About Us

CO-FOUNDER

Justin Leaf is the executive director of Contemporary Behavior Consultants. Justin has over 19 years of experience in the field of applied behavior analysis and working with individuals diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities. Justin received his master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science and his doctorate degree in Behavioral Psychology in the Department of Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas. Justin worked directly under the mentorship of Dr. James Sherman, Dr. Jan Sheldon, Dr. Mitchell Taubman, Dr. John McEachin, and Mr. Todd Streff. Justin has consulted nationally to home programs, school programs, and group homes. Justin was the co-director of the University of Kansas Social Skills Group and is currently the Director of Research at Autism Partnership Foundation. He speaks at conferences nationally and internally, has published over 100 peer reviewed articles, and has written or edited several books in the area of Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis.

CO-FOUNDER

Misty Oppenheim-Leaf is the director of Contemporary Behavior Consultants. Misty has over  15 years of experience working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. Misty received her Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science at the University of Kansas under the mentorship of Dr. James Sherman and Dr. Jan Sheldon. While working on her Master’s degree, Misty helped re-design and supervised the undergraduate practicum providing early intervention services to preschool children diagnosed with autism. Misty provides supervision and parent training in Long Beach, CA and provides consultation for St. Joseph, MO location. Misty's primary areas of focus are social skills interventions, parent training, and supervision and training.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA); LONG BEACH, CA

Emma is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with Contemporary Behavior Consultants. Emma received her master’s in Behavioral Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2020 and she is currently working towards a doctoral degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at Endicott College. She was introduced to the field in 2015 as an undergrad at University of Colorado at Boulder when she started working as a behavioral therapist. Emma quickly became enamored with ABA; specifically, she loved the significant amount of change she was able to make to improve her clients' quality of life. After graduating from CU, Emma moved to California in 2019 in pursuit of her master's degree, and officially became a BCBA in the summer of 2021. Emma's clinical experience is diverse; she has enjoyed working with clients between the ages of 2- and 65-years old with a variety of clinical diagnoses including autism spectrum disorders, conduct disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and Down's syndrome, among others. Emma strives to be an advocate for her clients, in addition to teaching all the skills needed to reach their full potential. 

When she is not doing clinical work, she is usually working on doctoral degree requirements -- beyond that she enjoys cuddling with her pets (1 dog, 1 cat) and spending time with her friends outside. 

BEHAVIOR THERAPIST; LONG BEACH, CA

 Racheal Cervantes is a Behavioral Therapist and has been with the company for over half a year. She graduated from Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Beginning her career in ABA in Lake Charles, Louisiana, she then started to pursue her Master's Degree there in Psychology with a focus in ABA. Racheal has experience implementing ABA therapy in a clinical setting, a school setting, and in-home services. Racheal is interested in learning and growing within the company and is expected to sit for her board exam later this year. 

A Long Beach resident over the last two years, Racheal is an enthusiastic member of the community and enjoys the beach, basketball, and making sure her clients and their families get the best services that she can offer

Registered Behavior Technician; LONG BEACH, CA

 Brittany Langer is a Behavioral Therapist, living in Long Beach, CA with her husband and son. She received her bachelors degree in Human development with a minor in Child Development and Sociology at Cal State Long Beach. She started her career in ABA in 2018 at The Lovaas Institute. In 2019 she began working for BTLC/CBC. Brittany received her RBT certificate in July 2021 and is now starting to pursue her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Over the last 4 years Brittany has been implementing ABA in mostly home and school settings. She hopes to continue to learn and grow as she works for the company. During Brittany’s free time she enjoys spending her time at the beach with her husband and baby. 

Registered Behavior Technician; LONG BEACH, CA

 Candy Williams is an Registered Behavior Technician at Contemporary Behavior Consultants. Candy has 2 years of experience in the field of applied behavior analysis and working with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Candy received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and recently received her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in autism. Candy has experience in implementing ABA interventions in the school and home setting.  Candy is currently working towards becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst by learning and growing within the company. Candy has a passion for helping individuals with autism and developmental disabilities grow and thrive to their greatest potential. When Candy is not working she is spending time with her husband and two children.  

CLINICAL DIRECTOR

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA); ST. JOSEPH, MO

Kelsey Isom is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with Contemporary Behavior Consultants. Kelsey received her master’s in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Purdue Global University. Kelsey has 7 years of experience in the field of applied behavior analysis and working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Prior to becoming a BCBA, Kelsey was an early childhood special education teacher in a high intensity classroom. Kelsey especially enjoys providing early intervention services to young children who have been diagnosed with Autism. Kelsey primarily provides consultation for in home behavior programs. When Kelsey is not working as a BCBA, she enjoys spending time with her husband and one-year-old son.

Registered Behavior Technician; ST. JOSEPH, MO

Courtney is a Behavioral Therapist, living near St. Joseph, Missouri with her three daughters, her puppies, and her fiance. Courtney attended Northwest Missouri State University where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology. She began her career within the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities upon graduation where she has worked as a Support Coordinator, Person Centered Services Consultant, Parent Educator and now as a Behavioral Therapist. Courtney began her graduate program through Western Connecticut State University in 2019. She graduated in 2020 with a Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Courtney has been with CBC since June 2020, where she received her certification as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Courtney is currently accruing her supervisory hours toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She is expected to sit for the certification exam later this year (2021). 

Courtney is a 13-year resident of Missouri and an avid advocate for Autism reform. She has had the opportunity to work with individuals of varying skill levels, diagnoses, and functioning ability, which has only strengthened her connection to the field. When she is not working with clients or studying for her certification exam, Courtney can usually be found working on a home improvement project, creating a new painting, or simply spending time with her family. 

Registered Behavior Technician; ST. JOSEPH, MO

 Hannah is a Behavioral Therapist with Contemporary Behavior Consultants. She attended the University of Kansas and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She began her career as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant where she worked closely with adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities for 4 years. Hannah graduated from Ball State University in May 2020 with a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an Emphasis in Autism. She is currently working towards becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and is expected to sit for the licensure exam at the end of 2021. Hannah has a passion for teaching communication/language, social skills, and independent living skills. When Hannah is not working she enjoys spending time at the lake (or anywhere with water), biking, and attending sporting events for the University of Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas City Chiefs, and Kansas City Royals with friends and family.