Our Team
Ellen Karalis, MA, BCBA, LBA
Founder & Clinical Director
Ellen Karalis is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst dedicated to empowering children and supporting families. Her journey in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) began in 2009 during a college internship as a behavior technician. She instantly fell in love with the field and the children she served, inspiring her to immediately pursue advanced behavioral studies. Ellen earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Illinois State University and her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Throughout her career, Ellen has designed and led impact-driven ABA programs across diverse settings, including homes, clinics, and community spaces. At Comprehensive Behavior Development, her mission is to deliver deeply client-centered care. She builds functional, strengths-based goals tailored to each child across the spectrum. Whether teaching a toddler to communicate basic needs or coaching a teenager through complex peer interactions, Ellen focuses on individualized strategies that celebrate each child's unique traits. She is a passionate believer in collaborative care, working hand-in-hand with parents, teachers, and medical providers to ensure seamless, effective outcomes.
As the proud mom of two spunky girls, Ellen brings a unique, firsthand perspective to her clinical work. She understands both the beautiful rewards and daily hurdles of raising children. This personal experience fuels her commitment to helping families build clear expectations, manageable routines, and a harmonious household where everyone can thrive.
Jessica Montalvo, MA, BCBA, LBA
Consultant
Jessica Montalvo, MA, BCBA, LBA is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst with a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University and a bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northern Illinois University.
Since entering the field in 2015 as a behavior technician, Jessica has been passionate about helping individuals achieve meaningful progress. Jessica finds that each day in this field offers a new opportunity to learn and grow, which is one of the things that makes her work so fulfilling. For Jessica, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a child’s progress unfold over time.
Jessica has experience providing ABA services in both clinic and in-home environments. Over time, she has found that in-home therapy offers unique advantages, such as the ability to teach skills in the child’s natural environment—where they live, learn, and interact every day. This setting also encourages greater parent involvement, allowing caregivers to observe sessions and contribute meaningfully to treatment goals. Her approach emphasizes collaboration with families to create lasting, practical improvements in daily life.
Jessica is dedicated to making a positive impact through compassionate care, ongoing learning, and a deep commitment to the individuals and families she serves.
Betsy Lopez
Administrative Manager & Billing Specialist
Betsy Lopez is the Administrative Manager & Billing Specialist for Comprehensive Behavior Development. Betsy has worked in the medical field for over 20 years, and has spent the majority of her career focused on office administration of pediatric therapy services. Throughout her years working in pediatric facilities, she has gained experience as a behavior technician and medical biller.
In 2016, Betsy played an instrumental role in building an Applied Behavior Analysis department within a nationwide pediatric therapy clinic. Through this experience, she developed a deep understanding of ABA administration, treatment, and billing. She proudly became the company’s lead ABA administrator, training office staff to complete tasks ranging from patient-centered account management to handling insurance claims. Betsy’s passion for client advocacy on the insurance front quickly spilled over to patient-centered care, and she began working with children as a behavior technician. Betsy loved working directly with children and their families. This experience was invaluable to Betsy, as she is now a mother to two loving and energetic boys. Following her journey into parenthood, Betsy has made her way back to “behind the scenes” advocacy for the families here at Comprehensive Behavior Development, where she manages client accounts, insurance claims and benefits, scheduling, and other administrative tasks.
Betsy goes above and beyond to make sure our families and providers are well taken care of, whether it’s helping clients understanding a bill or addressing issues with insurance companies, Betsy works hard to ensure that our providers are able to focus on patient-centered care. She makes sure parents feel comfortable addressing administrative concerns and will help find a solution.
Becky Goodman, RBT
Associate Consultant, Hiring/Training Manager, Marketing Manager
Becky Goodman is a Registered Behavior Technician, associate consultant, hiring and training manager, and marketing manager. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in early childhood special education.
While completing her bachelor’s degree, Becky worked as a Supportive Living Assistant to adolescents and children with autism. During that time, she observed and assisted in a few clients’ ABA programs. She started noticing drastic differences in the outcomes of those clients receiving ABA therapy compared to those who were not; The clients receiving ABA ended up being more equipped to take on the core skills of daily living, communication, socialization, and so much more. After having that experience and seeing the results firsthand, Becky knew she wanted to focus her career in this area.
In 2015, Becky began working as a Behavior Technician and her passion for helping her clients grew quickly. Since then, she has been consistently honing her skills, expanding her knowledge and experience, while her passion for her work continues growing. She is personable and patient with her clients and families. Becky is dedicated to building a strong team of therapists in order to provide quality services to our families.