Faculty Leads
Dr Ryan Kellems PhD, Associate Professor, McKay School of Education
Ryan has made significant contributions in the field of education, particularly in supporting students with disabilities during their transition from school to post-school life. Ryan is actively engaged in teaching and research, specializing in technology-based interventions for individuals with autism. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field, including receiving the Fulbright Scholar Award for his project on improving the quality of life for Hungarians with autism through technology-based interventions. You might say that Ryan has an affinity with water as he is a certified whitewater rafting instructor and an avid fisher. If he can catch it, he can eat it!
Dr Cade Charlton, Associate Professor, McKay School of Education
Cade was introduced to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Organizational Behavior Management as a freshman at Utah State University. With just enough knowledge to be dangerous, he worked with several private companies as an ABA service provider. Prior to completing the MBA program, Cade started working as a consultant with the Centers for the School of the Future where he fell in love with helping teachers adopt and implement better services for at risk students. Cade was excited to show his son the ‘The Legend of Zelda’ games, however, much to his horror the student soon surpassed the master.
Graduate Researchers
Gem Leighton, Graduate Research Assistant
Hello, I’m Gem Leighton and I moved from the UK to undergo a Masters in Special Education so that I can become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). I did a degree is Fashion Textiles: Knit at the London College of Fashion, before returning to a former passion of mine, Psychology. I did a Masters in Psychological Science, certified by the British Psychological Society (BPS), were I developed an interest in research. After taking a well-earned break from doing two degrees back-to-back, I became a behavior technician in an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) school. There I worked with nonverbal autistic children and fell in love with the kids and the field. However, I have the soul of n artist and still love to paint, knit, and spin my own yarn.
Hayley Nickels Yancy, Graduate Research Assistant
My name is Hayley Nickels Yancey and I’m from Pullman, Washington. I’m a graduate student at BYU studying Instructional Psychology & Technology! I did my undergrad in Human Development, and I’m particularly interested in educational games, impactful instructional design, and open education. This research project feels like a blend of my background and current interests! When I have extra time, I love music, reading, and skiing.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Megan Sorensen, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hi! My name is Megan Sorensen and I am a Special Education major at BYU. I have loved working with students with disabilities throughout my life and feel passionately about furthering research that will benefit these students in the future. I did an internship in a special education classroom while I was in high school that really sparked my interest and set me down this path. My plan is to graduate as a special education undergrad and then continue on to the graduate program to become a behavioral therapist doing ABA therapy. I’m from Highlands Ranch, Colorado and I love to spend time with friends, be outdoors, play the piano and read.
Lianna Olsen, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hello! My name is Lianna Olsen, and I am a junior at Brigham Young University, majoring in Special Education. I have done volunteer work in a special education classroom and loved it. I also have family members and friends that have disabilities. They bring so much into my life, which is one of the reasons that this research has interested me. I am originally from Canada but moved to Utah years ago. I love being with my family and dog, watching TV, and going back to visit family in Canada.
Maleah Bowen, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hi! My name is Maleah Bowen and I am a sophomore at BYU, majoring in Communication Disorders! I did two years of volunteer working special education classrooms when I was in high school and I loved it, which is why this specific research interests me so much. Special Education was also my second choice of major! I am from a small Utah town called Oakley, and love to spend time with my family, ride horses, watch sunsets, and go to the lake!
Karina Wagner, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hey y’all! My name is Karina Wagner, and I am a senior at BYU studying Psychology with a minor in Family Life. I’m from Austin, Texas, I love dogs, and I spend my free time traveling the world! I work as a Registered Behavior Technician at Kids on the Move, where I use ABA therapy to support children with autism. This passion for working with kids on the spectrum is what drew me to this research lab. I’m really excited about exploring how virtual reality can improve social interactions for children with autism and finding ways to apply these insights to make ABA therapy even more effective.
Kendall Roberts, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hello! My name is Kendall Roberts, and I am new to the team! I am applying to be in the communication disorders major, but I am very excited to work with this research, as I volunteered in a special education classroom in high school. I am from Huntington Beach, California, and I love soccer, playing the guitar, practicing my ASL, and especially spending time with my family!
Alyssa Lowder, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hi y'all! My name is Alyssa Lowder, and I am a freshman at Brigham Young University, majoring in Special Education. I'm from Lubbock, Texas, and love to travel, shop, watch sports, and spend time with my family and friends. My interest in Special Education sparked in high school when I had the opportunity to coach the special Olympics basketball, track, and cheer teams for three years. I love interacting with individuals with disabilities as they bring such a bright light and energetic presence into my life. In the future, I hope to work for the special Olympics association and am strongly committed to using my knowledge and understanding to go through the adoption process in hopes of adopting a Down Syndrome child. I am excited to pursue my passion in Special Education and can't wait to explore how virtual reality can improve social collaboration for children with Autism in the research lab.
Ava Hansen, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hi! My name is Ava Hansen, and I am major in Special Education at BYU. I grew up near a school for students ages 5-22 and have done a lot of volunteer work with the students there. I have also worked as a paraprofessional in a middle school which is where I fell in love with the idea of being a Special Education teacher! I love how genuine they are, how true they are to themselves, and how much joy they bring to those around them. I am from Riverton, Utah near Salt Lake City, and I love to dance, spend time outside, do puzzles, watch movies, and spend time with friends and family.
Greer Barker, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Hi! My name is Greer Barker. I am currently studying special education. I chose special education because of my little brother. He has Down syndrome as well as autism and he is such a light to me and has taught very much. My dream is to work with special needs children as a BCBA. I love anything to do with the outdoors. My favorite activity is hiking and finding new beautiful places.