Meet Our Founder: Passionate Parent and Mission-Forward Leader

Amber Nelms, BCBA, is the Founder of Triangle ABA, inspired by her personal experience as a mother of a child with autism and the transformative impact of ABA therapy on her son’s development. Combining her background in behavioral science with her firsthand understanding of the challenges families face, she is dedicated to fostering meaningful change for children with autism and their families. Amber’s work reflects her passion for providing support and hope to those navigating similar journeys.

Caitlin Carroll is a seasoned BCBA and LBA with over a decade of experience in behavioral healthcare, holding a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has served in key leadership roles, including Clinical Director and Founder, and is known for her expertise in individualized ABA programming, functional assessments, and staff development. Certified in Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), Caitlin specializes in clinical supervision, systems design, and operational excellence. She’s a trusted mentor, podcast host, and thought leader in the ABA community, committed to ethical practice, diversity, and driving meaningful outcomes.

With 8 years of experience in the field, I’ve had the privilege of working with children ages 2-16 in a variety of environments, from schools and afterschool programs to community centers, daycares, clinics, and in-home settings. I began my career as a behavioral therapist and quickly developed a deep commitment to fostering growth and creating a meaningful difference in both children and their families. I believe in creating functional, lasting progress that extends beyond the session, empowering families to continue supporting their child’s development at home. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside and discovering new places to explore with my (almost) five-year-old son.

Nicole Leal has been working with children for over 20 years and has spent the last eight years specializing in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She began her career as a kindergarten teacher and later worked in elementary education. Nicole has had a passion for helping children since she first started working with them and is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based interventions that promote independence and meaningful skill development. She is dedicated to creating positive, engaging learning environments that empower every child to reach their fullest potential.

Mehak B. Saleem is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with extensive experience supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities across clinical, educational, and home settings. She specializes in Functional Behavior Assessments, behavior intervention planning, and staff training, using evidence-based methods like PEAK, AIM, PFA, and SBT. Mehak holds a master’s in ABA from Ball State University, a bachelor’s in Cultural Studies, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in ABA with a focus on Autism Intervention. As a mother to a son with profound autism, she brings personal insight and passion to her work, with a focus on compassionate care and clinician mentorship.

Amanda Dean is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst with a Master’s degree in Psychology and a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. Since beginning her career in 2016, Amanda has held several leadership roles in the field, including Clinical Director, where she has supported teams and families in providing high-quality, compassionate care. She specializes in functional communication training, behavior reduction, and dual-diagnosis treatment. Amanda is passionate about helping clients and their families achieve meaningful progress and lasting, socially significant change. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. She’s also a dedicated competitive cheerleading coach for a local youth sports association, where she loves encouraging young athletes to grow in confidence and teamwork.