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Meet Our BSI Team
The mission of BSI is to improve our clients' lives by providing the highest quality of individualized therapy, while maintaining professional integrity.
BSI believes in encouraging all employees to make a positive difference in their clients' lives, while working in a supportive environment that promotes professional and personal growth, mutual respect, and independence. BSI has built a solid reputation by providing quality services and only employs individuals who possess integrity and are service-oriented.
"Dr. Deb" and the team of therapists at BSI practice a "hands-on" approach that is tailored to each individual's capabilities and needs. BSI believes that treatment strategies must be practical and easily understood to be effective. This philosophy results in individuals, including parents and caregivers, being more comfortable with implementing recommendations; thereby, generating consistent and successful outcomes.
Executive Leadership
Debra Farrar-Schneider
PhD | HSPP | BCBA-D | IMH-E® (IV)
Psychologist/Owner
“Dr. Deb” is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctorate (BCBA-D), and an Infant Mental Health Mentor (Level IV). She received her bachelor's degree from Millsaps College and her master’s degree from Louisiana State University (LSU), where she majored in child-clinical and school psychology. Deb earned her Ph.D. from LSU in 1995, after completing a clinical internship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. She opened BSI in 1998 and has provided behavioral services in northwest Indiana for over 25 years. Deb provides services for clients enrolled in Indiana’s First Steps program (0-3), Medicaid Waivers (i.e., Family Supports Waiver and Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver), Medicaid, commercial insurances, and contracted school corporations. Her primary duties include assessment and diagnosis of children and adults with developmental disabilities (e.g., intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and/or mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety and mood disorders), developing and implementing behavior programs, training parents and caregivers in behavioral procedures, school consultation, and providing supervision and training for all BSI employees.
Bob Schneider
MBA
Executive Director
Bob received his bachelor's degree in 1988 from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. He received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1992 from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana. Before joining BSI in 2000, Bob spent over 7 years working for Celebration Station, a chain of 15 family fun centers located throughout the southeastern United States. During his time there, Bob served in a variety of positions, including general manager, regional manager, and concluding as the company's Director of Training.
Stephanie Harris
MA | MT-BC
Director of Clinical Services
Stephanie received her bachelor's degree in music therapy from Ohio University and her master’s degree in music therapy from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC). Stephanie joined BSI as a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC) in 2004. Prior to working at BSI, Stephanie completed her internship in music therapy with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and worked with geriatric populations including a focus on issues associated with dementia. Stephanie has completed further training in Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT), Sprouting Melodies early childhood program, and Guided Imagery and Music (GIM). Throughout her career at BSI, she has served in a variety of leadership positions. As BSI’s Director of Clinical Services, Stephanie oversees operations of the Waiver Behavior Supports and Behavioral Health departments, as well as all clinical and program procedures of the Music Therapy program. Additionally, Stephanie continues to provide music therapy to clients and is an adjunct faculty of music therapy at SMWC and Valparaiso University.
Katie Morache
MA | BCBA
Director of School Services
Katie joined BSI’s team in 2012 as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) tutor, after she received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University and gained experience working at a school. Katie earned her master’s degree in ABA from Ball State University in 2014. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Katie has served in a variety of leadership positions during her time at BSI, including Director of ABLE House (BSI’s previous ABA program). Katie is currently the Director of School Services. She manages BSI’s partnership with Tri-Creek School Corporation, where she oversees behavior consultation and therapy services provided at the schools.
BSI TEAM MEMBERS
Vanessa Acevedo
Billing Coordinator
Vanessa joined the BSI team in 2015 as an administrative assistant and moved into her role as billing coordinator in 2023. Before joining the BSI team, Vanessa worked as a direct care professional with adults receiving treatment for mental health and drug/alcohol addiction for the state of Oklahoma. She also has a background in radiology and a variety of customer-facing roles. Vanessa's combined experience in customer service, mental health services, and hospital systems has provided her with the confidence to work with individuals in different environments and situations.
Amy Alessandrini, M.Ed.
Behavior Specialist
Amy obtained her bachelor’s degree in education from Purdue University and received her master’s degree in education from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2005. Amy worked as a special education teacher of students with cognitive disabilities for 25 years before joining the BSI team in 2023 as a Behavior Specialist. Throughout her career, Amy specialized in curriculum modification, behavior management, social skills training, vocational training, and independent living skills.
Jenny Alfini
MA | NCC | LMHC
Behavior Support Service Coordinator
Jenny acquired her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lewis University. Jenny started her career with BSI as an intern in 2015, when she provided Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for individuals with autism. During her internship, Jenny implemented behavioral techniques and interventions, created client goals, and worked with children at BSI’s summer camp. She also completed an internship at the Lake County Drug and Alcohol Program, where she completed intakes, determined level of treatment, and attended court hearings for related cases. Jenny joined BSI in 2016, after she graduated with her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Valparaiso University. Jenny is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Jenny works with children and adults with a variety of diagnoses. In addition, Jenny serves as a Behavior Support Service Coordinator, a role in which she provides support and guidance to other staff members.
Nicole Bailey
MT-BC
Music Therapist
Nicole is a Board Certified Music Therapist, who joined BSI’s team in 2021. Nicole earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Evansville and completed her internship at Easterseals Midwest. During her internship, she completed assessment and treatment plans, as well as provided music therapy sessions for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, early childhood, and autism. Nicole provides music therapy to children and adults receiving Medicaid Waiver services.
Samantha Blazak
MA
Behavior Support Service Coordinator
Samantha completed an undergraduate internship at BSI in the summer of 2014. During her internship, Samantha gained behavior management skills and worked with children at BSI’s summer camp. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in psychology and Spanish from the University of Indianapolis in 2015, Samantha joined the BSI team as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) tutor. As an ABA tutor, she played an integral part in developing and implementing programs for children receiving ABA therapy. Samantha earned her master’s degree in ABA from Ball State University in 2019 and transitioned to a Behavior Specialist position. Samantha carries a caseload of children and adults with a variety of diagnoses. She also serves as a Behavior Support Service Coordinator, a role in which she provides support and guidance to other staff members.
Alicia Bragg
Childcare Provider
Alicia became a childcare provider at BSI in February 2022. Prior to joining BSI’s team, she worked at a childcare facility, where she oversaw the care of multiple infants. Alicia currently attends Ivy Tech where she is majoring in psychology. After completing her associate degree, Alicia plans to transfer to another institution to further her education.
Erin Branchaw
MA
Behavioral Health Service Coordinator
Erin obtained her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Lewis University. She attended Roosevelt University where she received her master’s degree in clinical psychology, counseling practice. Erin has over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. After gaining experience in vocational, hospital, crisis intervention, and community mental health settings, Erin joined BSI in 2017. For many years, Erin has volunteered for Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association (NEDSRA), Special Olympics, Night to Shine, and Hannah’s Hope, as well as participated in the Buddy Walk. Erin sees clients with a range of diagnoses. Erin also serves as a Behavioral Health Service Coordinator, a role in which she provides support and guidance to other staff members.
Natalie Desmarais
MA
Behavior Specialist
Natalie received her bachelor's degree in business from Western Michigan University and obtained her master's degree in special education with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Ball State University. She worked as a registered behavior technician providing ABA therapy to children with autism while earning her master’s degree. Natalie has over 10 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities in Michigan and Indiana. Prior to joining BSI, she did volunteer work with various disability advocacy groups. Natalie joined the BSI team in May 2023.
Sara Erskine
MA
Behavior Specialist
Sara obtained her bachelor’s degree in general studies with an emphasis in special education and child development. She received her master’s degree in special education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Arizona State University. Sara has worked in a variety of positions (e.g., registered behavior technician, behavior intervention specialist, home-based/classroom teacher) with both children and adults with diverse needs in community, home, and school settings. Sara joined the BSI team in August 2023 and currently provides behavior consultation services in Tri-Creek schools.
Lysander Gillenwater
MA | NCC
Behavior Therapist
Lysander acquired a bachelor’s degree in psychology and anthropology from the University of Idaho. Lysander completed two internships at BSI and an internship at the counseling center at Valparaiso University (VU). These opportunities provided experience treating concerns, such as depression, anxiety, transitions to adulthood, academics, relationships, neurodiversity, and self-advocacy. Lysander joined BSI in 2021, after obtaining a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from VU. Lysander serves clients with diverse diagnoses using multiple treatment strategies, including talk, behavior, cognitive behavior, and play therapy. Lysander is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC).
Judy Lammons
MA
Behavior Specialist
Judy received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University and her master’s degree in psychology from Valparaiso University. She has been a member of the BSI team since 2000. Judy worked with individuals with developmental disabilities in northwest Indiana for over 30 years. Prior to joining BSI, she gained extensive knowledge in the mental health field and served in supervisory positions at various agencies, whose services included residential habilitation, community habilitation, and day programs.
Joan Link
MA
Behavior Specialist
Joan acquired her bachelor’s degree in applied art from Goshen College. She completed an internship at a child guidance clinic and earned her master’s degree at Pepperdine University in 1972. After graduating, Joan worked in a state hospital for 16 years. She became a diagnostician and completed evaluations for individuals with developmental disabilities for almost 40 years. Joan worked in a supervisory position reviewing behavior plans before joining BSI’s team in 2018.
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Tony Morales
Office Manager
Tony joined the BSI team in 2023 after previously working at a mental health outpatient facility in Valparaiso for six years. In addition to his administrative experience, Tony holds multiple certifications in cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and network intrusions. He enjoys learning new things, meeting new people, and helping others wherever he can.
Allie O’Brien
MS
Behavior Specialist
Allie obtained her bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from Purdue University in 2017. While working on her graduate degree, Allie joined the BSI team in 2017 as a registered behavior technician providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children with autism. She completed her master’s degree in child development with a specialization in Child Life at Erikson University in 2019. Allie’s internships included placements at Riley Hospital for Children and Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago, where her experiences included advocating for children and their families in health-care settings as they cope with illness, trauma, and injury; educating and preparing them for procedures; and minimizing stress that accompanied these experiences. After completing her degree, Allie decided to remain at BSI and transitioned to a Behavior Specialist position. Allie is a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS).
Julia Pastore
MT-BC
Music Therapist
Julia attended Valparaiso University where she completed her bachelor’s degree in music followed by a post-baccalaureate certificate in music therapy. She provides music therapy to children and adults receiving Medicaid Waiver services. Julia completed both a practicum and an internship at BSI in 2022 and 2023. Her prior experiences include working as a camp counselor and a church organist.
Nicole Pettit
MA | BCBA
School Services Coordinator
Nicole received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Indiana University Northwest in 2013. Nicole’s previous work experience included an internship at Mental Health America and serving in AmeriCorps, where she worked with at risk youth in the school system. Nicole joined the BSI team as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) tutor in 2014. Her responsibilities included developing and implementing programs for children receiving ABA therapy. Nicole earned her master’s degree in ABA from Ball State University in 2016 and transitioned to a Behavior Specialist position. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Nicole sees a variety of clients in home, community, and office settings. She also provides behavior consultation services in Tri-Creek schools. In addition, Nicole serves as a School Services Coordinator, offering support and guidance to other BSI school consultants.
Brittany Polisuk-Brush
MA | NCC | LMHC | ICST
Behavioral Health Service Coordinator
Brittany graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy. Brittany continued her education at Valparaiso University (VU) and completed internships at BSI, an intensive outpatient group therapy clinic, and a residential inpatient facility for children. After receiving her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from VU in 2014, Brittany was hired as a Behavior Therapist. Brittany incorporates cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and sandtray therapy into her treatment of children and adults. Brittany is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), and an Internationally Credentialed Sandtray Therapist (ICST). Brittany serves as a Behavioral Health Service Coordinator, a role in which she provides support and guidance to other staff members.
Vanessa Quirarte
MT-BC
Music Therapist
Vanessa received her bachelor's degree in music therapy from the University of Evansville. She completed her internship at Mobile Music Therapy Services in Garden Grove, California, where she provided services to individuals with psychiatric disorders, developmental disabilities, and the geriatric population. Vanessa is a Board Certified Music Therapist with additional training in Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT). Prior to joining BSI in 2011, Vanessa provided music therapy services at a center for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Vanessa works with individuals receiving Medicaid Waiver services and students at Tri-Creek schools.
Faith Richardson
BA
Childcare Provider
Faith joined the BSI team in 2022 as a childcare provider. She has worked with children her whole life and has previous experience as a co-teacher and daycare provider. Faith also completed an internship at Baker Youth Club. Faith graduated from Grace College with a bachelor’s degree in counseling in 2021.
Ashleigh Schneider
MA
Team Coordinator
Ashleigh joined BSI’s team full time in 2020. Prior to 2020, she worked at BSI during the summer months assisting with summer programming. Ashleigh received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and minored in leadership studies, interpersonal relations, and gender studies from Ball State University (BSU) in 2016. She returned to BSU and earned her master’s degree in student affairs and higher education in 2018. After graduation, Ashleigh served as the Associate Director of Disability Services at BSU for over a year and worked as an academic advisor at Valparaiso University. As BSI’s Team Coordinator, Ashleigh supports the BSI team in many ways, including leading hiring efforts, completing administrative projects, and facilitating team building. Ashleigh is a certified instructor for Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) and Red Cross Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/First Aid. She is also certified in Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR), a suicide prevention program.
Kristen Snider
M.E.d.
Behavior Specialist
Kristen has been a member of the BSI team since 2022. Kristen obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and earned her master’s degree in education from Duquesne University in 1995. Prior to joining BSI as a Behavior Specialist, Kristen worked as a program specialist for Boys and Girls Club and provided waiver services to recipients in Pennsylvania. Kristen provides behavior support services to a variety of clients and provides behavior consultation services in Tri-Creek schools.
Emmie Stowers
Administrative Assistant
Emmie joined the BSI team in September 2023. Prior to joining BSI's team, Emmie has worked as a classroom assistant, childcare provider, and administrative assistant. Emmie currently attends Purdue Northwest where she is majoring in Special Education.
Mary Sullivan-Clifton
MA
Behavior Specialist
Mary has been a member of the BSI team since 2022. Mary obtained an associate degree from Vincennes University and a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a concentration in social work at Purdue Northwest. She earned her master’s degree in psychology from the University of Phoenix in 2014, after completing an internship at Eastport Early Learning Center in Michigan City. Mary has a wealth of experience working with varied populations, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive, mental health diagnoses, developmental disabilities, unhoused population, domestic violence victims, and culturally diverse families. Her background includes working in the child welfare system, juvenile probation, and Indiana’s children’s mental health initiative. Over the course of her career, Mary has received additional training in trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy, understanding human trafficking, positive parenting, wraparound coordination, and grant writing.
Austin Todd
MT-BC | RBT
Music Therapist
After completing his music therapy internship at BSI in 2018, Austin graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University and joined the BSI team in March 2019. Previously, he was a counselor and lifeguard for Camp Michawana for three summers. Austin is a Board Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC). He provides music therapy to individuals receiving Medicaid Waiver services and assists with supervising BSI’s music therapy practicum students. Austin is an active member of the Association of Indiana Music Therapy and a registered behavior technician.