Areas WE SERVE
DASH ABA - Jonesboro
900 Southwest Drive Ste D Jonesboro AR, 72401
870-842-DASH (3274)
870-641-7171 (FAX)
jonesboro@dashaba.org
Dr. Marissa Novotny
Director of Clinical Excellence Clinical Director, Jonesboro
Meet the Local Team
Dr. Marissa Novotny is the Director of Clinical Excellence and the Clinical Director of our Jonesboro, AR location at DASH ABA. She became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2014 and received her doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of South Florida in 2017. Since being introduced to the field of ABA over 10 years ago, she has worked in schools, homes, and centers providing services to children diagnosed with Autism.
Dr. Novotny has also had the opportunity to mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the field of ABA during her tenure at the University of Texas San Antonio. She has also worked on various research projects. Her primary focus is teaching children safety skills (e.g., stranger danger) and making ABA services more accessible through telehealth and website training.
Dr. Novotny ensures that everyone feels welcomed when coming through the clinic doors, whether team members, families, clients, or community helpers. When she is not looking at furthering her knowledge about ABA, she is busy spoiling her two fur babies, Betty and Koda, spending time at the gym as a powerlifter, or binge watching the latest new shows.
DASH ABA - Peoria
7314 N Willow Lake Ct.
Peoria IL, 61614
309-617-DASH (3274)
870-641-7171 (FAX)
peoria@dashaba.org
Meet the Local Team
Chelsea Connor is the Clinical Director of our Peoria, IL location at DASH ABA. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. She has worked in homes, schools, centers, and virtually, providing ABA services for families across the country.
In addition to her passion for using behavior analysis with individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities, she has an interest in using behavior analysis to address human challenges in health and fitness. She is also pursuing her certification as a Certified Health and Wellness Coach through the American Council on Exercise, as well as certification as a Certified Nutrition Coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Chelsea has a passion for supporting and creating an environment where clients and staff alike are able to become the best they can be, focusing on their strengths. In addition to her passion for behavior analysis, Chelsea is a wife and mother to 3 children and 2 dogs. Her free time is spent with her family- typically hustling between the dance studio, soccer fields, and softball diamonds to support her children’s interests and passions!
DASH ABA - Springfield
1720 W. Elfindale Street
Springfield, MO 65807
417-494-DASH (3274)
870-641-7171 (FAX) springfield@dashaba.org
870-641-7171 (FAX) springfield@dashaba.org
Meet the Local Team
Katie Adams is the Clinical Director of our Springfield, MO location at DASH ABA. She is a board certified behavior analyst who has been working with individuals with autism since 2011. She graduated with an undergraduate degree in K-12 special education, a masters degree in special education from KU and completed BCBA coursework through FIT. She worked in the public school setting as a teacher in an autism classroom and as a district BCBA while also doing in-home ABA therapy.
After leaving the public school system, Katie worked for Missouri State University as an Autism Resource Specialist and BCBA and was able to work with learners with autism all across the state of Missouri. She is passionate about helping learners achieve new goals through naturalistic, play-based and strength-based opportunities. She has worked in a variety of settings and with learners ranging from 2-21. While she has enjoyed working with learners of all ages, she has a passion for early intervention and working with clients and families to determine best pathways for developing their happiest and most fulfilling life.
DASH ABA - Florissant
760 Rue St. Francois St.,
Florissant, MO 63031
314-377-DASH (3274)
870-641-7171 (FAX)
florissant@dashaba.org
Meet the Local Team
Leesha Bitz is the Clinical Director of our Florissant, Mo location at DASH ABA. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst with a Bachelors degree in Education and a Master of Arts degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. Leesha has had over 10 years of experience providing support to clients and families in a center-based setting.
Leesha’s journey into ABA began as a middle school math and special education teacher in the public school system. After 2 years of teaching, Leesha craved more individualization and attention to growth than what the school system offered. After accidentally landing an RBT position, the individualized care, attention to detail, data analysis and impact on family life captured her heart and there wasn’t any other choice but to pursue it. Leesha specialized in early intervention and verbal behavior, working mostly with individuals ages 2-9 years old in a center-based setting.
Leesha has a passion to provide support for both individuals and families to work for the best outcome and most fulfilling life they can have. In addition to working with families and children at the center, Leesha enjoys her family at home as a wife and mother to 3 children. Her free time is spent exploring St. Louis with her family and volunteering at her church.
Along with her love of behavior analysis, she enjoys reading, crafting, cooking and spending time with her husband and 1 year old little boy! Her family are Springfield natives and love to support and explore the hidden gems, local attractions and great community.