Janice Smith, Lab Director
Email: Janice@fitlearningstl.com As lab director and owner of Fit Learning St. Louis, Janice brings more than twenty years of experience in the field of behavior science and education. She previously worked as an administrator for the Special School District of St. Louis County, leading a team of behavior analysts and attending dozens of IEP meetings in her capacity as an area coordinator. During a ten-year residency in mid-Missouri, she diversified her experience by providing behavioral support services in a university-based clinic setting, family homes, private schools, residential treatment placements, and daycare centers (and nurtured her love for documentary film at the True/False film festival held annually in Columbia, MO). She graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis (where she met her husband) before obtaining her master’s degree in behavioral science from the University of Nevada-Reno. A former foster parent, Janice served on the board of directors of Heart of Missouri CASA and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri. She has two daughters.
Left: Janice and Elizabeth Haughton, recipient of the Ogden R. Lindsley Lifetime Achievement Award, at the annual precision teaching conference.
Above: Janice and Fit Learning Founding Directors, Drs. Donny and Kendra Newsome and Drs. Nick and Kimberly Berens.
Jay Finck, Operations Coordinator
Jay graduated from Washington University with a degree in Psychology. He is deeply interested in the science of behavior and the mind, and is eager to apply it in a way that helps learners at Fit Learning. He has tutored through school programs for several years and has experience working with children of all ages. Jay plans to continue working with and helping children throughout his life as a clinical psychologist. When he’s not at Fit Learning, Jay is usually reading, writing fiction, or listening to a podcast, often with his dog close by.
Regan Gorman, Certified Learning Coach
Regan recently graduated from Washington University with a degree in Computer Science and a minor in Psychology. She is a member of the Night Off Club, providing parents of children with autism a “night off” as well as promoting autism awareness on campus. She is excited to be working with Fit Learning and helping students in their journeys of transforming their learning abilities. In the future she hopes to improve education using both psychology and computer science. In her free time, Regan enjoys flying airplanes as a licensed pilot, restoring antique cars, cooking Mexican food, and watching psychological thrillers.
Abbie Massey, Certified Learning Coach
Lain Sherstoff, Certified Learning Coach
Lain grew up helping train rescue dogs and cats, helping them to better acclimate to their new, more peaceful lives among people. With that experience, as well as caring for and teaching young children at a daycare, Lain learned that the learner is always right, and if something isn’t working, the process should be adjusted to better suit their needs. Lain shares this understanding with Fit Learning, and strives to help learners gain competency and confidence. In their free time, Lain enjoys painting, listening to music, and attending local concerts.
Alexis Reese, Learning Coach Intern
Alexis is passionate about helping others on their educational journey. She graduated from North Central College with a degree in political science and sociology. She enjoys working with languages and is fluent in American Sign Language and Arabic. In her free time, Alexis loves to cook, travel, explore nature, and read.
Maureen “MoMo” Cranley, Learning Coach Intern
“As a younger student, I always struggled to sit still, remain quiet, and pay full attention. I now realize that I craved an environment that was engaging, interactive, and challenging. I am now a medical student pursuing my MD. Since I am pursuing a lifelong journey of education, I am fascinated by the science of learning. I love that Fit Learning provides unparalleled, data-driven learning plans and yields objective results. I graduated with a degree in biology and psychology, and my experience in college included being a TA for undergraduate courses as well as tutoring and substitute teaching for all grade levels starting in preschool. I am excited to meet learners where they are and empower them to surpass goals and expectations by facilitating an uplifting environment to support their growth.”
Roses Wong, Learning Coach Intern
Roses is a senior at Washington University majoring in Psychology with a minor in Women and Gender Sexuality Studies. She previously worked as a Registered Behavior Technician and provided home-based therapy for children with autism. She is very passionate about supporting students of all backgrounds by helping them reach their academic and personal goals. In her free time, Roses likes to read, cook, play games, and spend time with her family.