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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, M.Ed., BCBA, NBCT
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, M.Ed., BCBA
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.
Hannah Schademan, MA, BCBA
Hi, I'm Hannah Schademan. I graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Business Administration. I worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) for 5 years before earning my BCBA. I earned my master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from the Florida Institute of Technology. My favorite part of being a BCBA is witnessing the progress made by the children I work with. Seeing them proud of themselves when they achieve their goals is so fulfilling. I also love seeing them apply the skills they've learned in our clinic to their daily lives at home and school.
Contact Hannah: Hannah@carolinacognitive.com
OUR STAFF
Carly Clegg, MA, BCBA
Hi, my name is Carly Clegg! I graduated from Clemson University in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Youth Development Programs. I completed my master's degree in ABA from Ball State University in the summer of 2024. Following the competition of my master’s degree in ABA from Ball State University, I certified as a BCBA. While obtaining my masters and BCBA certification, I was working as an RBT. My favorite thing about my job is that we celebrate all the little victories! All achievements, big or small, make lasting changes for our clients and their families, and the role we get to play in that makes my job so rewarding!
Megan Wells, MA, BCBA
Hello, my name is Megan Wells! I hold a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina (go Gamecocks!) and a master's degree in behavior analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. Before earning my BCBA, I was an RBT for three years. My favorite part of my job is the focus on each specific child. We tailor each program and treatment plan to each child's needs. We take extra time to form strong bonds with our clients. When they win, it's a win for everyone!
Zun Tanksley, MA, BCBA
Hello! My name is Alexsundria (Zun) Tanksley. I am a Marine Corps spouse and career-driven momma to one sassy frass, Lolli. I’ve been in the field of ABA since 2020, jump-starting my master's degree in ABA at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. After graduating in 2022, we shipped our lives from the west coast, and moved to Parris Island, SC, where my husband is a Drill Instructor. I love providing direct care and experiencing the reward of witnessing each client grow in their own way.
Angela Scheidt, MA, BCBA
Hi! My name is Angela Scheidt, and I am proud to be one of the BCBA’s at Carolina Cognitive. I always knew that I wanted to work with children and I did this in several different capacities for over a decade before choosing my graduate degree concentration in behavior. Along the way I became a girl mom to my daughters, Quinn and Indy before receiving my Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. When I’m not working you can find me out enjoying the sunshine with my two tiny humans and our fur babies Tuna, Ahi, and Tempura. I am incredibly passionate about bringing neurodiversity awareness to our community, as well as giving all of our children the opportunity to learn and grow in a way that is individualized, safe, and FUN!
Briana Keaveny, BS, RBT
Hello, I’m Briana Keaveny! I received my bachelor's degree back in 2016 from Central Michigan University, majoring in Family Studies with a minor in Child Development. I’ve been in the relative field of ABA for roughly 4 years now. My favorite thing about my job is seeing the impact we make come to life! Watching our clients grow independence and confidence while we celebrate the positive every step of the way truly makes the hard work worth it, no matter the path it took to get there.
Alyssa Ibarra, BA, RBT
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, RBT
Hi, my name is Ashley Rodes. I’m from Miami, FL, and I recently relocated to Beaufort, SC, to begin an exciting new chapter in my life. I’ve worked as a Registered Behavior Technician since 2024, the same year I earned my Associate’s Degree in Psychology from Miami Dade College. Since entering the field, I’ve discovered a deep passion for supporting children in their development. What I love most about my work is seeing the small, meaningful progress each child makes every day. It brings me joy to be part of their journey and to support their growth in a positive and impactful way.
Riley Jones, BS, RBT
Hey! My name is Riley Jones, and I’m originally from Irmo, South Carolina. I graduated from Wofford College in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Art History. After college, I moved to Bluffton to be closer to family, and I now share a home with my older sister. I recently started my career in ABA and earned my RBT certification in March 2025. One of the things I love most about working in ABA is getting to know each client’s unique interests and celebrating everything that makes them who they are. I enjoy tapping into their passions to connect with them and make learning new skills exciting, fun, and empowering!
Bataia Parker, RBT
Hey there! My name is Bataia Parker and I’m relatively new to the area of Beaufort as I moved here two years ago with my husband, Alex, and our German Shepherd, Kira. I was born and raised in the beautiful state of West Virginia, and that’s where my career in early childhood development began as I followed my mother’s footsteps. My passion for making a positive difference motivates me daily, and I’ve been blessed to find a devoted team who shares the same goals and ambitions here at Carolina Cognitive. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without the support of my colleagues, wonderful husband, and loving parents!
Jessie Roe, RBT
Hi! My name is Jessica Roe! I recently moved to Beaufort in 2024. This is my first job in the ABA field, and I absolutely love it! My favorite thing about our job is watching our clients become more independent and learning how to communicate their feelings and needs!
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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
Hey! My name is Jake Swope, and I just moved to Beaufort from Pittsburgh PA with my wife Tiffany and our cat Rogie! I first found a love for the mental health field while supporting my wife as she went through school to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. My journey to this field was also inspired by learning from my brother in law, who is a BCBA. These experiences of learning more about mental health and behaviorism from those closest to me, I knew this was something I would excel in while helping to change the lives of the kids that I work with. From there, I gained valuable experience and a deep passion for ABA while working as an academic and behavior support staff at an ABA school. I am blessed to have the support of my wife and those close to me as I continue to grow in my behavioral career and help the kids I work with to thrive in a supportive environment!
McKenzie Murphy, BS
Contact Kristin: Kristin@carolinacognitive.com
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!
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