At The Learning Lab, our enthusiastic Board of Directors and Community Partners are dedicated to providing compassionate ABA therapy support! We believe in the transformative power of therapies to empower individuals and foster growth. Join us on this incredible journey!
Meet our team of dedicated professionals at The Learning Lab. Our passionate and highly qualified and trained staff are here to support you every step of the way on your treatment journey.
Racheal Acosta – Director of Community Training Programs
Racheal Acosta has 7 years of experience in Life Skills Education, including working with Behavioral Units, where she has empowered countless students to develop essential work and life skills needed for greater independence. She holds a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) in Nacogdoches, TX.
Originally from Arlington, Texas, Racheal relocated to Timpson, TX, in 2018, where she continued her mission to advocate for and support individuals with special needs. Driven by her passion for creating inclusive environments, Racheal founded A Momma's Love Herbal Organic Tea Shop and Café—a safe and welcoming space where families, including those with individuals on the autism spectrum, can gather, relax, and enjoy quality time together.
Her dedication to fostering independence and building supportive community connections makes her a valuable asset to The Learning Lab as the Director of Parent and Community Training Programs. In this role, Racheal develops and oversees programs that equip parents and community members with the tools and knowledge needed to support individuals with diverse abilities.
Ju’lea Bravo-Geche - Director of Research and Information
Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Ju'lea holds a B.S. in Psychology, a minor in Sociology, and an emphasis on Cognitive Development, and will receive her M.A. in Psychology in 2025. She has previously been involved with research regarding children with ASD, ADHD, body image issues, and plans to finish her thesis on Free-choice learning (FCL) in the summer. Ju'lea has been RBT-certified for over a year and plans to continue a career in the ABA field. After starting as a BT, she noticed the immense growth in her learners by utilizing ABA, which has pushed her to continue working with learners and families to facilitate the growth that everyone knows the learners are capable of.
Ju'lea is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association, the American Psychological Association's Division 25: Behavior Analysis, the Southeastern Psychological Association, the Southwestern Psychological Association, the Psi Chi Honor Society, the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, the Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society, and the Gamma Beta Phi National Honor Society.
“When I first met Kristal, I immediately saw her passion and drive for Learning Lab's mission. After speaking with her and learning about her goals, it became clear to me that she was on the path to bringing extraordinary changes to the East Texas area, and I wanted to lend as much of my help as possible to facilitate The Learning Lab's goal. I could not be more overjoyed to join The Learning Lab’s team and help our local learners live the best life they can!”- Ju’lea
Alyssa “Ally” Brashier – Director of Training and Professional Development
Alyssa Brashier, affectionately known as Ally, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as Director of Training and Professional Development at The Learning Lab. She holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Criminology with a focus in trauma from the University of Mobile. Her passion for mental health, counseling, and the criminal justice system fuels her dedication to empowering others through education and advocacy.
Ally’s journey into the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy began when she discovered her enthusiasm for working with individuals with autism and other behavioral challenges. As a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT), she has gained hands-on experience in implementing evidence-based ABA strategies to promote positive behavior change. Her commitment to continuous learning and growth ensures that The Learning Lab’s training programs meet the highest standards.
In addition to her ABA work, Ally completed a counseling internship at Journey to Healing LLC, where she assisted with therapy sessions, conducted client intakes, and gained proficiency in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) methods and documentation. Her diverse background also includes experience in dispatching, billing, childcare, and marketing, enhancing her organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
Ally’s commitment to excellence extends beyond her professional endeavors. She is bilingual in French, has basic American Sign Language (ASL) skills, and is QBS Safety Care trained, equipping her with the tools to connect with diverse populations. Her strong leadership, teamwork, and discipline make her a natural fit for guiding The Learning Lab’s training and professional development programs.
Driven by her belief that “education is the most advantageous tool you can give a family,” Ally is eager to help The Learning Lab share its mission by ensuring that staff and community members receive the highest quality training to better serve individuals with unique needs.
Emmalee Howard, Director of Administration and Human Resources
Emmalee Howard’s passion for working with the special needs community began at the young age of 12 when she served as a camp counselor at a week-long overnight camp for adults with disabilities. From that moment, she knew her future would be dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals with special needs.
In 2017, Emmalee began her career as an educational aide in Early Childhood Special Education, where she discovered her love for working with neurodivergent students and the unique challenges that come with supporting them. Her desire to deepen her impact led her to train as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in 2021. Shortly after, she advanced to a clinic administrator and office manager role at local ABA clinics, where she combined her leadership skills with her compassion for children and families.
A lifelong resident of East Texas, Emmalee graduated from Troup High School and attended Lon Morris College, Kilgore College, and LeTourneau University. She brings a wealth of experience in administration, client support, and team management to her role as Director of Administration and Human Resources at The Learning Lab. In this role, she oversees staff development, ensures compliance with policies and procedures, and fosters a positive and supportive work environment.
Emmalee remains actively involved in the community and continues to enjoy every opportunity to interact with children on the autism spectrum and their families. In her free time, she’s a proud mom who loves cheering on her son, Mason, at basketball and soccer games.
“When I heard about The Learning Lab, I knew I had to find a way to be part of it. After talking with Kristal and realizing how closely our mission and passion aligned, I knew this was the perfect place for me. I find great joy in improving the quality of life for these children and their families, while also spreading knowledge, acceptance, and tolerance in my community.”-Emmalee