Cathy Jo Higgins earned her bachelor's degree from Marshall University in Communication Disorders (speech pathology & audiology) and her master's degree in early childhood special education 0-5. Her experience stems from working in 3 preschools with children with special needs, working for the WV Autism Training Center developing the very first autism registry in the nation and working in the WV Birth to Three Program as a Developmental Specialist since 2005. She currently serves on the Advisory Board for the West Virginia Autism Training Center and has served for the past 11 years. She also is very active in the WV Birth to Three Program (WVBTT) where she was chosen to participate in two State Implementation teams: Mentoring Implementation Team and ASQ-Social Emotional Pilot Program. She currently participates in the Autism Implementation Team. Cathy Jo is also an active member of the WVBTT Local Implementation Team in region 3, which serves Kanawha, Clay, Jackson, and Roane Counties. In the past 2 years, Cathy Jo and her supervisory staff have been active in the "We Develop ABA" WV Stakeholders group. This group works toward improving ABA training/services in the state of West Virginia. Cathy Jo has always had a passion for children with special needs and their families. However, only providing children with the services they need is not good enough; children deserve the BEST quality services that can be given. Cathy Jo set out to do just that! In 2023, Cathy Jo and her Amazing clinic team were awarded the distinct honor of Behavioral Health Center of Excellence (BHCOE) Accreditation. The Developmental Advantage is only the 2nd ABA clinic in the State of WV with this honor. Cathy Jo lives in Cross Lanes, WV with her wonderful and supportive husband Mark and their beloved cat, Bonus.

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email: cathyjo@thedevadvantage.com

Ryan began providing ABA services in 2016. While serving as a Registered Behavior Technician, he completed his coursework and became a BCaBA in the start of 2020. Ryan has experience working with a wide range of clients from 1-70 years of age. He also has experience working with ASD, Cri-du chat syndrome, TBI's and Downs Syndrome. Ryan is currently supervising our ABA clinic, providing assessments, and family trainings. Ryan is currently working toward his BCBA. 

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email: ryan@thedevadvantage.com

Zach began providing ABA services as a BCBA intern in 2018. In the summer of 2020, he completed his coursework and passed the boards to become a BCBA. Zach has experience working with children ages 2-17. Zach has worked in clinics, homes and schools working with a variety of diagnoses including: Autism, ADHD, ODD, Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and more!In his spare time, Zach enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies and playing sports.

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email: zach@thedevadvantage.com