Co-Founder & Executive Director
Melissa Kramer
Melissa Kramer and her husband Matt Kramer adopted four amazing children from China and South Korea. When Melissa found that Applied Behavioral Analysis would help their youngest son Aiden, the idea and inspiration for GTBC was born.
The school would not only provide a place for Aiden to learn, it would provide a place for children with diverse learning abilities to thrive.
Taking her 25+ years of finance, accounting, and auditing experience Melissa threw herself into making Growing Together Behavioral Center a place that could take on students who found it a struggle to find a school to meet their needs. Melissa later went on to get a Master in Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis on Entrepreneurship.
Her heart to fulfill this need for her community has driven her to turn one school into two, and now into a new location with a soon-to-be renovated facility with a playground in Mandarin.
Her son Aiden Kramer was able to attend classes at GTBC for several years before he passed in the arms of Melissa and Matt Kramer. Honoring his life and legacy is what continues to inspire the Kramer’s to grow this school that helps fill the gap for local children, teens, and young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
You can join us in closing the gap for our community and honor Aiden’s legacy by donating to the Aiden Kramer Fund below.
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Co-Founder & Executive Director
Melissa Kramer
Melissa Kramer and her husband Matt Kramer adopted four amazing children from China and South Korea. When Melissa found that Applied Behavioral Analysis would help their youngest son Aiden, the idea and inspiration for GTBC was born.
The school would not only provide a place for Aiden to learn, it would provide a place for children with diverse learning abilities to thrive.
Taking her 25+ years of finance, accounting, and auditing experience Melissa threw herself into making Growing Together Behavioral Center a place that could take on students who found it a struggle to find a school to meet their needs. Melissa later went on to get a Master in Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis on Entrepreneurship.
Her heart to fulfill this need for her community has driven her to turn one school into two, and now into a new location with a soon-to-be renovated facility with a playground in Mandarin.
Her son Aiden Kramer was able to attend classes at GTBC for several years before he passed in the arms of Melissa and Matt Kramer. Honoring his life and legacy is what continues to inspire the Kramer’s to grow this school that helps fill the gap for local children, teens, and young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
You can join us in closing the gap for our community and honor Aiden’s legacy by donating to the Aiden Kramer Fund below.
July 5, 2008 – July 2, 2023
We honor the life of Aiden Kramer
Aiden Kramer passed away in the arms of his loving parents, Matt and Melissa Kramer on Sunday, July 2, 2023. Matt and Melissa are the founders of GTBC, having built the school six years ago for Aiden and others with similar needs. Melissa is the Executive Director, and Aiden was a student at our Southpoint location until entering Hospice care this spring.
Please help us honor the life and legacy of Aiden Kramer, and the Kramer Family’s mission, by making a donation to our Aiden Kramer Fund. Proceeds of which will be used to continue his legacy and the amazing work of supporting children, teens and young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
July 5, 2008 – July 2, 2023
We honor the life of Aiden Kramer
Aiden Kramer passed away in the arms of his loving parents, Matt and Melissa Kramer on Sunday, July 2, 2023. Matt and Melissa are the founders of GTBC, having built the school six years ago for Aiden and others with similar needs. Melissa is the Executive Director, and Aiden was a student at our Southpoint location until entering Hospice care this spring.
Please help us honor the life and legacy of Aiden Kramer, and the Kramer Family’s mission, by making a donation to our Aiden Kramer Fund. Proceeds of which will be used to continue his legacy and the amazing work of supporting children, teens and young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Our Board of Directors
Lisa is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Ponte Vedra, Fl specializing in the treatment of children, teens and families. Areas of expertise include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for the treatment of depression, grief, anxiety, ADHD and behavior management.
Kristin studied marketing and management at the University of Georgia, and spent over 15 years as a high school English teacher. She later decided to use her extensive business knowledge as an enterpreneur, opening her own photography studio. She is currently a highly sought after family portrait photographer in St. Augustine, FL.
Kyle is President of Engineering at Baker Design Build in Jacksonville, FL, where he leads projects for municipal and transportation clients, and land development projects, ranging from industrial, retail, municipal and multi-family home development. Kerrie, his wife, is a former special education paraprofessional for St. Johns County schools.
Our Board of Directors
Lisa is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Ponte Vedra, Fl specializing in the treatment of children, teens and families. Areas of expertise include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for the treatment of depression, grief, anxiety, ADHD and behavior management.
Kristin studied marketing and management at the University of Georgia, and spent over 15 years as a high school English teacher. She later decided to use her extensive business knowledge as an enterpreneur, opening her own photography studio. She is currently a highly sought after family portrait photographer in St. Augustine, FL.
Kyle is President of Engineering at Baker Design Build in Jacksonville, FL, where he leads projects for municipal and transportation clients, and land development projects, ranging from industrial, retail, municipal and multi-family home development. Kerrie, his wife, is a former special education paraprofessional for St. Johns County schools.
Ana studied Applied Behavior Analysis at FIT and received her Masters in Special Ed last December, when she became a BCBA. She has extensive experience in ABA working as a BCaBA for over a decade with children ages 3 – 22 both in Jacksonville and Mexico.
Julee is a substitute teacher in Hilliard, FL, and a stay-at-home mom of two amazing kids. She was the catalyst for Growing Together becoming a reality and has a huge heart for special needs children.
Ana studied Applied Behavior Analysis at FIT and received her Masters in Special Ed last December, when she became a BCBA. She has extensive experience in ABA working as a BCaBA for over a decade with children ages 3 – 22 both in Jacksonville and Mexico.
Julee is a substitute teacher in Hilliard, FL, and a stay-at-home mom of two amazing kids. She was the catalyst for Growing Together becoming a reality and has a huge heart for special needs children.
Our why
“I love when a kid does something they’ve never done before. Those are the best moments for all of us.”
Growing Together Behavioral Center became not just a school but a legacy of love, resilience, and community. Melissa and Matt poured their hearts into creating a place where children, teens, and young adults who struggle to find a supportive environment can finally feel understood and accepted. They knew that families, like their own, needed more than just an educational institution—they needed a community. A place where every child is given the chance to unlock their potential, where therapies, friendships, and life skills combine to help them navigate their world with confidence and joy. The Kramers’ vision extends beyond education; it’s about creating a future where all children, regardless of their abilities, can live a full, purposeful life. Growing Together exists to honor Aiden’s life and continue his legacy by transforming the lives of children who deserve to grow, thrive, and be loved.
Our why
“I love when a kid does something they’ve never done before. Those are the best moments for all of us.”
Growing Together Behavioral Center became not just a school but a legacy of love, resilience, and community. Melissa and Matt poured their hearts into creating a place where children, teens, and young adults who struggle to find a supportive environment can finally feel understood and accepted. They knew that families, like their own, needed more than just an educational institution—they needed a community. A place where every child is given the chance to unlock their potential, where therapies, friendships, and life skills combine to help them navigate their world with confidence and joy. The Kramers’ vision extends beyond education; it’s about creating a future where all children, regardless of their abilities, can live a full, purposeful life. Growing Together exists to honor Aiden’s life and continue his legacy by transforming the lives of children who deserve to grow, thrive, and be loved.
Our Clinical Supervisors
Lainey Johnson, Clinical Director, BCBA
Lainey has worked in pre-k and elementary education for a decade, and as a BCBA for the past 7 years. She has experience as a teacher, therapist, and supervisor in school, clinic, and home settings. Lainey has a son with special needs, which allows her to connect with her students and their parents in a unique way.
Lainey has a BA in Psychology & Masters in Special Education.
Alexis Lawson, BCBA
Alexis entered the field in 2014. With her family history, Alexis was interested in learning strategies to improve the quality of life for loved ones. Alexis has been at Growing Together since 2019 and she became a BCBA in 2020. Alexis has provided services in all settings across ages 3-15. Alexis places an emphasis on increasing student communication to improve student self-advocacy skills. Alexis also enjoys exposing her clients to new experiences such as games or sports and trying new foods. Outside of Growing Together, she enjoys walking and hanging out with her dog Finley, going to Jaguar games, and spending time outside.
Alexis has a BA in Child Psychology & Masters in Education emphasis ABA.
Katelyn Luksha, BCBA
Katelyn started her career as a Pre-K teacher, and fell in love with serving children with more challenging behaviors. She became an RBT allowing her to work everyday with young children with autism, as she worked toward her masters degree and BCBA certification. Katelyn has been in the field of education for over 11 years, and worked specifically with the autism community for the past 5 years. She is passionate about parent training, positive systems of learning and is amazing with the students.
Katelyn has a Masters in Exceptional Student Education.
Emily Monterroso, BCBA
Emily has worked in the ABA field for over 8 years and as a BCBA for about 5 years. She has experience working in the clinic, school, community, and home settings with children and teens with autism. She also has prior experience as a Clinical Director for a private ABA clinic. Emily is passionate about collaborating with parents and outside providers to ensure her clients receive the best possible outcomes for their quality of life.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with friends, family, her husband, and her 3 fur babies. She loves traveling, painting, reading, and spending time outdoors.
Emily holds her Bachelors degree in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences and a Masters in Special Education with a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Jacy Reed-Robles, BCBA
Jacy is a proud graduate of the University of South Florida and has been a BCBA for nearly six years. With over 15 years of experience working with the autism and special needs community, she is deeply passionate about teaching communication and social skills, as well as fostering growth in group settings. Jacy is dedicated to creating meaningful progress and building strong connections with her clients and their families.
When she’s not working, Jacy is a busy mom to her 2-year-old son and is excitedly preparing to welcome two more boys to her family. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her little ones and her two big, lovable dogs.
Jacy holds a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with minors in American Sign Language and Applied Behavior Analysis. Her well-rounded education and extensive experience make her a compassionate and resourceful advocate for the individuals and families she serves
Our Clinical Supervisors
Lainey Johnson, Clinical Director, BCBA
Lainey has worked in pre-k and elementary education for a decade, and as a BCBA for the past 7 years. She has experience as a teacher, therapist, and supervisor in school, clinic, and home settings. Lainey has a son with special needs, which allows her to connect with her students and their parents in a unique way.
Lainey has a BA in Psychology & Masters in Special Education.
Alexis Lawson, BCBA
Alexis entered the field in 2014. With her family history, Alexis was interested in learning strategies to improve the quality of life for loved ones. Alexis has been at Growing Together since 2019 and she became a BCBA in 2020. Alexis has provided services in all settings across ages 3-15. Alexis places an emphasis on increasing student communication to improve student self-advocacy skills. Alexis also enjoys exposing her clients to new experiences such as games or sports and trying new foods. Outside of Growing Together, she enjoys walking and hanging out with her dog Finley, going to Jaguar games, and spending time outside.
Alexis has a BA in Child Psychology & Masters in Education emphasis ABA.
Katelyn Luksha, BCBA
Katelyn started her career as a Pre-K teacher, and fell in love with serving children with more challenging behaviors. She became an RBT allowing her to work everyday with young children with autism, as she worked toward her masters degree and BCBA certification. Katelyn has been in the field of education for over 11 years, and worked specifically with the autism community for the past 5 years. She is passionate about parent training, positive systems of learning and is amazing with the students.
Katelyn has a Masters in Exceptional Student Education.
Emily Monterroso, BCBA
Emily has worked in the ABA field for over 8 years and as a BCBA for about 5 years. She has experience working in the clinic, school, community, and home settings with children and teens with autism. She also has prior experience as a Clinical Director for a private ABA clinic. Emily is passionate about collaborating with parents and outside providers to ensure her clients receive the best possible outcomes for their quality of life.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending time with friends, family, her husband, and her 3 fur babies. She loves traveling, painting, reading, and spending time outdoors.
Emily holds her Bachelors degree in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences and a Masters in Special Education with a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Jacy Reed-Robles, BCBA
Jacy is a proud graduate of the University of South Florida and has been a BCBA for nearly six years. With over 15 years of experience working with the autism and special needs community, she is deeply passionate about teaching communication and social skills, as well as fostering growth in group settings. Jacy is dedicated to creating meaningful progress and building strong connections with her clients and their families.
When she’s not working, Jacy is a busy mom to her 2-year-old son and is excitedly preparing to welcome two more boys to her family. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her little ones and her two big, lovable dogs.
Jacy holds a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with minors in American Sign Language and Applied Behavior Analysis. Her well-rounded education and extensive experience make her a compassionate and resourceful advocate for the individuals and families she serves
