Meet Our Leadership Team!
Melissa Utz, MS, BCBA™, LBA: Clinical Director and Ethics Compliance Officer
With over a decade of expertise in child development, applied behavior analysis, and a passion for ethical, data-driven practice. Melissa leads our team with compassion, integrity, and dedication. Ensuring the highest standards of care and compliance, Melissa’s guidance empowers our staff to provide exceptional service to our clients while upholding the principles of ethical conduct. Trust Melissa to navigate the complex landscape of clinical care and ethical responsibilities, guiding our organization toward
excellence every step of the way.
Dr. Chris Barthold, Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral
(BCBA-D™)
With a passion for helping people be their best selves, Chris has been working with individuals with developmental disabilities for almost 30 years and received her BCBA in 2001. Dr. Barthold is the only person to hold both a BCBA-D and National Board Certification as a Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). In addition to her BCBA-D and NBC-HWC. Chris holds certifications as a fitness trainer, a Compassion Fatigue Professional, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She is also trained in and practices Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACTr), a behavioral approach to addressing thoughts and behaviors that get in the way of value-based living. Chris has worked with individuals across the lifespan and in a variety of settings. These settings include home-based intervention, public and private schools, houses of worship, hospitals, and places of employment. This combination gives Chris a unique,
holistic approach to intervention based upon both her experiences and the best available evidence.
Shane Jordan, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Clinical Trainer
Shane has been with Innovation Behavior Services since November of 2023 and has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analyst since 2018. He graduated from Capella University with a Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. Shane’s expertise is with children and adults with Autism and managing severe problem behaviors such as aggression and self-injury. He is also highly trained in de-escalation strategies and has provided training to parents, employees, and law enforcement agencies. Shane lives in Germany with his wife, who is on active duty in the military, and their two cats and dog. He is passionate about providing compassionate and
holistic care to all my clients. Shane cares deeply about his clients and their families and the goals they wish to achieve and hopes to work with you and your family!
Joe Dixon, Ed.D. BCBA, LBA
Joe has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2013 and has worked with individuals with learning differences and developmental delays since 2008. Joe received his doctoral degree in 2024 from Liberty University, where he studied Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Special Education. In addition to his clinical work, Joe taught in the classroom for eight years and enjoyed working with students throughout their learning journeys. During his career, he has focused on helping students overcome learning barriers to help them become more efficient learners and enjoy the process of discovery in learning. When not working, Joe loves reading, being with his wife and three kids, traveling the world, and doing anything outside. He loves cooking and sharing food with those around him.
John Foss, IT Specialist, Insurance Liaison, and Scheduling Coordinator
As a decorated United States Air Force retiree, John brings expertise and dedication to his role. As our insurance liaison, he ensures seamless communication with insurance providers, guaranteeing smooth processes for our clients. Leveraging his
IT knowledge, John ensures efficiency in every aspect of our operations. From coordinating schedules to providing technical support, John's commitment to excellence is unwavering, making him an invaluable asset to our team and the clients we serve.
Makayla Brown, RBT, Client Care Coordinator/Staff Recruiter
Makayla has dual associate degrees in Exercise Science and General Studies. Over the
past two years, she has immersed in the world of Innovation Behavior Services, where, as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), developed her skills and witnessed first- hand the transformative effect of ABA. Makayla has grown in her skills and now serves as the company's Recruiter and Client Care Coordinator. Makayla is committed to welcoming aspiring professionals into the field and providing invaluable support to parents. Her dedication and expertise make her a trusted ally for those seeking assistance and guidance. Whether you're considering a career in applied
behavior analysis or seeking assistance for your child, Makayla is ready to lend a
helping hand as a compassionate advocate.
Anhsiang Chen, Auditing, Compliance, and HR Support
Anhsiang graduated from the Brooklyn-Queens Conservatory of Music with a Professional Diploma for Classical Voice in 2011 and has worked in office administrative and accounting roles since. Her core belief is that no one should be left out or left behind if there's a way to enrich their life and lessen their suffering. She finds her auditor and HR supporting roles at Innovation Behavior Services very meaningful because the whole team shares the same conviction and compassion to help children meet their individual needs in a world that is difficult even for seasoned adults. She has a wide range of interests in her personal life but is partial to shiny, sparkly things.
Maureen Foss, MS, BCBA, LBA, Managing Director
Maureen specializes in human behavior and has worked in this industry for over 40
years. Maureen has provided support and advocacy to families in their homes and individuals in group homes, nursing homes, schools, and institutions. Providing therapy to all ages, from children to our older population, Maureen assisted with deinstitutionalization in Pennsylvania, Arizona, Delaware, and Georgia, working to prepare hundreds of people to build skills, moving from long-term institutionalization to fulfilling and active membership in their communities. During her time with Delaware Prevention and Behavioral Health Services, she assisted in developing supports for teachers and school personnel to access mental health services for their students, students'; parents, and coworkers.
Maureen also worked to support the victims of child exploitation, identifying resources for counseling, and supporting training for teachers and parents in the identification of symptoms of exploitation. Maureen earned a BASW from the University of Pittsburgh and an MS in Criminal Justice from St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia. After earning her BCBA, Maureen returned to Delaware and founded Innovation Behavior Services in 2016 to assure access to effective, evidenced-based, supportive services for vulnerable populations. During her downtime, Maureen likes to spend time with her spouse and their pets while she hones her skills in the finer points of beekeeping. Maureen also sits on the AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware Provider Advisory Council, is a past board member of The Association for Maine Behavior Analysis (AMeBA) and sits on the Board of her local AKC.