311 North Orange Street, New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32168, United States
About Us
Amy Michaelis, Ed.S., BCBA, President/Co-Founder
Amy is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Certified K-12 Special Education Teacher in Florida. Amy is a Doctoral Candidate working to finalize details for her dissertation and anticipates graduating in May of 2023. Furthermore, Amy is a published academic and has presented about ABA in Public Schools and Using Applied Behavior Analysis to treat Dyslexia at local professional conferences. Amy is an adjunct professor at the University of West Florida and teaches BACB-approved coursework to future analysts. Her research interests include effective instructional design procedures and academic curricula based on Applied Behavior Analysis.
Amy has extensive experience creating individualized programming for students with disabilities. She has professional experience teaching in PK-5th grade classrooms. She also has ten years of experience implementing Applied Behavior Services in clinics, homes, and school settings. Most importantly, Amy is passionate about working with and advocating for children with disabilities. Her dream has been to start a school for struggling students, and beginning the Upward Trend Academy is one of her most significant accomplishments.
Outside of her professional life, Amy is a wife of an aeronautical engineer, a mom of three amazing kids, and a dog mom to a sweet cavapoo. She loves spending time in her pool and with her family!
Lindsay Strausbaugh, M.Ed., BCBA, Vice President/Co-Founder
Lindsay Strausbaugh is a BCBA in New Smyrna Beach. She is a Certified Special Education Teacher and PK-3 certified teacher. She has 2 young children, is engaged, and has a dachshund named Bentley. She is a graduate of New Smyrna Beach High School and has lived in NSB since she was a young child. She has 9+ years experience teaching and serving students with varying exceptionalities. She has taught in the public school system in both general education classrooms and ESE classrooms. Lindsay has a strong background in early childhood education. She has experience providing in-home and center-based Applied Behavioral Analysis services. Lindsay is the Co-Owner of Upward Trend Academy located in New Smyrna Beach, FL. She designs and implements curriculum for students while providing training for teachers on implementation of academic instruction and classroom management strategies. Lindsay’s experience and passion extends into dissemination of the field of applied behavior analysis to local caregivers, families, educators, and first responders.
Qualifications of Other Instructional Personnel
Pursuant to 1002.421(1)(j), Florida statues requires all of our teachers and staff to hold a Bachelor's degree or have specialized training and expertise (Registered Behavior Technician) before working with our students. Specific information regarding teacher's and staff's training and education can be provided at any time on request.
Meet our Leadership & School Team
Stephanie Swinton, MS, BCBA
Stephanie Swinton, MS, BCBA
Stephanie Swinton, MS, BCBA
Clinical Director
Zhakiya Faircloth, BS, RBT
Stephanie Swinton, MS, BCBA
Stephanie Swinton, MS, BCBA
Student Analyst/Director of Training
Sara Costello, BA, RBT
Stephanie Swinton, MS, BCBA
Sara Costello, BA, RBT
Student Analyst/ Lead Teacher
Josie Goeb, BA, RBT
Josie Goeb, BA, RBT
Sara Costello, BA, RBT
Lead Teacher /RBT
Mandolyn Rorem, RBT
Josie Goeb, BA, RBT
Mandolyn Rorem, RBT
Lead Teacher /RBT
Kayla Keyes, RBT
Josie Goeb, BA, RBT
Mandolyn Rorem, RBT
Support Teacher
Emily Gregory, RBT
Our Amazing Therapy Staff
Emily Gregory, RBT
Support Teacher/ RBT
Sherry Salatto
Our Amazing Therapy Staff
Emily Gregory, RBT
Support Teacher
Our Amazing Therapy Staff
Our Amazing Therapy Staff
Our Amazing Therapy Staff
We have several therapists who work hard to provide quality ABA services to our therapy caseload and may fill in on our school side as needed.
Lily Najera
Lily Najera
Our Amazing Therapy Staff
Administrative Assistant