Positive Behavior Support Staff Members

Please note, all referrals should be made directly through the applications on our website for PBS Brainstorming, Person-Centered Planning, PBS Intensive Services, and Technical Assistance & Mentoring. The contact information provided below is for general questions for current clients. For questions about obtaining services, please email pbs@hsc.wvu.edu or call 855-558-4296.

All staff members can receive faxes at 877-706-4692.

Anastasia Riley, MBA, CBIS
PBS Program Manager
855-558-4296
aheasley@hsc.wvu.edu

Anastasia has over 20 years of experience working in the disability field. She has served as a behavior specialist for over 10 years and written well over 200 PBS plans throughout her career. She also has previous experience working with at risk youth and their families as a residential counselor. She completed internships in juvenile substance abuse treatment and as a probation officer. Anastasia holds a BA in psychology with a minor in sociology emphasis in crime and social control, as well as a master’s degree in Business Administration. Anastasia is also a certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS).
Nicholas Larson, MA
Clinical Lead
855-558-4296
nlarson1@hsc.wvu.edu

Nick received his Master’s in Psychology from Minnesota State University, where he conducted research on factors of child and family resilience to major stressful life events. He has worked as a resident manager at an emergency family homeless shelter, and as a student therapist in numerous child and family clinical settings. He is a certified provider of Triple P Standard Stepping Stones parent training. Nick has taught many professional trainings and has provided excellent PBS services to individuals throughout WV.
Jacqueline Loud, BS
Program Assistant
304-293-4692
Jacqueline.loud@hsc.wvu.edu

Jackie has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Mississippi University for Women. She has 20 years of experience working in various office settings including university and corporate environments. She has created data programs as well as office flow plans for busy professionals.
Teresa Bhaile, MAT
Behavior Specialist
304-293-4692
teresa.bhaile@hsc.wvu.edu

Teresa has an extensive background in Education. She received her BS from Clarks Summit University and her Master’s degree in Teaching from Goucher College. Teresa has an active teaching certificate in Maryland. Her background in Special Education and providing specialized individual supports allows her to engage in the person-centered aspects of Positive Behavior Support with a high degree of fidelity. Teresa’s extensive clinical expertise in providing functional behavior assessments and positive behavior support plans in schools allows her to provide West Virginia families with knowledge and tips in increasing quality of life measures at home and in the community. She has additional experience in providing services to families in the home to best assist them with safety plans and a healthy lifestyle. Teresa also is a vocal advocate for equity in education.
Ashley Benson BS
PBS Curriculum Developer
304-205-6427
ashley.benson1@hsc.wvu.edu

Ashley Benson has several years of experience working in the behavioral health field, having worked in both clinical and in-home settings, she has experience working with at-risk youth with severe behavioral problems. Ashley started at the CED as a Behavior Specialist and was promoted to the Curriculum Developer position in 2025 after finishing her master’s degree from Capella University in Developmental Psychology where she focused her studies on the interconnection between family environment and child behavioral health. Ashley has an evidence-driven approach that focuses on utilizing the families’ strengths to improve quality of life and teach behavioral management skills.
Cassandra Bent
Behavior Specialist
855-558-4296
cassandra.bent@hsc.wvu.edu

Cassandra has over ten years of experience working in the disability field and three years in the field of higher education. Cassandra received her Bachelors degree in Child and Family Studies, with an emphasis on Administration with minors in English, Sociology and Psychology. Cassandra is currently working on her Masters in Social Work through the University of Denver online. Cassandra has experience in analyzing the needs of individuals with disabilities or individuals at risk of being removed from their learning environments due to academic difficulties.
Sandra Corbett, MSW, LICSW
Behavior Specialist
304-293-4692
scorbet1@hsc.wvu.edu

Sandy received her Master’s in Social Work from West Virginia University and has been in practice as a licensed independent social worker for 15 years. She worked as a behavioral therapist at WVU Behavioral Medicine and provided psychoeducation to faculty and staff at WVU. Early career experience included intensive outpatient clinical services in addiction medicine, and community behavioral health program development, with an emphasis on the mental health needs of women with children. Sandy has a person-centered, trauma-informed cognitive behavioral approach in her work with families.
James Adkins, PhD, BCBA, LBA
Positive Behavior/Mental Health Specialist II
304-205-6425
james.adkins2@hsc.wvu.edu

Dr. Adkins has extensive experience in educational and behavioral consulting, functional behavioral assessment, creating and implementing home-based programs, parent training, working with school districts, staff training, and the development and implementation of positive behavior support plans.

He has experience in working in state-wide university programs as well as being an adjunct instructor in the field of psychology previously.

James’s interests in future research and behavioral applications lie in the continued demonstration of behavior analysis in real-world situations and expanding the field into other areas such as dementia and geriatric support, acquired brain injury, addiction, as well organizational behavior management for the growth and stability in the field of applied behavior analysis.
Heather Hayes, BS
Positive Behavioral Support Specialist
304-205-6426
heather.hayes2@hsc.wvu.edu

Heather has worked with at-risk youth of all ages (and their families) for several years. She has a background in child welfare and has experience in emergency settings. She is trained in crisis prevention, intervention, and de-escalation. Heather has a Bachelor’s in Strategic Communications and is working on her MSW from Concord University, where her studies are focused on rural practice.
Celia Shi, PhD (she/her)
PBS Behavior Specialist and Clinical Educator
855-558-4296
hushi@hsc.wvu.edu

Dr. Celia Shi has experience teaching as an education specialist where she successfully guided over 500 undergraduate students. Dr. Shi has led research initiatives and course planning. Additionally, Dr. Shi has extensive web course instructional material design. She has a natural interest in positive behavior support seeking out the trainings within the program. She is a compassionate provider who seeks to enhance the quality of life of those she serves.