Empowering children to reach new heights since 2023
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
_edited.jpg)
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Dr. Sarah Lewis, Ph.D., BCBA, LBA
Dr. Lewis is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, a Sauk Valley native, and a proud mother of a child with autism. After finishing high school, she quickly discovered her passion for the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and began working as a Registered Behavior Technician at a clinic in the Chicago area. Driven by both personal and professional purpose, she went on to earn her master’s degree and BCBA credential at the age of 20. Throughout her career, Dr. Lewis has gained a wide range of experience across diverse settings, from early intervention to adults. Her research in alternative modes of communication reflects her deep commitment to advancing communication outcomes for individuals with complex needs.
Today, she is the founder and CEO of the Autism Center of Illinois, where she leads a dedicated team providing high-quality, individualized ABA therapy in both in-home and clinic-based settings. Her work focuses on empowering individuals with autism by strengthening communication, social interaction, and daily living skills—helping each person reach their fullest potential. With a unique blend of professional expertise and lived experience, Dr. Lewis continues to advocate, innovate, and lead with compassion. Her vision is rooted in creating a more inclusive and supportive future—one where individuals with autism and their families have access to the resources, opportunities, and understanding they deserve. As she looks ahead, Dr. Lewis remains dedicated to expanding her impact, strengthening her community, and helping shape a future filled with possibility, growth, and hope. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys playing board games, visiting museums, and hanging out with her three children.
Clinical Director
Kristina Asen, M.S., BCBA, LBA
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.
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.
Lead Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Erica Kaufman, M.S., BCBA, LBA
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!
Lead 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
Tiffany Shattuck, M.A., BCBA, LBA
Tiffany has nearly 20 years of experience supporting children with autism, beginning her career in mental health counseling and crisis intervention before entering the ABA field in 2014. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree in ABA from Ball State University, becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2024. Tiffany has worked in home, school, and clinic settings and is passionate about helping children find their voice and supporting families through each step of their journey. Her perspective as a parent of a child with autism guides her compassionate and family-centered approach.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Mikayla Johnson, M.A., BCBA, LBA
Mikayla is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with five years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis therapy. She earned her Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University and obtained her BCBA certification in 2024. Throughout her career, she has worked with children across a wide range of developmental and behavioral needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, and Epilepsy. Outside of her work, she enjoys reading, baking, and spending quality time with friends and family.
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
Kristina Baker, M.S., BCBA, LBA
Kristina is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at the Autism Center of Illinois and has been in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for the past 9 years, and achieved her BCBA credential about five years ago. She loves watching her clients learn new skills and supporting the families she works with. On the weekends you might find her watching college football with her husband and son or exploring nature with her dogs.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kimberly Docking, M.S., CCC-SLP
Kimberly has had the honor of serving communities as a speech-language pathologist for over 10 years. She believes having the means to communicate your wants and needs is a right every child deserves! Kimberly earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and went on to receive a Master of Science in Communication Disorders from Indiana State University. She is ASHA-certified and licensed to practice in both Illinois and Alabama. With experience in both school and pediatric clinic settings, she has supported children with a wide range of needs, including early language development, speech sound disorders, language disorders, fluency, and functional communication. Currently based in Alabama, Kimberly enjoys spending time in Birmingham with her husband and two daughters when she is not working.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Alicia Rosas, M.S., SLP
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!
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.
Get in Touch
Autism Center of Illinois, PLLC
1387 N. Galena Ave
Dixon, Illinois 61021
(815) 440-6134
