Simona-Daniela Akcin, MBA, BCBA
Founder, Clinical Director
Mrs. Akcin is a native Romanian and she came to USA to pursue her graduate education and passion for tourism and hospitality industry. She holds two Bachelor of Science degrees in Economics and European Studies, graduating top of her class in 2002. She completed the MBA program with honors at Kennesaw State University, being one of the few Beta Gamma Sigma inductees in her class.
Upon her first son’s diagnosis of autism, Mrs. Akcin decided to change her career and pursue the BCBA certification in order to help not only her son, but also the children in Romania. She completed the BCBA coursework requirement with Florida Institute of Technology and became a board certified behavior analyst in 2011. LUMINA Autism Center was established shortly after that, in October 2012 when Mrs. Akcin’s dream of turning lives around for children with autism and their families became a reality. Seeing our clients succeed in the general education setting along typical developmental peers is our pride and joy. Our families are stronger, more confident and hopeful for a brighter future knowing that they understand and are able to apply the science of ABA into their lives.
Mrs. Akcin is actively involved with current research and best practices in Applied Behavior Analysis by attending various workshops and conferences with leaders in the field. Such amazing professionals include behavior analysts like Dr. Iwatta, Dr. Carbone, Dr. Mary Lynch Barbera, Dr. Sundberg, Dr. Robert Schramm, Dr. Steve Ward and speech pathologists like Nancy Kauffman and Tamara Kasper. Locally, Mrs. Akcin had the opportunity to train with the specialists at Marcus Autism Center, GSU Center for Leadership in Disability and Emory Autism Center in Atlanta, GA.
While not working, Mrs. Akcin enjoys spending time with her family and helping the community. Her three children love being outdoors walking, fishing, swimming, going to the beach or up in the mountains. Her blended Romanian and Turkish family allow for amazing home cooked meals while giving her the opportunity to explore learning new languages such as Spanish, French ad Turkish.
Tecoya Mahan, RBT
Senior ABA Therapist
Arkansas native and graduate of The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Tecoya joined our team in February 2018. She has quickly shown her passion for our field by becoming a Registered behavior Technician by the end of the same year. Tecoya is able to quickly build a strong rapport with her clients while learning new skill competencies needed in order to support them. Tecoya has worked and volunteered with children who come from all backgrounds and walks of life for many years. She has held a variety of employment opportunities with various organizations such as the Goddard Preschool, Christian Competition (Cheer Coach), Girl Scout of America (Camp Counselor) and Jack Robey Jr. High ( Flag Line Coordinator). Tecoya believes that all children have the ability to learn but no two children learn in the same way. Sometimes it’s best to adjust your teaching style based on the children’s learning style to get the best results.
Wetchire Tchedre-san, RBT
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapist
Wetchire is a Togo native who recently moved to Atlanta from NYC. Wetchire joined our team in September 2019. She is bringing in a wealth of experience working in both home and clinical settings. We appreciate her creativity, love for nature and the outdoors, upbeat interactions and her ability to be silly and engage with all of our learners. Wetchire is currently finishing her RBT training and will be able to sit in for her RBT certification exam shortly after.
Lidia Hanevold, RBT
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapist
Lidia Hanevold grew up in Atlanta, Georgia earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Kennesaw State University. She then worked at Marcus Autism Center in both the Language and Learning Clinic and Severe Behavior Day Treatment Clinic. She then earned her Master of Arts degree in Bioethics from Emory University. Lidia hopes to pursue a second Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology and possibly obtain certification as a BCBA. Lidia is excited to have joined the team at Lumina Autism Center where she works to light the spark of learning in her clients’ hearts and mind!
Kyle Puffenberger, RBT
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapist
Kyle Puffenberger graduated from Georgia State University with a B.S. in Psychology. While completing his degree, he assisted in a clinical neuropsychology lab studying the long-term effects of childhood brain trauma. This leads him to pursue a career in Behavioral Analytics working in early intervention. He continues to work as a registered behavioral technician, fulfilling his passion to help those with developmental disorders.
