More About Us...
Our Approach
- Honoring assent and assent withdrawal
- Values of the family
- Integration of therapies
- Behavior analytic approach
- support to families/caregivers
- dynamic curriculum
- Individualized learning
- Instruction without limitation
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 Founder
Korina, 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
Tarah, Educational Coordinator
Tarah, Educational Coordinator
Tarah, Educational Coordinator
Tarah, M.Ed, RBT, holds a masters degree in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. Tarah has 10 years of experience in the field of education. Tarah has a passion for behavior analysis, providing students with quality education, and helping teachers be the best they can be in the classroom.
Lead Teacher- Angela Wallis
Tarah, Educational Coordinator
Tarah, Educational Coordinator
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.
Vivian, Paraprofessional
Tarah, Educational Coordinator
Vivian, Paraprofessional
My name is Vivian; I'm originally from Nogales, a small Mexican border town, and I am on track to obtain an associate's degree in psychology and a certificate in social work. I plan to pursue a bachelor's in behavioral sciences and a minor in child development. Holding a certificate in Article 9 Training, Caretaking for Developmental Disa
My name is Vivian; I'm originally from Nogales, a small Mexican border town, and I am on track to obtain an associate's degree in psychology and a certificate in social work. I plan to pursue a bachelor's in behavioral sciences and a minor in child development. Holding a certificate in Article 9 Training, Caretaking for Developmental Disabilities, and Caregiving Fundamentals, I bring a passion for caring for others to the team, along with years of experience tutoring and supporting children with autism. My goals are to make as big of an impact in the world as possible by working with children and ensuring that future generations are healthy, happy, and supported to make the world a better place. My hobbies include playing the violin, going to the gym with friends, photography, video games, and cooking. My creativity and openness to new things make me a better person because it means I never stop learning!
Meet the rest of our Board of Directors
Irene, Vice-President
Rebecca, Secretary
Rebecca Cirzan is the Director of the Early Learning and Development Center at Northern Arizona University. She began her career as a music teacher and moved into early childhood education as a director of a local non-profit preschool. After completing a Child Development
Associate credential, she worked at a non-profit as a coach and trai
Rebecca Cirzan is the Director of the Early Learning and Development Center at Northern Arizona University. She began her career as a music teacher and moved into early childhood education as a director of a local non-profit preschool. After completing a Child Development
Associate credential, she worked at a non-profit as a coach and trainer, providing professional development on best practices in early childhood education. Her expertise and leadership skills soon earned her a supervisory role, overseeing regional and statewide programming in Arizona.
One of Rebecca’s notable accomplishments includes the initiation of a regional early childhood conference and a director collaborative. She also spearheaded a pilot program called Elevate PreK, which aimed to increase access to high-quality early learning. She has presented to local government, business, and education agencies, highlighting the critical connections between high-quality early learning and social and economic wellbeing. Rebecca is a respected voice in the field, having presented at several early childhood education conferences on topics such as behavior management, executive functioning, interactions, and leadership. Her dedication to early childhood education continues to make a significant impact on the community and beyond.
Sam, Member at Large
Stephanie, Parent Extraordinaire
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.
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.
