Our Staff

Jessica Irwin, BCABA - Executive Director Jessica has over 12 years of experience in the Social Services field, serving the developmentally disabled population both directly and in supervisory capacities. Prior to founding S.E.E.K. Arizona, Ms. Irwin has worked in the Valley in a variety of positions ranging from Habilitation Provider to Program Manager. She has logged over 300 hours in Early Childhood Education and Autism Spectrum Disorder trainings and is a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst. Ms. Irwin has dual degrees in Sociology and Psychology focusing on Child Development and Special Education from Arizona State University; and is currently enrolled at Nova Southeastern University for her Master's in Counseling.
Helen Nagle - Behavioral Director Helen has been a part of the human behavior field for three years, following eleven years' work in the field of animal behavior. Ms. Nagle is a Master's candidate at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and awaiting licensure as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. During her time at the Chicago School, Ms. Nagle accumulated over 1200 hours of on-site practicum training hours serving persons with developmental disabilities ages 5 to 78 years old. Relocating from Chicago, Helen joined S.E.E.K. Arizona as an integral part of our training process. As Behavioral Director, Helen coordinates one-on-one provider trainings in-home to assist habilitators with her extensive knowledge of ABA techniques. She also promotes S.E.E.K. Arizona in the community as a lecturer. As Helen completes her Master's thesis, she continues to stay current on scholarship and research in the field of Behavior Analysis in order to maintain the highest quality of services for our clientele.
Melanie Covert - Office Manager Melanie Covert joined S.E.E.K. Arizona in October 2007 as the Office Manager for S.E.E.K. Arizona. She has over ten years of office experience with a concentrated background in residential construction. Melanie expeditiously resolves client accounts, contracts, and accounting issues. She possesses a B.A. in Church Music and participates in many musical activities within the community.
Joy Story-Perkins - Family Support Liaison Joy was born and raised in Minnesota. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology from St. Olaf College. After spending a few years working in Yellowstone National Park, Joy moved to Arizona in 1995. She worked for 7 years as a social worker providing assistance to underprivileged children and their families. She joined S.E.E.K. Arizona in January 2008. Joy works to provide clients with providers and services, but helps with the planning of Camp Runamuk, writes the quarterly newsletters, and provides fundraising ideas and support.
Brian Pfingstl - Community Relations Liaison Brian hails from Bethlehem, PA and has been with S.E.E.K. Arizona for 18 months. Brian received his B.A. in English and Government with a minor in Writing from Lehigh University in January 1996. He was awarded his M.A. in Secondary Education with certifications in English and Social Studies from Lehigh in January 1998. Brian has been a classroom teacher for 13 years, and was granted tenure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 2004. He is the Community Relations Liaison and provides administrative support for S.E.E.K. Arizona. Brian also teaches the Life Skills Academy program and Chess Club.
Lauren Bolander - Classroom Teacher Lauren received her Bachelors in Special Education from Arizona State University and has been with S.E.E.K. Arizona since 2003. She is a board certified teacher and leads the Early Childhood Program, Early Life Skills Habilitation Program, Summer Habilitation Camp, and Social Groups.