Sidney Neugebauer, MS, BCBA
Clinical Lead – Naperville
Job title & educational background:
I’m the Clinic Director and Lead BCBA at a.c.e. Therapies in Naperville. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The University of South Dakota and a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Location: Naperville
Professional Experience:
I’ve been with a.c.e. Therapies for four years as a BCBA after starting as an RBT with the company for one year. Overall, I’ve worked in the field of ABA for eight years. I supported the opening of our one-of-a-kind Adult Learning Center in Downers Grove. I bring a wide range of experiences serving as a clinician in center-based, home-based, and community settings with clients ages 2–27. My areas of focus in clinical practice include behavior reduction through skill acquisition of functional language, toleration of situations, teaching within context, and accepting “no.” My passion is working with children on the autism spectrum with limited repertoires to support them in leading fulfilling lives. I recognize that preparing for adulthood starts with foundational skills acquired throughout the lifespan! I’ve most recently gained experience working with siblings who both have a diagnosis of autism, building independence, playing, and working together.
What drives you to come to work every day?
What drives me to come to work every day is seeing the progress the learners I work with make along the way! My favorite part of my job is when a learner acquires and generalizes a skill to the home setting, making them more independent within their everyday routines.
What sets our clinic apart?
I love that a.c.e. therapies is family-centered! Our centers are designed to create spaces that mirror everyday environments, which allows us to teach skills within the context they naturally occur. I love working with a multidisciplinary team and collaborating on goals with everyone who supports the learners I serve. My favorite part about working with a.c.e. is that we truly function as a team.
Fun Fact About Me:
On the weekends, you can find me listening to Taylor Swift, playing volleyball, or pickleball. I was born and raised on a farm in South Dakota and frequently travel back to visit my nephew and family.
Amanda Bagby, MA, BCBA, LBA
Clinic Director – Merrionette Park
Job title & educational background:
I’m the Clinic Director and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (MA, BCBA, LBA) at Merrionette Park. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2021 and my Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis with a Certificate in Autism from Ball State University in 2023.
Location: Merrionette Park
Professional Experience:
I’ve been in the field for 5.5 years and have 3.5 years of RBT experience prior to becoming a BCBA. I’ll be celebrating my two-year anniversary this June! I started with a.c.e. this past March and look forward to continuing to grow with our Merrionette Park team.
What drives you to come to work every day?
What drives me to come to work every day as a BCBA is knowing that the work we do truly changes lives. Seeing a child communicate a new word, gain more independence, or a family feel more empowered—those moments mean everything. I’m motivated by the progress, both big and small, and the chance to collaborate with others who care deeply about helping people reach their potential. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of someone’s journey toward a better quality of life.
Why a.c.e. therapies?
I joined a.c.e. therapies because of the close professional relationship that our CEO, Cindy Mrotek, offers her team. She is actively involved in client care and works day in and day out to empower her team and improve client care—something not often seen at many therapeutic companies! Our Merrionette Park clinic is currently restructuring our program to enhance overall client group and social skills, generalization, and team consistency. We look forward to creating structured group times for clients to explore new topics and activities, offering more group outings, and building smaller teams to promote consistency in care.
Fun Fact About Me:
I love walking around Chicago and taking pictures of the city—especially its architecture, street art, and hidden gems. It’s my favorite way to unwind and stay curious, even outside of work.
Anything Else I’d Like to Share:
I’ve spent my fieldwork researching Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and tailoring it for use in ABA services. Much of my research helped me create a six-week program I now use with the children I work with. I love incorporating ACT tools because they help kids handle big feelings, focus on what matters to them, and build confidence in who they are. It’s not just about changing behavior—it’s about helping them grow into resilient, flexible thinkers who can face challenges with courage and kindness.
Mark Ammer, MA, BCBA, LBA
Job title & educational background:
I’m the Clinic Director at the Downers Grove Adult Learning Center. I attended the University of Illinois and Roosevelt University, earning a degree in clinical psychology, and completed my behavior analysis training at Southern Illinois University.
Location: Downers Grove
Professional Experience:
I’ve worked for more than 30 years developing programs and providing support for children and adults with developmental disabilities and autism. My work has focused on building high-quality, person-centered services that promote meaningful growth and independence. Throughout my career, I’ve overseen adult service programs that enhanced supports across Chicagoland and served as training grounds for graduate students pursuing BCBA certification. I’ve led and launched clinical programs for adults in Illinois and other Midwestern states, helping organizations expand their capacity to deliver effective, evidence-based care. I began my career as a direct support professional, working hands-on with individuals and families. As my experience and education grew, so did my commitment to creating opportunities for adults to gain the functional skills needed to achieve their goals, hopes, and dreams. While I’ve also led programs serving children, my greatest passion remains helping adults live fuller, more self-directed lives.
Is there a reason you chose this profession?
I love that behavior analysis is an individualized and evidence-based approach that helps us all use reinforcement to create a world where we can work toward becoming our best selves. I enjoy working with individuals to develop skills, realize their hopes and dreams, and guide others in implementing compassionate, evidence-based supports.
Why a.c.e. therapies?
I value the compassionate and entrepreneurial culture here—it’s all about finding the best opportunities to support our clients and families. The staff are supportive, skilled, and eager to grow while providing compassionate care.
Fun Fact About Me:
I’m a big Cubs fan and have been a season ticket holder for the past few years!
Anything Else I’d Like to Share:
I live in Niles with my wife, Carolyn, and our Bernedoodle, Cooper. My son lives in Georgia, and my daughter lives in Madison, Wisconsin. I teach ABA classes online part-time and love mentoring others who want to learn about the science of behavior analysis and the power of reinforcement to change the world.
Donna Martinez, MA, BCBA, LBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Job title & educational background:
I’m a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and hold a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Location: Merrionette Park
Professional Experience:
I’ve been in the field for five years. I worked as an RBT for three years and began treating as a BCBA two years ago, in September. I started with a.c.e. therapies in April 2025.
What drives you to come to work every day?
I enjoy seeing children learn new skills and watching their growth from the first day they start services to the day they graduate. When I’m working with a client, it doesn’t feel like “work”—we’re learning, playing, and having fun together.
Why a.c.e. therapies?
I love the client-to-staff ratio and the small-team approach, which allows me to really understand each client’s programs, skills, and growth areas. I’m excited to continue promoting generalization of skills and working alongside Behavior Technicians to help them expand their knowledge and skill sets.
Fun Fact About Me:
I’m both a boy mom and a dog mom! I love trying new restaurants in Chicago and traveling with my family.
Dr. Megan Harper, BCBA-D, LBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Job title & educational background:
Lead BCBA. I have a bachelors in psychology and Spanish from University of Michigan, a master’s in behavior analysis from Western Michigan University, and a doctorate in applied behavior analysis from University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Location: Naperville
Professional Experience:
My first job as a behavior technician was in 2015, and I haven’t worked outside of the field since! My clinical experience has been with autistic toddlers and school-aged children working on early learner skills, verbal behavior, and activities of daily living. I am a new hire at a.c.e therapies, and I am looking forward to working with all of the amazing kids here.
Is there a reason you chose this profession?/What do you like about this job?/What drives you to come to work everyday?
I chose to be a behavior analyst because I saw the difference ABA therapy can make in the lives of children with ASD, and I wanted to be a part of that change.
Why a.c.e. therapies?/ what sets our clinic apart?
I chose a.c.e therapies because of the naturalistic, play-based approach that is standard practice here. I also love that OT and Speech are on-site so that we can collaborate and work together to create a treatment plan that is best for each individual learner.
Fun Fact About You: (Something personal to help families connect with you)
In my free time I enjoy baking/cooking, and watching wayyy too much reality tv.