Meet Our Team

Ayub Elmi

Owner/CEO

Ayub is the founder of Beyond The Spectrum and a native of Minneapolis, MN. He received his B.A. in Social Sciences at Cleveland State University and M.A. in Social Sciences at Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY. While living in New York City Ayub worked for NGO'S funded by IGO's such as the United Nations which focused on Human Rights and Conflict Resolution. In 2020 Ayub left New York and moved to Minnesota to start working on his passion project. Two years later Ayub founded Beyond The Spectrum which was inspired by a family member who was diagnosed with Autism. Ayub witnessed how ABA positively impacted his family member life and wanted to be able to create a center that provided high quality therapy in his community which could offer the same impact for the youth.

Kayla

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Kayla is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst with a background in school social work. She holds a BSW from Pacific Lutheran University and a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. Before becoming a BCBA in 2022, Kayla gained hands-on experience as a Registered Behavior Technician. Since joining Beyond the Spectrum in 2023, she has been dedicated to creating individualized, evidence-based interventions that promote meaningful behavior change. Her holistic approach integrates behavioral and social-emotional supports to empower clients and families to achieve their full potential.

Emily

Clinical Manager

Emily serves as Clinical Manager and Lead Level 1 Behavior Therapist at Beyond the Spectrum. She holds a Master’s in Education specializing in Curriculum and Instruction from Capella University and a BA in International Relations from Nottingham Trent University. She is currently pursuing a Psychology Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to further enhance her ability to deliver evidence-based care. As a leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), she has held key roles, including serving on Capella University’s CEO Council on DEI and Co-leading a Diversity and Inclusion Networking Group (ERG). These experiences reflect her commitment to fostering equitable, inclusive practices within organizations and communities. Emily strives to create transformative experiences that empower individuals with a strong academic foundation and a passion for improving client outcomes.

Tesia

Executive Assistant

Tesia brings extensive experience in project management, real estate, and philanthropy to their role at Beyond the Spectrum (BTS). Before joining in July 2024, they managed a $5 million community rebuild, assisted a development president, organized Feed My Starving Children events, and led fundraising efforts against homelessness and hunger. Passionate about youth development and community service, Tesia is working on an after-school program for single parents. Outside of work, they enjoy traveling, reading, cooking, and spending time with family and their dog, Tank. A proud supporter of BTS since its founding in 2023, Tesia is excited to advance its mission.

Amal

Clinical Manager

Amal Abdinur, MA Amal received her MA in Counseling and Psychology from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Amal is working towards her licensed professional clinical counseling (LPCC) licensure. Amal speaks Somali and English. She has experience working with children, adolescents and adults in areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, life transitions, and relational problems. Her treatment approach is strength based, focusing on the individual strengths that each person uniquely possesses. Amal utilizes CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and trauma focused approaches. She is committed to empowering her clients with tools, skills, and knowledge they need to perform optimally in their daily life.

Nickie 

QSP LICSW

Amal Abdinur, MA Amal received her MA in Counseling and Psychology from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Amal is working towards her licensed professional clinical counseling (LPCC) licensure. Amal speaks Somali and English. She has experience working with children, adolescents and adults in areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, life transitions, and relational problems. Her treatment approach is strength based, focusing on the individual strengths that each person uniquely possesses. Amal utilizes CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and trauma focused approaches. She is committed to empowering her clients with tools, skills, and knowledge they need to perform optimally in their daily life.