Dr. Julie Knapp, Ph.D., BCBA-D, COBA

Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctorate

Dr. Julie Knapp, Ph.D., BCBA-D, COBA is a Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctorate and Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst. She is the Executive Director of the Knapp Center for Childhood Development. Dr. Knapp holds a license to practice psychology in Ohio and practice ABA in Ohio, Massachusetts and Virginia. Previously, Dr. Knapp was a Consultant for University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital and held an appointment at Case Western Reserve University for six years. Dr. Knapp was also a Staff Psychologist at Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism and she was a faculty member in psychology education forums for Duquesne University and Chatham University. She completed a two-year post-doctoral fellowship in neuropsychology and autism spectrum disorders at The Watson Institute, followed by completing additional training at Pennsylvania State University in behavioral analysis for children with autism. Dr. Knapp was a committee member for two years for National Academy of Neuropsychology. Dr. Knapp currently holds certifications in both the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview –Revised (ADI-R). Dr. Knapp previously received a grant through Autism Speaks for seed money of her social skills program while on staff at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Knapp has published numerous articles or abstracts on autism related topics in professional journals, and has presented research posters at national conferences. She edited a resource guide for autism services in the state of Ohio (funded and published by the Cleveland Clinic). Dr. Knapp participated in multiple interviews or education forums through popular media (both television and magazine articles). Dr. Knapp was the primary investigator on a drug trial for toddlers with autism through the National Institute of Health (NIH) while on staff at Cleveland Clinic. She chaired the 1st and 2nd Mahoning Valley Walk Now for Autism Speaks in 2012 and 2013. Dr. Knapp has been on the Grant Review Committee for Autism Speaks Ohio Chapter for the past four years. She has over 15 years of experience in working with children with developmental disabilities and has presented over 75 workshops or talks on autism-related topics at local, state, and national conferences or meetings. Dr. Knapp co-authored three books and authored a fourth book; all on ABA Curriculum for children with autism and all which are sold internationally. Recently, Dr. Knapp was awarded another grant through Autism Speaks for seed money to initiate an evidenced based reading program for children with autism at the Knapp Center.

Amy Lockney, MS, BCBA, COBA

Supervisor

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Amy Lockney, M.S., BCBA, COBA is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst and is one of the Coordinators of the Initial Steps Infant and Toddler program at the Knapp Center for Childhood Development. In her position at the Knapp Center, she is one of the supervisors of the Registered Behavior Technicians and she assists with assessment, treatment planning, and coordination of care of all care providers for patients within the program. Amy received her Master’s Degree from Kaplan University and has taken coursework towards her BCBA from Penn State University and St. Cloud State University. She has over 17 years of clinical experience working with children with autism and developmental delays. Prior to joining the Knapp Center in 2011, Amy worked as a classroom teacher for 7 years and as a classroom behavior therapist for 4 years at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism. Her primary clinical interest includes evaluating treatments for autism to identify which are the most effective, efficient, and preferred by individuals with autism. Amy has integrated Applied Behavior Analysis into the treatment of an individual with Cerebral Palsy. Amy has presented at state, regional, national, and international conferences. At the National Applied Behavior Analysis Convention, Amy has presented on function based treatments for children with moderate to profound autism who demonstrated attention seeking behavior, aggression, off-task behavior, self-injurious behavior, and elopement.

Suzanna Frye, BCBA, COBA

Supervisor

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Chloe Peterkin, BCaBA

Supervisor

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst

Amber Hill, BCaBA

Supervisor

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst

Denise James, M.S. Ed, BCBA, COBA, LPC

Licensed Counselor and Group Leader of STEPS Program

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Denise is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has worked with individuals with autism and related disabilities for over 13 years. Denise has been with the Knapp Center since January 2015. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor with years of clinical experience providing counseling to children, adolescents, adults and families and has experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treat mental health diagnoses. Her experience working from both a behavioral and psychological framework allows her a unique perspective when working with families of individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Denise enjoys working with children in the school, home, and community to see the child’s growth across all environments. She conducts functional behavior assessments, writes and implements behavior support plans, supervises in-home and school ABA programs, and provides parent training.