Our Team

Max Baenen - Founder

Hi, I'm Max Baenen, Behavior Analyst and founder of Thrive. I launched Thrive in 2023 with the vision of expanding access to high-quality ABA services for children and adolescents in Raleigh, NC.  I earned a BA in Psychology at The Ohio State University and obtained my Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University in 2019. My passion for working with children began early in my life and has been the foundation of my career. Since 2014, I have dedicated myself to supporting children with special needs, beginning as a special education teacher for high schoolers with Autism.  Over the years, I have gained experience across a wide range of settings and needs, including severe behavior intervention and early learner development, with services being delivered in clinics, schools, and homes.  Outside of my professional work, I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my dogs, disc golfing, hiking, playing music, and camping.

Zach Morrell - Clinical Director

Hi! I’m Zach Morrell. I have been in the field as both an RBT and a BCBA for fifteen years, and I have worked with clientele in ABA from ages 2-22 with a wide variety of skillsets. I also have a strong foundation in early intervention and skill acquisition paired with working through high intensity interfering behaviors. I come from a non-traditional background with two degrees in history and experience teaching high school and college courses, but I found the most fulfillment working with children on the autism spectrum during college. In my free time outside of work, I enjoy collecting vinyl records, hanging out with my wife and beagle, and the occasional round of disc golf.

Kaitlyn Doyle - Clinical Supervisor

Hi my name is Kaitlyn Doyle and I am the Clinical Supervisor here at Thrive! I have worked as an RBT for the past 4 years and have worked with individuals ranging from 3 to 21. I received my Bachelor of Arts at Western Michigan University in Behavioral Science and a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. I am currently working towards becoming a BCBA. I am excited to work with the individuals at Thrive to gain more independence and work on life skills. Outside of work I love spending time with my friends, reading, and going to the beach as often as I can. I am extremely excited for my journey at Thrive!

  • Sofia

    Lead RBT

    Hey! Sofia Escotto here! I have been working in ABA for almost three years now. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with my Bachelors in Science in Psychology and am seeking my Masters soon. I'm so excited to be a part of making the Thrive house a place of fun and growth for everyone! Here at Thrive, we value creating a space that will give our learners the most opportunities to learn and develop their skills, all while having a blast. When I’m not at work, I like to spend time outdoors, trying new things, and am also a karaoke queen… So when Fun Fridays come around, I’m happy to bring all the party vibes to clients and staff alike!

  • Anna

    Lead RBT

    My name is Anna Thomson. I have been working in ABA for two years, and I am incredibly excited to be working at Thrive! I have experience working with children and teenagers ages 2-17, and I enjoy working with older clients who are able to work on vocational and life skills. I attended Appalachian State University where I received my BS in Psychology, and I currently attend Liberty University for my graduate studies in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in hopes to continue working with children. Outside of work, I love cooking, baking, hiking, and spending time with my family. I am looking forward to learning more about all of our clients and to working with them both at school and at the Thrive house!

  • Lee

    Lead RBT

    Hi! My name is Lee. I have been in the field of ABA for 5 years. In 2019 I finished my Associates in Science at Vance Granville while working at the General Assembly. During this time I switched my educational focus from political science to psychology. Soon after that I moved to Chapel Hill to pursue my career in ABA. Previously, I worked primarily with children 2-7 but I have experience with preteens as well. I’m super excited to work with the clients at Thrive because I believe they’re at a pivotal time in their lives. My goal is to help facilitate learning life skills and expectations to set kids up for success into adulthood. I’m currently looking to enroll in an online psychology BA program so I can further my career while supporting the kids at Thrive. When I’m not working I enjoy tending to my garden, house plants and aquariums. I also love to hike, spend time with family and hangout with my pets!

  • Kaylaa'

    Behavior Technician

    I am Kaylaa’ Holman. I have almost two years of experience with the Autism community, working with verbal, non-verbal, and immobilized clients from the ages of 0-18. After graduating from Elizabeth City State University with a Bachelors in Social Work, I began pursuing my graduate degree. I am currently enrolled at North Carolina Central University obtaining a Masters in Social Work. It is a pleasure working with this clientele and I can’t wait to see their progress as the years pass. In the interim I enjoy singing, dancing, painting, crafts, and most outdoor activities (i.e. swimming, running, skating, etc.).

  • Shelby

    Behavior Technician

    I am Shelby Layman, a behavior technician at Thrive. I have worked with kids for most of my life starting around age 11. I worked as a swim coach for many years teaching kids how to swim from ages 3-18, helping them excel in swimming and outside of the pool! I have attended school at Wake Tech, and am hoping to soon get into their nursing program. I am looking forward to becoming a registered behavior technician and helping the company grow in every way. Outside of work I love to do Crossfit, and go to the beach! I am also a certified yoga instructor. I really like to do anything outside. 

  • Adam

    Behavior Technician

    Hey, I’m Adam! I have worked with kids for multiple years throughout high school and college in roles ranging from tutoring to babysitting for neighbor’s kids. I have worked in the ABA field as a Behavior Technician for three months while I was getting my Bachelor’s in Psychology at UNC Charlotte, and I decided to pursue it further when I moved back to Raleigh following graduation. I am excited to make meaningful connections with the kids here at Thrive and see their growth over time as they strengthen their skills while also having a friend in their corner! I am looking to expand upon my experience here by becoming a Registered Behavior Technician and pursuing my Master’s in Clinic Mental Health Counseling later next year. When I’m outside of work, I love to venture outdoors, go to the gym, play basketball, and spend time with friends and family (and my dog)!

  • Mo

    Behavior Technician

    Hi, I’m Mo! I have recently made the transition to the field of ABA, after working for 5 years as a paediatric physical therapist. I have worked with kids 0-18 with a wide variety of abilities. I have a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Queen’s University and a Master’s in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto. After working alongside behavior analysts and behavior technicians for many years, I was eager to learn more about the field. I am so excited to hone new skills in a different area of child development, to best help kids reach their maximum potential. I am looking forward to getting to know all the kids at Thrive! Outside of work I love to run and try new restaurants.

  • Z

    Behavior Technician

    Hey, I’m Zoey Moretti Niebuhr, you can call me Z. I went to NCSU to pursue my degree in History Education and have experience working with kids in public school and as a youth swim coach! I have a background in the field working with adults with disabilities with a variety of support needs, working with clients and peers from ages 3-67 years old. I’ve always been passionate about mental health awareness and I’m also a member of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN). I’m excited to help clients on their journey at Thrive and support them in their development and independence! Outside of work, I have two tortoiseshell cats at home and I love to garden, hike, and do crafts. 

  • Tori

    Behavior Technician

    Hi! My name is Tori Langdon and I am a behavior technician at Thrive. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Psychology. I have worked in the behavioral health field for 3 years, including experience as an RBT. I have worked with children ages 2-6 in ABA, as well as teens and adults with developmental and/or psychiatric disabilities in other settings. I am thrilled to be part of the Thrive team and have the opportunity to work with and empower my clients! When I’m not working I love to be outside, thrift, paint (really anything art-related), try new recipes, and travel when I can!