Dr. Hansel-Union, Ph.D., LPN, PBSF | CEO

Dr. Hansel-Union earned a Doctorates of Health Administration from Kennedy-Western University. She received her Masters of Public Administration from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and her Bachelors of Business Administration from Radford University. She also was admitted to Virginia State Board of Nursing in 1976. She has dedicated her life to helping children, elderly and individuals with disabilities. With years of experience in the health care industry, Dr. Hansel-Union has a long history of advocating to the VA General Assembly for increased health awareness and resources. Board involvement and Community volunteerism include:

• Board Member Portsmouth Partnership
• Member – Olde Towne Business Association
• Member – Virginia Network of Private Providers

Dr. Hansel-Union is the CEO of Hansel Union Consulting, PLLC and she currently works with individuals with disabilities in residential, day support and community programs in the Hampton Roads area. She lives in Portsmouth, VA, with her husband, Douglas B. Union. She also has three wonderful adult children and two grandsons. Dr. Hansel Union experience a neurological disorder at the age of 38 in which she experienced left sided weakness and aphasia. It was though rehabilitative therapy that Dr. Hansel-Union was able to have a complete recovery.

Charles Brogan, MBA | Chief Operations Officer

Charles is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse background in geology, military service, leadership, and business management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Radford University, where he excelled in his studies. Before his academic pursuits, Charles served with distinction in the United States Army for ten years as a Military Police officer, earning recognition for his dedication and service.

Charles has been deeply committed to volunteerism throughout his life, receiving the prestigious Virginia Volunteerism Award for his exceptional contributions from childhood through adolescence. After his military service, Charles relocated to Colorado, where he honed his leadership skills in the civilian world as the manager of a scientific laboratory for five years. His ability to apply his military leadership experience to the business environment led to significant achievements and a reputation as a capable and strategic manager.

Charles’s passion for business and leadership led him to further his education by obtaining an MBA, enhancing his knowledge and skills in strategic planning, financial management, and organizational development. In addition to his academic pursuits, Charles also serves as the President of the Olde Towne Business Association, where he leverages his expertise to support and promote local businesses in the community.

Diane Gressett, MS, CTRS | Recreation Lead

Diane Gressett has a Master’s in Therapeutic Recreation from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has over 30-years-experience in the field working with both children and adults with physical and mental disabilities.

Samantha Keyes, CTRS,PBSF

Samantha is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, who graduated from Old Dominion University in 2015. She has 10 years of experience working with the elderly community and four years of experience working with children with behavioral and mental disabilities. She is excited to expand her experience and knowledge in the therapeutic recreation field. She enjoys outdoor activities, adventure, and spending time with family

Mel Barlow, CTRS, PBSF

Mel Barlow is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, who graduated from Old Dominion University in 2009. He worked in mental health for eight years, with patients of all ages and diagnoses. He has spent the last four years working with the geriatric population in assisted living and long term care. Throughout his career he has really enjoyed working in the field of recreation therapy, and learning as much as he can from each opportunity. In his spare time, Mel loves going to the beach, concerts, exercising, and spending time with family and friends.

Ciara Adams, CTRS

Ciara graduated from Old Dominion University in 2016 as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She has six years of experience working with children in the behavioral and mental health field. She is passionate about Recreation Therapy and the importance of leisure activities in everyday life.

Cindy Halonski, CTRS

Cindy Halonski is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, who graduated from Longwood College in 1984. She worked with adolescents and adults in a psychiatric setting for 21 years. She then worked at a skilled nursing facility for 14 years with residents who had physical and mental disabilities to include Traumatic Brain Injury. She loves to see individuals with disabilities accomplish their goals and have fun! She has been married since 1986 and they have an amazing son who lives in Richmond, Virginia. She lives in Virginia Beach with her husband and four cats. She enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Jasmine Holloman, CTRS

Jasmine graduated from Winston-Salem State University in 2019 and is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree at Arizona State University for Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. When time permits, Jasmine also performs work as a Registered Behavior Technician in which she has had the opportunity to work one on one with a number of youth with challenging diagnosis. She has a true passion for working with individuals with special needs and thoroughly enjoys helping each of her client’s progress in all areas of development to reach their individual goals. In her spare time, Jasmine enjoys spending time with her family, engaging in sport activities, creating DIY projects and listening to music.

Ayesha Amin, CTRS

Ayesha is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, who graduated from Old Dominion University in 2016. She has two years of experience working with children and adolescents with behavioral and mental disabilities and five years of experience working with the geriatric population. She has a passion for helping her clients achieve their goals. She is excited to expand her knowledge in the therapeutic recreation field. Her hobbies are traveling, listening to music, and spending time with family.

Diana Levering, MA, PBSF | Behavior Lead

Diana graduated with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from St. Leo University, a Master’s in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University, and received her Positive Behavioral Support Facilitator endorsement from VCU. Diana has worked with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over 10 years. She has a strong passion for ensuring that individuals with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect and have the supports they need to live the life they choose to have. In her downtime, Diana enjoys spending time with her family and friends, likes to travel, and finds peace in nature.

Jarrod Vaughan, MS, BCBA/LBA

Jarrod received a Bachelor’s in Psychology with an emphasis in behavior analysis from the University of Central Missouri in 2016 and a Master’s in Behavior Analysis and Therapy in 2018, also from the University of Central Missouri. He has worked with children, adolescents, and adults with a range of disabilities in several different settings. He especially enjoys behavioral medicine, behavioral neuroscience, and social skills training. In his downtime, he likes to play board and video games, read, and spend time with his wife and fur babies.

Melissa Union, M.Ed, BCBA/LBA

Melissa Union is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education in 2005. Melissa worked in Orlando, Florida as a Tittle One self-contained special education teacher for seven years before attending the Florida Institute of Technology to complete a Master’s add-on certificate in Behavior Analysis. Melissa has a wide range of experience from birth to adulthood with developmental disabilities, specific learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, and related behavior disorders. Melissa worked as a direct ABA provider before joining the Hansel Union team as a behavior consultant. She enjoys working with all individuals and strives to help her clients achieve their goals. “It’s not the talking about the thing that matters. It’s the doing of the thing.” -Pat Friman BCBA-D.

Jen Hokaj, M.Ed, BCBA/LBA

Jen Hokaj has practiced as a licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2016 and has been working with individuals aged between 18 months and 20 years old with various disabilities since 2011. She attended James Madison University and George Mason University, earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Her passions in Applied Behavior Analysis include: reducing severe problem behaviors, teaching functional replacement behaviors, and teaching functional communication skills using speech and/or voice output communication devices. She has worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds providing and overseeing 1:1 intensive ABA therapy in-home and clinic settings. Jen also worked collaboratively with top professionals to design a model for delivering remote BACB supervision and mentorship services to providers seeking BCBA/BCaBA certification internationally and subsequently provided those services. Outside work, Jen enjoys spending time with her two daughters, husband, and dog (Walter). Jen and her husband Rafael also actively participate in the brewing community in Hampton Roads and own and run American Homebrew Supply in the JANAF shopping center in Norfolk, Virginia.

Samantha Dove, M.Ed, BCBA/LBA

Samantha Dove is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and LBA living in Mead, Co. She has over 15 years of experience working with children and adults in many settings. She has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for five years, but before that worked as a Special Education teacher in Virginia Beach Public Schools. She is passionate about advocating and helping individuals with disabilities accomplish their goals. She loves to go camping, paddleboarding, and spending time with her family.

Alena Isaeva, MA, BCBA, LBA

Alena holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Foreign Languages from Old Dominion University and a Master of Arts degree in Professional Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. She is originally from Russia. Alena has been working in the field of behavior analysis since 2014 – first starting in an administrative role before becoming a therapist. She became a Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst in May of 2019 and then a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in June of 2021. Working as a BCBA allows Alena to merge two of her biggest passions – bringing meaningful changes to the lives of others and using science. In her free time outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors with her dog, traveling with her significant other, training in martial arts, cooking, and taking naps.

Kendra Dixson, BCBA/LBA

Kendra Dixson is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and LBA living in Shelley, Idaho, with her husband and two children. She has been interested in helping people from a young age. She would volunteer at the nursing home near her elementary school. Later experiences with her younger brother being diagnosed with autism and observing the treatment he was receiving inspired her to pursue a career path for behavior change. Before pursuing her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, she worked with children and young adults in various settings for more than six years. Kendra has experience writing implementation plans, completing and interpreting assessments, and overseeing the progress of the plans in place. Helping people achieve meaningful change has been her lifelong goal.

Dr. Karen Van Daniker PT, DPT | Occupational/Physical Lead

Karen graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. Karen moved back up north and graduated from Sacred Heart University in Connecticut with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Karen always knew she wanted to do something hands-on to help people. Karen has worked mainly with the older adult population and is passionate about making what once seemed impossible possible. In my spare time, she likes to play tennis and spend time with my family and two golden retrievers.

Dr. Kayla Hamilton PT, DPT

Kayla Hamilton is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board Certified Neurological Clinical Specialist, and Certified Lymphedema Therapist. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from North Dakota State University in 2010 and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from The University of Michigan-Flint in 2014. In her years of clinical experience, she has worked in various settings and has found most enjoyment working with individuals with neurological diagnoses while specializing in spinal cord injury rehabilitation, custom wheelchair evaluations, and prosthetic training. Kayla has also enjoyed mentoring physical therapy students as a clinical and laboratory instructor in addition to consulting on continuing education courses outside of the clinic. She is passionate about using her expertise in empowering her clients to maintain their independence and thrive in what is most important to them. Outside of work, Kayla enjoys weightlifting, baking and cooking, and spending time with her husband, son, and two dogs.

Kasey Hester, MOT, OTR/L

Kasey is a licensed and board-certified occupational therapist. She earned her bBachelor’sdegree in psychology from the University of Tennessee in 2000 and her Master’s of Occupational Therapy from the University of St. Augustine in 2002. Kasey has worked in various settings, including school-based (brick-and-mortar and virtual), early intervention, and outpatient clinics. She has extensive experience in parent coaching, sensory integration disorders, and visual deficits. Kasey loves helping people of all ages and backgrounds utilize strategies and tools to live as independently as possible. Outside of work, Kasey enjoys seeing live music, going to the beach, cooking vegetarian meals, and relaxing with her family.

Heather Britt, MS, OTR/L

Heather is a licensed and board-certified occupational therapist. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Utica College in Utica, New York, in 2017, and her Bachelor of Health Sciences from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in 2012. Heather comes to Hansel-Union with experience assessing and treating various neurological and orthopedic injuries and conditions in outpatient and skilled nursing settings. As an OT, Heather has specialized in custom orthoses for the upper extremity secondary to injury, post-operative recovery, and to prevent contractures; evaluating and assessing clients for wheelchairs/power mobility; and developing functional maintenance programs in a retirement community to promote aging in place. Heather strives to provide client-centered care focusing on skills that are important and meaningful to the client to achieve and maintain independence in their daily lives. Heather enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and her German Shepherd. Her hobbies include running, traveling, spending time with family, listening to music, and being outdoors.

Joy Davis, MS, CCC-SLP

Joy Davis is a certified speech-language pathologist who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cedarville University and a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Old Dominion University. Joy comes to Hansel Union with experience assessing and treating various communication disorders in the outpatient pediatric setting and public school setting. Joy’s passion is to provide individuals with communication disorders with interventions that are established in evidence-based practice. She especially enjoys working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, stuttering disorders, and reading disorders. She finds joy in partnering with individuals and families to discover the means of intervention that will best meet the needs of individuals with disabilities so that they can reach their full potential and be as successful as possible in achieving their goals. In her downtime, Joy enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing at the beach, and hunting for treasures at second-hand stores.

Joyce Downs, MS. CCC-SLP

Joyce is a nationally certified and state-licensed Speech Language Pathologist who has been in the field for over 20 years. Joyce’s experience includes working with all ages in public schools, private practice, and rehabilitation hospitals. The heart of her motivation as an SLP is putting her clients and families first, working hard to decrease frustration and increase communication. She has a special interest in Augmentative and Alternative Communication as she believes everyone has a fundamental right to communicate and to connect with others. Outside of work, she enjoys relaxing with family and friends, reading books, trying new art and craft activities, and spoiling her 2 cats and 2 dogs.

Susan Shepherd, MS, CCC-SLP

Susan is a certified speech-language pathologist with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from James Madison University. She is passionate about equipping parents, caregivers, and other support staff to improve their communication skills in her clients’ lives. Susan has worked with individuals of all ages, most recently with adolescents and young adults in the public school setting. She is a Virginia Beach native and enjoys reading, kayaking, and being with her husband and two boys.

Kristi Johnson, MS, CCC-SLP | Speech Lead

Kristi is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist who completed her undergraduate and graduate work at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology with a minor in Special Education in 2007 and a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2009. Kristi has 14 years of experience providing services to pediatric clients with various communication disorders in the outpatient clinical setting. Kristi loves the field of speech-language pathology and has a passion for helping clients maximize their communicative effectiveness through different communication methods, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). She values partnering with client families and caregivers to optimize client success. In her spare time, Kristi enjoys relaxing at the beach, reading, spoiling her miniature goldendoodle, and spending time with family and friends.

Emily Hunley, M.S., CCC-SLP

Emily is a certified speech-language pathologist with a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from Old Dominion University. She has over 11 years of experience in assessing and treating various communication disorders in the public school setting. She has a passion for empowering clients and their caregivers and strives to find the best interventions to increase communication and reduce frustration. In her downtime, Emily enjoys thrifting, decorating, and spending time with her husband, twin boys, and her dog, Etta.

Nicole Askew, MA, CCC-SLP

Nicole is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist who received her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology with a minor in Special Education from Old Dominion University in 2008 and a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Hampton University in 2011. Nicole has 12 years of experience providing skilled services to geriatric clients with various diagnoses in skilled nursing, acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and home health settings. She has a special interest in working with clients who are neurodiverse and exhibit dysphagia and/or aphasia as a result. She is excited to use the knowledge she gained from her previous experiences and apply it to the therapeutic consultative setting. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters, going to her parent’s beach cottage in the OBX, going to the beach, shopping for a bargain, watching her daughters play softball, coaching cheerleading, and making memories with her family and friends.

Renee Garrett ,MS, CCC-SLP

Renee Garrett is a native of Hampton Roads, VA. She graduated with her Bachelors of Science in speech-language pathology and her Masters of Science in Education, both from Old Dominion University. She worked in inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient settings, in assisted living, as well as in acute care hospitals and the day rehabilitation program, serving adults across the lifespan with dysphagia and a variety of communication and cognitive disorders. Renee has a special interest in cognitive retraining post-TBI. She holds certification as a certified brain injury specialist (CBIS) from the Brain Injury Association of America and is active in educating families, friends and patients about dysphagia, communication, and cognitive disorders. She is the host of the podcast “Brainstorms: Functional Neurorehab for SLPs” and a regular presenter on SpeechTherapyPD.com and at other state conferences as well as at the American Speech Language Hearing Association Convention. She served the Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Virginia in the roles of secretary, vice president of public relations, vice president of membership, president elect, president and past president. She currently serves the Communication Disorders Foundation of Virginia in the role of secretary. Renee received the honor of Darden Fellow from Old Dominion University’s Darden College of Education and Professional Studies in 2023. Renee enjoys traveling, gardening, exploring restaurants and spending time with her family.

Michelle Broderick ,MS,CCC-SLP

Michelle earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication sciences and Disorders from James Madison University to become a certified Speech-Language Pathologist in 2001. Michelle has 20 years of experience providing therapeutic services to adults living with a variety of disabilities. Michelle strives to continue learning about the field of Speech and Language disorders every day and using that knowledge to better others’ lives. Michelle especially loves working with parents and other caregivers, fostering stronger connections through improved communication, and providing greater quality of life for her clients. She is excited to use her skills to provide consultative services that positively impact her clients and their families. During downtime, Michelle enjoys travelling to Philly to catch a game with her husband, son, and daughter, and spoiling her puppy.

Paige Shabro RN, BSN, MSN

Paige Shabro is a Registered Nurse and has been in the nursing field since 2009. She completed her Bachelors in the Science of Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University, and she received her Masters in the Science of Nursing from Frontier Nursing University. She has a passion for mental health and women’s health. She provides nursing consults to the clients of Hansel Union Consulting. These consults provide information for various medical conditions and medication therapy reviews. Paige lives in Chesapeake with her husband and two sons, Gabe and Declan. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling.

Douglas Union, Facilities Manager

Douglas is retired from the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. His hobbies include sailing, woodworking, fishing and playing golf.

Connor Levering, Facilities Manager Assistant

Connor is a 14-year-old young man who is currently finishing up his first year of high school at Summit Christian Academy. He has been on his high school tennis team for two seasons so far. He obtained his black belt in Taekwondo in 2019. When not in school, Connor enjoys playing games on the computer and socializing with his friends online.

Teresa Haner, Administrative Assistant

Teresa has more than 15 years’ experience as an admin assistant. She is a Minnesota native but has called Virginia home for over 20 years now. When not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Crys Wayman, Accounts Receivable

Crys is an accomplished administrative support specialist with over 20 years of experience in data management, community service, client support, and project management. They have a proven track record of managing direct service and client support needs for executives and non-profits. Crys is passionate about organizing data, planning organizational frameworks, and building communities. They are known for their ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and maintain a positive attitude in high-pressure situations.

Susan Wilton, Administrative Assistant

Susan is a Virginia native that grew up in Norfolk, Virginia. She and her husband have one child (he will soon be 20). Susan loves all animals and especially dogs! Her family has four dogs that they love dearly (2 golden retrievers, one spaniel, and one dachshund). Susan loves spending time with her family and traveling…especially during the fall, her favorite time of year. Susan spent most of her younger years being a nanny and then a preschool teacher, but has been in the administrative field for the last 7 or 8 years.