Our Team
Melody Lucas M.ED., BCBA
Co-Founder & BCBA
Melody is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, earning her bachelor’s in Psychology and Master of Early Childhood Education. Melody earned the certification of a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst in 2016, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2021. Melody’s sister, April, is the person that set-in motion her passion and inspiration to help families and individuals impacted by different abilities and special needs. April was a Sanifilipo Warrior for over 50 years. Melody’s 30 years of experience in South Carolina’s field of early intervention, includes direct services, supervision, program management, and administration. In Melody’s free time she enjoys the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and playing with her two whoodles.
Kevin Yacobi
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Kevin is a graduate of Lander University with a B.S. in Business Administration. He holds several professional certifications within the field of auditing, risk management, and compliance. He retired from the SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs spending his last 15 years at the agency leading the Internal Audit Division. When not working Kevin enjoys spending time outdoors and appreciates all the natural waterways the Midlands has to offer (kayaking, canoeing, and boating). He also enjoys traveling, domestically and internationally.
Bailey M. Kupec
BCBA
Coming Soon!
Cameron McGlaughlin
BCBA
Coming Soon!
Bailey Howell
BCBA
Coming Soon!
Kaitlin Stone
Lead RBT & Media Coordinator
Kaitlin became a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) upon joining the team in May of 2022. Kaitlin has a passion for working with children and seeing the progress they make. She has many years of experience working with children with autism prior to becoming an RBT. In Kaitlin’s free time, she enjoys the outdoors, cuddling with her dog, Stella, and spending time with her friends and family.
Bianca Jones
Lead RBT & Trainee
Bianca is a graduate of Jackson State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and is currently working towards her Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. She became a Registered Behavior Technician in March 2024, and has many years of experience working with both children and adults with autism, mental illness, physical disabilities, and other special needs. She has a passion for making a difference in people’s lives and helping them feel confident in themselves. In Bianca’s free time, she enjoys watching basketball and spending time with her family and friends.
Brooke Wiser
Lead RBT & Trainee
Brooke graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She became a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in March 2024 and is currently working towards her Master’s in Applied Behavioral Analysis. She is passionate about helping individuals live fulfilling, independent lives and making a difference for those in her community. In Brooke’s free time, she loves to spend time with her friends and family and enjoys being outdoors.
Jade Nettles
RBT
Jade Nettles is a dedicated Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at Palmetto Behavioral Services, where she brings compassion, energy, and care to her work with children. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and officially became an RBT in September 2024. Jade is passionate about helping children thrive and is committed to providing high-quality, individualized support to each child she works with.
Outside of work, Jade enjoys reading, spending quality time with her family, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally. Her goal is always to make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of the families she serves.
Hailey Wingard
RBT
Hailey became a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) upon joining the team in July of 2024. Hailey has a huge appreciation for the time and hard work that is put into helping children improve in everyday life skills. She has previous experiences working with children in all different environments preceding becoming an RBT. In Hailey’s free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, shopping, and painting.
Jacob Mullender
RBT
Jacob is a 2024 USC graduate with his B.S. in psychology and minor in counseling. Jacob grew up with auditory processing disorder receiving years of speech and occupational therapy assistance to help him reach his academic needs. These experiences inspired him to want to help kids with similar needs as he grew older.
In his spare time, Jacob enjoys weekly trips to the movie theaters, gaming with friends, and collecting rare comic books with his dad. He also enjoys dressing up as his favorite comic book character “Spider-Man” for the children’s hospital and other charity events
Stacey Coler
RBT
Stacey became a Registered Behavior Technician in June of 2023. Prior to becoming a registered behavioral technician, her son was diagnosed with ASD. That’s when her heart of working with ASD children started. She loved seeing the growth and changes children would have. In addition to becoming a registered behavioral technician, Stacey is pursuing her Masters degree in Social Work. She loves spending time with her children but also watching college football. Go Dawgs!!!
Elsie Padgett
RBT
Elsie started as a Registered Behavior Technician in June of 2024. She enjoys working alongside the PBS team to support the positive growth and development of children. Elsie enjoys listening to music, road trips to the mountains, and spending time with her cat, Winnie, in her free time.
Mariah Hagood
RBT
Mariah Hagood became a Registered Behavior Technician in 2026. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina. Mariah has a strong passion for helping children and families through Applied Behavior Analysis. She truly enjoys creating a positive and encouraging learning environment where every child can grow and succeed. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.
Annaka Osborne
RBT
Annaka became a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) in November of 2025. She received her Bachlors of Science in Public Health from the University of South Carolina in December of 2024. Annaka got her passion for early childhood care after working at summer camp and special education throughout college. In her free time, she likes to be outside, read, draw, garden, play video games, make jewelry, and bake. Annaka hopes to continue growing in the field of behavioral health and helping children live independent and fulfilling lives.
Cierra McCormick
RBT
Cierra has been working as a Registered Behavior Technician since December 2025. Cierra graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s in psychology and a bachelor’s in public health. Cierra enjoys making a difference in individuals’ lives and watching their progress over time. In her free time, Cierra likes spending time with her 3 cats, reading, and being outside.
Taylor Evans
RBT
Coming Soon!
Shalaia Myers
RBT
Shalaia Myers is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with degrees in Psychology and African American Studies. Shalaia is a behavioral technician. She has a lifelong commitment to behavioral health and community empowerment. Shalaia is passionate about utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis to support children and families, focusing on creating inclusive, encouraging environments that foster growth and resilience. Beyond her clinical work, Shalaia is a lifelong learner with a profound love for history and reading. She is an avid fan of the marvel/DC, anime, and the horror genre, often finding inspiration in complex storytelling.
Lindsay Branham
RBT
Lindsay graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has been a Registered Behavior Technician since October 2025 and is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and achieve meaningful goals. Lindsay loves building positive relationships with the children and families she serves and finds great fulfillment in supporting each child’s unique development journey. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys hiking, spending time with her dogs, and making memories with family and friends.
Kirklyn Areheart
BT
Kirklyn became a Behavior Technician(BT) upon joining our team in May of 2026. Kirklyn has a great passion working with children and being alongside them as they grow and gain independence. Prior to joining our team, she worked as a babysitter for over 5 years and volunteers in children’s ministry within the community. Kirklyn enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercising, cooking and being outdoors in her free time.
Jada Graham
BT
Jada Graham is a BT who joined the team May of 2026. Jada Graham is a 2026 graduate from Benedict College with a major in Psychology & minor in Child and Family Development. Jada has a passion to work with kids as a Psychologist in the future who experience family violence , child maltreatment, adoption/foster, homelessness. She has many years of experience working with kids from babysitting , program specialist, prior to becoming a Behavior Therapist. In Jada’s free time she enjoys cooking and singing.
Haley Alton
RBT
Haley has been a Registered behavior technician since March of 2025 when she learned about the ABA field through an autistic child receiving ABA services in a preschool setting. She enjoys creating fun, and innovative ways to help autistic children participate in activities. In her free time, she loves cuddling with her cat, spending time with friends and family, relaxing at home, and going shopping!
Miya Kennedy
RBT
Coming Soon!
Alicia Willingham
RBT
Coming Soon!
Sarah Avent
RBT
Coming Soon!