5302 South Florida Ave, Suite 202
Lakeland, FL 33813
Phone: 863-937-8067
Fax: 863-607-6207
About Us
Welcome to Rooted ABA, an Applied Behavior Analysis therapy clinic dedicated to providing compassionate and family centered care. We are committed to providing individualized therapy that focuses on the unique strengths and challenges of each child. Our team of dedicated professionals are trained to analyze, respond to, and shape behaviors, and are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.
Our team has members with varying backgrounds and skill levels. Our certifications include BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst), and RBT (Registered Behavior Technician). We also sometimes have behavior technicians who are in the process of becoming certified, as well as student interns. When we work with our clients, we take on many roles: teacher, caregiver, playmate, confidante, police officer, and cheerleader—just like you.
Scroll down to meet our team!
Joanna Sitta, BCBA, owner
Joanna holds Bachelors and Masters degree in Special Education and she began her career as an ESE teacher before entering the field of ABA. She has over 20 years of experience working with adults and children with special needs and is passionate about providing meaningful and family centered services to our community. Her focus is on relationship based and compassionate services that are non-judgmental.
Tyler Crouch, RBT
Tyler entered the field of ABA after serving as a caregiver in the homes of children with special needs. She has a Bachelors in ABA and is working towards BCaBA certification. Tyler is a compassionate and relationship-based service provider. She is skilled at developing relationships with and understanding of children and teens with complex issues. Tyler is passionate about being an advocate for children with special needs by providing a voice for their best interests.
Sarah Hester, BCBA
Sarah holds a Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in ABA. She is a thoughtful and thorough service provider who brings creativity and organization to the job. She specializes in making detailed and individualized visual supports and social stories to promote learning and understanding for clients. She is fluent in ASL and serves as an interpreter at her church. She is passionate about providing effective services and helping children succeed.
Maria Smith, RBT, office manager
Maria has specialized in Early Childhood Development since the mid-90's. She previously served as Assistant Director and early childhood educator within the Diocese of Orlando. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of child development to our clinic. Her motto is "Be grateful for today". She is passionate about encouraging others to develop the skills they need to live their best life, and have fun while doing so. When she is not working, you can find her camping and exploring the outdoors with her husband and three children.
Brookelyn Buchanon, RBT
Kadian Irving, RBT
Brookelyn is an encouraging and compassionate provider. She works part time as an RBT while also working as a life coach specializing in inner child work and trauma healing. She brings a creative and positive energy to the field of ABA and is sensitive to the needs of others. Brookelyn is also an avid surfer and has experience teaching surf lessons to adults and children.
Kadian has extensive experience working with children with special needs both as a therapist and a parent. She brings an incredibly thoughtful and practical mindset to her services as she also understands the challenges that come along with raising a child with special needs. Kadian is patient provider who will truly take the time to listen and provide honest feedback.
Erica Maxwell, Behavior Technician
Margo Schoppe, RBT
Erica became interested in the field of ABA after seeing the impact the services made within her own family. She has a brother on the autism spectrum and has been a part of his ABA services throughout her life. She currently works part time as a behavior technician while also helping as a caregiver for her brother. Erica is an incredibly kind and patient provider with a passion for helping others.
Margo has previously served as an intern in the clinic through Florida Southern College. After completing her internship, she is now working full time as an RBT. Margo holds a Bachelors in Psychology from Florida Southern College. Margo brings a compassionate and child centered approach to ABA that is filled with joy and humor. All of the kids are better off with Margo in their lives.
Jillian Shaffer, RBT
Jillian is currently working on her Bachelors in ABA through USF and is working towards her BCaBA certification. She is a knowledgeable and compassionate provider who has a pure drive to create change and better the lives of the kids and families we serve. She has experience working across clinic, home, and school settings and brings a trauma informed, child centered approach to our office.
Maria Roversi-Pollard, BCaBA
Maria holds a Master's degree in ABA and is working towards certification as a BCBA. She is currently certified as an assistant behavior analyst and provides integral guidance, support, and training on many of our client cases. Maria is relatable, easy to talk to, and provides a realistic and family centered approach to all of her cases. She brings a refreshing honesty and humor to all that she does.
Heidi Davis, BCBA
Heidi has over 20 years experience working with children and adults with special needs across home, school, and clinic-based settings. She holds a Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in ABA. Heidi is pure joy. She makes therapy fun and engaging. She brings a positivity and enthusiasm to the field of ABA that is unique.
Danielle Frisby, RBT
Danielle holds a Master's degree in education and a graduate certificate in ABA. She is working towards certification as a BCBA. Danielle is a certified Florida educator with certification in the areas of Prek-3rd grade, ESE K-12, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Danielle has over 20 years of experience working Polk County Schools both as an educator and providing behavioral support. Danielle recently joined our team full time. She brings a strong foundation in early childhood development along with extensive experience supporting children with special needs in home and school settings. Her insight into school-based challenges and interventions allows her to provide well-rounded, practical support to the families she works with.
Morgan Zurbrugg, RBT
Morgan became interested in ABA after working as a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. She has years of experience working with young children both as an educator and as a nanny. Morgan has an intuitive and natural approach to working with children. She brings a light heartedness and positivity to our clinic and is intentional about the way she provices services.
Allison Denton, RBT
Allison has a wealth of experience as an RBT in various clinic, school, and home settings. She has experience working in the Hillsborough County School System and with conducting parent and staff training programs. She excels at parent coaching and helping families understand how to realistically impellent strategies at home. Allison is a thoughtful care provider who gives her all to the kids and families she serves.