About Us
ABA Direct, LLC
Our Vision
To fully integrate the effective implementation of ABA services into the lives of our clients and their caregivers. To us, this means every child would be seen as anyone else, with the ability to learn wherever they are. Caregivers would feel more in control of their lives and be able to enhance the experience of raising a child on the spectrum.
Our Mission
To establish, foster, and nurture generative learning relationships between our clients, their caregivers, and our staff members. ABA Direct’s primary focus is to bring an evidence based, behavior analytic approach to addressing client and caregiver long-term outcomes through a strength-based paradigm.
Patrick G. Thorbourne
M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Founder, CEO & Clinical Director
With a philosophy rooted in the belief that effective treatment extends beyond the therapy setting, Patrick is dedicated to integrating the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis into everyday environments. His approach emphasizes practical skill development, caregiver collaboration, client independence, and the creation of meaningful learning opportunities that can generalize across home, school, and community settings.
Patrick holds an undergraduate degree in Forensic Psychology and a graduate degree in Adult Education and Corporate Training. His multidisciplinary background has shaped a distinctive leadership approach that brings together behavioral science, education, organizational development, creativity, and operational strategy. This foundation allows him to approach clinical care not only through the lens of treatment, but also through the development of the people and systems responsible for delivering high-quality services.
As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), Patrick is deeply committed to clinical excellence, ethical practice, caregiver empowerment, and the professional development of behavioral health practitioners. He prioritizes building strong clinical teams equipped to provide compassionate, data-driven care while maintaining the individuality and dignity of every client served.
At the heart of Patrick’s leadership is the belief that individuals should be recognized for their strengths, potential, and progress—not defined by a diagnosis. Under his direction, ABA Direct continues to expand its impact while remaining grounded in its mission of building generative learning relationships among clients, caregivers, and staff.
Through thoughtful leadership, innovative programming, and an unwavering commitment to quality, Patrick continues to guide ABA Direct toward a standard of care where clinical excellence and human connection work together to produce meaningful outcomes.
Purpose. People. Progress.
Kayla Charles
M.S., BCBA, LBA
Hi, I am Kayla Charles. I started my career as an elementary special education teacher where I taught for 3 years. Then I transitioned to the field of ABA where I started as a Behavior Technician and later moved into the role of Behavior Analyst. I work with clients ranging in ages from 3-13 years olds. I know sign language and enjoy increasing my clients ability to communicate however they may look in order to help them better meet their needs and interact with others. I value working at ABA Direct as the people here have helped me grow and develop my skills. Furthermore, I love being able to work with my clients in a one-on-one setting and meeting them where they are at and seeing the progress they are able to make daily.
Satta Kpaan
Greetings, I am Satta Kpaan, an Atlanta native with Liberian roots. My love for helping others started in my younger years and I have always enjoyed being around children. Fast forward to my college years, I discovered Behavior Analysis upon my return to Savannah State University. Where I had the opportunity to intern at a marine biology center, conduct experiments, and present at conferences. Once I graduated, I began my career in the field of Behavior Analysis specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis, (ABA) and eventually I became a Registered Behavior Technician, (RBT). After 8+ years in the field, I recently aligned with ABA Direct, LLC and my ability to impact has increased. I also advocate for Psychological Health Awareness as a speaker and behavior support aid while offering life coaching and behavior consultation services. I look forward to expanding my impact and skillset within this field and my community. I am also quite privileged to be a part of our team in supporting each family and their unique children.
Carolyn Larabee
BCBA, M.A., LBA.
I discovered the field of ABA by chance and quickly fell in love with it after witnessing the positive impact it can have not only on clients, but on their entire families. I began my career in 2017 as an RBT providing direct care and became a certified BCBA in 2021. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of ages and populations, from toddlers to adults, across home, clinic, school, and community settings.
I am especially passionate about compassionate, child-centered care rooted in assent-based practices, and I was fortunate to receive direct training with Gregory Hanley’s team. My goal is always to create supportive, collaborative environments where clients feel safe, respected, and empowered to actively engage in their own learning. Since joining ABA Direct in early 2023, I’ve been grateful to work alongside such a caring team that prioritizes client needs and meaningful outcomes above all else.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and dogs—especially outdoors—as well as reading, kickboxing, and cooking
Tanieka Simpson
Tanieka Simpson is a dedicated professional, leader, and advocate with a passion for supporting people and strengthening the systems that help them succeed. With a diverse professional background spanning customer service, education support, food service management, and corrections, Tanieka has developed exceptional communication, organization, and problem-solving skills that allow her to effectively support teams and maintain high operational standards.
In her current professional journey within the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) field, Tanieka has become known for her dedication to both clients and staff. She brings a balance of compassion and structure, ensuring that quality care, accountability, and team support remain at the center of daily operations. Tanieka is passionate about creating environments where staff feel supported, families feel heard, and children receive the highest quality of care possible.
Who We Serve
Children with autism and developmental disabilities under the age of 21.
- Medicaid
- Tricare
- Aetna
- Amerigroup
- CareSource
- BlueCross BlueShield
- Optum
- Molina Healthcare
- Private Pay
