Dr. Holly Rittenhouse-Cea is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities across clinical, school, and home settings. She earned her PhD in Language Development, Literacy, and Learning—focused on students with disabilities—from Fordham University. Dr. Rittenhouse-Cea has practiced in Ohio, Chicago, NYC, and the Greater New York area, bringing a deep commitment to evidence-based behavioral practices.
She taught for eight years at Fordham University in the Division of Curriculum and Teaching and for three years in the Department of Special Education at Hunter College, preparing future special education professionals in behavioral methodologies. Most recently, she served as Director of the Master of Applied Behavior Analysis program at the University of Dayton, where she trained aspiring behavior analysts and conducted research in applied behavior analysis.
Dr. Rittenhouse-Cea is the Co-Founder of the Applied Learning Institute, where she now focuses her efforts on expanding high-quality, individualized treatment options for individuals with ASD across Ohio. Her work continues to be driven by a strong dedication to improving access to effective behavioral services in her home community of Dayton and beyond.
Meet Our Staff
Meet the Founders of Applied Learning Institute
Casey Falen, M.A., BCBA, COBA
Chief Executive Officer
Casey Falen is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst with over 20 years of
experience supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. She holds a Master of Arts in Psychology/Applied Behavior Analysis from Western Michigan University, with a dual emphasis in Organizational Behavior Management and Professional Psychology (Autism).
After graduate school, Casey was recruited to a private agency in Ontario, Canada, where she provided intensive autism services across clinical, home, and community settings. Following three years abroad, she returned to the U.S., serving clients in California, New York, and Ohio through behavioral consultation, in-home therapy, school-based services, and parent and staff training in both agency and private settings.
A passionate advocate for accessible, high-quality ABA services, Casey co-founded Autism Behavior Consulting, a New York-based agency, and most recently, Applied Learning Institute in Ohio. At Applied Learning Institute, she continues to advance her mission by cultivating and supporting a team of skilled behavior analysts focused on delivering individualized, evidence- based interventions that promote meaningful outcomes.
Holly Rittenhouse-Cea, Ph.D. BCBA, COBA
Chief Operating Officer
Holly Rittenhouse-Cea, Ph.D. BCBA, COBA
Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Holly Rittenhouse-Cea is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities across clinical, school, and home settings. She earned her PhD in Language Development, Literacy, and Learning—focused on students with disabilities—from Fordham University. Dr. Rittenhouse-Cea has practiced in Ohio, Chicago, NYC, and the Greater New York area, bringing a deep commitment to evidence-based behavioral practices.
She taught for eight years at Fordham University in the Division of Curriculum and Teaching and for three years in the Department of Special Education at Hunter College, preparing future special education professionals in behavioral methodologies. Most recently, she served as Director of the Master of Applied Behavior Analysis program at the University of Dayton, where she trained aspiring behavior analysts and conducted research in applied behavior analysis.
Dr. Rittenhouse-Cea is the Co-Founder of the Applied Learning Institute, where she now focuses her efforts on expanding high-quality, individualized treatment options for individuals with ASD across Ohio. Her work continues to be driven by a strong dedication to improving access to effective behavioral services in her home community of Dayton and beyond.
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Qualified Professionals Who Care
At ALI, we employ only the most qualified behavior technicians with extensive knowledge and experience in treating a wide range of issues. Each ALI behavior technician has undergone extensive training in ABA and autism spectrum disorder. All ALI staff receive ongoing training to ensure that ALI services reflect best practices.
Our staff exemplify a passion for implementing high quality, evidence-based ABA services. We work diligently to support our clients at every stage of development and are dedicated to ensuring our clients and their families can learn, grow, and thrive with the therapeutic care we provide.
Each ALI family comes to us with a unique set of needs. Our board certified behavior analysts will conduct skill based and functional assessments to identify the specific needs of each client to develop an individualized curriculum. Our data-based approach ensures that clients are making advances toward the best possible outcomes.
Erika Russ
Erika Russ received her Master of Science in Administration of Human Services from Wilmington University in 2016. She began her career in Human Services as a Direct Care Professional in various settings such as group homes, day programs, and residential treatment facilities. She entered the field of Applied Behavior Analysis in 2011 as a Behavior Therapist and has worked in clinic, home, and school-based settings. Over the last decade, Erika has remained in the ABA field but has transitioned into various administrative and leadership roles. Erika also currently serves on the advisory board for the Women in Leadership program at Ashland University.
Erika Russ
Director of Compliance
Master of Science in Administration of Human Services
Jenna Abrahamson
Jenna Abrahamson received her Master in Education in the Foundations of Behavior Analysis from the University of Cincinnati in 2018 and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Upon graduation from the University of Cincinnati, Jenna worked in Ohio as a BCBA in a clinical setting with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Jenna is Level 2 Certified in Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge (PEAK) curriculum through Emergent Learning Academy. She has also completed the Practical Functional Assessment and Skill-Based Treatment through Dr. Greg Hanley which focuses on a trauma-informed approach in ABA. Jenna is passionate about early intervention and making a difference in the lives of the families she serves.
Jenna Abrahamson
Clinical Director, M.Ed., BCBA, COBA
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