Meet Our Team

Colleen Cornwall lives each day guided by her personal mantra: “Pursue Passion, Inspire Through Action.” A nationally Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with nearly three decades of experience, Colleen has been a pioneering force in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 1996. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ABLE Academy, a private school and clinical center dedicated to the education and empowerment of children with autism and developmental disabilities.

Colleen holds a Bachelor of Science in Emotional/Behavioral Disturbances and Communication, a Master of Science in Varying Exceptionalities with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis, and a Doctorate in Special Education with an emphasis in Curriculum Design. In 2016, she completed the Certificate in Non-Profit Strategies from Harvard Business School, further strengthening her leadership in mission-driven innovation, organizational development, and sustainable growth.

Her career has included roles as a classroom teacher and as a district behavior analyst for Collier County Public Schools, where she supported the behavioral and educational needs of children with diverse abilities. In 2013, Colleen co-authored Essentials for Living with Dr. Patrick McGreevy and Troy Fry—a comprehensive assessment and curriculum designed for individuals with limited communication skills and significant support needs.

As a national consultant, Colleen partners with teams across the U.S. to design and implement high-impact behavioral and educational programs. Her signature three-tiered model of instruction has been successfully replicated in several states. One of her most meaningful experiences was working with Autisme Rwanda—the first school in Africa dedicated to children with autism—where she helped develop programming and provided direct training to teachers and families.

Colleen’s leadership at ABLE Academy is both visionary and deeply personal. She remains hands-on in the work that matters most—guiding staff, supporting families, and celebrating the daily growth of differently ABLE-d children.

Kim is the Director of Operations at ABLE Academy and has been a dedicated member of the team since 2001. She graduated cum laude from Florida Gulf Coast University with a degree in Emotional and Behavioral Disorder Education. Kim is a certified teacher and earned her Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) certification in 2003.

Since 1998, Kim has worked with children with developmental disabilities and severe emotional disorders across home, community, and school settings in Naples. In her current role, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the Academy, ensuring that programs run smoothly and that students, staff, and families are well-supported.

When she's not at ABLE, Kim enjoys spending time with her family, listening to live music, and being outdoors.

Jen practices her personal motto everyday ~ She who persists prevails.  She received her Masters degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Nova Southeastern University in 2010. Jen is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Coordinator of the STAR Outreach Initiative. She has been a member of the ABLE team since 2005. Jen specializes in the treatment of clients with problem behavior, developmental delays including autism, and clients with limited language repertoires. Jen provides direct service, training, and supervision in ten local childcare centers. She has been instrumental in designing programs for learners and in developing general protocols for preschool classrooms. Jen is a member of ABLE Academy's Leadership Team.

A native Floridian, Catherine earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida Gulf Coast University. Catherine has worked with children of all ages in home and camp settings. She has a strong passion for working with children and a desire to improve the lives of the individuals with whom she works. In her free time, Catherine enjoys spending time with friends and family, thrift shopping, and taking her dog to the beach.

Francesca was born and raised in New Jersey, but relocated to Southwest Florida where she graduated from the FGCU Honors College with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, concentration in neuroscience, and minor in biology. She has managed undergraduate research labs, observed pediatric neuropsychological assessments, and worked in homes with children of various ages. Her research-driven academic background, combined with hands-on and personal experiences, has given Francesca a passion for helping children with developmental challenges progress through evidence-based practices and a compassionate approach. She believes each child is uniquely talented and deserves to learn in a way that works for them. When she is not at ABLE, Francesca can be found painting, crocheting, or at the beach!

Ashlyn is a dedicated and compassionate individual born and raised on the sunny southwest coast of Florida. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida Gulf Coast University, where she developed a deep passion for working with children and wanted to make a meaningful impact in their lives. Known for her positive energy and genuine care for others, Ashlyn is committed to helping young minds grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. Outside of work, she enjoys spending her free time soaking up the Florida sunshine and embracing the outdoors.

Lea attended Florida SouthWestern State College, where she pursued a degree in Business. Her early career focused on office management, administration, and customer service, where she developed strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

In 2022, Lea felt the pull to change professions and pursue her passion for working directly with children and families as a Registered Behavior Technician. Since then, she has provided high-quality Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services in home, school, community, and clinic settings for individuals ages 3–17. Lea brings a wealth of experience implementing individualized treatment plans, building functional life skills, and promoting independence through evidence-based strategies. Her background allows her to approach her work with professionalism, empathy, and a unique ability to connect with learners and their families.

Lea is passionate about empowering children to reach their fullest potential and is proud to be part of the collaborative, supportive team at ABLE Academy.

Stephanie relocated to Naples from Illinois. She graduated with a special education degree from Taylor University and a knack for meaningful teaching experiences. During her academic journey, Stephanie went beyond the ordinary – interning for two months at the International School in Kigali, Rwanda. But Stephanie's story isn't just about education; it's personal. With two sisters with Down syndrome and one with a dual autism diagnosis, she brings genuine passion and heart to her teaching style. When Stephanie's not in teaching mode, you'll catch her whipping up ice cream and exploring the wonders of Southwest Florida with her friends.

Born and raised in the Philippines prior to moving to Florida, Shayne received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Florida Gulf Coast University. She has always been driven to contribute her creative mindset to broaden the learning experience and opportunities for children of varying developmental disabilities and needs. Her passion lies in the progress made and achievements reached by the individuals she has instructed. In addition to working in the Early Intervention program at ABLE Academy, Shayne has helped to build and encourage a myriad of lifelong skills among adolescents and adults on the spectrum in the Fort Myers community. Outside of ABLE, Shayne enjoys spending time with family and friends by the water, learning about and interacting with marine life, and dancing to Latin music.

Joining ABLE Academy as a volunteer while he was a freshman in high school in 2011, Jake found a true passion for working with individuals with unique needs. Jake's volunteer experience quickly turned into part-time employment while he completed high school and pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education at Florida Southwestern State College. Jake joined the secondary team as a full-time teacher in 2019. Jake is a natural born teacher and mentor to students in ABLE Academy’s Secondary Program and is an instrumental member of the team.  A native of Southwest Florida, Jake enjoys fishing and spending time with friends and family on the weekends.

Danielle Haines, a dedicated educator with a strong calling to support individuals with varying needs, brings experience and passion to our Secondary program. Originally from Illinois, she relocated to Florida to pursue her degree in Integrated Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. Danielle's diverse background includes teaching and organizing activities for students in camp settings, providing essential support to children navigating loss through Avow services, and managing teams in the service industry. With her well-rounded skill set, Danielle is an integral member of the ABLE team who makes a significant impact, creating an inclusive and empowering learning environment for our students. In her free time, Danielle enjoys hanging out with her family and friends and going to the beach! 

Mia earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. She brings experience in mental health care, research, and academic advising, with a focus on building trust and creating inclusive environments. Her work as a Mental Health Technician, Peer Advisor, and Research Assistant reflects her dedication to helping others grow and succeed. Mia is excited to join the ABLE Academy team and contribute to its mission of empowering every student to thrive. In her free time, she enjoys traveling the world with family and friends, relaxing at the beach, and playing soccer!