Darla is the heart and soul of the American Autism and Rehabilitation Center. A Registered Nurse by education, she started HemaCare Plus, a specialty pharmacy, out of a deep desire to provide superb care and resources to the bleeding disorder community. After her grandson was diagnosed with autism, and finding very few resources in the community to assist him, she learned first-hand how difficult the road can be for special-needs families. Watching her grandson and daughter struggle, her vision grew beyond her bleeding disorder patients, as she felt a calling to open the American Autism & Rehabilitation Center
Her passion for every child with a disability runs deep. Her goal is to see every child or adult with special needs grow into happy, healthy, well-educated, self-sufficient and productive citizens of society. If you happen to see her, you will get a glimpse of the passion she has for her patients, the children, and families at the center. Darla will be quick to tell you that, “Staffing highly educated, extremely passionate, extraordinary directors of every department, and then entrusting them to hire and train support staff to carry out the mission, has allowed the center to thrive in astonishing ways. The success and positivity verbalized by hundreds of families, is directly related to the compassion and extraordinary staff that we have. They truly connect with these precious children. They are incredible.”
Partnering with Kevin and Troy, she continually works hard and with great passion, to provide hope and change for the special needs community.
Meet is our dedicated Co-Founder and Vice President, who also serves as our Director of Marketing. With a steadfast commitment to our mission, Kevin ensures that our center’s marketing messages resonate with medical professionals, insurance payers, patients, and their families within the special needs community. His primary goal is to ensure that every patient has unfettered access to the unique care and education offered by the American Autism and Rehabilitation Center, empowering them to lead more enriching and satisfying lives.
Kevin’s journey has been defined by his unwavering connection to individuals with diverse needs. He has spent most of his life working alongside patients with bleeding disorders and several years immersed in the world of special needs, igniting a profound passion for each and every person he encounters.
Beyond his professional dedication, Kevin finds solace and joy in his personal life. He relishes precious moments spent with his beloved wife and son, embarking on exciting outdoor adventures together. An avid adventurer, Kevin thrives in activities like scuba diving, hiking, hunting, fishing, and exploring new destinations. Furthermore, he channels his compassion and energy into ministry, showcasing his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Kevin’s multifaceted interests and profound empathy are the driving forces behind his contributions to our center and the broader community.
Troy Dyess is currently the Director of IT for AARC, managing and overseeing the technology needs of every department. Troy has a background in emergency services, having joined Spanish Fort Fire Rescue Department in 1994. Serving as an officer within the Department since 1996, he served as Assistant Chief from 2001 until his promotion to Deputy Chief in 2014. Troy has served on the Board of Directors of Spanish Fort Fire Rescue since 1997 and held the position of Board Treasurer since 1998. Troy serves as the Secretary of the Baldwin County Fire Chiefs’ Association. In addition to time in service at Spanish Fort Fire Rescue, Troy is currently a Deputy Coroner for Baldwin County and serves as the District One Director for the Alabama Coroners’ Association. Troy has also worked with local ambulance companies, including Medstar as an EMT. Troy has 16 years of experience in the finance industry where he spent the last eight of those years as the Chief Operating Officer of a locally owned bank. At the core of every position he has held, Troy truly loves helping people.
While he is not busy with his professional duties, Troy enjoys spending time with his wife Amy. He loves the beach, being on the water, fishing, traveling and volunteering with emergency services.
Myriah Tolbert is an experienced and highly dedicated Insurance Coordinator with nearly a decade of expertise in the insurance and medical field. She specializes in working directly with insurance companies to ensure that patients receive the services they need—handling everything from obtaining prior authorizations to ensuring claims are accurately processed and paid. Myriah is known for her friendly, approachable demeanor and her ability to simplify even the most complex aspects of insurance coordination for both patients and healthcare providers.
Over the years, Myriah has built a strong reputation for being reliable, detail-oriented, and proactive. Her commitment to excellent communication and patient-centered service has made her a valued team member in every medical office she’s worked with. She understands that behind every claim is a person counting on care, and she brings compassion and clarity to each step of the process.
Outside of her professional life, Myriah is a proud wife to her husband Marquise and a loving mother to two children—a son and a daughter—plus their energetic dog, Hendrix. Family life plays a big role in who she is, and much of her free time is spent supporting her son’s love for baseball, enjoying pool days, and creating memories with extended family.
Eileen brings warmth and dedication to our front desk, welcoming patients and families with her caring spirit. Originally from Ohio, Eileen’s journey led her to Birmingham, Alabama, where she balanced raising two children, managing a household, and nurturing young minds as a preschool teacher for 16 years.
Following the loss of her husband of 30 years, Eileen embraced a new chapter in Daphne, AL, to be closer to family. Her daughter and young grandson, DJ, bring her tremendous joy and fill her days with laughter, while her son and grandson just a short flight away also remain a cherished part of her life.
At AARC, Eileen finds joy in caring for families and ensuring their needs are met with a smile. She’s often accompanied by her faithful companion, Charlotte the goldendoodle, who shares in her mission to brighten our patients’ days.
Outside of work, Eileen enjoys life’s simple pleasures: reading poolside, savoring beach visits, and exploring local dog parks with Charlotte.
Eileen’s experience and compassionate nature make her an invaluable asset to our team, embodying the welcoming atmosphere we strive to provide at AARC.
Rebecca Stork, born and raised in Grand Bay, Alabama, recently relocated to Silverhill, Alabama, in pursuit of new opportunities. Currently studying Behavior Analysis with the goal of becoming a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA), Rebecca’s passion lies in making a meaningful impact on individuals’ lives, particularly those with developmental disabilities or behavioral challenges. Her dedication to applying evidence-based interventions stems from a lifelong interest in understanding human behavior and helping others.
Outside of her academic pursuits, Rebecca finds joy in spending time with her husband, two dogs, and family. She looks forward to applying her knowledge in Behavior Analysis to create positive changes in her clients’ lives, promoting growth, independence, and well-being. Rebecca’s journey reflects her commitment to fostering a supportive environment for individuals facing behavioral challenges, combining her professional aspirations with her personal values.
Kami is a dedicated member of the American Autism & Rehabilitation Center team, bringing a warm, welcoming presence and a strong commitment to supporting children and families. Her background and training have prepared her to serve families navigating developmental and behavioral needs with compassion and professionalism.
At AARC, Kami focuses on making sure families feel informed, supported, and at ease throughout their care experience. She values clear communication, teamwork, and creating an environment where every child and caregiver feels seen and heard.
Kami feels called to work that makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives, and she is drawn to the mission and values of AARC. She is especially inspired by seeing the progress children make over time and knowing that the team’s efforts help families through some of their most important moments.
Her philosophy is to meet each person where they are, honor their strengths, and help create a caring, respectful space that encourages growth. She brings strong organizational and client-care skills to her role, shaped by both her professional experience and her life as a mom.
Outside of work, Kami enjoys staying active, spending quality time with her family, and being involved in activities that keep her grounded and connected.
She is grateful to be part of a faith-filled, collaborative team and hopes every family she encounters feels supported, empowered, and encouraged.
Mystique Pickett, a Registered Behavior Technician with AARC for two years, brings a wealth of experience to her role. With a degree in Behavioral Studies from the University of Mobile and 14 years as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Mystique combines her educational background with practical expertise. Known for her innovative approach, she often uses a microphone to enhance children’s reading and learning skills.
A resident of Spanish Fort, Mystique balances her professional life with personal interests. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities like camping and kayaking, as well as exploring Aquariums and Exploriums with her son. Mystique also contributes to her community by planting flowers in local areas, demonstrating her commitment to both her profession and her environment.
Haley Rentz is a compassionate Registered Behavior Technician who supports children and families through evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis services. Trained in ABA and behavior intervention strategies, Haley implements individualized treatment plans, collects and analyzes behavioral data, and teaches functional skills that promote independence and confidence.
Haley’s approach centers on building trusting relationships, honoring each child’s pace, and collaborating closely with families and clinical staff to help every child reach their fullest potential. She finds the greatest reward in celebrating small wins—new skills learned, growing confidence, and the joy those moments bring to children and their families.
Outside of work, Haley enjoys family time, attending youth sporting events, and crafting—she’s often the one planning decorations or banners for celebrations. She shares her home with her dogs, Dozer and Chachie. Guided by the motto “Progress over perfection, grace over judgment, and kindness in all things,” Haley brings patience, creativity, and wholehearted dedication to her role at AARC.
Angela Edwards is a dedicated Registered Behavior Technician who provides one‑on‑one ABA therapy at the American Autism & Rehabilitation Center. She has spent a decade working in MD classrooms and worked as an RBT in Indiana for three years before relocating in 2024. Angela is currently working to renew her RBT credential.
At AARC, Angela’s primary responsibility is delivering individualized support to children, helping them build skills and make measurable progress. Her approach is simple and steadfast: every child deserves a chance to learn. She finds the most reward in seeing the outcomes and the progress families celebrate.
Angela’s interest in this work is personal—her nephew has autism, which inspired her to become an RBT. Outside the clinic she enjoys snorkeling, beach days, shopping, e‑biking, and traveling. She and her husband are parents to two children and a beloved cat named Tater. Angela also volunteers with the BLOOMS program in Fairhope, donating bouquets to hospitals and nursing homes.
Angela’s goal is clear: to help each child meet their goals and support families through meaningful progress. Fun fact: she enjoys karaoke.
Riley Tackla, a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and Speech Language Pathologist Assistant (SLPA), discovered her passion for working with children with special needs during her high school years. This interest led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from The Ohio State University. After graduating, Riley began her career as an RBT in Ohio before relocating to Spanish Fort to be closer to family and joining AARC.
After working as an RBT for a year here at AARC, a position opened up for her to gain experience in her undergrad studies as an assistant with speech pathology.Riley’s experience working with diverse cases and behaviors has reinforced her commitment to the field. The joy she finds in witnessing children reach their milestones daily has inspired her to continue her education in the future. Riley’s journey reflects her dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of children with special needs, combining her personal passion with professional growth.
Alexis Lehrmann is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master of Science in Early Childhood Intervention and Developmental Psychology. She brings a deep passion for helping children thrive and a strong foundation in evidence-based practices to her work in the ABA Department, specializing in early intervention.
Alexis began her academic journey with a degree in Psychology from the University of South Alabama. She went on to earn her master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University, focusing her studies on the importance of early intervention—recognizing that children are like sponges, absorbing and learning from every experience. She completed her BCBA credentialing and fieldwork at the University of West Florida, rounding out a comprehensive and intentional educational path.
Her love for children has been a lifelong calling. Even as a child, Alexis knew she wanted to help others grow into the best versions of themselves. That passion has evolved into a career centered on improving the quality of life for both children and their families. With extensive experience in early intervention, Alexis has worked across both school and clinical settings, gaining valuable insight into how different environments impact child development.
Alexis was drawn to the American Autism & Rehabilitation Center because of its mission to be a beacon of hope for families. She finds her work deeply rewarding, especially when she sees the children and families she supports blossom. Her approach is rooted in data-driven, systematic strategies that focus on observable and measurable behaviors—ensuring meaningful and lasting progress.
Outside of her professional life, Alexis cherishes time with her husband, daughter, and their two dogs. Whether it’s enjoying beach walks, soaking up baby giggles, or volunteering with local dog rescues, she finds joy in life’s simple moments. She also has a creative side and enjoys photography, capturing the beauty of everyday life through her lens.
A fun fact about Alexis: she studied ballet for 15 years, performing in classical productions like Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and even the Broadway tour of The Wizard of Oz. A former dance team member in high school, she brings that same discipline and grace to her work today.
A guiding light in her life is 1 Corinthians 13:4–6, a verse that was quoted at her wedding, framed in her home, and often referenced in her daily life. Alexis strives to embody its message in every interaction—whether with clients, colleagues, or loved ones—bringing compassion, patience, and love to all she does.
Emily Collins, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion to her role. She is deeply committed to supporting children and families impacted by developmental disabilities, particularly those affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Her dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others is truly inspiring.
Emily was born in Niagara Falls, NY and later moved to South Florida with her family at the age of 12. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of West Florida in 2017. Her journey into the field of applied behavior analysis began when she became a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in 2019—a role that quickly turned into a calling. Motivated by her growing love for ABA, Emily returned to UWF to pursue her master’s degree in exceptional student education with a concentration in ABA.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, traveling to visit loved ones across the country, and going on adventures with her newly adopted puppy, Smokey. She’s also a fan of cozy moments with a good book and a strong cup of coffee.
Olivia Whitfield is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at the American Autism & Rehabilitation Center, where she is dedicated to helping children build meaningful skills in a fun, positive, and supportive environment. She believes every child can succeed with patience, consistency, and individualized care, and she is passionate about celebrating each child’s progress—no matter how big or small.
At AARC, Olivia values strong communication and collaboration with families and her team, working to ensure that every child feels supported and encouraged. Her approach is rooted in kindness and a can-do attitude, creating an atmosphere where children feel safe to learn and grow.
Outside of work, Olivia enjoys spending time with her daughter, being outdoors, fishing, attending sporting events, and making memories with family and friends. She strives to bring kindness, encouragement, and a positive attitude into everything she does, both at work and at home.
Katlyn McCarty holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University and recently completed a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis at National University. Her interest in ABA began while working as a paraprofessional during undergrad, and she later gained hands-on experience as a behavior technician. After relocating to Alabama, Katlyn earned her Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification and is currently working toward Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credentialing.
With over five years of experience supporting children with autism and developmental disabilities, Katlyn implements individualized treatment plans designed by BCBAs. She focuses on helping clients build communication, social, play, and daily living skills while carefully collecting data to monitor progress and inform treatment decisions. Katlyn believes every child is unique and aims to create a positive, supportive environment that encourages learning, growth, and independence.
The most rewarding part of her work is celebrating milestones with families and watching children gain confidence. Katlyn is committed to compassionate, evidence-based care that improves quality of life for the children and families she serves.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé, family, and her cat Ryleigh, binge-watching TV shows and movies, and continuing to expand her knowledge of behavior analysis.
After working as an RBT for a year here at AARC, a position opened up for her to gain experience in her undergrad studies as an assistant with speech pathology. Riley’s experience working with diverse cases and behaviors has reinforced her commitment to the field. The joy she finds in witnessing children reach their milestones daily has inspired her to continue her education in the future. Riley’s journey reflects her dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of children with special needs, combining her personal passion with professional growth.
Carmen Irby is an enthusiastic and dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst, driven by a profound passion for making a transformative impact in the lives of children with Autism and developmental disabilities. Hailing from the vibrant state of Mississippi, Carmen pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Sciences at the University of Southern Mississippi, followed by a Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis from the University of West Florida. With an exciting career in the ABA field that began in 2020, she excels at implementing innovative behavior-based interventions that truly cater to the unique needs and individuality of each child she encounters.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Carmen delights in creating cherished memories with her family and friends, enjoying adventurous outings on the water, and indulging in captivating reads. Whether it’s playing with her beloved dog, Camp, or exploring new horizons, Carmen approaches life with enthusiasm and a zest for learning.