Meet Our Team

Angela Allen

NCC, LMHC, BCBA

CEO & Therapist

Angela is the Founder of Inclusive Options, LLC and a native of Columbus, Indiana. She obtained her Master's and Education Specialist Degrees from Indiana University in 2007 and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Angela has 10+ years in the education field and brings deep expertise in anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADHD, developmental disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She continues to see clients for Counseling, Parent Training, and as a BCBA. Angela is passionate about helping fill the gaps in the Columbus community — believing all individuals deserve access to mental health services regardless of their label or ability.

Joseph Allen

BS

COO

Joseph is a co-founder of Inclusive Options, LLC and a native of Columbus, Indiana. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science with a Minor in Entrepreneurial Studies from Carthage College (2009). Joseph brings 13+ years of professional experience spanning software engineering, business management, financial analysis, data analytics, and IT services at a Fortune 100 company. He currently oversees multiple Enterprise software systems serving North America. Through Angela, Joseph has witnessed first-hand the growing mental health need in the community and is passionate about ensuring Inclusive Options can deliver that support to Columbus and beyond.

Lynn Pittman

MSW, LCSW

Lead Therapist

Lynn has 15 years of experience in the mental health field. Lynn began her career doing Case Management for the DBT team at Centerstone while obtaining her Master's Degree in Social Work at IUPUI. Upon completion of her degree in 2011, Lynn gained experience working for Turning Point Domestic Violence Agency as well as providing individual counseling to a diverse population of clients ranging in age from 5 to 82. Lynn has advanced training in EMDR and uses this treatment modality regularly in her practice. Lynn also has extensive experience treating complex trauma, domestic violence and sexual assault, addictions treatment, parenting and co-occurring disorders. Lynn provides warmth and empathy while taking a holistic approach working collaboratively with clients to help them find solutions to the changes they seek to make in their lives.

Fran Taylor

LMHC

Therapist

Fran has been a mental health therapist in the Columbus community for many years and has been in the mental health field for more than 20 years. She joined the Inclusive Options team in the Fall of 2024. She has experience in working with a wide variety of populations including families, children, relationship & marriage, grief and general counseling needs. Fran is passionate about supporting those in need of mental health services in our community.

Spencer Prather

LMHC

Therapist

Spencer is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has been a part of Inclusive Options since August 2023. He earned his Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from IU Columbus, and has worked with a wide variety of clients across the lifespan, from as young as 5 to as old as 70. Spencer is most experienced in treating anxiety, complicated grief, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD and concerns related to autism spectrum disorder. Spencer is a person-centered counselor who is passionate about walking alongside clients on their personal journey towards self-betterment and rediscovering their own strength. In his free time, you can often find Spencer spending time with his family, going on adventures with his dogs, reading fantasy novels or watching the Colts and Pacers.

Tiffany Baker

LMHC

Therapist

Tiffany has 13 years of experience in the mental health field. She has five years working with youth and families in residential treatment settings and three years as a Director at a Domestic Violence shelter in Eastern North Carolina. Tiffany obtained her Masters Degree in Social Work in 2020 and has experience in school-based counseling, addictions treatment and works with a variety of youth and adults (ages 7–70). She has experience with a variety of mental health diagnoses including early childhood trauma, depression, grief and anxiety. Tiffany is also a certified Yoga Teacher and is intrigued with the holistic connection between the body, mind and spirit. She believes deeply in the resilience of every person and is honored to work collaboratively with clients to help them be and feel like their best selves.

Jessica Lopez

MS

Therapist

Jessica is a bilingual psychologist with a cognitive-behavioral approach and over 20 years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and grief, while also supporting patients as they navigate challenging life transitions, including relationship changes and adjustment to complex medical diagnoses. She provides psychotherapy to youth and adults, serving individuals from ages 8 to 90. Jessica earned her Master's degree in Cognitive Psychology in 2012 from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has also held academic roles within undergraduate and graduate university programs and has extensive experience in the design and implementation of prevention programs in mental health and health promotion. In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her family, playing board games, traveling, and watching Indiana Pacers games.

Dr. Anna Merrill

PhD

Consulting Psychologist

Dr. Anna Merrill is a Visiting Clinical Assistant Professor in the School Psychology Program at Indiana University – Bloomington and clinical director of the Learning and Developmental Evaluation Clinic at IU. She provides clinical supervision for doctoral students training to become future psychologists. Dr. Merrill is a licensed psychologist and has worked in clinical practice in school, hospital, and private practice settings in Indiana and Massachusetts. She provides psychological consultation services for children and families receiving diagnostic evaluations through Inclusive Options. She specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities, and has a particular interest in the female presentation of autism and the intersection of autism and gender identity.

Ashtyn Robinson

RBT

Community Outreach Coordinator & IUC Counseling Intern

Ashtyn joined the team in the Fall of 2024 and serves as our Community Resource Coordinator and counseling intern through the Mental Health Counseling Master's program at IUPUC. She has been an RBT for 3+ years, working with individuals on the spectrum from ages 3 to 18 in both school and clinic settings. Mental health and working with kids is her passion — she plans to combine both by becoming an LMHC and BCBA.

Paige Wilson

IUC Counseling Intern

Paige is currently a student of the Mental Health Counseling Master's program at Indiana University Columbus. She also holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. For the past two years she has worked part time at Tara Treatment Center in a clinical support position facilitating psychoeducation groups and working to meet client needs. Paige has an overall goal of working with younger populations and is dedicated to helping adolescents learn healthy coping skills to overcome trauma, anxiety, and depression.

Ava McKinney

Ball State MSW Counseling Intern

Ava is currently a graduate student in the Master of Social Work program at Ball State University and holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Her professional experience includes working in a community-based mental health setting, providing in-home services to children and adolescents, supporting clients with emotional regulation, effective communication, healthy coping and problem-solving skills, and trauma-informed interventions. Ava is deeply passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, and depression.

Ciara Thomas

MSEd

Behavioral Consultant — Monroe County

Elizabeth McPherson

SSP, NC SP

Behavioral Consultant — Monroe County

Dessie Jackson

BCBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Dessie is a dedicated professional with a strong foundation in psychology and over four years of experience as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). She completed her Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis in December 2024 and obtained her BCBA credentials in early Spring 2025. Dessie is passionate about fostering inclusive environments where all individuals and learners can thrive. She practices with a collaborative and positive approach, building strong relationships and creating productive spaces that encourage everyone to succeed. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four dogs, indulging in coffee, and relaxing with movies.

Ashley McIntosh

BCaBA Intern, RBT

Registered Behavior Technician & BCaBA Intern

Ashley has a wealth of experience working with families in the community. She has 7+ years of experience in a clinical setting as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and 2 years as an RBT in the educational setting. She is actively pursuing her Bachelor's Degree from Ball State in Applied Behavior Analysis to become a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst. She is passionate about working with families and connecting them with community resources to support inclusive involvement for all.

Amy Robbins

RBT

Registered Behavior Technician & Trainer

With over 9 years of experience in the field of developmental support, Amy is a dedicated Registered Behavior Technician who has spent the last 6 years serving the autism community with compassion and commitment. Before becoming an RBT, she worked for 3 years supporting adults with disabilities — an experience that solidified her passion for behavioral health and advocacy. Known for her natural empathy, Amy brings heart, patience, and professionalism to every interaction. Outside of her career, Amy is a proud mom to two energetic children who keep her on her toes with their busy sports schedules and active lifestyles.

Brittany Dyer

RBT

Registered Behavior Technician

Brittany is a Registered Behavior Technician with almost five years of experience in a clinical environment, working with both children and adults affected by developmental disabilities. Her steadfast commitment to her clients shines in her sessions — she enjoys watching clients learn new skills and grow. Outside of her professional work, Brittany actively advocates for the recovery community and for individuals on their health & fitness journey. In her leisure time, she can be found being physically active, reading, traveling, and spending time with her son.

Kourtney Stepp

RBT

Registered Behavior Technician

Kourtney is a Registered Behavior Technician with experience working with children ages 3–12 who have cognitive and developmental disabilities. Kourtney makes it her goal to show her clients that they are capable of overcoming any challenge through perseverance, while giving families hope and confidence for the future. Her patience, commitment, and work ethic make her an outstanding RBT. In her downtime, Kourtney enjoys being a mother, painting, trying out new restaurants, traveling, shopping, and reading.

Kourtney Eaken

RBT

Registered Behavior Technician

Amira Guy

RBT

Behavior Technician

Crystal Ferree

RBT

Behavior Technician

Melina Deweese

RBT

Behavior Technician & ABA Administrative Assistant

Rebecca Daugherty

MS, SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist & BCBA Candidate

Rebecca is a speech-language pathologist working in the public school community. She graduated from Indiana University with a master's degree in speech-language pathology in 2008 and has 13+ years working in the public school system with students ages 4–22, including those with developmental disabilities, autism, and speech and language impairments. Rebecca has also worked in inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, long-term care, and home health care. She has since completed her Master's Degree in ABA and is supporting Inclusive Options in developing their Speech & Language Program, with a goal of helping people in Columbus and the surrounding areas get the language, social, and behavioral therapy they need.

Emily Bord

MS, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Emily is a Columbus native with a passion for family wellness. Getting her start as an RBT, she continued her journey by earning her Master's in Occupational Therapy from Colorado State University. She spent five years working as a school-based occupational therapist and loves incorporating play into every therapy session. Emily provides personalized intervention in a child's natural context to improve performance in the habits, roles, and routines of school and home. Outside of her pediatric therapy work she provides pelvic health and 4th trimester care through Flourish Wellness, adventures with her two children and husband, and plays mandolin with the Columbus Mandolin Orchestra.

Lisa Theobald

Administrative Assistant

Lisa comes from a health education background and holds a B.S. in Health Science. She has always been passionate about helping others live healthier, more informed lives, having worked in corporate wellness, community health promotion, and with children in the preschool setting. She is excited to be part of the mental health team where she can connect people with the support they need to feel their best. Outside of work, Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband and three sons, cheering them on through soccer, cross country, wrestling, and lots of outdoor adventures.

Amber Davidson

Administrative Specialist

Amber began working in healthcare 10 years ago at a local chiropractic office and quickly became passionate about helping others — a drive that led her into the mental health field. She is proud to be part of a field that brings so much peace to those we help. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her daughter and 2 fur kids. When not attending sports events, she enjoys reading, crafting, or soaking up the sunshine.