Jacob's Ladder Team
Our Team
Our leadership, administrators, and providers embrace our core values of Hope, Truth, and Love, creating a community that encourages the growth and development of our clients while supporting their families.
The Jacob’s Ladder team is specially trained in the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care®. We are committed to creating nurturing and safe environments where clients can heal and prosper – regardless of their difficulties – meeting them and their families at the intersection of science and love.
Our Leadership
Amy O'Dell, M.Ed., LPC, IWBMC-CE
Founder, Chief Executive Officer
“I firmly believe that the human body, mind, and soul will move toward healing if given what is truly needed. Today, my son Jacob is thriving as a provider at our school, bearing his name. He is profoundly gifted in helping individuals who face difficulties similar to his own. My family moved from darkness to light, from fear to hope. Through our work at Jacob’s Ladder, I have witnessed dramatic transformations in thousands of children and adults, enabling their families to do the same.”
Amy O’Dell, M.Ed., LPC, IWBMC-CE, is the Founder and CEO of The Jacob’s Ladder Group. She holds a Bachelor’s in Activity Therapy and a Master’s in Counseling from Clemson University. She served as Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services at Woodridge Hospital before founding Jacob’s Ladder Neurodevelopmental Learning Center, now known as The Jacobs Ladder Group, which includes five synergistic entities. Amy is an innovator and global pioneer in neurodiverse education, neurobiology, and development. In a world that consistently tells us there is a singular or non-existent path forward for individuals with neurobiological challenges, Amy is carving out a new path on the foundation of authentic leadership and love that will impact future generations. Transformation is possible regardless of diagnosis, lack of diagnosis, or nuance in individual complexity. Amy’s greatest passion is to help provide restoration and uncover potential most would overlook.
Aubry Wuttke, IWBMC-CE
Co-Founder, Chief Content Officer
"I was drawn to work at Jacob's Ladder because of our mission, life-changing services, and support. As Jacob's sister and Amy's daughter, I have found my place as a sibling in our family dynamic and know how challenging that can be for an individual (the sibling) because, understandably, so much attention and support must be channeled to the child or person in need. From my personal experience, I hope to encourage and inspire healing for not only the client or student who comes to Jacob's Ladder but also the sibling(s) and their entire family."
Aubry holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and communication from Kennesaw State University and is trained as a Nursing Assistant. She has completed various trainings in Animal- Assisted Therapeutic modalities, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care. She has extensive experience in Neurofeedback, EEG recording, Brain Mapping, and Mental Health and Integrative Nutrition. Aubry is a Certified Evaluator in the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care®.
Jaclyn Rhodes, IWBMC-CE
Chief Operating Officer
"When I found Jacob's Ladder, I was searching for purpose - something to fill my soul with meaning and passion. I stand in awe and wonder at the work I witness every day, not only of the transformation of the individuals we serve but the transformation of the staff as well. This mission is more than just educating children – it is a place of healing for all people."
Jaclyn holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Chapman University and a Master of Arts in industrial organizational psychology from Argosy University. She brings over 20 years of experience in Leadership and Management to the organization and has extensive training in operations. She oversees the Human Resources, Facilities, Finance, and Advancement Teams as Chief Operating Officer.
Allegra Saunders, IWBMC-CE
Chief Clinical Operations Officer
“It has been a true honor to be part of Jacob’s Ladder, and having the opportunity to witness transformation for our clients never ceases to amaze me. The way the IWBMC™ allows us to understand each unique individual’s true needs and develop plans to support them allows us to watch each client grow and thrive. The development of AHAVA will allow this incredible methodology to make an even more significant impact worldwide, and it’s been amazing to be part of it all.”
Allegra graduated magna cum laude from Florida State University and is a Certified Evaluator in the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care® (IWBMC-CE). She is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Advanced TheraSuit Method, Integrated Listening Systems, and Quantum Reflex Integration. Allegra serves on the evaluation team, assists with clinical integrity, and is part of the AHAVA team.
Brent Young
Chief Finance Officer
"I was drawn to Jacob's Ladder after learning from Amy O'Dell her long-term vision for the program. I wanted to leave the corporate work environment for an opportunity that would satisfy my desire to work for good. Very quickly, I concluded that Jacob's Ladder would more than fulfill that desire for me."
Brent holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and a Master of Business Administration with a Finance Concentration from Georgia State University. He has been a financial leader for over 20 years with companies such as WebMD and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Services. His experience includes financial leadership, budget management, mergers and acquisitions, organizational restructuring, and financial/strategic planning nationally and internationally.
Evan Henderson, IWBMC-CE
Senior Director of Clinical Integrity
“I'm grateful to be knit into a community that offers hope, healing, and transformation to the families and clients we serve. Being a part of this ministry and meeting families at different points throughout their journeys has been the greatest honor and gift.”
Evan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a minor in conflict analysis and resolution from George Mason University. She has completed various trainings in the Therasuit and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) methods and Trauma-Informed Care. She has extensive experience utilizing various therapeutic and applied behavioral analysis interventions to serve individuals with emotional-behavioral-relational challenges. She is also a Certified Evaluator in the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care®.
Ashley Mendez, IWBMC-CE Director of Staff Development
“What I love the most about each day is walking out our steadfast mission: believing every brain can change. This is how we help every person recognize their own cherished, extraordinary, and unrepeatable potential from within—the path of hope lies before them, and we have the privilege to walk hand in hand with our students.”
Ashley holds a Bachelor's in exercise science from Georgia College and State University. She supports onboarding for incoming staff and families through her role as Director of Clinical Integration. She has a longstanding passion for working with individuals with neurodevelopmental needs. Ashley is a Certified Evaluator in the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care®.
Megan Finnegan, IWBMC-CE
Director of Outreach and Advancement
"I was drawn to work at Jacob's Ladder because of their commitment to pursuing each client's full potential. Knowing and understanding how a child takes in new information from a brain-based perspective- and what we can do to maximize that through the individual whole brain model of care is the ultimate reward."
Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Marian University. She is a Licensed Learning Behavior Specialist with graduate coursework and additional Special Education and Secondary Education certifications. She brings over 19 years of extensive academic and curriculum development experience to Jacob's Ladder. Megan also has experience in community outreach and event planning. She is a Certified Clinician in the Jacob's Ladder Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care®.
Oscar Mendez, IWBMC-CE
Chief Information Officer
“My favorite experience at Jacob's Ladder has been watching the growth and transformation of this school over the past seven years. When I started, we had one campus with around 40 teachers, and now we have two campuses and over a hundred teachers, allowing us to help more families in the community and across the globe.”
Oscar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Kennesaw State University with a minor in research analytics. He has worked at Jacob's Ladder for ten years and is a certified Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Trainer. He is on the Digitization Team, working alongside our Software Development Team for the customized buildout of the AHAVA Digital Platform. He is also a Certified Clinician in Jacob's Ladder Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care®.
Sarah Cannon, IWBMC-CE
Senior Director of Client Programming
"I was originally drawn to work at Jacob's Ladder because of the atmosphere where hope and love truly reside. The staff is committed to serving whole-heartedly, and the support that both staff and students feel is unmatched."
Sarah graduated from Georgia College with a bachelor’s degree in Community Health and Psychology and is a Certified Evaluator in the Jacob's Ladder Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care®. She interned with Make A Wish Georgia, is certified in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), and has extensive experience working individually with children experiencing ADHD and learning difficulties.
Dr. Holly Haynes
Executive Director, Pillar Research Institute
"I was attracted to Jacob's Ladder because of its deep-rooted practices of love and transformation. Observing the innovative ideas being implemented at Jacob's Ladder sparked my enthusiasm to be part of such a unique environment. Jacob's Ladder is truly a gem— a community of diverse individuals united in providing loving service and hope for all."
Dr. Holly Haynes completed her bachelor’s degree in history and science at Harvard College and went on to complete master’s and doctorate degrees at Harvard University in human development and psychology. Prior to joining the Jacob’s Ladder Team, Dr. Haynes was the Associate Professor of Behavioral Sciences and Dean of the Leonhard Schiemer School of Psychology and Biblical Counseling at Truett McConnell University (TMU). Dr. Haynes has also served as a charter faculty member at Georgia Gwinnett College where she was instrumental in developing the undergraduate psychology program. She has taught at various colleges and universities including Harvard College, California State University at Long Beach, and Loyola Marymount University. She has been involved in research with Boston’s Children’s Hospital, the California Endowment, and Harvard University. Her past research focused on childhood trauma, mothers and mothering, and creativity.
Barrett Stanford, IWBMC-CE
Director of Compass Development
"I was drawn to work at Jacob’s Ladder because, from my first look at the website, it seemed like the answer to what everything else was missing. As a mental health professional, I was working to connect school and home and integrate each part of the child I was working with to help them see success and growth. Jacob’s Ladder and the IWBMC do just this! Every child and family that we have the honor to serve is seen in the whole, just as they deserve to be. I am honored to be a part of the hope, truth, and love that these families experience."
Barrett graduated from Samford University with a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Life Sciences. She then earned her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Barrett has three years of experience as a supervised therapist serving children, adults, and families. She joined Jacob's Ladder in September 2021, serving as a Neurodevelopmental Provider at the Buckhead and Roswell campuses in various settings within the Ladder and Hope School programs. Barrett also coordinated our extracurricular programs for two school years. Starting in August 2022, Barrett served as a Group Lead within the Hope School program until May 2024. Additionally, she is a Certified Evaluator in the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care®. She has served as the Director of the Compass Program over the past year and is excited to be a part of the growth and development of this unique program for young adults in the years to come.
Ayana Van Dyke, IWBMC-CE
Director of Operations
"When I started my journey at Jacob’s Ladder, I was astonished by the power of the transformative hope that permeates every interaction here. The feeling you get when you step onto this campus is like nothing else. I am grateful every day that I get to be a part of our mission and for the opportunity to help heal individuals through the beautiful union of science and love."
Ayana graduated with honors from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a minor in anthropology. She has volunteer experience working with special needs teenagers at Erin's Hope for Friends and experience as a teaching and research assistant at KSU. Ayana interned with Jacob's Ladder in Spring 2020, serving primarily in group settings, and officially joined the team as a Neurodevelopmental Provider in May 2020. From 2022 to 2024, Ayana served as a Client Provider Leader in Buckhead, working alongside the Buckhead Leadership Team to uphold clinical integrity and support operational functions. She is also a Certified Evaluator in the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care®. Ayana now serves as the Director of Operations across both campuses and looks forward to continuing to uphold standards of excellence for our families.
Emalyn Rainwater, IWBMC-CE
Director of Model Integrity
"At its core, Jacob’s Ladder stands on the truth that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made; we all have gifts to bring to this world. I’m drawn to Jacob’s Ladder’s boldness to accept a challenge and the firm conviction to go against the norm, knowing that transformation is always possible."
Ema graduated from the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in health and community wellness. Since joining the Jacob's Ladder team, Ema has served in the Community of Care Program and worked at the Roswell and Buckhead campuses. She became a certified evaluator in the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care (IWBMC-CE) in 2023 and currently serves as the Director of Model Integrity across both campuses, where she partners with providers to ensure the mission and methodology of Jacob's Ladder is being upheld intensely and therapeutically in every moment.
Shona Hurt, BCN-P, IWBMC-CP Director of Neurotherapy and Additional Services
"I was drawn to working at Jacob’s Ladder because of the deep sense of fulfillment I experienced while working with our clients and the genuine feeling of family I found among my coworkers and leadership. With a focus on Neuroscience within my degree, I see the principles of neuroplasticity reflected in the hope and healing I witness every day in our work. Today, it is an honor to support our providers, who bring so many unique gifts and talents, as well as their clients across the many additional services we offer, all in service of helping individuals and families thrive."
Shona Hurt graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Cognitive Neuroscience. Shona returned to Jacob's Ladder as a volunteer and intern before accepting a position as a Neurodevelopmental Provider in 2011. She joined the Neurotherapy department as a practitioner in 2015. To further her training, she has completed a BCIA Didactic hours course in neurofeedback, a basics qEEG workshop, and intensive advanced trainings on Neurofield and Neurofeedback in California, Virginia, and Florida. She received board certification in Neurofeedback from The Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA) in 2018, and recertification in 2021 and 2025. She is a Certified Provider in the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care® and is part of the Evaluation Team, providing qEEG analysis. Currently, she serves as the Director of Neurotherapy and Additional Services, overseeing all Jacob's Ladder additional service offerings for the Roswell and Buckhead campuses, and remotely for Community of Care clients.
Our Client Care and Administration Team
Sara Howard, IWBMC-CP
Admissions & Recruiter
Abby Williamson, IWBMC-CP
Client Provider Leader
Corey Barbre, IWBMC-CP
Client Floor Support &
Compass Overnight
Esther Waithaka, IWBMC-CE
Client Provider Leader
Molly Parish, IWBMC-CE
Senior Evaluator and Customer Support
Jacob Wuttke, IWBMC-CE
Co-Founder and Mission Holder, Neurodevelopmental Provider
Janie Pickett, IWBMC-CE
Client Provider Leader
Jen Stowell, IWBMC-CP
Hope School Group Lead
Michelle Donley, OTL, IWBMC-CE
Occupational Therapist
Kathy Milans
Human Resources and Finance Administrator
Katie Wisnewski, IWBMC-CP
Client Floor Support
Jacob Namynanik, IWBMC-CP
Model Integrity & Facilities
Leighton Persell, CAATP,
IWBMC-CP
Client Floor Support & Animal Provider
Lindsey Hancock, IWBMC-CP
Client Provider Leader
Lisa Parish, IWBMC-CP
Model Integrity
Patricia Sison, IWBMC-CP
Client Provider Leader
Megan Geiger, IWBMC-CE
Community of Care Client Provider Leader
Michele Soteres
Buckhead Front Office Administrator
Tricia Simonds
Registered Dietitian
Leah Graviss
Front Office Manager
Sarah Eades, IWBMC-CE
Admissions and Outreach Coordinator
Stephanie Renfro, IWBMC – CP
Compass Group Lead
Kali McCullough, IWBMC-CP
Client Provider Leader
Mike Grant, IWBMC-CP
Model Integrity
Kendra Yade, IWBMC-CP
Client Provider Leader
Morgan Sanford, IWBMC-CP
Model Integrity
Sarah Smith, IWBMC-CE
Senior Evaluator
Our Providers and Staff
Aaron O’Kelley
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Julian Gonzalez, IWBMC-CP
Research Associate
Anna LeRoy, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Maria Elberson, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Alissa Wittig, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Stephanie Leland, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Anne Healy, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Ava Sanford, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Barron Shiel, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Becca Dideum, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Becky Lambert, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Sabrina Redman
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Bradi Jorda, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Brian MacDonell
Facilities Team
Annie Grimes, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Tyger German, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Carol Atwood, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider and Animal Care Team
Caroline Frost, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Juliana Maia, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Chuck Harley
Facilities Team
Laura Brockmann, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Darren Parkinson, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Thai Bravo
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Elaine Horii, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Ella Newbern, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Fran Anderson-Schuler
IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Nia Jackson, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Quiana Cowan, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Katie McGinley, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Arantza Echauz, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Jacqueline Christophe-Baker, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Branin Hudson
Animal Care Team
Judah Haynes, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Jeanne Stewart, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Sheila Firmino, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Madison Peavy, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Tashuna Pitts, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Avery Dearing, IWBMC-CP
Provider
Madison Dubois, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Casey O’Kelley
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Vicki Hutto, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Mary Kate Gaughan, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Sara Cohen, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Maureen Halvorsen
Provider
Trisha Hunter, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Hayden Hickman, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Josh Haley
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Morgan Murray
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Serena Brooks, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Shelby McMichael, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Tytiana Torrance, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Jasmin Gomez, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Paige Wilson, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Paul Bonner, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Paul Bourlet, IWBMC-CP
Neurodevelopmental Provider
Kenzie Justice
Neurodevelopmental Provider