What We Do:
Our goal is to provide highly effective treatment for children with autism and their parents by following a method scientifically proven to bring clear results. The method we use is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) based on extensive clinical peer reviewed research. We service families with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum 18 months to 18 years. Therapy addresses a variety of areas including language, cognitive, social, self-help (potty training, dressing, grooming, eating), gross motor & fine motor skills, play skills, and behavioral issues. Behavioral consultation includes skill assessment, functional behavioral assessment, treatment planning, parent training, and creating a behavior intervention plan (BIP).
We are locally owned with a heavy emphasis on in family involvement, flexibility, intervening in natural environments (home, schools, daycares, and other community locations), and extensive Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) training. We provide individualized treatment with hours recommended based on thorough assessment (4-40 hours a week depending on level of need). Our goal is for the child/adolescent to become more independent, develop healthy relationships, and eventually fade services. Our Behavior Analysts provide in-person supervision so that we can give RBT's direct support and adjust plans as needed. We provide parent training to help families work with their own children.
Insurance Coverage
Progress ABA is currently in Network with Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, CareSource, Ambetter, Peach State Health Plan, Amerigroup, WellCare, Molina Healthcare, Ambetter, and Compsych which manages United Healthcare plans for Comcast employees. We are also a Tricare and Medicaid approved provider. We will can also serve families who would like to pay out of pocket and out of Network with other insurance companies/plans.
ABA Staff
Behavior Analysts
Behavior Analysts are Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). BCBA's hold a master’s degree in psychology, education, or a related field. Consultants are supervised by the clinical director that oversees all Progress ABA programs.
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Adam Spencer MA, LBA, BCBA
Clinical Director Adam completed his B.S. in Psychology at Florida State University in 2001. While at FSU, started working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis focusing on therapy for children with Autism. Adam completed Directed Independent Studies under the supervision of Dr. Jon Bailey. Adam went on to receive his Master’s degree in Clinical Child Psychology with a specialization in ABA from East Carolina University under Dr. Jeannie Golden in 2004. He received the North Carolina Association for Behavior Analysis Student Scholarship in 2004 and received consultant training from the Lovaas Institute for Early Intervention. Adam became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2005. He has worked with children between the ages of 18 months and 18 years, who have been diagnosed with severe, moderate or high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders as well as other Co-Morbid diagnosis. Adam has experience working in home, school and community settings. In 2017 Adam started Progress ABA in order to serve children and families in the Atlanta Metro area. Adam worked on the Georgia Association for Behavior from 2019-2022 to establish a law requiring license to practice Behavior Analysis in the state. Adam currently serves on the GABA board as Co-Vice President of Public Policy. Adam enjoys family time with his wife and two daughters. Adam’s hobbies include running, playing/watching sports, reading, and drawing. |
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Margaret DeFrank, MSW, LBA, BCBA
Behavior Analyst "My name is Margaret DeFrank. I was born and raised in Rocky Point, New York and come from a close family. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare. I then received my Master's degree in Social Work from Fordham University. Over the last five years I dedicated my time interning and working for agencies who provide resources and skill to those with developmental disabilities. My passion started back in High School when I was spreading awareness of consequences from traumatic brain injuries, which lead me to working with children who have obtained brain damage and Autism. I started working with Progress ABA in August of 2020 as a Registered Behavior Technician and in April 2025 I became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. My favorite things to do is hot yoga, cuddle with my dachshund, and go mountain bike riding." |
Behavior Technicians
Behavior Technicians (sometimes referred to as ABA Therapists) provide the day to day home-based 1:1 therapy and implement the treatment program designed by the ABA consultant. BT’s must pass a criminal background check before working with families. BT’s receive ABA training: 100-150 hours of initial training and receive multiple monthly supervisions from a Behavior Analyst. Behavior Technicians receive the training to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).
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Kelsey Evans, Lead RBT
"My name is Kelsey Evans, and I am originally from Tampa, FL. I completed my bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Florida in Orlando and am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. I joined Progress ABA in May 2025 and look forward to continuing to grow in the field. One of my favorite aspects of this work is supporting the development of functional communication and helping children build the skills they need to express themselves. I thrive on seeing the kids I work with make meaningful progress and reach their full potential. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, running, cooking, and spending time with my family." |
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Isabella Varela, Lead RBT“My name is Isabella Varela. I was born in Florida and have lived in Georgia for most of my life. I earned my Master’s degree from The Chicago School and hold both an Associate and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of North Georgia. I joined Progress ABA in February 2026 and have been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for the past three years as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).
My passion for working with children began in 2016, and since then I have dedicated my career to supporting their growth through individualized, evidence-based interventions. I am currently pursuing my Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification and look forward to sitting for the exam in September as I continue to expand my knowledge and impact in the field. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my two dogs and with my significant other. I truly love working with children and feel grateful every day to be part of a profession that allows me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families.” |
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Joy Ngene, RBT "My Name is Joy Ngene. I was born and raised in Roswell, Georgia. In August 2021 I graduated from Georgia State University with a Master's degree in Public Health with a research focus on health disparities and injury prevention. Before getting my Master's, I received my Bachelor's degree in Anthropology with an emphasis in Medical Anthropology from the University of Georgia. I have always been interested in healthcare and health advocacy, and I have made it a mission of mine to make sure I am always in a position where I can teach and provide quality service to others. I joined Progress ABA in October 2021 as a Behavior Technician because I have a passion for teaching, and I believe that children with autism should have the opportunity to get the help they need to flourish and reach their full potential. In my free time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and spending time with my family." |
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Javani Felder, RBT "My name is Javani Felder. I was born and raised in Woodstock, Georgia. In May of 2022, I graduated with Honors from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. I joined Progress ABA in September of 2022 to continue pursuing my passion of teaching children and to gain hands-on experience working with children with disabilities. My passion for children stems from having a younger brother diagnosed with ASD, and an interest in behavior modification to improve our daily lives. I plan on attending graduate school to earn a Doctoral degree in clinical psychology, so I can further expand accessibility to quality mental health and disability treatment. In my free time I enjoy basketball, soccer, snowboarding, and spending time with my dog, Duke." |
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Lisa Allen, RBT "My name is Lisa Allen, and I was born in Atlanta, Georgia. I went to Macon State (now Middle Georgia State University) and received my dual Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and High Incidence Special Needs. I have taught children with autism on and off for the past 15 years including in public schools, shadowing children at camp, and babysitting. I joined Progress ABA in May 2025. I enjoy children’s literature (Kevin Henkes and Patricia Polacco are some favorite authors), listening to a wide variety of music, and hiking at state and national parks. My plans for the future include a small hobby farm with an orchard, garden, and chickens." |
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Lillian Hall, RBT "My name is Lillian Hall. I was raised in Kansas City, Missouri and Newnan, Georgia. In May 2025, I graduated from Mercer University with my Bachelor's of Arts degree in both Philosophy and Psychology. I joined Progress ABA in June of 2025 to continue my passion in the field of psychology. I started working in ABA because I want to help children learn and grow into themselves. It is inspiring to see the children I work with really open up and thrive! I plan on attending Graduate school to earn my Master's in Clinical Work. When I am not working, I enjoy crocheting, playing video games, and watching TV! " |
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Alexia Miller, RBT
"My name is Alexia Miller. I was born and raised in Michigan and currently live in Georgia. I am completing my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Southern New Hampshire University and will graduate in December 2025. I joined Progress ABA in July 2025 to build on my passion for supporting children and families through individualized, evidence-based interventions. My interest in child development and behavior stems from both my academic studies and my experience as an early childhood educator and curriculum coordinator, where I gained valuable skills in helping children build confidence and resilience. I plan to pursue graduate school to earn certification as a Behavior Analyst and, ultimately, a counseling degree with the goal of continuing to advocate for children’s mental health and family well-being. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, playing board games, bouldering, and spending time with my loved ones." |
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Nicholina Brasch, RBT "Hi, I’m Nikki! As a true Georgia peach, I’m happiest when the sun is shining and my boots are on. I graduated from Georgia Tech in 2024 with a degree in Industrial Design and a minor in Psychology, blending creativity and curiosity in everything I do. Working with kids has always been a part of my life through coaching, nannying, and tutoring, which sparked my interest in ABA therapy. I joined Progress ABA in October 2025 and I enjoy helping every child learn in ways that feel joyful and meaningful to them. I bring creativity, empathy, and positive energy to every session. I love helping kids learn, grow, and celebrate their wins—big or small! Outside of work, you’ll usually find me practicing yoga, enjoying time in nature, or painting." |
