Our Team
At Sparks Behavioral Services, we’ve assembled a team of highly qualified, caring professionals who are excited to work with you. Our staff includes Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), licensed behavior specialists, behavior technicians (such as Registered Behavior Technicians, RBTs), and support personnel.
Leadership & Key Team Members
Dr. Steven Sparks, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA – Founder & CEO
Dr. Steven P. Sparks was born and raised in Rochester, Michigan. He received his Bachelors with honors from the Psychology Department at Western Michigan University in 2009, Masters in Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University in 2012 under the mentorship of Dr. Richard Malott, and completed his Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis at Western Michigan University in 2016 under the mentorship of Dr. Jessica Frieder.
Dr. Sparks is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with the doctoral designation, a licensed behavior analyst, and has years of experience in early childhood intervention for autism, the assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior, parent training, and consulting in inpatient, outpatient, school, and organizational settings. In the past Dr. Sparks served as a member of the Transition & Adult Services Subcommittee of the Michigan Autism Council.
Dr. Sparks’ research interests include the assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior, verbal behavior, and the theoretical and conceptual analysis of behavior. Dr. Sparks began consulting on severe problem behavior for community mental health agencies in the State of Michigan in 2012 and started Sparks Behavioral Services LLC. in 2016.
Taylor Sparks, M.A., BCBA, LBA - COO & Licenced Behavior Analyst
Taylor Sparks is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and the Chief Operating Officer for Sparks Behavioral Services. From Kalamazoo, Michigan she completed her undergraduate work with a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Kalamazoo College. While studying at K, she had the opportunity to play four years of varsity softball and study abroad in Madrid, Spain. She went on to get her master’s degree at Western Michigan University in Applied Behavior Analysis under Dr. Richard Malott. While working towards her master’s degree, Taylor initially provided direct therapy to individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis, before moving into a supervisory role which included training and providing feedback to staff and writing behavior analytic programming and interventions. In addition to direct clinical work, during her time at WMU, Taylor completed two system analysis projects and co-coordinated the Midwest Behavior Analysis Job Fair. She also had the opportunity to teach Psychology 1400 and a Rat Lab course to undergraduate students.
Upon graduating in 2017 she started her career as a professional behavior analyst working with individuals with an ASD diagnosis ages 2-18. As a clinician, Taylor created behavior analytic programs to address specific skill deficits and individualized behavior reduction plans for target behaviors, graphing and analyzing results to guide future programming, training and providing feedback to direct-care staff, and creating and implementing parent training to maximize therapeutic benefit across environments.
Taylor lives in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan with her husband and two children. In her free time she enjoys running, reading, baking sourdough, and traveling. Her behavior analytic interests include improving the quality of lives of individuals and their families using behavior analysis, the dissemination of behavior analysis across all individuals, and addressing the issue of environmental sustainability and its relationship with human behavior.
Jodi Hart, Administrative Assistant
Jodi Hart is the administrative assistant for Sparks Behavioral Services. She received her Bachelors from Oakland University, with a major in Psychology and a minor in Human Resource Management. Jodi's career work has concentrated on human resources and office administration. Summer is her favorite time of year, you will find her and her husband enjoying the lake life, with their dogs in tow.
Samantha Edwards, Executive Administrative Assistant
Samantha comes to us with a very diverse work history which shows up in her ability to be flexible and hard working. Samantha studied psychology in college, and has always had a passion for the behavior health field. Samantha worked with Clarkston Community Schools as a paraeducator from 2018 until 2020. During most of her time with CCS, Samantha worked with middle school students that were in a special education setting for behavioral reasons. These students all had a behavior plan in which Samantha, her coworkers, and supervisory teacher all followed in order to help set the students up for success. Samantha truly loved her time with CCS, helping students grow and succeed in life.
Samantha is married, with 1 cat and an Australian Shepherd/ Blue Heeler mix. Samantha loves all things outdoors, in good weather. These activities include: kayaking, golfing, boating, long walks/jogs with her dog and husband, and yard games with friends and family. If it’s a sunny day in Michigan, there is a solid chance you will catch Samantha outside being active, or relaxing in the sun with a book in her hand.
Cora Santman, Clinical Manager, Licensed Behavior Analyst
Qualification: M.A., BCBA, LBA
Cora Santman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan. She attended Michigan State University where she received her bachelor's degree in Special Education - Learning Disabilities. She continued her work in education by pursuing her special education teaching certificate as a teaching intern in the Lansing School District. Throughout this experience she worked multiple summers at various ABA companies as a behavior technician, where she began to admire and understand how the environment can be arranged to promote behavior change. Due to this, she decided to pursue a career as a BCBA and was accepted into the Master of Arts ABA program at Michigan State University. At MSU she was directly advised by Dr. Matthew Brodhead for the 2 years in the program. Through the Masters program she was a behavior technician at the Early Learning Institute (ELI) for approximately 2 years. At ELI she worked with preschool aged individuals with autism, in both an individualized and general education classroom setting. Through this she gained valuable experience in the implementation of functional analyses, treatment of severe problem behavior and intervention to increase individuals' social skills. Additionally, she conducted research for her thesis on the generalization of activity schedules to different environment, such as the general education classroom setting. After graduation and receiving her certification from the BACB, she moved to Grand Rapids to pursue a career as a BCBA . As a BCBA she has worked with individuals with autism of all ages, by conducting assessments and designing goals to increase socially significant skills. She has had many different experiences training client's parents and/or caregivers using behavior skills training (BST) approach to help promote generalization of the skills an individual has learned in the therapeutic setting to the home setting. Her current interests in Grand Rapids include exploring local restaurants, taking her cat on walks and exploring local hiking and biking trails. She also makes it to as many Michigan State and Western Michigan football games as possible.
Kyle Steury, Continuing Education Director, Licensed Behavior Analyst
Qualification: M.A., BCBA, LBA
Kyle is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Michigan with 10 years experience in applied behavior analysis. He holds an undergraduate degree in Business Management from Indiana University and a masters degree in Professional Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor’s Society. Kyle has worked in both Indiana and Michigan, and served as Chair of Communications for the Hoosier Association for Behavior Analysis for three years.
Kyle has worked with treating severe problem behavior in clinical behavior analysis settings, adult foster care facilities, family home settings, and with children in the foster care system. He enjoys the challenge of creating safe, fun, and effective learning environments for the individuals he serves.
When he’s not working, Kyle enjoys going on adventures with his wife and four kids. He can typically be found hiking, reading, enjoying coffee or listening to music (or some combination of all four of these things all together). He is a Simpsons guru and is a researcher for a podcast about behavior analysis. Prior to his career, he played guitar and keyboard and enjoyed the opportunity to tour the country a few different bands.
Nick Christensen, Residential Clinical Manager, Licensed Behavior Analyst
Qualification: M.A., BCBA, LBA
Nick is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst with Sparks Behavioral Services. He grew up in Middleville, MI and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Argosy University in 2017. In May of 2020, Nick earned his Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University and passed the BCBA exam in September of that year. Nick has experience providing in-home ABA therapy to children with autism, and has also provided these services in a clinical setting. Prior to becoming certified and licensed, Nick served as a behavior technician for Sparks Behavioral Services for nearly three years, where he trained, implemented, and monitored behavior treatment plans of adults who live in specialized residences.
Nick’s professional interests include the analysis of verbal behavior, functional analyses of problem behavior, staff training, developing behavior analytic models of mental illness, and teaching behavior analysis to non-behavior analytic populations.
Nick has a wife and a daughter, as well as three dogs. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to the movies, watching his Michigan Wolverines & Detroit Lions, spending time at the lake, and playing with his young daughter.
Kendra Combs, Residential Clinical Manager, Licensed Behavior Analyst
Qualification: M.A., BCBA, LBA
Kendra Combs is a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) who joined the team at Sparks Behavioral Services in the summer of 2018. She first came across behavior analysis by chance her freshmen year at Western Michigan University by taking Dr. Richard Malott’s Psychology 1000, which she later would go on to teach as a masters student. She graduated summa cum laude from WMU in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After graduation, she received a Fulbright Fellowship grant and completed a year of research on the special education system of post-WWII Japan.
After returning to the states, Kendra joined the behavior analysis training system master’s program under Dr. Richard Malott in 2010. While in this program Kendra was a supervisor in the early intervention classroom at the Woods Edge Learning Center in Kalamazoo, MI. Here she supervised behavioral technicians working with young children with autism as well as designing programming to assist in the development of the students. Kendra also taught Psychology 1000 and the accompanying rat lab that went along with it. During this time, Kendra completed her work toward becoming a BCBA, focusing on autism as well as other developmental disabilities and organizational behavioral management.
After graduation, Kendra completed several years of work in the Washington D.C., area including work in a private school assisting in supported inclusion of special needs students, in-home autism services, and telesupervision of high risk clients in geographically under-supported areas. Upon returning to Kalamazoo in 2015, Kendra worked for the non-profit The Great Lakes Center for Autism Treatment and Research, a part of Residential Opportunities, Inc. Here Kendra worked in the intensive residential setting writing behavior plans and supervising the 24/7 care of pre-teens and teenagers with severe problem behavior. This included designing training for front-line staff, training and giving feedback, as well as writing and conducting full functional analyses and graphing and interpreting results to guide behavior plans and other interventions.
Kendra has two children and is excited to be raising them in Kalamazoo, MI. Her research interests include the assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior, disseminating behavior analysis to students of all ages, and using the science of behavior to help solve issues of ecological sustainability and social justice.
Conny Raaymakers, Licensed Behavior Analyst
Qualification: Ph.D., BCB-D, LBA, LLP
Conny Raaymakers has been working in the field of behavior analysis since 2005. She received her Master of Arts in Psychology, with a dual emphasis in Autism Treatment and Organizational Behavior Management from Western Michigan University, and her PhD from TCSPP, with a research focus on Relational Frame Theory and Derived Relational Responding under Yors Garcia. Her professional experience includes supervising mental health services for at-risk children via Head Start and Early Head Start programs, providing consultative services to school districts on the implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBiS), supervision of behavioral interventions in locked residential facilities, as well as developing, building, and overseeing early intervention clinics. In addition to her clinical work, Conny is also chairperson for the Michigan Board of Behavior Analysts through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), and adjunct faculty at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Conny's research interests include derived relational responding (DRR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and staff training and development.
Christina Clements, Licensed Behavior Analyst
Qualification: M.Ed, BCBA, LBA
Christina Clements has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst for the last 4 years and has worked in various capacities in the field of ABA and education for the last 10 years. Christina graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2008 with an Early Childhood Education Degree. After pausing to start a family, Christina resumed her education in 2017 when she began coursework for her masters program. Christina graduated in 2019 with a Masters in Education and Concentration in ABA from Oakland University. Christina has been a practicing BCBA since then and has special interests in specialized education programs within school systems.
When not working, Christina spends her time with her family, reading, and gardening. She enjoys spending time at home with her husband and three children.
Frank Pinkham, Licensed Behavior Analyst
Qualification: MSW, BCBA, LBA
Frank has been utilizing the principles of behavior to work with children and teens diagnosed with autism, cognitive and emotional impairments in various capacities since 2009. He began his career working as a direct care staff in an autism, social, and recreational skills-building summer camp. He went on to work as an in-home behavioral consultant until completing his BCBA in 2015. Frank spent the last 6 years working in clinical supervisory positions for autism/ABA treatment facilities. Frank's specialties include the Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment, expanding leisure skill repertoires, adolescent/teen social skills-building and the acquisition of home-based life skills through parent training. Frank was born and raised in the metro Detroit area. Frank completed his B.A. in Psychology from Oakland University. From there, he completed a Master of Social Work with a focus in school, child, and family therapy from Wayne State University. He completed his behavior analysis coursework at the University of West Florida. In his downtime, Frank enjoys helping coach his daughter's hockey team and outdoor activities such as biking, camping and trail hikes.
Morgan Goodman, Behavior Specialist
Qualification: M.S, QBHP, RBT
Morgan has been with Sparks since June 2019 and currently serves the Genesee County area. Morgan has an Associate of Social Science in Criminal Justice from Mott Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology with a minor in Substance Prevention and Treatment from the University of Michigan-Flint. Morgan completed her Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from Purdue University Global in March 2023.
Morgan has been working in the field since 2015. She has experience working both in-home and center-based with youth and adolescents. Morgan has experience working in experiential education, with students K- 12 and corporate groups on professional development skills focusing on communication, trust, integrity, problem-solving, and conflict resolution through team-building activities Along with teaching social-emotion-learning, to help students learn to identify their feelings and emotions and develop appropriate coping strategies and replacement behaviors for target behaviors. Additionally, Morgan previously was a Prevention Specialist for Genesee County and focused on prevention resources and methods for youth, adolescents, and adults.
In her free time, Morgan enjoys traveling and being outdoors, and spending time with family, especially her daughter. Morgan breeds and shows Alaskan Malamutes, which her family has been doing for 40 years.
Fun Facts: Morgan danced for 15 years, Morgan loves playing softball, and continues to play, Morgan is a twin, and she's left-handedM.S, QBHP, RBT
Taylor Raaymakers, Licensed Behavior Analyst
Qualification: M.S, BCBA, LBA
Taylor Raaymakers has been in the field of behavior analysis since 2015. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Western Michigan University and her Master of Science in Behavior Analysis from the University of South Florida. She primarily has experience working in early intervention, however, has also worked as a behavior consultant for Florida Public Schools in the Tampa Bay area. Upon graduating with her Masters, Taylor received a part time research opportunity with Auburn University’s APMRT program in which she worked within the foster care system providing caregivers trainings on behavior analytic principles to be utilized within the home. During her time in Alabama, she also gained experience working at a residential facility that had an on campus school for the residents, her primary roles were creating and implementing behavior intervention plans and trainings and oversight on implementation by the residential and school staff. Outside of the behavior analysis realm, she loves to spend time with her rescue Husky, Howie, and playing and providing lessons on various percussion instruments.
Julie Niemi, Licensed Behavior Analyst
Qualification: M.ED., BCBA, LBA
Julie Niemi began working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder in 2011 as a paraprofessional, summer camp counselor and respite care worker. About 8 years ago, she began working as a behavior technician and fell in love with the science behind applied behavior analysis. Julie received her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Oakland University and then continued at Oakland University to receive her master’s degree in special education with a concentration in applied behavior analysis. Julie has worked in a variety of settings including public schools, psychiatric hospitals and clinical settings. Julie specializes and particularly enjoys working with teens and adults with ASD. In her free time, Julie loves to spend time with her family, including her young son. Julie also enjoys playing soccer, walking her dog and being with friends.
Savannah Wirth, Behavior Specialist
Qualification: M.A, QBHP
Savannah completed her bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in social psychology at Western Michigan University (WMU). While studying at WMU, she initially was a behavior monitor for Sparks where she continued to dive deeper into learning more about behavior analysis. She went on to get her master's degree at WMU in Applied Behavior Analysis under Dr. Alan Poling. Her applied experience includes providing on-site behavioral supports to classroom staff at Kalamazoo RESA Young Adult Program. This experience consisted of providing a wide range of transition services to young adults with autism and other intellectual disabilities, assisting with ongoing research regarding student's acquisition of vocational skills, daily living skills, leisure skills, and other program to support independent living, and collaboration with other professionals working in the school to discuss and practice how to deliver the most effective and feasible behavioral supports. Additionally, she conducted research on teaching Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities How to Engage in Cardio Drumming as a Leisure Activity (live and video modeling).
In her free time, Savannah enjoys bike riding and seeing as many sunsets as possible with her Fiance. She also enjoys Yoga at Wildflower in Grand Haven.
Taylor Raaymakers, Behavior Technician
Qualification: BS
Colton Harder has been a Behavior Technician at Sparks Behavioral Services since the summer of 2021. He graduated from Michigan State University with Bachelor’s of Science degrees in Cognitive Neuroscience and in Psychology. Colton has prior experience in a psychiatric office and has two years of experience as a medical scribe through Henry Ford Healthcare in the Lansing area. He hopes to return to pursue further schooling in the medical field.
Hannah Oliver, Behavior Monitor
Qualification: M.S
Hannah graduated from Capella University with a Master's of Science; Psychology with specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. She enjoys spending her free time with her kids and exploring new activities! Her favorite season is summer, because Michigan has the most beautiful views in the summertime. She also loves that it is generally nice, and warm!
Susanna Wu, Behavior Monitor
Benjamin Case, Behavior Monitor
Michaela Cotton, Behavior Monitor
Qualification: BS
Michaela is a dedicated youth professional with over seven years of experience in daycare settings and within the Grand Rapids Public School District. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Ministry Leadership at Cornerstone University and holds a Bachelor's degree in Church Ministries with an emphasis in Youth Ministry. Outside of work and her studies, she enjoys coloring, painting by numbers, walking, listening to podcasts, playing the clarinet, and sipping iced coffee.
Demetrius Burke-Hagerty, Behavior Monitor
Qualification: QIDP, BSW, BS
Demetrius (Demi) is originally from the Mid-Michigan area where they obtained an Associates of Arts in Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology through Lansing Community College. Demi moved to Kent County in 2018 and would complete their Bachelor of Social Work and their Bachelor of Science from Grand Valley State University in May 2021. During their education at Grand Valley, they began working as an in-home Behavior Technician for a local ABA Provider before transitioning into the role of a Support Coordinator for individuals with Developmental Disabilities. After this position, Demi continued to work with youth experiencing housing instability, then as a Home Visitor working with families of young kids to help address parenting techniques and family barriers to meet their needs. In their free time, they like to watch anime, play Dungeons & Dragons with their friends, and read.
Samantha Davis, Behavior Monitor
Qualification: BS
Samantha Davis (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and has nearly twenty years of experience in behavior analysis. She and her family recently moved to Michigan and are enjoying being close to the Great Lakes. In her spare time, Sam enjoys crocheting, reading, and exploring the area.
