Russ received her Master of Science in Administration of Human Services from Wilmington University in 2016. She began her career in Human Services as a Direct Care Professional in various settings such as group homes, day programs, and residential treatment facilities. She entered the field of Applied Behavior Analysis in 2011 as a Behavior Therapist and has worked in clinic, home, and school-based settings. Over the last decade, Erika has remained in the ABA field but has transitioned into various administrative and leadership roles. Erika also currently serves on the advisory board for the Women in Leadership program at Ashland University.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Jenna Abrahamson, M.Ed., BCBA, COBA
Jenna Abrahamson received her Master in Education in the Foundations of Behavior Analysis from the University of Cincinnati in 2018 and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Upon graduation from the University of Cincinnati, Jenna worked in Ohio as a BCBA in a clinical setting with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Jenna is Level 2 Certified in Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge (PEAK) curriculum through Emergent Learning Academy. She has also completed the Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment through Dr. Greg Hanley which focuses on a trauma-informed approach in ABA. Jenna is passionate about early intervention and making a difference in the lives of the families she serves.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Nathan Arnold, M.Ed., BCBA, COBA
Nathan Arnold received his Master in Special Education in the Foundations of Behavior Analysis from Ball State University in 2017 and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Upon graduation from Ball State University, Nathan worked in Michigan and Ohio as a BCBA in multiple settings with children and young adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Nathan has also completed the Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment through Dr. Greg Hanley which focuses on a trauma-informed approach in ABA. Nathan is passionate about helping children overcome obstacles and helping parents understand their children.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Kenzie Kleinhenz, M.Ed,, BCBA, COBA
Kenzie Kleinhenz received her Master in Education in the Foundations of Behavior Analysis from the University of Cincinnati in 2022 and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Prior to becoming a BCBA, Kenzie was a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and prior to that was a preschool teacher. She has experience working with clients ranging in age from 2-21 years old, while providing services within the home, school settings, and in the community. Kenzie is passionate about providing evidence-based practices and quality care to children and their families.
We employ therapists that are energetic and passionate about working with individuals with ASD. Visit our Careers page to learn more about the positions available on our team.