our team

Amy O'Dell - M.Ed., LPC,TRS, CNC

Executive Director and Founder, Jacob's Ladder

Following a degree in ActivityTherapy from Clemson University, Ms. O'Dell continued her education as an intern with the Shepard Spinal Center in Atlanta where she developed treatment interventions for patients with spinal cord injuries. In 1986, Ms. O'Dell accepted a position at Woodridge Psychiatric Hospital in Clayton, Georgia. Here she served as Director of Activity Therapy until returning to Clemson in 1992 to earn a Master's Degree in Counseling and obtain licensure as a Professional Counselor in South Carolina and Georgia. In 1994, Ms. O'Dell was offered the position of Director of Adolescent Psychiatric Services at Woodridge Hospital, where she was responsible for assessing the needs of children, developing and implementing treatment plans, overseeing aftercare efforts for families, as well as serving as a counselor with the tri-state area's crisis intervention program. Ms. O'Dell was then appointed Director of 'Crossroads', an outreach program of Woodridge which serves teens at risk for drug addiction, pregnancy, drop out, and violence. The goal of this program was to provide education, support and various therapeutic interventions increasing both academic and social/emotional success.

After the birth of her son, Jacob, in 1993, Ms. O'Dell realized that Jacob would require additional help and support to succeed. She began intensive training on the Neurodevelopmental approach and acquired certification as a Neurodevelopmental Consultant. During this time she was educated on the process of evaluation, program design, and implementation for children with developmental delays. Having witnessed first hand the effectiveness of a Neurodevelopmental approach, she continues to combine this approach with other successful modalities to uphold the philosophy of Jacob's Ladder.

"From time-to-time I think about the experience of getting to know you
and your staff at Jacob’s Ladder. The impression is deep and lasting…
and for good reason. In my over forty years of hanging out at schools
around the nation, I have not found a school as deeply committed
at every limb and fiber of every person who works there
to the cause of helping children learn."

- Bobby Welch

Jaclyn Rhodes - Director of Human Resources & Admissions After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Chapman University, Ms. Rhodes began her time with Jacob's Ladder as a dedicated volunteer, substitute and then a Neurodevelopmental Teacher. Ms. Rhodes assisted in the development of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program, was a member of the Emotional Development/Behavioral Services team and assisted in the SAIS-SACS Accreditation. Currently, Ms. Rhodes oversees the Human Resources Department, admissions and student enrollment while actively assisting in operational support and project management. Recently, Ms. Rhodes completed her Masters of Arts degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology and hopes to continue to pursue the field of Human Resources.

Karla Brigiotta - Director of Clinical Services Ms. Brigiotta completed her undergraduate work at West Virginia University, where she was a heptathlete in track and field. Ms. Brigiotta launched the behavior transition program working with at-risk youngsters at a Phoenix area elementary school and also coached the high school track and field team that won two state-championships. She received her Master's Degree and Specialist Certification in School Psychology from Brooklyn College and interned at Brooklyn Children's Psychiatric Hospital. Ms. Brigiotta then accepted a School Psychology internship position in the Phoenix area. She is involved with evaluations, Neurofeedback, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at Jacob's Ladder.

Molly Norris - Evaluator & Case Load Manager Ms. Norris graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor degree in Family Studies with an emphasis on child development and a minor in Psychology. Her background with children includes serving as a daycare manager, soccer coach, camp counselor for children with cancer, volunteer with Girl Scouts of America, member of the Family Studies Organization at WMU, Team Captain for Relay for Life, and volunteer in New York assisting individuals suffering from terminal illnesses. Ms. Norris began at Jacob's Ladder as a Neurodevelopmental Teacher. She is a Certified Provider of The Listening Program and Bone Conduction, as well as Integrated Listening Systems. Ms. Norris conducts Parent Trainings for Jacob's Ladder and oversees Program Integrity as the Case Load Manager and Evaluator.

Sharif Alexis
Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Ryan Bull
Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Christine Bunyan
Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Virginia Clark
Neurodevelopmental Teacher & Neurofeedback Practicioner

Katina Dunkerly
Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Marissa Froomkin
High School Group

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Gillian Glauber
Senior Neurodevelopmental Teacher,
Trainer, & Evaluator

Rhoda Gunnigle
Marketing/Advertising

Terese Howard
Insurance & Billing Specialist

Anandhi Jambunathan
Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Radethra Latimer
Senior Neurodevelopmental Teacher
& Evaluator

Amber McNeely
Front Office

Michelle Miller
Senior Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Ryan Morris
Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Anne Mulligan
Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Barbara Mruk
Group School

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Jacob Namynanik
Bridging Group

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Marina Naviaux
Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Allegra Ortiz
Director of Teacher Development, Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Chelvi Selvanayagen
Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Claire Simpson
Afternoon Bridging Group

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Cara Wagner
Bridging Group

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Katie Wisnewski
High School Group

Neurodevelopmental Teacher

 

Ericka Cooper
Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Adam Hardigree
Director of Academic Programming, Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Bryn Barton
Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Christine Fish
Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Clarissa Priore
Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Emily Newman
Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Evan Feldman
Neurodevelopmental Teacher

Lauren McNaron
Neurodevelopmental Teacher

We also have an outside team of professionals who collaborate and provide ongoing support.
These individuals include but are not limited to:

Licensed Professional Counselor Listening Program Specialist Behavior Therapist Neurofeedback Therapist Physical Therapist Music Therapist

Speech Therapist Occupational Therapist Therapeutic Yoga Instructor School Psychologist Recreational Therapist Cognitive Behavior Therapist