Meet the Spark Team!
Reena Naami, M.S., BCBA, LBA, Owner
Reena is the owner of the Spark Center for Autism. Reena was first introduced to the field of behavior analysis during her undergraduate program at Central Michigan University, where she was a teaching and research assistant for the behavior analysis rat and pigeon lab. The principles of behavior had a huge impact on Reena, but she wanted to work with people so she pursued graduate studies in applied behavior analysis from Florida State University. Reena worked as a graduate assistant where she conducted direct therapy with children with autism spectrum disorders and various other developmental disabilities, in home and school settings, along with additional opportunities to conduct research and organizational behavior management implementation. Prior to opening the Spark Center, Reena worked as a BCBA and a regional manager of an in-home ABA company based in Dallas, Texas. In 2014, Reena relocated back to the metro-Detroit area with the intention of making Michigan a better state for children with Autism. Her areas of professional interest include emotional/behavioral disorders, verbal behavior, and the dissemination of the field, and she enjoys providing graduate training to individuals pursuing certification. She also places an emphasis on clinical collaboration to ensure the highest care possible for all the clients at the Spark Center. Reena previously served on the Board of Directors for Oakland Community Health Network, where she helped to ensure members of the Oakland County community can access appropriate and quality services for their mental health needs. In her every day practice, Reena also hopes to help reduce the stigma associated with mental and behavioral health.
Kila Elliott, M.A., BCBA, LBA, Clinical Director
Kila is the Clinical Director here at the Spark Center for Autism. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Speech Language-Pathology and Audiology at Western Michigan University. After graduating, she moved to Chicago where she began her studies in Applied Behavior Analysis and earned her certification as a Behavior Analyst in August of 2019. In November of 2021, Kila attained a certification in the Early Start Denver Model approach. She enjoys play based therapy, natural teaching and early intervention. Throughout her time as a BCBA, Kila has mentored graduate students pursuing their BCBA certification, trained new BCBAs in caseload management, assisted in building management, and assisted in creating training departments.
Megan Lipinski, M.A., BCBA, LBA, Senior Manager of Staff Development and Training
Megan is the Senior Manager of Staff Development and Training at the Spark Center for Autism. She holds a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis from Arizona State University and earned her certification as a behavior analyst in December 2020. She holds a bachelor’s degree in science that focused on Speech Language-Pathology where her interest grew beyond increasing language abilities in children. Megan started at Spark in 2015 as a technician and has grown within the organization. She has training in feeding protocols, functional communication training and problem behavior reduction.
Emma Yergin, M.S., BCBA, LBA, Senior Manager of Educational Development
Emma Yergin the Senior Manager of Educational Development at the Spark Center for Autism. After graduating from the University of Michigan in 2019, Emma followed her passion and quickly began her graduate studies at the University of Southern Maine, studying Educational Psychology and Behavior Analysis. She earned her Behavior Analyst certification in October of 2021. Emma has always had a fondness for working with kids and found a love for behavior analysis while doing undergraduate research on the Early Start Denver Model. She worked as a behavior technician and student analyst through her college and graduate school careers and is excited to be a part of Spark’s team as a BCBA. Emma’s professional interests include trauma informed care, emotional regulation, and acceptance and commitment therapy. As a classically trained dancer and certified yoga teacher, Emma also enjoys incorporating movement and mindfulness into evidence based behavior therapy programming.
Elizabeth Speer, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Profile coming soon!
BCaBAs
Darian Grear, BCaBA, LaBA
Profile coming soon!
Occupational Therapists
Erica Knight, M.S., OTR/L
Erica is a Certified Occupational Therapist who graduated from Western Michigan University with her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. Erica has worked in the pediatric population since 2021, working with those with diagnoses such as autism and intellectual disabilities. Her love for occupational therapy stems from when her dad had a traumatic brain injury, and she was able to see how big of an impact occupational therapy had on him. Her clinical interests include client-led therapy, play based therapy, sensory integration and feeding therapy. Outside of work, Erica enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling and outdoor activities.
Heather Vallance, COTA/L
Heather is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant who graduated from Baker College with her Associates of Applied Sciences in Occupational Therapy. Heather has worked with the pediatric population since 2020, specifically having worked with diagnoses such as autism, intellectual disabilities, as well as neurological conditions. She has a background in ABA having been a Behavior Technician while in college. Her love for working with children began when volunteering for organizations and fundraisers in the community. Heather’s clinical interests include sensory integration, promoting learning, and personal development. She firmly believes in client centered treatment approaches. Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time with friends, reading, and cooking.
Speech Therapists
Olivia Torola, M.S., CCC-SLP
Olivia is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist with experience supporting young children in developing communication skills through play-based therapy and creative, individualized approaches. Olivia earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Central Michigan University in 2019 and her master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from Grand Valley State University in 2022. Olivia has a strong background in working with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), speech-language impairment, and other developmental needs in educational and clinical settings.
With expertise in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), Olivia is passionate about empowering children to express themselves through accessible and motivating ways. She believes in creating fun, enthusiastic therapy sessions that integrate each child’s unique interests and strengths. She incorporates a variety of evidence-based approaches during treatment sessions, including gestalt language processing, total communication, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Olivia also values collaboration with families and caregivers to promote meaningful progress in communication and connection.
When not in the therapy room, Olivia enjoys listening to audiobooks and podcasts, recreational activities including yoga, backpacking, downhill skiing, and attending a variety of art and performance events. Fun fact: Olivia is a yooper (someone from Michigan’s upper peninsula) and grew up in the Keweenaw!
Olivia is excited to be joining the team at Spark and looks forward to partnering with families to support each child’s speech, language, and communication!
Administrative Team
Trey Staley, Practice Manager
Trey is the Practice Manager at the Spark Center for Autism. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from East Carolina University in 2015. Right after graduating, Trey gained adolescent sports medicine clinical experience before moving into management. Part of his clinical experience includes providing medical coverage for the Special Olympics and other youth sports programs. As a manager, he has led successful teams in growth and expansion, while always focusing on employee satisfaction. His goal is to combine his past experiences and help everyone reach their full potential while maintaining the high standards and reputation of the Spark Center.
Bridget Bagozzi, Office Manager
Bridget Bagozzi is the Office Manager here at the Spark Center for Autism. Bridget graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2010 where she received her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She gained a wide range of experience working as a behavior technician in school based, in-home, and center-based locations for over 12 years total before transitioning into a management. While she loved her experience working directly with the children and seeing their progress firsthand, she is equally excited about being the person that connects our Spark Families with the services and resources we provide.
Janet Naami, Administrative Assistant
Profile coming soon!
Allison Rose, Billing Manager
Allison is the Billing Manager at the Spark Center. She comes in with over five years experience in billing and coding. After graduating from Oakland Community College with her Medical Billing and Coding certificate in 2018, she worked for a small practice for a year. She then moved into the hospital and urgent care settings before deciding to come join our team at the Spark Center.
