The Genius (Our Founder & BCBA)
Alawna’s dedication to improving the lives of children and families began over 11 years ago. Her journey in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) started locally in 2014 at Canopy Children’s Solutions (formerly Mississippi Children’s Home Services). Armed with a B.S. in Psychology from Jackson State University and a Masters in Child & Adolescent Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, she quickly became a certified RBT in 2015 and earned her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential in 2019.
Seeking to gain diverse and specialized experience, Alawna ventured out to hold key leadership positions. She worked as the Director of Research and Training at Autism Response Team Texas (ART) and later as a Traveling BCBA, providing remote coaching and supervision across the greater Atlanta area. Through these experiences, she gained extensive experience and training in areas including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Verbal Behavior, Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI), Natural Environment Teaching (NET), Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment (PFA/SBT), and Relational Frame Theory.
Upon returning to the Jackson Metropolitan Area, Alawna was inspired to fully blossom her business Garden of Genius ABA. She now focuses her passion on serving her local community, working directly with children in the home, school, daycare, and community settings. Major areas of focus include functional communication, emotional/sensory regulation, social skills, adaptive skills, school readiness, and educational advocacy.
What truly sets Alawna apart is her belief that effective behavioral health must be holistic. As a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) and a devoted advocate for health and wellness, her mission is to thoughtfully integrate these practices with the science of behavior analysis. This approach ensures every family receives compassionate, culturally responsive care that addresses the whole person.
Alawna is committed to advancing the field through teaching, mentorship, collaboration, and research, but her greatest joy is helping families in the Jackson area thrive.
The Gardeners (Our RBTs)
Daija Fells, M.Ed., RBT
Daija is a passionate and dedicated Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) who recently graduated with her Master’s of Education in School Counseling. She has almost two years of experience as an RBT. Daija enjoys working with clients because she feels that she is making a meaningful impact. She also enjoys watching her client progress through ABA therapy because it gives her a sense of purpose.
Fun Fact: Although Daija works as a school counselor full-time, she continues to work as a Registered Behavior Technician part-time.
Kashayla Miller, RBT
Kashayla is a compassionate Registered Behavior Technician with two years of experience providing direct support and skill building services. Before becoming an RBT, she spent 10 years working in the human services field with individuals who have physical disabilities, cognitive differences, and mental health needs. Her work is grounded in empathy, patience, and respect. She is dedicated to helping each person grow, reach their goals, and live fulfilling lives.
Fun Fact: In her free time, Kashayla enjoys sewing and embroidering children’s clothing.
