ABA Therapist in Fredericksburg
Meet our Team

Nicole Thomas, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Executive Director/CEO
Nicole is the founder and CEO of Family Hope Solutions. She has a Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Cross Categorical Special Education, a graduate-level certification in Autism Education from Regent University, and a graduate-level certification in Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. In 2003, She began working with children on the Autism spectrum as a Behavior Technician under a BCBA who worked with Vincent Carbone, a leading expert in the field. In addition to this, she has 4 years of experience as the lead teacher working in the Stafford County Public Schools Elementary Autism Program.
In 2012, Nicole began working as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She has serviced individuals aging from 18 months to 60 years from culturally diverse backgrounds with a wide range of medical and developmental disorders. Nicole has provided supervision for in-home and clinic-based services, as well as behavioral consultation for adults with the Virginia Medicaid waiver. She specializes in the implementation of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Natural Environment Training (NET), Kaufman Speech to Language Protocol, skill-based treatment, verbal behavior, school-based interventions, interdisciplinary collaboration, The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), and early and intensive behavior intervention.
Personally, Nicole is a mom to five spunky children who have taught her tremendously about child development and parenting. Through learning from her own experiences as a mother, Nicole has developed a passion for providing services with understanding and sensitivity to family dynamics. Family Hope Solutions shines by providing competent, person-centered, and hope-filled treatment for the individual and the family.

Stephanie Miller
Administrative Director
Stephanie has close to 20 years of experience in Customer Success and leadership, primarily in the software industry, with a focus on customer onboarding, experience, and retention. After many years in software, Stephanie moved into healthcare administration and now serves as the Administrative Director at Family Hope Solutions. Her background has given her extensive experience leading teams, developing people, solving problems, and finding better ways to support both employees and the people we serve.
In her free time some of Stephanie's favorite things include working out, crafting, weekly trivia, and coaching Little League Softball.

Katherin Rios
Scheduling Coordinator
Discovering her passion for helping others learn and grow Katherin began working with children when she was 16 years old. Throughout the following years she worked in many environments eventually discovering and falling in love with the field of ABA. Katherin began working in an administrative role during her second year in ABA and has since enjoyed supporting the growth of both individuals receiving ABA services and those who have also discovered their own passion for providing care.
In her personal time Katherin enjoys live music, camping, and reading a good book.

Emily Taylor, M.S., BCBA, LBA
Clinical Director
With a passion for empowering individuals and fostering positive change, Emily Taylor is a dedicated Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Emily began her work in the field of ABA in 2016 and became a BCBA in 2020. Emily holds a master’s degree in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Southern Maine.
Throughout her career, Emily has worked with individuals with autism and other behavioral and developmental disabilities ranging from 2 years to adults across multiple settings. Emily has also worked on the administrative side of the ABA field since 2016 in both the school and private ABA sectors. Emily is experienced in and loves disseminating the teachings of ABA to anyone who wants to learn!
Emily has been trained in multiple protocols, including the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), Skill Based Treatment (SBT), and various feeding and toilet training protocols. She plans to pursue further training and certifications, such as sexual behavior support and adult support, in order to provide more specialized treatment to her clients. Emily values a team approach and works collaboratively with RBTs, parents, and other professionals, to ensure her clients receive the best and most comprehensive care in order to create supportive environments that promote growth, independence, and success. Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with friends, cooking/baking, taking care of her cats, and reading great books.

Nate Willis M.A., BCBA, LBA
Assistant Clinical Director
Nate Willis has been in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for over five years. With a longstanding passion for working with young learners, he began caretaking for children with unique needs during and after completing his bachelor’s degree. Working directly with clients and their families has been the most rewarding professional experience of his career.
In his free time, Nate enjoys spending time with his family, listening to music, playing video games, and collecting Pokémon cards and items—something he proudly embraces.

Samantha Taylor, M.A., BCBA, LBA
Training and Development Coordinator
Samantha’s passion for understanding children with unique needs began in upper elementary school. She had a friend who was on the spectrum, and found it challenging to connect with her due to the behavioral barriers. This sparked Samantha’s curiosity, and she started researching how to engage with neurodiverse peers. Today, one of her greatest joys in working with children with autism is seeing the world through their eyes and supporting them in achieving their goals using a more child-led ABA approach.
Samantha spent time teaching in the public school system as a lead special education teacher for grades K-5, and has four years of experience working in ABA with children ranging from ages 2 to 18.
In her free time, Samantha enjoys spending time with her family, reading fantasy novels and baking sweets.

Kristina Sipos, M.A., BCBA, LBA
Clinical Supervisor
Kristina Sipos is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) with over six years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. She holds a Master’s degree in ABA from Ball State University, along with certificates in both ABA and autism. Kristina is also certified in PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System).
Throughout her career, Kristina has worked with children and adolescents ranging from 2 to 18 years old in various settings, including home, school, and clinic environments, with a particular focus on younger children. Known for her patient and tailored approach, she uses evidence-based strategies to create individualized behavior intervention plans that promote meaningful progress for each client.
Kristina is fluent in Hungarian and considers herself well-cultured, enabling her to connect with a diverse range of clients and families. She values learning from different cultures and perspectives, which enhances her ability to support clients in various settings. In addition to her professional work, Kristina stays current in the field by earning credits to maintain her BCBA certification. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, whether skiing in the mountains or relaxing by the beach.

Evan Nightengale, BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
Evan began a career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) while earning a bachelor's degree in psychology from George Mason University. After discovering a deep passion for the field, Evan returned to school to earn a Master of Education in Special Education with a Graduate Certificate in ABA.
During graduate training, Evan completed supervised fieldwork hours, earned certifications in Skills-Based Training, and became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Evan has experience working with individuals across a broad range of ages, settings, and developmental and behavioral needs. Evan has also collaborated closely with speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists to provide comprehensive care.
Evan's goal is to work alongside you and your family to help your loved one develop meaningful skills, increase independence, and achieve and enjoy their highest possible quality of life.

Christopher Lu, BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
Chris originally became a Registered Behavior Technician in 2019. After a brief break to own and operate a small business, Chris reconnected with the field in 2023 as a part-time RBT at Family Hope Solutions, where the leadership and mission inspired him to focus on serving individuals with autism, ranging from children to adults, and witnessing their progress firsthand.
In 2023, Chris chose to dedicate himself to a career in ABA and pursue a BCBA certification. Chris currently holds a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University and earned his BCBA certification in 2026. From his time as an RBT to now as a BCBA, Chris has always enjoyed working collaboratively with families and other professionals to create individualized goals for clients.
In his free time, Chris plays competitive paintball, collects trading cards, and enjoys socializing with friends.

Rachel Evans, BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
Rachel is a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) who is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families. She believes every child is unique and deserves individualized support that builds on their strengths and helps them reach their fullest potential. She strives to create a positive, supportive environment where learning feels engaging and meaningful while helping clients develop skills that promote greater independence and confidence.

Emely Frain, RBT
Assistant Analyst
Emely has over 8 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. She began her career shortly after graduating high school and quickly developed a passion for helping children learn, grow, and gain independence.
Emely recently completed her Master’s degree at Arizona State University and plans to sit for the BCBA examination very soon!

Hannah Miller, RBT
Assistant Analyst
Hannah discovered her passion for helping children with emotional and behavioral needs through both personal and professional experience. Growing up with a sibling on the autism spectrum, she saw firsthand the gaps in knowledge and support available to families; an experience that shaped her career path early on.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology, from Christopher Newport University in 2014. After working in the public school system, she found her calling in the field of ABA, entering the profession in 2017 and quickly developing a deep appreciation for the science behind it.
After several years living in Colorado, Hannah returned to Virginia, where she now works with FHS. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in ABA, with an expected graduation date of November 2026.
Outside of work, Hannah cherishes time with her husband and two sons. She’s an avid fantasy novel reader, and can’t resist a good true crime story in her free time.

Zachary Shipe, RBT
Assistant Analyst
Zach began working as a Registered Behavior Technician with Family Hope Solutions in the fall of 2024 following the completion of a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Immediately upon starting at Family Hope Solutions, Zach found a passion for creating positive and meaningful impact on the lives of people with autism of all ages.
As of 2026, Zach is currently enrolled and working towards a Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis through Purdue Global University. Some of his current hobbies include playing Pokémon amongst other games, exercising, and watching sports.
ABA Therapy Clinic Gallery












