With a dynamic blend of clinical expertise, technological innovation and compassionate leadership, Romena Kiryakous, PsyD., has emerged as a pioneering force in the advancement of autism therapy and behavioral health services. Her career reflects a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of individuals with autism and related developmental conditions, guided by a vision that integrates evidence-based practice with forward-thinking solutions.
Dr. Kiryakous’s academic foundation has played a vital role in shaping her career path. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from California State University, East Bay, followed by a Master of Arts in psychology from Arizona State University. She later completed a Doctor of Psychology in psychology at The University of Arizona Global Campus. These academic milestones laid the groundwork for her clinical acumen and fueled her passion for serving children and families affected by autism spectrum disorders.
As the founder and chief executive officer of Genesis Behavior Center Inc., Dr. Kiryakous has led a multidisciplinary team in delivering Applied Behavior Analysis therapy to children diagnosed with autism, attention deficit disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Her leadership was instrumental in launching services that ranged from in-home therapy to on-site support in educational settings, ensuring individualized care for children from early childhood through adolescence. Recognizing the need for a centralized location dedicated to autism therapy, she spearheaded the opening of Genesis’s first clinical site, marking a major milestone in the organization’s growth and accessibility.
Expanding on her commitment to innovation, Dr. Kiryakous took on the role of chief executive officer at FirstPath Inc., a company focused on developing software to enhance the delivery and documentation of behavioral therapy. She envisioned and led the creation of artificial intelligence-driven analytics tools designed to streamline treatment plans, track progress and facilitate funding opportunities. Her work in this area underscores a rare blend of clinical insight and technological foresight, resulting in tools that benefit both practitioners and families.
In her ongoing pursuit of cutting-edge care, Dr. Kiryakous also became chief executive officer of PrTMS Therapy, where she introduced Personalized Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as a complementary treatment for individuals with autism. This innovative approach is particularly impactful for individuals experiencing challenges in communication, cognitive function and independence. Under her guidance, this therapy is being integrated with existing interventions to optimize developmental outcomes.
Further expanding her leadership reach, Dr. Kiryakous leads as the chief executive officer of Genesis Franchising. In this role, she manages daily operations, oversees franchise development and coordinates with software development teams to ensure the seamless implementation of service models. Her strategic vision and operational discipline are instrumental in scaling high-quality autism care to new communities and markets.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Kiryakous is deeply dedicated to her family. She finds joy in spending time with her two daughters and six grandchildren. Her daughter Jennifer oversees financial operations within the family’s ventures, while Megan is pursuing her own doctorate in psychology, continuing the family legacy of service in behavioral health.
Looking to the future, Dr. Kiryakous remains focused on pioneering new approaches to autism treatment. Her long-term goal is to find a cure or highly effective treatment for autism by combining brain stimulation methods with proven therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis and Personalized Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Her work continues to challenge outdated narratives about autism and emphasizes the potential of each individual.