ORL is the second oldest ABA provider in the Seattle area. Our team of experienced clinicians is known for both compassionate care and clinical excellence. We are committed to helping each child grow with confidence, clarity, and support.
OUR MISSION
At ORL, our mission is to deliver exceptional, evidence-based care to the clients we serve, contribute to the advancement of behavior analysis through thoughtful practice and research, and advocate for the autism community with compassion, integrity, and purpose.
CLINICAL TEAM
ADMIN TEAM
MEET OUR TEAM
Our small team is a group of driven, highly qualified professionals passionate about providing the best care to our clients.
Kelly brings over 20 years of experience supporting children with autism through early intervention, communication strategies, and instructional design.
She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and co-owner at ORL. With a Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Washington, her career has included leadership roles at several prominent autism service organizations. She is a published researcher and frequent speaker at national conferences, with a deep commitment to evidence-based, compassionate care.
Kelly believes deeply in designing programs around each child’s strengths and celebrating meaningful progress.
Brandi has worked with children and teens with autism since 2004 and is known for her expertise in language development and values-driven programming. She earned her M.Ed. in Special Education with a focus in ABA from the University of Washington. At ORL, she leads intake coordination, supports staff training, and mentors future behavior analysts. She is known for integrating ACT into her work and ensuring every client is an active participant in their own progress.
Outside of work, Brandi enjoys gardening and hiking with her family and crafting new ways to help others grow.
Specialties:
Pragmatic and early language programming
ACT and assent-based care
Family coaching and intake support
Education & Credentials:
M.Ed., University of Washington
BCBA, Licensed in Washington
Brenda Taylor, M.Ed., BCaBA, LABA
Program Manager/Consultant
More about Brenda (she/her)
Brenda brings over eight years of experience at ORL and a lifelong passion for helping children unlock their unique strengths—both professionally and personally. With a Master’s in Early Childhood Education and a BCaBA certification, Brenda has supported children through various roles at ORL, from therapy assistant to program manager to consultant. As a parent of three neurodivergent children, she brings empathy and lived experience to every interaction. Brenda is especially passionate about working with children others may see as “challenging” and takes pride in crafting individualized strategies that foster confidence and growth.
Brenda finds inspiration in nature and volunteers with local Scout troops to help children build resilience outdoors. She enjoys hiking, camping, reading, and solving puzzles in her downtime.
Specialties:
Supporting neurodivergent children
Early childhood education & behavioral strategies
Family-centered, strengths-based care
Education & Credentials:
M.Ed., Early Childhood Education
BCaBA & LABA
B.A., Psychology
Emily Sturdivant, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Program Manager/Consultant
More about Emily (she/her)
Emily brings warmth and creativity to her work with children of all ages, with a special interest in early intervention and self-advocacy. She began working in ABA in 2017 and joined ORL in 2020. She holds a Master’s in ABA and has experience working with children from 18 months to 18 years. Her practice emphasizes language development and building self-confidence in every child she supports.
When she is not working, Emily enjoys reading, baking, and sharing sweet treats with loved ones.
Specialties:
Early intervention
Self-advocacy
Pragmatic language development
Education & Credentials:
M.Ed., Nicholls State University
BCBA, Licensed in Washington
Erin Watkins, Ph.D, LBA
Program Manager
More about Erin (she/her)
Erin brings a strong academic background and a thoughtful, person-centered approach to behavior analysis. Erin has worked in behavior analysis since 2010 and earned her Ph.D. from Western Michigan University. Her experience spans clinical, academic, and nonprofit settings. She’s known for her calm, collaborative style and commitment to lifelong learning.
She loves gardening, sci-fi novels, and spending time with her daughter.
Specialties:
Academic research and clinical supervision
Humanitarian and cross-cultural ABA applications
Compassionate behavior support
Education & Credentials:
Ph.D., Western Michigan University
LBA, Washington State
Krishna Lakhani, M.S, BCBA, LBA
Program Manager
More about Krishna (she/her)
Krishna brings a multicultural perspective and a strong passion for advocacy, ACT, and culturally responsive care. With a Master’s in ABA and a background spanning continents, Krishna works with learners of all ages. She’s particularly focused on creating spaces where children and families feel seen and respected, with an emphasis on self-advocacy and culturally sensitive programming.
Krishna speaks six languages and believes learning should be joyful, personal, and empowering.
Meaghan brings over a decade of experience in ABA and a deep personal commitment to supporting children with disabilities. Since joining ORL in 2012, Meaghan has worked across roles, helping learners from toddlerhood through adolescence. She is known for her thoughtful leadership and commitment to excellence in scheduling, training, and service coordination.
Meaghan enjoys running, cheering on Seattle sports teams, and time with family.
Specialties:
Team leadership & scheduling
Clinical supervision
Family-centered ABA care
Education & Credentials:
M.S., University of Arizona
BCBA, Licensed in Washington
Linnea Eldred, M.S., BCBA, LBA
Consultant
More about Linnea (she/her)
Linnea blends creative teaching tools with a passion for early intervention and nature-based learning.
Linnea joined ORL in 2019 and brings experience working with children with autism and developmental disabilities since 2018. Her interests include shaping behavior through acoustical guidance and supporting daily living skills.
Outside work, Linnea volunteers as a nature educator with Seattle Parks.
Specialties:
TAGteach (acoustical guidance)
Daily living skills
Self-advocacy and language development
Education & Credentials:
M.S., ABA, St. Cloud State University
BCBA, Licensed in Washington
Case Advisors
Bill Helsel, Ed.D, BCBA-D, LBA
Case Advisor
More about Bill (He/Him)
Dr. Helsel is a seasoned clinician with decades of experience in behavior analysis, clinical psychology, and program development. With a doctorate in Educational Psychology, Dr. Helsel has held leadership and faculty roles across hospitals, universities, and ABA agencies. His work spans intensive clinical treatment, behavior research, and training of professionals across the U.S. He has served as president of multiple behavior analysis associations and is widely respected in the field.
Bill is passionate about effective, person-centered behavior support that respects each client’s individuality.
Specialties:
Complex clinical cases
Program design for developmental disabilities
Staff training & performance management
Education & Credentials:
Ed.D., Northern Illinois University
BCBA-D
Past President, NCABA & PennABA
Janani Vaidya, M.S., BCBA, IBA
Case Advisor
More about Janani (They/Them)
Janani brings deep clinical insight, a contextual approach to care, and a strong focus on client autonomy and advocacy.
Janani is a behavior analyst, faculty member, and mentor with expertise in contextual behavior science and assent-based practices. They are passionate about shaping enriching experiences for neurodivergent individuals through client-centered, inclusive care.
Janani enjoys exploring behavioral philosophy and offering guidance around perspective-taking.
Specialties:
Assent-based practice & client advocacy
Gender-affirming and culturally responsive care
Clinical behavior analysis
Education & Credentials:
M.S., Behavior Analysis
BCBA & IBA certified
Shahla Ala’i, Ph.D., BCBA-D, CPBA-AP
Case Advisor
More about Shahla (she/her)
Dr. Ala’i is a globally recognized leader in behavior analysis, social justice, and family-centered care. Dr. Ala’i is a professor at the University of North Texas and has over four decades of experience working with families and training future clinicians. Her research focuses on equity, ethics, and the intersection of science and compassion in ABA.
Shahla is an award-winning educator and the author of several books on mentoring and love-based autism treatment.
Specialties:
Ethics & cultural humility
Early intervention & parent training
Social justice in ABA
Education & Credentials:
Ph.D., University of Kansas
BCBA-D, CPBA-AP
OUR ADMIN TEAM
Our administrative staff are the backbone of our organization, handling scheduling, finances, billing, and daily operations so our clinicians can focus on what matters most: supporting children and their families.
Martese Monroe
Business Manager
More about Martese (she/her)
Martese brings over a decade of nonprofit and administrative leadership experience to ORL, where she ensures our operations run with both heart and efficiency. Martese joined ORL in 2021 with extensive experience in high-level administrative roles across human services organizations. As Business Manager, she oversees daily operations and plays a vital role in maintaining the smooth delivery of ABA services. Her values closely align with ORL’s mission, which drew her to the organization. She is also the founder of Skully Serves, a nonprofit promoting youth volunteerism.
Martese loves traveling, reading, staying active, and volunteering for community causes that make a difference.
Specialties:
Operations & organizational management
Nonprofit and civic engagement
Value-aligned leadership
Professional Background:
10+ years in administrative leadership
Founder of Skully Serves (nonprofit)
Mary Warthan
Senior Administrator
More about Mary (she/her)
Mary brings a unique blend of administrative expertise and firsthand clinical experience to her role as Senior Administrator at ORL. After previously working as a Certified Behavior Technician (CBT) in 2020, she returned to ORL with a deep appreciation for its mission and community. In the years between, Mary served as a clinical coordinator at a neuropsychological testing center in Los Angeles, further strengthening her skills in client care and operational support.
Originally from Las Vegas, Mary enjoys spending time with her tuxedo cat, Soba, working on latch hook kits, and listening to 60s soul music in her downtime.
Specialties:
Administrative systems & client coordination
Clinical operations support
Professional Background:
Clinical Coordinator, neuropsychological testing center (Los Angeles)
Former Certified Behavior Technician (CBT), ORL
B.A. in Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Paul Kruglik
Fractional CFO
More about Paul (He/Him)
Paul brings strategic financial expertise to ORL, ensuring our services are delivered sustainably while upholding our mission. As ORL’s fractional CFO, Paul guides our financial planning and ensures the organization operates with long-term stability and fiscal responsibility. He also serves as a Managing Partner for Tatum’s Northwest Practice. A father of two, Paul is personally committed to the work ORL does to support children with autism and their families.
Paul finds personal meaning in supporting ORL’s mission, driven by his own experience as a parent.
Specialties:
Financial strategy & planning
Fiscal oversight in healthcare services
Nonprofit and mission-driven finance
Professional Background:
Managing Partner, Tatum Northwest
Financial leadership in mission-driven organizations
