Our Team

Melody Lucas M.ED., BCBA

Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer

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 disabilities and special needs. April was a Sanifilipo Warrior for over 50 years. Melody’s 28 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 precious 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 Kupec

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 dogs, and spending time with her family and friends.

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.

Kasey Brough

RBT

Kasey is 20 years old and originally from Ohio. She’s currently studying Exercise Science at Columbia College, with minors in Biology and Psychology. Kasey works as an RBT and plans to become a BCBA in the future.
She’s passionate about helping others grow and feel supported. Outside of work and school, Kasey loves playing with her dog and hanging out with friends.

Jade Nettles

RBT

Jade Nettles is a dedicated Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at Behavioral Health 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 Behavioral 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.

Stacey Coler

RBT

Stacey became a registered behavioral 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!!!

Yasmine Davis

RBT

Yasmine Davis as a dedicated Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), is passionate about supporting individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities through evidence based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practices. With a strong commitment to compassionate care, she work closely under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to implement individualized behavior intervention plans, track progress, and promote meaningful skill development. She strive to create positive, supportive environments that empower clients to reach their fullest potential. Yasmine worked as a RBT for 1 year and 2 months and became certified in 2024. She graduated from University of South Carolina Upstate, majoring in Sociology & minor in Child Advocacy. In Yasmine’s free time, she enjoys working out, spending time traveling with friends and family, and shopping.

Jacob Mullender

RBT

Jacob is a 2024 USC alumni 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 children’s hospital and charity events

Abria Nichols

RBT

Abria Nichols graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She works as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), and working with kids is truly where her heart is. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than helping a child make progress, whether it’s mastering a new skill or just seeing them light up with confidence. Abria is passionate about creating a supportive, encouraging space where kids feel safe to grow and be themselves. Outside of work, she enjoy cooking, exploring new music, and spending quality time with her dog.

Jay Davis

RBT

Jay became a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in June 2025, after joining the team in December 2024. They were drawn to this field by a deep love for helping children unlock their potential. In Jay’s free time, they enjoy creative hobbies, such as creative writing, painting, and embroidery, playing with their cat, and finding mini adventures to go on.

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.

Deatrice Clark

RBT

Deatrice became a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) after earning her certification in April 2025. She brings not only professional training but also over two years of personal experience as a foster parent, where she developed a deep understanding of the unique needs of children with behavioral and developmental differences. Deatrice is passionate about using creative, engaging strategies to help children thrive—especially those with special needs.
In her free time, Deatrice enjoys singing, cooking up comforting meals, and spending quality time with her husband and son. She believes that love, laughter, and creativity are key ingredients—both at home and in the work she does with children.

Stewart Brown

RBT

Stewart is a dedicated Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with 1.5 years of
experience specializing in ABA therapy for preschool-aged children. With a strong
background in early childhood education, Stewart brings a patient, engaging, and
supportive approach to every session. His previous roles as a water safety instructor
and substitute teacher have further strengthened his ability to connect with young
learners and adapt to diverse learning styles. Stewart is passionate about helping
children develop foundational skills through consistent, compassionate care and
evidence-based practices.

Mariah Hagood

BT

Mariah Hagood is a Registered Behavioral Technician. 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.

Bryson Bruster

BT

Bryson is a recent graduate from Lander University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, originally from Greenville, SC, and now living in Columbia, SC. His background includes hands-on experience in emergency management through his internship with Prisma Health, as well as work in health education and community outreach. Bryson is passionate about supporting individuals, fostering positive growth, and applying his skills to make a meaningful impact in ABA.