Our Team

We’ve assembled a stellar team of qualified, caring, and experienced professionals who were drawn to APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES for the same reason our co-founders, Shane Sims and Robert Spicuzza, formed the organization: to raise the level of care available through waiver services. We’re here because we saw a need. And we’re here because we want to make a difference; not only in the area of waiver services, but in the lives of the people we love to serve.

Shane Sims

Co-Owner / Behavior Clinician

In 2005, Shane began working in services for individuals with developmental disabilities as a Program Director at an agency in Evansville. While there, he also held the position of Quality Assurance Director, and was responsible for reporting to the state, as well as maintaining and addressing quality concerns. After graduating with a master’s degree from the University of Southern Indiana in 2008, Shane created a startup program for the agency where he began his career. The program provided behavior management services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities, in addition to individuals experiencing mental illness. Due to changes at the local agency, Shane and his business partner took a leap of faith and formed our own organization to provide behavior management services: APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES opened in 2014. Their hands-on experience in the field made them aware of the lack of services in various waiver areas. This enabled Apex to branch off into providing other waiver services (RETH in 2014) & (Residential Services in 2015). Shane holds a master’s degree in Social Work from USI, where he also received his bachelor degree in psychology in 2006. He also received associates in Arts & Science from Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg, Illinois. A native of Eldorado, Illinois, Shane has called Evansville home for the past 11 years. He and his wife, Evonne, have three children.

Robert Spicuzza

Co-Owner / Behavior Clinician

Robert, the co-founder of APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES, has assisted individuals with intellectual disabilities for the past 12 years. He has supervised multiple operations in Indiana, including programs with over 1,200 employees, and providing waiver group home living services to individuals with intellectual disabilities. For the past two years, Robert’s focus has been providing high quality behavioral management services to individuals in the waiver program. Robert graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, with a master’s degree in applied gerontology, and a bachelor’s degree in public health. Robert lives in Evansville with his wife, Lindsey, and two children.

Amanda Alstatt

Executive Director

Amanda began serving individuals with developmental disabilities in 2005. In 2007, she joined another waiver provider as Service Coordinator. Amanda has been a member of the APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES team since May, 2015. Amanda earned a bachelor’s degree in health services from the University of Southern Indiana. She resides in Evansville, Indiana.

Kim Zimmerman

Director of Behavioral Services

Kim began working in services for individuals with developmental disabilities in 2008. Prior to joining APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES, Kim worked in waiver services as:

Operations Manager for Supported Living,
Program Coordinator for Supported Living,
Human Resource Coordinator
Lead staff working with individuals with disabilities

Prior to working with individuals with disabilities, Kim served those with mental illnesses and substance abuse as a Mental Health Tech at Southwestern Mental Health Services, and Stepping Stones. Kim Zimmerman has a master’s degree in social work from University of Southern Indiana. Upon completing her master’s degree, Kim completed her internship with ResCare as a Behavioral Clinician. Kim Zimmerman has her bachelor’s degree in social work and psychology from University of Southern Indiana. Upon earning her bachelor’s, Kim Zimmerman served internships at Evansville Children’s Psychiatric Center, Aurora, and Evansville Juvenile Court System. Kim Zimmerman resides in Evansville, Indiana.

Jen Popka

Operations Director

In 2008, Jennifer began professionally serving individuals with developmental disabilities in Crown Point, Indiana. In 2009 she was named “Employee of the Year” by the facility. Shortly after being recognized for her outstanding service, she was promoted to Habilitation Manager. In this position, she supervised an Assistant Manager, 55 employees, and 25 clients. In 2012, Jennifer relocated to Evansville, Indiana, where she joined an organization providing services to individuals with disabilities. In December, 2015, Jennifer became a member of the APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES team. She serves as Program Director.

Bobbie Sublett

Director of Employment Services

Bobbie is well known in the community having provided job placement and related services for 29 years and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Southern Indiana. She has been instrumental in developing several programs in the community and has the philosophy that “everyone deserves the opportunity to try to work in the community”. Bobbie has always put the clients needs and desires first when in comes to seeking the appropriate level of employment for the individual. She plans to carry the same values working for APEX.

Evonne Sims

Director of Nursing/Wellness

After graduating from Breckinridge School of Nursing in 2014, Evonne gained experience with the neonatal and pediatric population. She has always had a special interest for individuals with developmental disabilities, and feels blessed having the opportunity to work with APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES. Evonne has provided wellness services for Apex Behavioral Services since 2015—when the Wellness Program began. As a Registered Nurse, Evonne demonstrates her commitment to providing quality service to each client by serving as dedicated advocate to each individual. Originally from Princeton, Indiana, Evonne is a 2004 graduate of Princeton Community High School. Evansville Indiana has been home for the past six years where she and her husband, Shane, are raising three amazing children.

Kyle Sims

Assistant Director of Behavior Services

Kyle began assisting individuals with developmental disabilities in 2011. Prior to joining APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES, he served as Quality Assurance Director and Program Director at an agency in Evansville. During this period, Kyle was responsible for reporting to the state, in addition to maintaining and addressing quality concerns. Kyle received his master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern Indiana. While earning his advanced degree, he completed internships at ECHO Community Health, and APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES. Prior to moving to southern Indiana, Kyle worked as a Job Coach for those with special needs.

Jeanie Landrum

Program Director

A 2012 graduate of University of Southern Indiana, Jeanie holds a bachelor’s degree in health services. Jeanie launched her waiver services career in early 2013, and has held positions in the Evansville area as Service Coordinator and Case Manager. In July 2016, Jeanie joined the APEX Team as a Program Director for individuals living at Jacob’s Village. Outside of serving others, Jeanie enjoys spending time with her fiancé and daughter.

Ryan Fairchild

Assistant Program Director

Ryan comes from an Apparel Wholesale Distribution background and had been in Management for over 14 years. He acquired a General Manager role in 2015 and ran an Evansville warehouse for 4 years. He enjoys spending his free time with his wife and son.

Melissa Seaton

Job Developer

Melissa began her career in 2012 as a Direct Support Professional working with individuals in group homes. After 5 years of working in this field, she moved to a more low key position. Soon realizing she needed a more people oriented position, Melissa pursued a career as a Job Developer helping clients find jobs. Her free time is devoted to spending time with her family.

Debbie Lefler

Director of Business Development

Prior to joining the APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES administrative team, Debbie Lefler was gaining in-depth experience in the field of health services. Most recently, she served as Executive Administrative Assistant at Deaconess VNA Plus, LLC. Prior to that, Debbie was a Certification Clerk with the Vanderburgh County Health Department. She has also served as a Clerical Associate at both The Women’s Hospital, and Deaconess Hospital. In every capacity, Debbie’s expertise contributed to the smooth operation of each organization. She brings creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication to her role here at APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES.

Chris Brafford

Program Director

Chris launched his waiver services career in early 2013 and has held positions in the Evansville area as Field Coordinator and Program Director. In June 2017, Chris joined the APEX Team as a Program Director for individuals in the Evansville area. Outside of serving others, Chris enjoys spending time with his fiancé and son.

Cassie Gerling

Assistant Program Director

Cassie started in this field in 2007 working as a Direct Support Professional for a provider in Northwest, Indiana. She moved to Evansville in 2012 and immediately started working for a different provider at Jacob’s Village. Cassie has been part of Team Apex for 5 years and has worked out at Jacob’s Village for 9 years. She has seen many changes there, but the one constant is the feeling of community you have whenever you are there.

In addition to work, Cassie enjoys cooking, watching musicals, and spending time with her two little girls.

Van Haas

Job Developer

Before coming to APEX, Van was a job coach for 4.5 years performing evaluations on clients to determine if they are able to work in the community. After retirement from Vocational Rehabilitation, he worked under a grant for 5 months for Aurora as an intake specialist working directly with the homeless population. Van was also a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for almost 35 years. He continues his work with APEX. Van holds a Bachelor’s Degree from IU and a Master’s also from IU with a degree in Counseling and Guidance. He is married to Patty and they have 5 children and 9 grandchildren. Van is also known as “Jasper the Clown” with the Hadi Shrine.

Theresa Stiff

Finance Manager

Theresa Stiff studied Accounting at Ivy Tech and USI. She comes to us with 11 years of experience in this field. Her background consists of client trust funds, burial trusts, ARC trusts, Medicaid eligibility and billing, accounts receivable/payable, payroll and office management. She has organized a team for Komen Race for the Cure for the last 10 years, a charity she finds close to her heart. She has also held volunteer positions with the United Way, Girl Scouts, American Legion and Parent/Teacher Organizations.

Paulette Walker

Program Director

Paulette began working with developmental disabilities in 2007 while living in Ohio. Moved to Evansville, in 2011 started working with Arc of Evansville, last four years with the agency she was a Program Coordinator at Arc Industries. In 2020 started working for Apex, became a Program Director with Apex in March of 2021. Paulette in her spare time enjoys time with her family.

Ashlynn Nigh

Program Director

In 2018, Ashlynn began her career in waiver services in 2018. She has served as a program director in the tri-state area. She is currently studying communication disorders and sciences at Maryville University. In July 2021, Ashlynn joined the Apex team as a program director for individuals in the Evansville area. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs.

Dr. Fania Lee

Level 1 / HSPP

Fania is an experienced Independent Practitioner located in Evansville. In 2001, she received her doctorate of psychology from Yeshiva University, located in New York. She joined APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES in 2015 as their Level 1 / HSPP for the BG10 waiver service program. She provides consultation to APEX via review, approval, and recommendation of behavioral support treatment plans. Previously, she served on staff at River Valley Behavioral Health, as well as Deaconess Clinic. She has also been an Adjunct Professor teaching clinical psychology at the University of Southern Indiana.

Johnance Streuh

Administrative Assistant

Johnance started in this field in 2008 working for another company as a DSP. She has held positions as a Direct Support Staff, Workforce Supervisor, and Program coordinator. She then stepped down to homeschool her son, who is on the autism spectrum, for 4 1/2 years. Johnance is an advocate for individuals on the autism spectrum. She has been back in the field since 2016 serving in any capacity that is needed. Her spare time is spent singing, writing, and being a mom to an amazing young man. Johnance is always learning more every day about pervasive developmental disorders to better serve our individuals.

John Nelson

Job Developer

Before coming to Apex John worked for Advantage Solutions Merchandising as a Retail Sales Merchandiser for 4 months. Prior to that, he worked for Walmart Stores Inc. in many roles over nine years. John has over 10 years of retail experience. He is the Chief of Operations for the Evansville – Vanderburgh County Emergency Management Agency. John loves spending time with his wife and family in his free time. Although Johns doesn’t have any kids, he enjoys helping the Hadi Shriners and the Hadi Shrine Funsters during some of their community events such as their Fall Festival Face Painting Booth and Hadi Shrine Circus.

Grant Schaefer

Finance Manager

Prior to joining the APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES team, Grant has been employed in the healthcare field for the past 9 years. He has gained knowledge of insurances and billing from previous management positions and has an extensive data entry background. He is excited to continue helping others and keep advancing his knowledge in the healthcare field as part of the finance team with APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES.

Jessica Adams

Program Director

In 2012, Jessica began serving individuals with developmental disabilities in the Henderson area. She graduated from University of Southern Indiana in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Services. Jessica gained her experience by working as a Direct Support Professional and Residential Manager, as well as assisting with her younger sister who has Down Syndrome. Jessica joined the Apex team in May 2018 as a Program Director.

Trey Brazell

Program Director

In 2010, Trey began serving individuals with developmental disabilities in a group home setting. Trey gained experience by working as a Direct Support Professional and Residential Manager, and later a Program Coordinator in a sheltered workshop. Trey joined the APEX team in June 2019 as a Program Director.

Samantha Williams

Wellness Nurse

William Barnes Jr.

Behavior Clinician

William C. Barnes Jr. has been serving individuals with disabilities since 2003. With experience in multiple service areas, he now focuses on Behavior Supports. William holds a master’s degree in social work, and has conducted research, as well as presented on subjects that include, “Addiction and Disabilities,” “Synthetic Pharmacology,” and “Crisis Intervention.” In addition to his clinical work, he is a professor in the department of social work at the University of Southern Indiana. William also serves as Lead Pastor at Sojourn Church. In this capacity, he encourages deepened relationships with God and one another. Personally and professionally, he is committed to elevating the level of community awareness about the special population we compassionately serve at APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES. It is William’s hope that as a community, increased awareness will motivate us all to better serve one another.

Jacob Creighbaum

Behavior Clinician

Born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, Jacob joins APEX with over 8 years of experience. Creighbaum earned his Associates in Psychology from the University of Southern Indiana in 2012. He went on to earn his BSW in 2012 and his MSW in 2013 both through the University of Southern Indiana.

Marissa Hollar

Behavior Clinician

Carrie Burress

Behavior Clinician

Todd Palmer

Behavior Clinician

Todd earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Evansville in 1995. After graduation, he joined Welborn’s Mulberry Center Addiction Unit in Evansville. While there, he continued his education, and in 2003, earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern Indiana. As a graduate student, Todd provided group and individual therapy for adults and adolescents on the Addiction Unit. It was during this period that he began working on the Mental Health Units at Mulberry Center. Additionally, Todd provided substance abuse assessments for patients in the Emergency Room at Welborn Hospital. After earning his MSW, Todd:

Worked as a Day Reporting Officer for the Vanderburgh County Drug Court
Provided psychiatric treatment at Deaconess Cross Point until 2007
In 2007, he began working for the University of Kentucky’s Targeted Assessment Program in McLean, Henderson, and Union County, Kentucky. This program provided in-home assessment and referral services to parents struggling with substance abuse, mental health, intimate partner violence, and learning problems.

Was an Adjunct Professor at Brescia University in Owensboro, Kentucky
Served as Director of the Social Work Program at Brescia University

Todd joined APEX in 2014. He is married and enjoys attending his children’s school and sports activities, including hockey, tennis, and lacrosse.

Jerriann Spradley

Behavior Clinician

Jerriann Spradley earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern Indiana in 2003. While finishing her bachelor’s degree she worked at Evansville Psychiatric Children’s Center until 2005. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Sothern Indiana from the one-year advanced program in 2004. After earning her MSW, she took a position as a Case Manager with Ireland and Luzio Home Based Services in 2006. In 2009, she began to work as a Service Coordinator for Bridges of Indiana. In June 2015, she began to work for Apex Behavioral Services as a Behavior Management Clinician.

Kristin Creighbaum

Behavior Clinician

Kristin Creighbaum earned her Master’s degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Evansville in 2008, while there, she had the opportunity to study at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England. Kristin completed internships with the Department of Homeland Security, the Warrick County Health Department, and Atria Assisted Living. After graduation, Kristin worked as an Employment Specialist with Evansville ARC and later as a Program Director and Human Resource Coordinator/ Recruiter with Dungarvin Indiana. In both roles, Kristin supported individuals with disabilities and is experienced in transitioning individuals from state-operated facilities to community living. Kristin has also worked in Human Resources and Recruitment within the travel nursing industry. Kristin resides in Evansville, IN with her husband and two children. Outside of work, Kristin enjoys music, art, traveling and spending time with her family.

Shelbie Auberry

Behavior Clinician

John Hufstedler

Behavior Clinician

John obtained a bachelor’s degree in social work from Southern Illinois University. He received a master’s, also in social work, from the University of Southern Indiana. Over the past 20 years, John has worked in various social services settings and agencies. His extensive experience includes:

Helping clients of all ages, and their families
Serving as a Therapist in an inpatient psychiatric hospital
Being a Social Worker and Program Coordinator/Developer for several geriatric psych programs
Serving as a QIDP/Behavioral Consultant at long-term care nursing facilities
Working as a Behavioral Clinician

In his spare time, John spends time with friends, family, and rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Brian Terry

Behavior Clinician

Brian Terry was born and raised in Henderson, KY. He has over 10 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Prior to joining APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES, he worked at Ireland Home Based Services as a family counselor. He has an A.A. in Management, B.A. in Human Services Management, and an M.A. in counseling from Liberty University. Brian is married with 3 children and enjoys working out and watching Louisville Cardinal football and basketball.

Heath Singleton

Behavior Clinician

Heath Singleton, Behavior Clinician with APEX BEHAVIORAL SERVICES, has assisted individuals with intellectual disabilities since 2004. He has worked in the residential and group home settings in waiver. He previously worked for Bridges of Indiana, Gibson County ARC in Princeton, and Ireland Home Based Services. Also, he has experience working with Department of Child Services providing in-home services to children and adults. Heath has grown up around immediate and extended family working with individuals having intellectual disabilities throughout his life. Heath earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern Indiana. He lives in Evansville with his wife, Jamie, and two children. Heath’s passion in life is his family, friends, sports, traveling, and enjoying life.

Kai Esty

Behavior Clinician

Air Force veteran, Kai Esty, is conversational in Spanish, Italian, and Japanese. Kai has counseled recovering addicts, and now devotes his career to working with developmentally disabled youth and adults. Kai is proficient in various therapeutic techniques, but often focuses on Cognitive Behavioral and is a strong advocate of music therapy, integrating this whenever possible. A well-read writer, artist, and musician, Kai draws from a variety of past experiences and diverse skill sets to tailor himself to the needs of his clients, bringing the best care possible to even the most challenging situations. He holds two undergraduate degrees in psychology; a master’s in liberal studies, as well as a master’s degree in social work.

Nicholas Johnson

Behavior Clinician

Nicholas Johnson has been serving individuals with disabilities in our community since 2019. Prior to that, while completing his undergraduate degree in Psychology, he worked with youth in the criminal justice system for several years. While completing his master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, he worked both as a Registered Behavior Technician providing ABA therapy and as a direct support professional providing waiver services. His passions include reading and researching scientific and clinical topics, education, and teaching others how to use behavior management skills to better their lives.