The Full Story
The Autism Center
They say the bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly, given the size of its wings with respect to its body. But in reality, this isn't true. Bumblebees can and do fly all the time. You may have heard someone tell you your child will never be able to do something, but we're here to tell you that isn't necessarily so. We're here to support you and your family in empowering your child to reach new heights.
Diagnosis
When parents learn their child has autism, this often leaves unanswered questions. Will my child ever be independent? Can they have a good and happy life?
Support
While it presents unique circumstances for families, autism is not a death sentence. The Autism Center is here to equip you and your family with the tools you need to improve your child's quality of life.
Treatment
We focus on functional skills such as communication, emotional regulation, independence in school, and more. Our services also target maladaptive behavior for decrease and replace these behaviors with appropriate, pro-social behaviors that meet the same wants and needs.
Collaboration
The Autism Center is unique in its emphasis on well-rounded healthcare. Collaboration with outside professionals can look different depending on the individual and provider, but this can look like adapting sessions to support other therapies or providing behavioral data of the symptoms treated by psychotropic medications.
Meet our Team
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Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Dr. Sarah Lewis, Ph.D., BCBA, LBA
With over a decade of working with children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, Sarah received her Masters in Education from Western Governors University and completed her Applied Behavior Analysis coursework at the Florida Institute of Technology at the age of 20. She completed her doctorate at Capella University with a major in Psychology and a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. Beyond autism, Sarah works with individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, fragile X, down syndrome, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, and more. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys playing board games, visiting museums, and hanging out with her three children. As a Sauk Valley native, Sarah enjoys supporting rural families impacted by autism spectrum disorder.
Clinical Director
Kristina Asen, M.S., BCBA
Kristy has been working with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder for over 10 years. She graduated from the University of Southern Maine with her Masters in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has experience with children on the spectrum, as well as children diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, Fragile X syndrome, PANDAS, and more. Kristy is passionate about teaching and employing empathy, and helping children increase their functional communication. Outside of work, Kristy loves making memories with her loving husband and three daughters. Having fun family time, one game of Hungry Hungry Hippos at a time.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Erica Kaufman, M.S., BCBA
Erica is a Sauk Valley native, but has spent much of her teenage years and young adulthood moving around the states. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. While living in Montana, she fell so in love with all things ABA that she decided to pursue her master's in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. Erica has been a BCBA since early 2024, but started out as an RBT in 2018. She's excited to be back in the Sauk Valley area servicing families, as partaking in the success of clients is just as amazing for her as it is the families. Erica spends her free time curled up reading a book or at the gym. Erica has a diabetic cat named Pig (go figure), loves Chai lattes and bacon!
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Marleina Robson, M.S., BCBA, LBA
Marleina is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst residing in Central Illinois. She received her Masters in Behavior Analysis and Therapy from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale. She has been in the field of ABA for 8 years now, and was inspired to start her journey to become a BCBA due to her younger sister, who is on the autism spectrum. When Marleina is not at work, she loves to paint, spend time with her family, and hang out her two cats, Finn and Binx.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Shawn Dotson, M.A., BCBA, LBA
Shawn has been working in the field of ABA Since 2014, he started out as a Behavior Technician while he was pursuing his Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. It was during his time as a Behavior Technician, he fell in love with working with kids with autism. Eventually Shawn pursued and got his Master in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2020. Shawn has experience working in home, in clinic and remote settings and is passionate about working with the whole family system. Outside of work, Shawn enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 beautiful daughters or he is in the kitchen baking up some type of sourdough bread!
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Margaret Kuchler, M.S., BCBA, LBA
Margaret has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) based in the Chicago area since 2016. She is passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based support to individuals with autism and developmental differences. With experience across clinic, home, and community settings, she focuses on creating meaningful interventions that promote communication, independence, and overall quality of life. Outside of work, she loves exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods and spending time with her dog, Cooper. She is proud to be part of a team committed to making a lasting impact for the families we serve!
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Rachel Grenier, M.Ed., BCBA, LABA
Rachel discovered ABA back in 2014 while working as a developmental specialist for an Early Intervention agency, and was immediately drawn to the science behind behavior. Rachel obtained her Masters in Education from the University of Massachusetts in Boston along with her BCBA credential in 2019. Rachel is a respectful, compassionate clinician who strives to incorporate assent-based learning strategies for all of her clients, which includes teaching how to protest appropriately. Rachel has a passion for teaching caregivers and mentoring future BCBAs. When she is not working, Rachel enjoys playing with her dogs and exploring new restaurants.
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Andrea Reed, MBA, MS, OTR/L
Andrea is a passionate pediatric occupational therapist dedicated to helping children overcome developmental challenges in a supportive and inclusive environment. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she was honored with the President's Diversity Champion Award for her commitment to equity in care. Andrea brings a holistic and compassionate approach to therapy, combining evidence-based techniques with deep empathy for both children and their families. Her specialized training includes Move, Play, Thrive Brain and Sensory Foundations, Handwriting Without Tears, and feeding therapy. She believes in “connection over compliance,” creating a space where children feel safe, seen, and ready to grow at their own pace.With experience in both pediatric and adult settings, Andrea understands the importance of supporting not just the child but the entire family. She partners closely with parents, empowering them with tools, understanding, and grace as they navigate their child’s unique journey. Outside of her professional role, Andrea enjoys life with her husband and two sons—whether cheering on sports games, tackling DIY projects, or exploring new places together. These personal experiences continue to reinforce her belief in the power of strong, connected families.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Alicia Rosas, M.S., CFY-SLP/L
Alicia is a Speech-Language Pathologist at the Autism Center. She received her masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology from St. Ambrose University and is from Sterling,IL. She is excited to give back to her community by providing speech therapy services at the Autism Center of Illinois. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, coloring, baking. hanging out with friends and family, and buying anything related to Hello Kitty!
Site Director
Erin Tighe, Ed.M, Ed.D(c), RBT
Erin has been in the education field for over a decade- most recently discovering her love for ABA. Erin is an Illinois College alum and attended the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana for her master's in Educational Policy, Organization, and Leadership. Erin is continuing her education at UIUC as a doctoral candidate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education. In Erins free time she likes to watch her daughter play basketball, be a dog & cat mom, and she is a avid book reader. A Jacksonville native, Erin is excited to continue serving the community with the Autism Center.
Clinic Manager
Samantha Vancil-Dailey, RBT
Samantha Vancil-Dailey has been actively working in mental health for 10 years, providing support for individuals with physical and neurodevelopmental delays. She is passionate, experienced, and thoroughly understands how important early intervention is for children on the autism spectrum. Outside of working, Samantha loves being creative. Her work is often showcased in various DIY home projects, woodworking, and event decorating. Beyond that, Samantha says her favorite way to fill her cup is by getting outside with her dogs, spending time with her family, and having weekly game nights with her life-long friends.
Recruiting and Marketing Specialist
Krystal Murphy, RBT
Krystal discovered the world of ABA a few years ago and quickly knew it was where she belonged. What began as a career step soon became a true passion, inspiring her to pursue the long but rewarding journey toward becoming a BCBA. When she’s not engaging with the community or hosting hiring events for the clinic, Krystal is happily immersed in life with her two energetic children. Whether it’s gymnastics, school sports, horseback riding, or just about any activity under the sun, they keep her constantly on the move. Above all, being a mom is Krystal’s greatest joy and most heartfelt commitment.
Insurance Specialist
Cassi Appelquist
Cassi Appelquist is the insurance specialist at the Autism Center of Sauk Valley. She has worked in the hospital setting for 20 years with 6 years as an insurance specialist. She works diligently behind the scenes to keep services for our clients running smoothly on the insurance side of things. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and cooking.
RBT Operations Specialist
Katherine Williams-Willis, RBT
Katie began working as an RBT for the Autism Center in January of 2024. Prior to that, she was a Preschool Teacher for five years, for which she earned her Child Development Associate certification. Katie enjoys being a part of a workplace that helps children to learn and grow. Outside of work, Katie is the mother to two daughters that keep her on her toes. She enjoys playing video games, card games, Dungeons & Dragons and reading. She spends her free time with her friends and family.
Get in Touch
Autism Center of Illinois, LLC
1319 N. Galena Ave
Dixon, Illinois 61021
(815) 440-6134
