What is Assent?
Assent involves treating students with respect and compassion, and ensuring they are not subjected to any traumatic experiences during therapy. It is about empowering the client to participate actively in their therapy and ensuring their comfort and well-being throughout the process.
Our Approach
- Honoring Assent and Assent Withdrawal
- Values of the family
- Integrations of therapies
- Behavior analytics approach
- Support to families/caregivers
- Dynamic curriculum
- Individualized learning
- Instruction without limitation
Our Founder
Korina, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA, founder of Rising Mountain Academy and owner of Kaibab Behavioral Services, brings nearly two decades of dedicated experience to the field of education, specializing in special education. Korina holds a Master's in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University and an Applied Behavior Analysis certificate from Arizona State University. With a strong foundation in teaching students with special needs and coaching Positive Behavior Intervention Supports from early childhood to secondary education, Korina has also excelled in assisting individuals with socially significant behaviors.
Growing up with ADHD brought many challenges, from struggling to make friends to finding a sense of belonging. I longed for responsive relationships and supportive environments in my educational settings, as well as guidance in developing socially acceptable replacement behaviors when I felt hyperactive and impulsive. These struggles, though difficult, fueled my determination and passion for helping others. Over time, I’ve found a deep love for working with individuals with disabilities. I firmly believe that every person deserves to feel safe, loved, and happy—especially in a school environment.
Our Amazing Educators
Educational Coordinator- Angela
Educational Coordinator- Angela
Educational Coordinator- Angela
Angela has over a decade of experience working with children of all ages and abilities from toddlers to teens. After graduating with her associates degree in Child Development in 2014, Angela went on to work as a teacher and administrator for various non-profit educational organizations and schools. She is a self-taught artist, a gardener
Angela has over a decade of experience working with children of all ages and abilities from toddlers to teens. After graduating with her associates degree in Child Development in 2014, Angela went on to work as a teacher and administrator for various non-profit educational organizations and schools. She is a self-taught artist, a gardener, and most importantly a mom. She teaches many subjects, but her favorites include science,language arts,engineering and art.
Teaching Sidekick- Amanda
Educational Coordinator- Angela
Educational Coordinator- Angela
Hi! My name is Amanda! I am the Lead Teaching Assistant. I have my undergraduate degree in Parks and Recreation with a minor in Disability Studies. I have been in the adaptive world for as long as I can remember and I am so grateful to continue to be apart of it. My goal for the future is to continue to be an advocate for individuals with
Hi! My name is Amanda! I am the Lead Teaching Assistant. I have my undergraduate degree in Parks and Recreation with a minor in Disability Studies. I have been in the adaptive world for as long as I can remember and I am so grateful to continue to be apart of it. My goal for the future is to continue to be an advocate for individuals with disabilities to have the same opportunities and help create lasting experiences. I am so grateful for this opportunity to be working with Rising Mountain Academy and cannot wait to see what the future holds.
Teaching Sidekick- Abril
Educational Coordinator- Angela
Teaching Sidekick- Abril
Abril is our Assistant TA here at RMA. She has worked with children for over 5 years as a tutor, teaching assistant, and paraprofessional. Abril is our communication connoisseur, valuing the importance of meeting students where they are by making sure they are heard and that communication is accessible to them. Abril is a current student
Abril is our Assistant TA here at RMA. She has worked with children for over 5 years as a tutor, teaching assistant, and paraprofessional. Abril is our communication connoisseur, valuing the importance of meeting students where they are by making sure they are heard and that communication is accessible to them. Abril is a current student in the Communication Master's program at NAU. With focuses on Environmental Communication and Conflict Management. She enjoys volunteering as a licensed mediator for Small Claims Court, doing research, crocheting, and yoga! "Sometimes being a silly goose isn't so bad." - Abril Garcia
Board of Directors
Vice President
Interested in becoming a board member?
Sam - Board Member
Sam McCulloch is the owner of Radiant Sun Therapy where he works to provide counseling and behavioral health support to children and families of Flagstaff.. He is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Arizona. Sam received his bachelor's degree from Northern Arizona University in Psychology and holds a Masters degree in Clini
Sam McCulloch is the owner of Radiant Sun Therapy where he works to provide counseling and behavioral health support to children and families of Flagstaff.. He is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Arizona. Sam received his bachelor's degree from Northern Arizona University in Psychology and holds a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Prescott College. He has worked for more than 12 years in the field of behavioral health including his time with the Flagstaff Unified School District, Behavioral Consultation Services of Northern Arizona, and Child and Family Support Services. Sam is passionate about providing personalized support and treats a wide variety of symptoms and experiences including anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and Autism. All of his services are rooted in mindfulness, compassion, and accountability.
Christen - Board Member
Stephanie - Parent Extraordinaire
Christen is a management professional with a degree in psychology and a passion for personal development. With over a decade of management experience, Christen brings a wealth of knowledge in project management, people and system operations, human resources, business planning, marketing, and leadership.
Christen joined the world of ABA wh
Christen is a management professional with a degree in psychology and a passion for personal development. With over a decade of management experience, Christen brings a wealth of knowledge in project management, people and system operations, human resources, business planning, marketing, and leadership.
Christen joined the world of ABA when she started with Kaibab Behavioral Services as their first General Manager in 2023. In 2025 she was accepted as a volunteer member on the board for Rising Mountain Academy and hopes her experience can help RMA continue to serve their mission.
Christen shares a home in Flagstaff with 2 rescue dogs, Sadie (American Bulldog) & Chessie (Pitbull/Shih tzu mix). She recently moved from the Chicagoland area and is loving the Arizona landscape!
Stephanie - Parent Extraordinaire
Stephanie - Parent Extraordinaire
Stephanie - Parent Extraordinaire
Stephanie is blessed to be the mother of a beautiful, 12-year-old daughter on the Autism spectrum. She was born a 33-week “preemie” with many medical challenges. With that I have gained experience navigating medical visits, procedures, therapies, and interventions. I have been her constant advocate, attending every single appointment of h
Stephanie is blessed to be the mother of a beautiful, 12-year-old daughter on the Autism spectrum. She was born a 33-week “preemie” with many medical challenges. With that I have gained experience navigating medical visits, procedures, therapies, and interventions. I have been her constant advocate, attending every single appointment of hers and incorporating the knowledge I have learned from various healthcare providers into our daily life. I strive to empower her to reach her full potential and live a fulfilling life. I was born and raised in Flagstaff and am excited to help expand special needs support in our community.
Jessica, Board Member
Stephanie - Parent Extraordinaire
Jessica, Board Member
Jessica is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst. Jessica has been in the field of ABA since 2012 and has experience in many different leadership roles. Jessica has opened various ABA clinics across multiple states (Washington, Oregon, Colorado) specializing in early childhood development and intensive behav
Jessica is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst. Jessica has been in the field of ABA since 2012 and has experience in many different leadership roles. Jessica has opened various ABA clinics across multiple states (Washington, Oregon, Colorado) specializing in early childhood development and intensive behavior services.
Jessica has a master’s in special education with an emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Applied Behavior Analysis and has experience working across multiple settings (in-school, in-home, center based, and telehealth). Jessica has a love and passion for behavior analysis and working with children and their families across different settings. She is excited to be in Flagstaff and work with each and every client, family and team member. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping, and skiing with her family and dog.
Kyrsten, Board Member
Stephanie - Parent Extraordinaire
Jessica, Board Member
My name is Kyrsten Wallace I’m born and raised here in Flagstaff, AZ. I hold a bachelor’s degree From Northern Arizona University in Special Education & Elementary Education and previously taught for 8 years at a local public school in an Integrated preschool and Behavior support program. I have a deep love and respect for the special ed
My name is Kyrsten Wallace I’m born and raised here in Flagstaff, AZ. I hold a bachelor’s degree From Northern Arizona University in Special Education & Elementary Education and previously taught for 8 years at a local public school in an Integrated preschool and Behavior support program. I have a deep love and respect for the special education community and I am passionate about supporting students in ways that help them thrive, learn and grow. If I’m not teaching you can find me crafting or seeking adventures with my two children and husband.
I am so happy and grateful to be a part of Rising Mountain Academy and look forward to serving and learning alongside this wonderful community.
Anna, Board Member
Kyle, Board Member
Kyle is a legal professional that has explored various roles in the
healthcare industry. He currently works as a compliance officer for
Kaibab Behavioral Services. Holding a bachelor's degree in philosophy
from NAU and a master's degree in legal studies from the Sandra Day
O’Connor College of Law from ASU, Kyle seeks to ensure that health
Kyle is a legal professional that has explored various roles in the
healthcare industry. He currently works as a compliance officer for
Kaibab Behavioral Services. Holding a bachelor's degree in philosophy
from NAU and a master's degree in legal studies from the Sandra Day
O’Connor College of Law from ASU, Kyle seeks to ensure that healthcare
operations are aligned with law, compliance, ethics, and compassionate
care. In his free time, Kyle enjoys being creative and spending time
with his family.
Our Partners
