Our Team

Alan Routhier- Owner

“Be the change you wish to see in the world”

-Mahatma Gandhi

A universally known quote, that is often repeated and seldom realized. As CEO of Ignited Minds ABA, I’m working to be the change. What was once a dream, is now becoming a reality with the help of so many allies and advocates and, for them, I am grateful. For the last eleven years, I have been involved with special needs children and adults and, with each passing day, I became increasingly aware of the lack of facilities that cater to individuals with special needs. I am humbled by the creation of Ignited Minds, which will offer ABA Therapy. Ignited Minds is intended to fill a much-needed void for special needs care within Gaston County and surrounding areas.

alan.routhier@ignitedaba.com

Board Certified Behavior Analysts

Ashley Flood, Clinical Director

Hi everyone! I’m Ashley, and I’m originally from Vermont, and lived in Western Massachusetts through college and grad school. I relocated a few years ago, and I have really enjoyed getting to know the Charlotte area, and experience all that it has to offer! I have worked with people of various disabilities for about 15 years, volunteering with the Special Olympics, working in adaptive sports, and in a residential group home. I became a BCBA in 2019 and have been working with the Autism population and in the ABA field for about 12 years now, and have enjoyed working with young learners through play and creativity. In my free time, I enjoy watching and playing sports, going to concerts/live bands, exploring new restaurants, and hanging out with my pups Nash and Zola.
ashley.flood@ignitedaba.com

Nicholas Smith, BCBA

I’m from central Massachusetts, but excited to relocate to Charlotte. I studied history and classics in undergraduate. I began my work in ABA as a side job, but I was enthralled with behavior analytic philosophy and methodology. This led me to Westfield State University’s ABA program in the fall of 2016. I entered my early professional years treating adolescents and adults, where I discovered much of my professional passion. It excites me to see individuals tackle complex life situations and reach major life goals using behavior analytic strategies. My professional interests are broad but generally include the philosophy of behavior analysis, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), habilitation and vocational training, social skills, organizational behavior management, and behavioral economics. I’m a hardcore New England sports fan. One of my great passions is historical studies. I immensely enjoy reading, watching documentaries, and listening to lectures. I spend a bit too much time playing real-time history strategy games. A little star gazing has entered my nightly repertoire this year.
nicholas.smith@ignitedaba.com

Spencer Rubin, BCBA

"I'm Spencer, and I was born and raised in North Carolina. Over a decade ago I began working with people of all across the autism spectrum through Camp Royall and the Autism Society of North Carolina. I continued to work for individuals with ASD and their families in various roles until I settled on a behavior analytic approach. I received my BCBA in 2020, and began practicing ABA in homes and in clinic settings. I pride myself on taking a fun, energized, and individualized approach to ABA. I spend my free time with my wife & 5 year old daughter, reading, painting, kayaking, playing board games and perusing local pottery. Passionate about art, nature, stories, science and more!"

Spencer.rubin@ignitedaba.com

Amanda Lutz, COO

I’m Amanda, born and raised in North Carolina. Over a decade ago, following graduating from App State with a degree in psychology, I began working with children with special needs in the school, home, and community settings. A few years later, I went to graduate school for Clinical Psychology. While there, I focused my study on the clinical practice of assessing, diagnosing, and treating children and adults of a wide variety of psychological disorders, as well as completing internships with CReATE (The Center for Research, Assessment, and Treatment Efficacy), a private practice, and Western Carolina’s McKee Assessment and Psychological Services clinic where I completed over 200 assessments and evaluations on children, many with
Autism and other special needs, to diagnose and create treatment plans. I also enjoyed teaching psychology to WCU’s undergraduates. Post-graduation, I transitioned to working with adolescents and adults in a psychotherapy private practice and then treating and working with only first responders for several years before joining Ignited ABA. In my free time, I enjoy weightlifting, doing crafts, and spending time with my husband and my dog Leo.

Amanda.lutz@ignitedaba.com

Kyle Caleca, BCBA

Hello, my name is Kyle Caleca. I spent most of my life in Savannah, GA before moving to the Charlotte area at the end of 2020. I received my undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Georgia, where I graduated in 2019. From there, I soon discovered the field of ABA where I decided to pursue a career as a BCBA. I attended Ball State University where I obtained my master's in Special Education with an emphasis in ABA, graduating in 2023. As a new BCBA in 2024, I'm excited to dive into a career in such a special field!

Kyle.caleca@ignitedaba.com

Kaitlin Faassen, BCBA

My name is Kaitlin and I have been in the field for 5 years now. I love spending my free time riding motorcycles, gardening, home improvement projects, spending time with my four fur babies and working out. I am a bonus parent to a beautiful nine year old daughter and one day plan to have more kids.

Kaitlin.faassen@ignitedaba.com

Brittney Gunter, BCBA

I'm Brittney, and I was born and raised in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. I graduated with my Bachelors in Psychology from UNC Charlotte in 2013. It wasn't until 2021, when I discovered the field of ABA, that I found my passion and decided to pursue my Master's in Special Education. I graduated with my Master's from Ball State University in 2023. As a new BCBA in 2025, I am beyond excited to continue helping kids and serving the community.

Outside of work, I devote my time to my almost 3 year old daughter, and enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Brittney.gunter@ignitedaba.com

Dar Wargo, BCaba

Hi! I'm Dar, and I first stepped into the world of ABA as a parent seeking support for my own child—now a thriving adult. That personal journey led me to discover a deep passion for the science of behavior and the power it holds when delivered with empathy, creativity, and joy. I’ve worked in the ABA field for several years and currently hold my BCaBA certification, with my sights set on BCBA. My clinical focus is social-emotional development—helping kids learn to express themselves, build friendships, and handle the tough stuff with confidence and support. I believe in meeting learners where they are and building progress through play, connection, and meaningful interaction.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from Purdue University Global in 2020, and I recently completed my Master of Special Education in Applied Behavior Analysis at Arizona State University in May 2025. Originally from Connecticut, I’m a recent transplant to North Carolina and loving the chance to explore a new home. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me out with my partner and our two dogs, Macklin and Traeger—hunting for rare spawns in Pokémon GO as we explore parks, trails, and all the little corners of NC.

Daria.wargo@ignitedaba.com