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At Carolina Cognitive, our team of highly qualified professionals is dedicated to providing the best care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.
OUR OWNERS
Megan Linacre
Hi! My name is Megan Linacre and I'm one of the owners and Board Certified Behavior Analysts at Carolina Cognitive. I live in Beaufort with my two children, Jack and Sutton. I hold an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education (2012), a Master's Degree in Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis (2014), and I am a National Board Certified Teacher. In 2022, after teaching First Grade for 10 years, I decided to utilize my BCBA certification full-time. My favorite part of my job is supporting parents and caregivers through our Caregiver Collaboration sessions. We celebrate success with our clients every day, so it's also incredible to celebrate their family's victories!
Contact Megan L: Megan@carolinacognitive.com
Kristin Helfrick
Hi! My name is Kristin Helfrick. I'm a BCBA and owner at Carolina Cognitive! I have worked with individuals with disabilities for over twenty years as a special education & elementary school teacher and currently hold a South Carolina Educator Certificate in early childhood, elementary, ESOL, and special education fields. I earned a Bachelor of Arts from Villanova University and a Master's of Education from Eastern University. I received my Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certification from Clemson University. I have a passion for helping children reach their fullest potential, and Carolina Cognitive strengthens that passion every day.
Contact Kristin: Kristin@carolinacognitive.com
OUR STAFF
Carly Clegg
Contact: Carly@carolinacognitive.com
Carly Clegg, BCBA, has three years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis and has worked across school, clinic, and in-home settings, supporting children with diverse needs. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Youth Development Programs, as well as a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis, and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with additional training in supervision and Skills-Based Treatment (SBT). Carly was drawn to the field through her lifelong passion for working with children and a desire to support those with disabilities, ultimately finding her calling in ABA through mentorship and hands-on experience. She is passionate about building strong, individualized relationships with families and tailoring treatment to meet each child where they are, recognizing that no two children or journeys are the same. Carly finds the most joy in celebrating every success—big or small—and values being part of both client and family progress. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time on the boat, being with family and friends, taking her dog to the sandbar, and creative hobbies like needlepointing and playing mahjong. Carly is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care, emphasizing the importance of communication, balance, and understanding the unique needs of every child and family she serves.
Megan Wells
Contact: Meganwells@carolinacognitive.com
Megan Wells, BCBA, has five years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis and has worked across schools, clinics, and in-home settings, allowing her to support clients in meaningful and functional ways across environments. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis Practice and is passionate about developmental and behavioral science. Megan places a strong emphasis on building trusting relationships, believing that engaging, enjoyable therapy is key to growth and learning, and finds the greatest reward in watching her clients gain independence and generalize skills into their daily lives. Her clinical approach focuses on functional communication, replacement behaviors, and teaching self-advocacy skills, with a strong commitment to understanding the “why” behind behavior in order to create safe, effective interventions that improve quality of life. Outside of work, she enjoys attending concerts, going to football games (Go Gamecocks!), baking, and reading. Megan is dedicated to treating every client with the same care she would give her own family, prioritizing each child’s safety, happiness, and growth while providing compassionate, high-quality care.
Angela Scheidt
Contact: Angela@carolinacognitive.com
Angela, BCBA, has over five years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has worked across schools, clinics, and in-home settings, allowing her to support children and families in meaningful, individualized ways. Angela was drawn to the field through her passion for working with neurodivergent children, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and is deeply committed to helping children build functional skills, reduce challenging behaviors, and gain independence. She finds the most joy in the “aha” moments when a child accomplishes something for the first time and values each day as an opportunity for growth and positive change. Clinically, she is especially passionate about supporting children with more severe behaviors by focusing on meaningful replacement skills that improve quality of life. Outside of work, Angela enjoys spending time with her family, making sushi with her girls, and being on the water or at the beach, and as part of a military family, she is proud to call the Lowcountry home while valuing the supportive, family-like environment at Carolina Cognitive.
Briana Keaveny
Accruing Hours for BCBA Certification-Student Analyst
Briana Keaveny, RBT, has approximately five years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis, including over a year and a half as a credentialed Registered Behavior Technician, and has worked across schools, clinics, and daycare settings supporting children with diverse needs. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies with a minor in Child Development and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration in ABA. Briana is passionate about advocating for individuals whose voices are often unheard and is driven to understand the “why” behind behavior. She finds the greatest fulfillment in watching her clients grow—gaining skills, confidence, and independence that open new opportunities for their future—and values being part of a supportive team that celebrates every success, big or small. Outside of work, Briana enjoys staying active and creative through kickball, running 5Ks, painting, pottery, and reading, as well as spending time outdoors with a coffee in hand. She is deeply committed to supporting each child’s unique needs, building strong relationships with families, and continuing her personal and professional growth while helping every child reach their full potential.
Riley Jones
Accruing Hours for BCBA Certification-Student Analyst
Riley Jones, RBT, has one year of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis and has worked in school, clinic, and in-home settings supporting children with diverse needs. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Art History from Wofford College and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Behavior Analysis Practice while accruing fieldwork hours toward becoming a BCBA. Riley was drawn to ABA after discovering a strong passion for the field early in her career and has since found it to be exactly where she belongs. She enjoys getting to know each child’s unique interests and celebrating what makes them who they are, while also valuing the mutual learning that happens between herself and her clients. Outside of work, Riley enjoys going to the beach, trivia, museums, and documentaries. She appreciates the family-like, supportive environment at Carolina Cognitive, where both clients and staff are genuinely cared for.
McKenzie Murphy
Lead RBT
Hi!! My name is McKenzie Murphy, and I am originally from Lagrange, Ga. I graduated in May of 2025 from Georgia Southern University, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders. After college, I moved to Beaufort, SC, to start a job in ABA and landed at Carolina Cognitive! I began my career in ABA in 2020 and fell absolutely in love with it. One thing I love about working in ABA is that it allows me to make meaningful changes in children’s lives. Every day, I get to help them build independence, improve communication, and overcome behavioral challenges in ways that empower them to become who they are. Whether it’s seeing a child say their first word or helping a family experience fewer daily struggles, the progress we make together is incredibly fulfilling!
Paxton Jameson
Paxton Jameson, RBT, has three years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis and has worked across school, clinic, and in-home settings, supporting children in a variety of environments. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies and is currently applying to master’s programs with the goal of becoming a BCBA. Paxton discovered her passion for ABA early in her career and quickly knew it was her calling, developing a strong commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of the children she serves. She finds the most fulfillment in being part of the positive change ABA brings, helping children build skills and reach their full potential. Outside of work, Paxton enjoys reading—rarely going anywhere without her Kindle—and spending time with family, friends, and her French Bulldog. She values the supportive, uplifting environment at Carolina Cognitive and appreciates the strong relationships built with both teammates and families, recognizing the important role they play in each child’s success.
Alyssa Ibarra
Hello, my name is Alyssa Ibarra! I graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. My husband is a drill instructor on Parris Island, and we relocated to Beaufort last year from the West Coast. I became a RBT in 2024, and I’ve loved every moment since. This field gives me the opportunity to make a lasting, meaningful impact by helping individuals build essential skills and achieve greater independence. Watching our clients grow in confidence and reach their goals is truly one of the most rewarding parts!
Ashley Rodes
Ashley Rodes, RBT, has two years of experience in the ABA field and has worked in both school and clinic settings, giving her a well-rounded approach to supporting children’s development. She holds an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in the same field, demonstrating her commitment to continued learning and growth. Ashley is deeply passionate about helping children reach their full potential and finds the most joy in watching their progress—celebrating each milestone, big or small, as they build confidence and develop new skills. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and reading, bringing that same curiosity and enthusiasm into her work. Ashley values the professionalism, support, and strong sense of teamwork at Carolina Cognitive and is dedicated to providing compassionate care while making a positive impact on every child she serves.
Maria Burd
Maria Burd, RBT, has over five years of professional experience in Applied Behavior Analysis, along with five additional years of hands-on experience implementing ABA in her own home. She has worked in both school and clinic settings, supporting children in developing communication, independence, and daily living skills. Maria was inspired to enter the field after her son was diagnosed with autism at age three, along with encouragement from her grandmother who recognized her natural calling for this work—an experience that fuels her deep passion and commitment to every child and family she serves. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in ABA at Capella University to continue expanding her knowledge and skills. Maria finds the most joy in watching her clients grow, especially as they learn to communicate their needs and gain independence, and she is dedicated to helping each child discover what works best for them while supporting their progress every step of the way. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, reading, attending wrestling tournaments, playing golf, doing puzzles and crafts like diamond art, building with Legos, playing with her dogs, and embracing all things 90s. To Maria, this is more than a career—it’s a passion, and she treats every child as if they were her own while building meaningful, lasting relationships with the families she supports and valuing being part of a workplace that feels like family.
Carolina Glover
Carolina Glover, RBT (in training), is an emerging professional in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis with six months of hands-on experience supporting children across school, clinic, and home settings. She also brings a unique background with an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, along with experience as a paraprofessional. Carolina was inspired to work in ABA through her love for working with children and the joy she finds in being a positive, uplifting presence in their lives. She is passionate about helping children grow and finds the most fulfillment in seeing her clients succeed—especially the smiles and laughter that come when they accomplish their goals. Outside of work, Carolina enjoys cooking, dancing, and singing, bringing creativity and energy into everything she does. Known for her compassionate and loving approach, Carolina is deeply dedicated to her clients, prioritizing their progress and well-being while valuing a supportive, family-like environment where sessions are engaging and child-led, and she is excited to continue growing within the field.
LaNita Higgins
Hello, my name is LaNita Higgins! I was born and (partially) raised in Beaufort, SC. I’m a child of two Marine Corps parents. One retired and one still active duty. I’ve lived in South Carolina on and off for years but finally settled here in 2018. I’ve been working with children since I was thirteen but this my first job in the ABA field. It’s an amazing field and I love it already! I’m so blessed to be given the opportunity to support our clients on their journey!
Jake Swope
Jake Swope, RBT, has seven years of experience in the ABA field and has worked in both school and clinic settings, supporting children across a variety of environments while helping them build the skills they need to thrive. He was inspired to pursue a career in ABA through the influence of his wife and brother-in-law, both in the mental health field, and further developed his passion through hands-on experience as academic and behavior support staff in an ABA school setting. Jake finds the most fulfillment in contributing to each child’s growth and creating a safe, supportive space where they can succeed, taking pride in the meaningful impact he makes each day. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he recently relocated to Beaufort with his wife and their cat, and outside of work he enjoys spending time outdoors and with his family. Jake values the supportive, team-oriented environment at Carolina Cognitive and is committed to continuing his professional growth while helping each child reach their full potential.
Erin Minter
Erin Minter, RBT, has two years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis and works in a clinic setting supporting children as they learn and grow. She was drawn to the field through her passion for helping others, building meaningful connections, and making a positive, hands-on impact using her natural patience, empathy, and care. Erin finds the most joy in the variety each day brings, embracing both the challenges and meaningful moments while celebrating the growth and progress of her clients. She values being part of each child’s journey, helping create moments where skills click and confidence builds. Outside of work, Erin enjoys spending quality time with her family and making the most of those moments together. Known for her friendly, patient, and upbeat approach, she is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where children feel comfortable to learn and grow, while also maintaining strong communication and collaboration with families. Erin appreciates the supportive, positive, and team-oriented environment at Carolina Cognitive, where she feels encouraged to do her best work and continue making a meaningful impact each day.
Sunnie Williams
Shardavia Williams, RBT, is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families she serves, with her journey into the ABA field being deeply personal—she was inspired by her son and her desire to better understand, support, and connect with him, which led her to discover the powerful impact of ABA. She has experience working in school-based settings, supporting clients in developing essential skills and building confidence, and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a focus in ABA at Capella University, while also holding associate degrees in Criminal Justice and Health and Human Services that contribute to her well-rounded approach to care. Shardavia finds the most joy in watching her clients grow, celebrating even the smallest victories, and building strong, trusting relationships, and she is dedicated to creating a positive, supportive environment where each child can reach their full potential. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her children, making lasting memories, and embracing life’s simple moments. She is committed to treating every child with patience, kindness, and respect, creating a safe, nurturing space where children can thrive and families feel supported, and she values being part of a team that prioritizes compassion, professionalism, and high-quality care.
McKenzie Young
Social Media/Graphic Design
McKenzie Young, RBT, has one year of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis and has worked in both school and clinic settings, supporting children as they build communication, confidence, and independence. She was inspired to enter the field through her passion for helping children grow and succeed, especially after seeing the impact individualized support can have. McKenzie finds the most fulfillment in celebrating the small moments that lead to big progress and values building strong, trusting relationships with each child. She also brings five years of experience in a special education classroom, along with a strong background in inclusion through Special Olympics and Project Unify. Outside of work, she enjoys coaching volleyball and softball, spending time outdoors with her family, and embracing the Lowcountry lifestyle as a new mom. McKenzie is dedicated to creating a supportive, engaging environment where children feel encouraged to grow and is proud to be part of the Carolina Cognitive team.
Amanda Norr
Amanda Norr, RBT, has one year of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis and has worked in school, clinic, and in-home settings, supporting children as they learn and grow. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is beginning her Master’s in ABA with the goal of becoming a BCBA. Amanda was drawn to the field through her love for working with children and quickly developed a passion for ABA, finding the most joy in both the small and big wins her clients achieve in real time. She is known for creating a fun, safe, and engaging environment where children can learn through play and leave each session smiling. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys cooking, baking, being outdoors, and going on adventures. With a calm, bubbly, and comforting personality, she strives to make each session meaningful and enjoyable while building strong connections with her clients and their families.
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