STAFF
Lauren Brennan Womble
Founder & Executive Director
Kameron Kaddouri
Support Teacher, Functional Communication
Michaela Birks
Support Teacher, Social Emotional
Ashley Franklin
Lead Teacher, Functional Communication
Hannah Fowler
Support Teacher, Functional Communication
Mariah Mauney
Lead Teacher
Intensive Communication Program
Christine Wood
Lead Teacher
Social Emotional
Ryann Riggs
Lead Teacher
Functional Communication
Michaela Birks
School Name (what kids call me): Ms. Birks
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Current Role: Social Emotional Support Teacher
PERSONAL INFO
I’ve lived in NC / RDU: 3 years
My family: Melissa, 9. Brooklynn, 6.
EXPERIENCE
# years working in education: 10
# years working with neurodivergent kids: 3
Degree(s) earned or currently acquiring in education/ABA/Behavior Analysis: Currently acquiring BA in Psychology
FAVORITE
Superhero: Wonder Woman
Villain: Queen Grimhilde
Animated movie: Buzz Lightyear
Season: Autumn
Snack food: Chips and Chocolate
Video game: Mario, of course!
I’D RATHER NOT
Eat: Super spicy foods
Be in: Trouble by my boss!
WHEN I HAVE “ME TIME”
I like to go: Salon/Spa and Starbucks
I like to: Shop
WHY
I work at TrueABAlities: It's a tighter-knit school with great teachers and the brightest learners
Why working with neurodivergent population excites/ motivates/ challenges me: For me, it's the little things! Goals, accomplishments, and milestones that may seem so small for other children, are HUGE in our school. When a learner meets and surpasses their goals, not only does it put a smile on my face, but the learners' face as well. It's an even greater feeling when a parent is overwhelmed with the feelings of being proud of their child and amazed with their progress and can also see a big change at home.
HOW
I approach each day: Like a Boss!...a Girl Boss, Mom Boss, and Teacher Boss. 💪
Working at TrueABAlities differs from previous schools: It differs greatly just from the classroom environment alone. A smaller school and class equal more one to one instruction, more impactful group instruction, and also provides the learners and teachers with the feeling of becoming a team, and like family.
COMMUNICATION
Preferred communication style: Verbal, in person
Most effective way to make me feel appreciated: Affection and words of affirmation.
STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
My super-power(s) (ie., naturally born strengths/gifts): My softness and patience.
My “kryptonite” (weakness that I’m comfortable leaving that way): Being a perfectionist.
Current ability I am working to strengthen: Self-motivation. Always important to self-motivate every single day, no matter the day!
Hannah Fowler
School Name (what kids call me): Ms. H
Preferred Pronouns: She/her
Current Role: Functional Communication Support Teacher
PERSONAL INFO
I’ve lived in NC / RDU: My entire life! Another original.
My family: I have 2 dogs, Rosie & Cooper.
EXPERIENCE
# years working in education: Less than a year
# years working with neurodivergent kids: 2 years
Degree(s) earned or currently acquiring in education/ABA/therapy: Planning to go to graduate school for Occupational Therapy!
FAVORITE
Superhero: Spider-Man
Villain: Captain Hook
Animated movie: The Lion King 1 and 2
Video game: Guitar Hero
Season: Summer
Snack food: Peanut butter and apples
I’D RATHER NOT
Eat: Oysters
Be in: Small spaces
WHEN I HAVE “ME TIME”
I like to go: To the beach.
I like to: Listen to podcasts on walks around the neighborhood. Spend time with my friend. Read; I am trying to read 52 books by the end of the year!
WHY
I work at True ABAlities: Because TrueABAlities is the place to be! I am grateful to be surrounded by a team that pushes me to be my best, celebrates my accomplishments, and most importantly shares the same passion of providing a safe and loving learning environment for the best kiddos.
Why working with neurodivergent population excites/ motivates/ challenges me: Working in this field is so exciting! It is super exciting to see my learners discover their voice and be able to communicate their wants and/or needs. Seeing their success motivates me to become a better educator every day.
HOW
I approach each day: With an open mind! You never know where the day may take you!
Working at True ABAlities differs from previous schools: TrueABAlities is different from other places because it focuses on the now and the then. We not only focus on success in the present day but also on learner’s long term adult outcomes…and we have a lot of fun while doing it! :)
COMMUNICATION
Preferred communication style: An assertive communication style– clear and direct yet respectful communication between both parties. :)
Most effective way to make me feel appreciated: Words of affirmation
STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
My super-power(s) (ie., naturally born strength/gift): Seeing the good in others!
My “kryptonite” (weakness that I’m comfortable leaving that way): Being a peacemaker
Current ability I am working to strengthen: My cooking abilities!
Christine Wood
What do the kids call you at school? Mrs. Wood
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Current Role? Social Emotional Lead Teacher
PERSONAL INFO
How long have you lived in NC / RDU? 9 years. Hometown: Bronx, NY
What would you like to share about your family? I have a son (13), daughter (11), Dobberman (1) Chihuahua (10) and an albino lavender king snake.
EXPERIENCE
# years working in education: 6
# years working with neurodivergent kids: 6
Degree(s) you have earned or currently acquiring in Education/ Behavior:
Currently: PhD Educational Psychology
Conferred: Master’s in Psychology specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis
Conferred: Bachelor's of Science, Psychology
FAVORITE
Superhero: Cheetara (Thundercats)
Villain: The Grinch
Animated movie: The Land Before Time
Season: Fall/Autumn
Snack food: Anything on a charcuterie board
Video game: Super Mario
I’D RATHER NOT
Eat: Liver and onions
Be in: Any place with too many people
WHEN I HAVE “ME TIME”
I like to go to: The spa, or anywhere quiet
I like to: Watch scary movies alone
WHY
I work at TrueABAlities: because it is the only educational model that I've experienced that is built on the science of ABA and truly personalizes a learner's learning experience from the learner to caretakers and parents.
Working with neurodivergent population excites, motivates & challenges me:
It's my calling!
When I was in third grade, I read well below grade level. I "failed" standardized testing. Reading made me feel physically ill. I felt like I wanted to throw up. Small print in books, chalk print on blackboards and bright lights gave me terrible headaches.
I was heartbroken when I was told I had to repeat the third grade. The next school year I read everything and anything into a cassette tape recorder. I listened and reread, listened, and reread until I was happy with the way I sounded and understood what I was reading. I remember the disappointment I felt in the adults around me for doing whatever they could to improve my literacy skills. Every year after that,I was an honor roll learner. I knew then I would be a different kind of teacher.
HOW
I approach each day: Tabula rasa, each day is a clean slate. I don't ever want my learners to have that feeling in the pit of their stomach about something that happened yesterday.
Working at TrueABAlities differs from previous schools:
In traditional public schools I was a one-man island (maybe 3 I have the best assistants!), but here at TrueABAlities it's quite the opposite. No one is an island. I've never experienced support like this before. This school has brought out my true abilities!
COMMUNICATION
Preferred communication style? Text or email
Most effective way to make you feel appreciated:
Most effective way to make me feel appreciated is through collaboration. I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with my team, learners, and parents. Together we can hard things!
STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
My super-power(s) (ie., naturally born strength/gift): Reading a room very well! Feeling all the feelings.
What is your “kryptonite” (a weakness that you are comfortable leaving that way)?
Hugs. Any invasion of my physical personal space. Ask my learners, they'll tell you Mrs. Wood is a cactus.
What is a current ability you are working to strengthen?
Asking for help. I'm working very hard on this.
Kameron kaddouri
What do the kids call you at school? Mr. K
Preferred Pronouns: he/him
Current Role? Support Teacher in the Littles room
PERSONAL INFO
How long have you lived in NC / RDU? 5 years
What would you like to share about your family? I am from Hendersonville, NC. I attended NC State and then decided to stay in the Raleigh area after graduating in 2022. Growing up, my family fostered numerous kids including my now little brother, Gunner! I currently live in Cary with 3 of my good friends and my Cat, Tilly.
EXPERIENCE
# years working in education: This is my first year teaching!
# years working with neurodivergent kids: 10 years
Degree(s) you have earned or currently acquiring in Education/ Behavior: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & pursuing my Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis
FAVORITE
Superhero: Batman
Villain: Darth Vader
Animated movie: Princess Mononoke
Season: Winter
Snack food: Pretzels
Video game: Super Smash Bros
I’D RATHER NOT
Eat: Greens, (I know! This is the absolute worst, but the only green I like is Broccoli)
Be in: Trouble!!
WHEN I HAVE “ME TIME”
I like to go to: I like to relax and just watch a show/movie with my roommates/girlfriend.
I like to: I like to workout, golf, hang out with friends, read a book (on the beach), and just have free time to do whatever!
WHY
I work at TrueABAlities: I have had a passion for working with neurodivergent kids since my freshman year of High School, and growing up I also wanted to become a teacher. So put those two together; TrueABAlities is the perfect fit for me!
Working with neurodivergent population excites, motivates & challenges me: I feel drawn to this field because I have a lot of personal experience growing up surrounded by neurodiversity. A few examples of this would be spending time with my Uncle Richard who has down syndrome, hanging out with two special needs kids my age after school that my parents worked with in Middle School, and in Highschool I babysat for a family of 3 boys, one being diagnosed with ASD.
HOW
I approach each day: I always try to put my best foot forward, you’ll rarely catch me having a bad day because when you love what you do it really doesn’t feel like work. Does that make it any less tiring? No! But I am so grateful that I get to do what I do and work with such awesome kids that it makes it all oh so worth it!
Working at TrueABAlities differs from previous schools: Coming from only knowing a clinical setting, I just appreciate getting to see the whole class every day and working with a small group of amazing people to ensure our kiddos get the best experience and education possible! Also the entire staff at TrueABAlities are amazing!
COMMUNICATION
Preferred communication style? An assertive communication style is important because I don't like to beat around the bush about things.
Most effective way to make you feel appreciated: I love receiving positive feedback! And who doesn't like to receive gifts.
STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
My super-power(s) (ie., naturally born strength/gift): I think my “superpower” would be my ability to get on the same level as other people, whether it’s matching their energy, reading their mood to figure out how to help a situation, or just being super flexible in general with niche wants or needs.
What is your “kryptonite” (a weakness that you are comfortable leaving that way)? I often find myself putting other people and their feelings first. But I am comfortable with this “kryptonite” because I will never burden myself with something I don't think I can handle.
What is a current ability you are working to strengthen? Time management and prioritizing
Ryann Riggs
School Name (what kids call me): Ms R
Preferred Pronouns: she/her
Current Role: Functional Communication Lead Teacher
PERSONAL INFO
I’ve lived in NC / RDU: 14 years
My family: Husband, two teen daughters, 2 cats, and a dog
EXPERIENCE
# years working in education: 13 years
# years working with neurodivergent kids: 10 years
Degree(s) earned or currently acquiring in education/ABA/Behavior Analysis: Pursuing a Masters in ABA planned graduation date April 2024. Bachelor of Science in Psychology, focus in ABA. Associate of General studies, focus in Early Childhood Development.
FAVORITE
Superhero: Captain Underpants
Villain: Ursula
Animated movie: Lion King
Video game: Don’t play - so whatever my kiddos (learners) like.
Season: Spring
Snack food: Cheese
I’D RATHER NOT
Eat: Onions and Meat (I'm a vegetarian)
Be in: Large crowds and the cold
WHEN I HAVE “ME TIME”
I like to go: outside in the sun, literally anywhere
I like to: hike, kayak, be by or in the water, sit around a campfire
WHY
I work at True ABAlities: The foundational goals align with my passion and views - opening up the world to our learners, helping them grow, develop, and learn functional skills as they become young adults.
Working with neurodivergent population excites/motivates/challenges me: For some reason I just connect really easily and really well with this population. Always have. I guess this is truly my God given talent and superpower. I get to create ways to connect and find that special way into someone else’s world. I love that. Once I make that connection the possibilities are endless. And the little wins are actually huge moments of progress and growth. Every child is unique. Every moment is different. Everyday is a celebration!
HOW
I approach each day: With a very strong cup of coffee.
Working at True ABAlities differs from previous schools: Classrooms are divided by age and specific needs. It's not a one size fits all kind of school. I really love how each child’s needs are considered and the learning approach and goals tailored to those needs.
COMMUNICATION
Preferred communication style: Text or email
Most effective way to make me feel appreciated: “Thank yous” and free food.
STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
My super-power(s) (ie., naturally born strength/gift): My nose, it's a super sniffer!
My “kryptonite” (a weakness that I am comfortable leaving that way): Large crowds and public speaking
Current ability I am working to strengthen: My technical skills in ABA
Mariah Mauney
School Name (what kids call me): Ms. M or Ms. Mariah
Preferred Pronouns: she/her
Current Role: Lead Teacher, Intensive Communication Program
PERSONAL INFO
I’ve lived in NC / RDU: 10 years
My family: My cat, Smudge (aka “Banana”)
EXPERIENCE
# years working in education: 7 years
# years working with neurodivergent kids: 11 years
Degree(s) earned or currently acquiring in education/ABA/Behavior Analysis: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), M.A. Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis
FAVORITE
Superhero: Spiderman
Villain: Loki
Animated movie: Wall-E
Video game: Hollow Knight
Season: Fall
Snack food: Chips
I’D RATHER NOT
Eat: slugs
Be in: trouble
WHEN I HAVE “ME TIME”
I like to go: Concerts/music festivals
I like to: read, play video games, visit with friends and family (including my cat), travel, eat good food, dance, live music
WHY
I work at True ABAlities: TrueABAlities has given me the opportunity to showcase my strengths while continuing to grow and improve as an educator.
Working with neurodivergent population excites/motivates/challenges me: There is nothing more rewarding (to me) than helping a child discover the power of their voice.
HOW
I approach each day: One step at a time.
Working at True ABAlities differs from previous schools: True ABAlities focuses on the functional application of ABA to learner objectives and outcomes.
COMMUNICATION
Preferred communication style: Whichever method is the most efficient way to deliver the information. If it’s quick, text or e-mail. If it’s personal, face-to-face.
Most effective way to make me feel appreciated: Lots of reassurance
STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
My super-power(s) (ie., naturally born strength/gift): I’ve been told I can speak to animals.
My “kryptonite” (a weakness that I am comfortable leaving that way): Flying insects
Current ability I am working to strengthen: Self-advocacy
Ashley Franklin
School Name (what kids call me): Mrs. A
Preferred Pronouns: she/her
Current Role: Lead Functional Communication Teacher
PERSONAL INFO
I’ve lived in NC / RDU: 10 years
My family: I live with my husband (Brian), and children Madelyn (6) and Graham (3). We have a goofy german shepherd named Shaye and a cat named Milk.
EXPERIENCE
# years working in education: 3
# years working with neurodivergent kids: 7
Degree(s) earned or currently acquiring in education/ABA/Behavior Analysis: Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and am currently acquiring my Master’s in Behavior Analysis
FAVORITE
Superhero: Spiderman
Villain: Maleficent
Animated movie: The Little Mermaid
Video game: Mario Kart or Dreamlight Valley
Season: Fall
Snack food: All chips
I’D RATHER NOT
Eat: Mushrooms
Be in: Crowded and enclosed spaces
WHEN I HAVE “ME TIME”
I like to go: Get my nails done
I like to: Go see movies, travel, hiking when the weather is nice
WHY
I work at True ABAlities: I get to merge my love and passion for education and behavior analysis together. I love that we are able to focus on each child’s individual needs and set them up for true success when they enter the world as adults.
Working with neurodivergent population excites/motivates/challenges me: I have a unique ability to reach children, and connect with them in a way that also brings me fulfillment to my own life. I live for the moment where something clicks for that child and their eyes light up. It fuels me to continue problem-solving and striving for new ways to learn and engage.
HOW
I approach each day: With an open mind and a happy heart
Working at True ABAlities differs from previous schools: We are able to create goals to meet the child’s needs. They are exposed to whole-group learning in smaller ratios and are set up from success from the very beginning, with their long-term future kept in mind at all times.
COMMUNICATION
Preferred communication style: Text/email
Most effective way to make me feel appreciated: Positive and intentional feedback
STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
My super-power(s) (ie., naturally born strength/gift): I’m very intuitive to the needs and feelings of others without any words being spoken.
My “kryptonite” (a weakness that I am comfortable leaving that way): I am a perfectionist. It motivates me to always do better than the day before.
Current ability I am working to strengthen: Self-care
Lauren Brennan Womble
What do the kids call you at school? Mrs B
Preferred Pronouns: She/her
Current Role? Executive Director and Founder
PERSONAL INFO
How long have you lived in NC / RDU?
A rare NC native! I left to go to college and stayed gone for 9 years, and have been back 9 years
What woud you like to share about your family?
I am married for the second time to a wonderful man named Jeff and we have three kids together, Cece is our oldest (she turns 15 in June), Luke is 14, and Savannah just turned 13. We also have three dogs, Wilson is our big boy who is a gentle spirit and has a lots of anxiety, Abby, a beagle, is our old grumpy girl, and Beans is our newest addition who is a 1-year old Peekapom that is spoiled rotten and attached to me at the hip! We have a crazy cat named Squeaks and a yard cat that lives under our shed named Sheddy Bodi.
EXPERIENCE
# years working in education: 20
# years working with neurodivergent kids: 20
Degree(s) you have earned or currently acquiring in Education/Behavior/Therapy:
Masters in special education
FAVORITE
Superhero: Teachers and First responders
Villain: I don’t like villains. I am all about making kind and loving choices and finding the best in everyone even in movies, shows, and books. LOL
Animated movie: Inside Out!
Video game: None…..yuck!
Season: I love the crisp air and smell and feel of leaves changing color and falling from the trees, but I also love warm and hot weather because being outside brings me peace and joy. So, I have to say I like all seasons except winter, except when it snows, because that brings me joy too!
Snack food: Healthy popcorn
I’D RATHER NOT
Eat: Mushrooms
Be in: An argument with someone
WHEN I HAVE “ME TIME”
Where do you like to go?
Anything outside…the beach, the lake, the mountains, local nature spots to walk and swim like Jordan Lake.
What do you like to do? I love to be active, so all the “ings”….boxing, camping, hiking, biking, boating, kayaking, fishing, cooking, dancing, laughing, and yoga(ing).
I also enjoy having deep conversation over a warm drink. I have a lot of things that bring joy into my life.
WHY
I started TrueABAlities?
This is the fruition of my dreams, everything that I have been brainstorming and envisioning over my many years working in the field, I have worked in so many settings and have spent time taking stock of the things that worked and did not work in every environment I worked in so I could one day create a place that combined the best of the things that I experienced and troubleshot the problems I encountered.
Why does working with neurodivergent population excite/motivate/challenge/ground you?
I know that I was created with this as my purpose and was born with innate gifts that would serve my learners. I was drawn into the field at a very young age because of incredible experiences with neurodivergent individuals. There is naturally something about me that neurodiverse individuals seem to respond to, a presence, or energy that makes them feel safe. I discovered that I had those gifts before I ever received formal training and have spent the rest of my life learning and training with the most talented people in a wide variety of specialties within the field. I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life. I cannot imagine a more worthy use of my time, energy, commitment, and love. I am driven to change long term outcomes for neurodiverse individuals and determined to show the world the incredible superpowers my learners possess. Every baby step we take in the classroom feels like reaching the top of Everest, and every baby step leads our learner closer to their long-term goals and succeeding out in the world as happy healthy well-rounded adults.
HOW
I approach each day: Ready to do a little bit better than the day before, life is about ever evolving.
How does working at TrueABAlities differ from previous schools/offices/therapy centers, etc?
First and foremost we focus from day one on the skills necessary for our learners to succeed in the real world. We take the time to plan long term outcomes with the parents and to set goals that get us there. We also empower the parents by training them and helping them to become experts so that they can implement goals in the home and community setting. We also hire the absolute most talented, driven, passionate, loving, committed, and knowledgeable staff. We provide a work place that is safe and nurturing and provides educators an environment where the culture is health, happiness, and balance. We provide a place where working moms don’t have to choose between being a good educator or a good mom. We invest in each staff member and provide individualized support and training so that they can be their best and most effective selves. We also use a consistent method across classrooms, so regardless of the content being taught, the approach is the same, which means continuity across classrooms and replicability of efficacy. We stay up to date on advances within the science of applied behavior analysis and use the most cutting-edge tools to advance our learners skills.
COMMUNICATION
Preferred communication style? Face-to-face
Most effective way to make you feel appreciated? Specific compliments
STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES
My super-power(s) (ie., naturally born strength/gift): I am incredibly stubborn, which when harnessed appropriately, can be a great strength, especially in the school environment I work in. I am also driven, passionate, and a fast learner
What is your “kryptonite” (a weakness that you are comfortable leaving that way)? I am not great at following rules so doing what I am told….did I mention I am stubborn and bossy?
What is a current ability you are working to strengthen?
Balance, self-care, valuing progress over perfection