Meet the People Behind the Care

David Bicard, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA

Chief Executive Officer Founder

Dr. Bicard’s experience extends beyond clinical practice. He has held academic positions, including assistant professorships at Florida International University and the University of Memphis, where he established a master’s degree program in Applied Behavior Analysis. He has also served on the Kentucky and Alabama Behavior Analyst State Licensing Boards and the Practice Board of the Association for Behavior Analysis International. Dr. Bicard earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, his master’s degree from Columbia University Teachers College, and his Ph.D. from Ohio State University.

Beyond his professional work, Dr. Bicard enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and daughter-and their four dogs. He is passionate about combining clinical expertise, compassion, and meaningful outcomes to help individuals and families thrive.

Muhammad Hasan, MS, BCBA, LBA

Assistant Clinical Director

Hi, I am Muhammad Hasan! I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Assistant Director with a passion for helping children grow, gain independence and reach their full potential.

I earned a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Troy University and have had the opportunity to grow from working directly with clients to supervising and supporting other professionals.

I really enjoy connecting with families, mentoring staff, and finding practical ways to make a positive difference in the lives of the children that we serve.

For me, this work is about more than progress on paper. It is about helping children and families experience meaningful changes in life.

Nilda VanDortrecht

Chief Financial Officer Business Manager

My name is Nilda, and I am a wife and proud mother of four children—three daughters and one son—ranging in age from 16 to 25. I graduated from Troy University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology,

Before becoming the Business Manager at Phoenix Behavioral Services, I spent three years as an Office Manager, following four years of experience as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). I truly enjoyed my time as an RBT and found the work incredibly rewarding. While my responsibilities have evolved significantly over the years, my passion for this field and the children we serve has remained constant.

My family has played a significant role in shaping who I am, both personally and professionally, and my connection to the autism community is especially personal. My son was diagnosed with Level 2 Autism at the age of 11, giving me a personal understanding of the challenges, questions, and emotions that families can experience along the way. Having been an RBT, as well as a mother, has given me a unique perspective that I carry with me in everything I do.

Kristin Behrens, BT

Administrative Support Schedule Coordinator

My name is Kristin Behrens, and I bring deep compassion, hands-on experience, and steady dedication to my role providing direct therapy, admin support, and schedule coordination at Phoenix Behavioral Services. My journey in behavioral health is rooted in over a decade of experience in childcare, where connecting with and supporting children with autism in my classroom inspired my true calling to enter the ABA field.
Now with nearly two years of specialized experience in an ABA setting, I balance meaningful, one-on-one client therapy with behind-the-scenes administrative and scheduling coordination to ensure families feel guided and supported every step of the way. Outside the clinic, I am a proud mother to four beautiful children, whose daily milestones keep me grounded and constantly fuel my heart for every family I serve.

Nicholas Miller, RBT

Registered Behavior Technician

My name is Nicholas Miller. I have an associate degree from Marion Military Institute and a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Troy University. I have experience working with clients of all ages in a variety of settings, including behavioral health, psychiatric care, and residential services.

Throughout my career, I have found a special passion for working with children and adolescents. I enjoy building meaningful relationships, supporting individual needs, and creating a safe, positive environment where every child feels valued, understood, and supported. Seeing the positive impact I can have on a young person’s life is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing rugby, co-ed softball, golf, and grilling out with friends and family.

Caziah Simmons, RBT

Registered Behavior Technician

I’m Caziah Simmons and I have been working within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since the beginning of 2026. I enjoy having the opportunity to provide therapy to our clients. It is very rewarding to witness their growth as the team and I collaborate with determination and passion to continue striving for progress

Peyton Walch, RBT

Registered Behavior Technician

Peyton Walch became a Registered Behavior Technician in September 2025 and relocated from Texas to Alabama in May 2026, where she has continued working with children and families in the field of ABA. She is passionate about providing compassionate, individualized support and helping clients build communication, independence, and everyday life skills.

Peyton is also continuing her education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with the long-term goal of integrating behavioral and therapeutic approaches to better support children and families.