Small Agency, Big Heart
We may be a small professional group, but our dedication to making a difference is enormous. We understand the challenges individuals and their families face and are here to help navigate those obstacles with compassion and expertise. By fostering access to positive, reinforcing opportunities, we work to enhance the overall quality of life for every individual we serve.
Experienced, Compassionate Professionals
Our team is led by board-certified clinicians who bring nearly 100 years of combined experience to every interaction. Each team member is committed to the well-being and best interests of those we support. Our clinicians have diverse backgrounds and specialized expertise and are uniquely equipped to match the skills and approaches needed to foster meaningful progress.
Commitment to Excellence
We’re proud members of the Council for Autism Service Providers and Advocates (CASP), reflecting our commitment to high standards and advocacy in the field. Additionally, as an ACE provider of continuing education units for the Behavioral Analyst Certification Board (BACB), we contribute to the ongoing growth and education of behavioral analysis professionals. At Innovation Behavior Services, we combine heart, expertise, and a commitment to excellence to empower individuals and families. Let us help you create a brighter future today.
Staff Bios
Melissa Utz, MS, BCBA™, LBA: Clinical Director and Ethics Compliance Officer
With over a decade of experience in child development and applied behavior analysis, Melissa Utz brings a steadfast commitment to ethical, data-driven practices. As Clinical Director and Ethics Compliance Officer, Melissa leads our team with compassion, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to excellence.
Her leadership ensures the highest standards of care, empowering staff to deliver exceptional services while maintaining strict adherence to ethical guidelines. Melissa’s expertise and guidance navigate the complexities of clinical care and ethical compliance, driving our organization toward consistent, client-centered success.
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.
John Foss, Office Manager, Insurance Liaison, and Billing Specialist
A decorated United States Air Force retiree, John Foss brings exceptional dedication and a wealth of expertise to his role. As our Insurance Liaison, he facilitates seamless communication with insurance providers, ensuring smooth and efficient processes for clients.
As office Manager, John oversees daily operations, coordinates schedules, and ensures that all aspects of the office run smoothly. His expertise in billing guarantees accurate and transparent financial processes, providing peace of mind to clients and their families.
John’s commitment to excellence, organizational skills, and technical expertise makes him an invaluable asset to our team and the individuals we serve.
Maureen Foss, MS, BCBA, LBA, Managing Director
With over 35 years of experience specializing in human behavior, Maureen Foss has dedicated her career to providing evidence-based support to individuals across all ages and a wide range of diagnoses. Her extensive expertise includes working with children, adults, and older populations, addressing the diverse needs of individuals and their families.
Maureen has provided advocacy and direct support in a variety of settings, including homes, group homes, nursing homes, schools, and institutions. She contributed to the deinstitutionalization efforts in Pennsylvania, Arizona, Delaware, and Georgia, working with teams to prepare individuals for the transition from long-term institutionalization to more independent and community-integrated lives.
During her tenure with Delaware Prevention and Behavioral Health Services, Maureen helped develop supports enabling teachers and school personnel to access mental health resources for students, parents, and colleagues. She also worked to connect victims of child exploitation with counseling resources and facilitated training for teachers and parents to identify and respond to signs of exploitation.
Maureen holds a BASW from the University of Pittsburgh and an MS in Criminal Justice from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. After earning her BCBA, she founded Innovation Behavior Services in 2016 to ensure individuals of all ages and abilities have access to effective, evidence-based, and supportive services tailored to their unique needs.
In addition to her professional work, Maureen serves as a member of the
AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware Provider Advisory Council
and sits on the board of her local
AKC. She is also a past board member of the
Association for Maine Behavior Analysis
(AMeBA). During her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her spouse and their pets while honing her skills in beekeeping.