Behavior Care Specialists, Inc. is owned and operated by Alison Kringstad.  Although no special
certifications are required to operate, BCS has sought and received state approval from the South Dakota
Department of Education.   

A listing of key BCS employees

Alison Kringstad, M.A.  Owner and Clinical Supervisor earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education with an Emphasis in Elementary Education from Northern State University and her Master’s Degree in Multi-Categorical Special Education with Emphasis in Learning Disabilities/Applied Behavior Analysis from University of South Dakota.  Alison has worked with kids and adults with Autism and special needs for 10 years.  Her primary focus is diagnosing and testing for the clinical team, developing treatment plans and programming specific to the client’s needs, developing and working with schools and families to determine appropriate services and treatment for clients.

Tracy J. Stephens, Ph.D., BCBA-D.   Dr. Stephens practices as a Licensed Psychologist with Behavior Care Specialists, Inc. in Sioux Falls, SD. She earned her Ph.D. in education/school psychology from the University of Iowa.  Dr. Stephens is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has extensive experience in Applied Behavior Analysis, diagnosing and providing therapy to children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as providing consultations and training for families, educators and service providers working with all individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral disorders.

Christie Reit, M.S., BCBA.    Our B.C.S. Clinical Supervisor earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from South Dakota State University in 2003 and her Master’s Degree from Eastern Michigan University in 2005 specializing in Clinical Behavioral Psychology. She became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2010.  Christie has worked with individuals on the autism spectrum for 9 years.  Her primary focus is developing and monitoring ABA programs for young children with autism but she also has experience in diagnosis, parent training and presenting lectures to audiences regarding the autism spectrum. 

Nicole Olson, M.S., Special Education teacher/therapist     Nicole earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Huron University in 1999, her Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Northern State University in 2004, and K-12 Special Education Certification in 2012.  Nicole has worked in both a school setting and clinic setting with children ranging in ages from preschool to high school. She has worked with children with autism spectrum disorders and their families for eight years, providing individual and family therapy, family support and case management, and social skills group interventions.

Kelli Kleven, Clinical Supervisor at the Aberdeen Learning Center    Kelli earned her Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education/ Child and Family Studies with a minor in Special Education from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Kelli has worked with kids diagnosed with Autism in a clinical setting conducting Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for the past 10 years as well as in a classroom setting.  She focuses on creating programs and treatment plans specific to each client’s needs, as well as their families.  She strives to provide every possible opportunity to each client in order to reach his or her full potential in life.