Our Team
Ley Linder,
MA, M. Ed., BCBA Intensive Behavior Interventionist
President & CEO, Owner
Ley is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a South Carolina DDSN approved provider of Intensive Behavior Intervention services. He has a Master of Arts in Gerontology from Appalachian State University, as well as a Master of Education, with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis, from Arizona State University. Ley’s specialties include behavioral gerontology and the behavioral presentations of neurocognitive disorders, in addition to working with criminal offenders with intellectual disabilities. Ley is a recurrent contributor to Helen: The Journal of Human Exceptionality, as well as active with advocacy organizations such as the National Down Syndrome Society.
In addition to behavior analytic work, his experience includes being a direct service professional in long-term care settings, previously licensed long-term care administrator in North Carolina, outpatient rehabilitation clinic management, and CRCF management.
Lauren Sturkie, M. Ed., BCBA
Intensive Behavior Interventionist
After nine years teaching students of different ages and varying disabilities in the Special Education classroom, Lauren became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from College of Charleston and a Masters of Education from University of South Carolina. Lauren’s classroom experience has led to an increased knowledge of behavior, allowing her to unlock the “why” of the needs of individuals with a wide continuum of behavioral needs. Lauren’s focus is using her specialized education and applied experience to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Wesley Edwards, MA, BCBA
Intensive Behavior Interventionist
Wesley is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a DDSN approved provider of Intensive Behavior Intervention services in South Carolina. Prior to becoming a BCBA, he studied at the University of South Carolina where he received an M.Ed. in Special Education. His work experience has included working with children with autism, teaching job and life skills to adolescents and young adults, and job placement for adults through the SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department. Wesley is interested in using ABA principles to assist people in attaining meaningful social, leisure, and employment opportunities.
Leslee Pressley, MA
Intensive Behavior Interventionist
Leslee received her Master of Arts in Special Education from the University of South Carolina, with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. With over six years of teaching preschool and elementary aged students in a self-contained environment, Leslee has gained experience working with a variety of emotional and behavioral challenges. Her experience extends beyond specific diagnoses, but includes autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. Leslee brings a unique understanding of the global needs of individuals, across the lifespan, from childhood through the transition to adulthood, which enables her to focus on the quality of life of individuals with disabilities and to help them reach their full potential.
Nicholas Butcher, MA, BCBA Intensive Behavior Interventionist
Nicholas received his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the College of Charleston, in addition to a Master of Arts in Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology. Prior to working with Crescent Behavioral Health, Nicholas specialized in working with children aged 0-6 in the Early Intervention field through state and federal programs. His work experience includes working with children with autism and providing Early Intervention services. Nicholas is passionate about using his background in child development and autism to create and maintain quality and consistent behavioral programs across the lifespan.
Sarah Harrell, M.Ed. Intensive Behavior Interventionist
Sarah received her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from the College of Charleston, and her Master of Education in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of South Carolina. She is currently enrolled in Arizona State University’s Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate Program, while completing her supervisory requirements to seek her BCBA. Sarah spent 14 years teaching in South Carolina’s public schools, primarily working with preschoolers with disabilities. In the classroom, she developed an interest in the effect of visual supports on behavior, and enjoys applying her skillset to the adult population by placing an emphasis on functional communication as a part of a holistic approach to behavior intervention services.