Leadership Team

AMANDA PARKER, M.ED., BCBA 

FOUNDER, CEO

Amanda began her career working in in-home based ABA programs in 1998.  After seeing the success her clients were making, she decided to pursue a Master's degree in special education along with her BCBA, and start one of the first Verbal Behavior-based ABA schools in the midwest. For over twenty years Amanda has successfully directed ABA programs while researching scientifically-based methods for treating children with ASD.  In her research, she discovered that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating children with ASD, and while ABA is the most researched treatment for autism, one must understand its many applications to develop the most comprehensive program. 

After obtaining her BCBA in 2007, Amanda has continued her education by attending over 100 workshops and trainings on applications of ABA. In addition, she has received certifications in Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), Professional Crisis Management Instructor (PCM), Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), and The Association Method.

Amanda has experience treating individuals aged 2 to adulthood and has consulted in a variety of settings including school districts, residential facilities, clinics, and in-home programs. She frequently presents on ABA and its applications throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Georgia.

MELINDA PIENIAZEK

VP OF cLINICAL quALITY

Melinda Pieniazek began working with children with developmental disabilities in home-programs in 2000. After celebrating many successes with her clients and their families in the home setting, Melinda pursued a degree in Clinical Psychology with a Specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and earned her BCBA in 2007.  She has worked in a variety of settings including public education, clinical center-based therapy, home-based therapy, and community settings.  Most notably, she was able to work with behavior analysts and special education teachers to serve students in one of the Midwest’s first Verbal Behavior based schools.  She was able to design truly individualized educational opportunities to elementary and middle school students while providing clinical training opportunities to graduate students.   

Areas of Expertise: Melinda specializes in the application of ABA in traditional and alternative school settings including: instructional design, staff & parent training, FBA & BIP, IEPs and educational advocacy, mentorship and supervision of clinical staff and interns. 

Beth Pusateri

VP bUSINESS & fINANCE

Beth Pusateri studied psychology before working in the legal field as an assistant for special projects, a supervisor for legal assistants and then later moved into finance and human resources.  After working for two large Chicago Law firms, Beth went on to manage a small law firm and retirement planning practice, growing it to a medium-size practice in a matter of a few years.

With over 30 years’ experience, Beth brings her expertise and knowledge in business, finance, and human resources to CABS.   Beth is as passionate about CABS today and the excellent services provide to its clients and their families, as when she began 6-1/2 years ago.