Our Team
Manager & Program Director
Howdy, I’m Lynn Hawkins, MA, BCBA. In addition to over 17 years of experience with those with development disabilities, as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) I am directly responsible for providing effective changes in behaviors using the best of Applied Behavior Analysis, which includes giving and receiving super cool rewards! One way I receive cool rewards is by using ABA therapy with everyone at the ranch! Another fun part of my day here at the ranch is to ensure that our BCaBAs or Registered Behavioral Technicians (therapists) maintain high standards working with your child. I address problem behaviors, skill acquisition, track progress and set parent and insurance approved goals, as well as train families in a more natural environment.
Marketing and Human Resources Director
Sharon Faries has made a career out of helping others. She is currently Marketing HR Director in her latest role with Aggieland Autism Center, LLC where she has developed a strong passion for helping those with Autism along with her desire for growing a high quality and meaningful business. Expanding on a successful career of 16 years in sales, she decided to join her husband in starting their own business- website, database, graphic design, & commercial printing. After graduating from Texas A&M in 1994 (B.S. Biochemistry), her most challenging & professional role was Manager of International Sales. She was tasked with training colleagues around the world on US technologies, educating their customers, and giving presentations and seminars with her largest audience of 200 people in China. However, her most rewarding experience involved helping to socialize a middle school autistic boy. As a Teacher’s Aide, providing behavioral therapy, she helped this special boy to attend public school for the first time as a 9th grader! When she is not glued to the computer (or Movie!) screen, she spends time with her family and friends. She loves the outdoors, rafting, photography, scuba diving, soccer, volleyball, animals (her dog Daisy) & especially camping.
Lead RBT
Kelly grew up knowing that she would devote her life to working and caring for children. She began this journey by going to school with her mom and working with kids with exceptionalities and LOVING it. Before working at AAC, Kelly gained experience by teaching swim lessons, nannying, and student teaching. She received her Bachelor’s in Special Education from Texas A&M University (2019) and became a Registered Behavior Therapist (RBT) shortly after. She has decided to continue her education at TAMU to obtain a Master’s in Special Education and a certificate as a BCBA. Kelly is fulfilling all the requirements needed through AAC and is building a foundation and education through this company. When Kelly is not rocking it at AAC, she is building a life with her husband, making memories with friends, and pushing through CrossFit workouts.
RBT
Brittney is a sophomore sociology major from Leander Texas and a part of the fightin' Texas Aggie class of '22. Brittney developed a passion for helping others in high school and volunteered in equine therapy for 3 years before going to college. At the beginning of her sophomore year at A&M she began working at AAC and was quickly reminded how much she enjoyed helping others reach their goals! Brittney is currently working towards become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and plans on finishing school with a Bachelor of Science in sociology and a minor in psychology. Outside of AAC and class, Brittney spends her time hanging out with friends and playing with her dog!
RBT Crafts & Activities Coordinator
Peytyn has always had a passion for working with children, whether it be at the local after school program, nannying, or at her church. She also volunteered at the Boys & Girls Club of the Brazos Valley while she worked on her degree. Peytyn recently graduated from Texas A&M University in December of 2019. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She plans on pursuing a Master's Degree in counseling. When Peytyn is not at AAC, she can be found hanging out with friends and family or her Shih tzu Winston. She also enjoys exercising and attending Texas A&M sporting events.
RBT Volunteers Coordinator
Grace’s passion has always been to work with children. She feels most in her element when surrounded by children, and plans to establish a long-lasting career working with them. Grace is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Texas A&M University and hopes to begin her Master’s program shortly thereafter. Upon completion of her undergraduate degree in August 2021, Grace plans to continue her education within the Developmental Psychology or Special Education field. Grace’s passion for helping children succeed stems from a younger brother of hers having an Intellectual Disability and her help in raising another younger sibling. When she is not at AAC you can find her working on school work, chasing her dog around the dog park, spending time with friends, or baking a new recipe!
RBT
Shelby, from Houston, TX, has always enjoyed being around children because of their creativity and pureness. Working with children gives her joy watching how they grow and evolve into their own person. Shelby gained experience working with children through babysitting and enjoys the structured setting at AAC that teaches the children skills they can use in their lives. She is excited to learn applied behavioral analysis therapy as she has been interested in the benefits of behavior therapy for a while. Shelby is a graduate from Texas A&M in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and she will be starting her second year of graduate school at Sam Houston State University in the fall to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, hanging out with her friends and watching Netflix! Her ultimate goal is to have her own counseling practice where she can help those affected by trauma. Shelby was drawn to AAC because she saw similarities with her future career, and that is to help someone find a better, more productive way to being.
Maintenance
Andrew Dillon Beshears has always preferred to go by Dillon. He grew up in the small town called Buffalo, in what some would consider East Texas. One thing that was instilled in him was the value of family. He is a big family man and always had the “help thy neighbor” mentality. Dillon always enjoys helping others and making people happy. He loves being outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Currently, Dillon is taking classes towards an Associates in General Studies from Blinn College. Dillon and his wife Caitlin love to go each weekend to Buffalo. They enjoy being with family while helping finish projects and spending time together. He has two dogs that are lab mixes, Brody and Baker, that they love to hang out with and take on walks.
RBT Safety Officer
Matt graduated from the University of Texas Arlington with a Bachelors in Social Work. After working several years in mental health care, Matt realized he had a passion working with and helping children. Outside of AAC, Matt enjoys spending time with two mischievous pups, his wife and his rambunctious son. Matt plans to return to school to get a Masters in Social Work and become a Certified Social Worker.
RBT
Cindy has spent the last 16 years moving around the county following her husband's military career and raising 3 children. She has a Bachelor's degree from Ashford University in Healthcare Administration. Cindy is working toward becoming an RBT. Cindy has always had a passion for kids from a young age teaching children’s church, babysitting and taking care of her younger brother. Outside of AAC Cindy can be found hanging out my family.
RBT
From a young age Caitlyn found herself working with kiddos. From teaching Sunday school to working cheer camps, to nannying throughout college, time with children has shaped who she is today. She graduated from Texas A&M in the fall of 2017 and moved to Houston. This was where her introduction and passion for ABA and kiddos on the spectrum began. She is currently an RBT and on the path to finish her Masters in Special Education with a focus in ABA in 2022 and obtain her BCBA. Her and her husband recently moved back to the BCS area and she’s excited to learn and grow with the buckaroos at AAC. When she’s not at AAC you can find her playing board games with friends, hiking and camping with her husband and Aussie, Charlee, staying involved with her local church community, and cheering on the Fightin Texas Aggies.
RBT
Audrey is a Junior at Texas A&M, pursuing an undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a Spanish minor and an undergraduate certificate in Health Communication. After graduating from A&M, she plans to earn her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and work as an SLP for children diagnosed with Autism. She is certified as a Registered Behavior Technician and will pursue her BCaBA after completing undergraduate school and BCBA after completing graduate school. When Audrey is not working at AAC or doing homework, you can find her playing fetch with her dog, Truvy, reading a novel or cooking!