The Different Peace Team

Dana’s advocacy for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment began the very day of David’s diagnosis. Upon returning to work, she thoroughly reviewed  her medical benefits only to discover ABA was not covered. From there, she sprang into action with an email to the Chief People Officer. In particular she highlighted the company’s choice to offer medical coverage for pets, but not cover the ONLY approved medical treatment for this human condition. In her own words, “How can I raise a child to be a productive member of society if I cannot get the necessary treatment he needs today?” After many exchanges with Human Resources and the insurance provider, Dana finally received the news she needed which was the company would be offering ABA coverage in the new year. 

A mother’s relentless spirit to help her child, is what drives Dana to seek what is best not only for her own children on the spectrum, but for ALL children. It is that passion that birthed the idea of The Different Peace. It’s also the passion that helps drives the success of our mission and our purpose. 

Aside from her role within The Different Peace, Dana is an Experienced Professional with a background spanning IT and Computer Software, Healthcare IT, and Global Travel Management. She completed her undergraduate studies with an emphasis on Non-Profit and Community Development from the University of North Texas and holds an MBA from Texas Woman’s University.  Together with her husband TJ, their loving home is blessed with three boys; Andrew, David, and Jackson. 

Katrina Gittins is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who founded Alpha Autism Therapy in order to bring much needed behavior therapy services to children with Autism and their families. She has many years of both professional and personal experience helping individuals reduce challenging behaviors and build the skills needed to be successful.

Katie Branch is the wife of a loving husband and mother of three beautiful children. She is the owner of a quick-serve restaurant and previous co-owner of a logistics company, which her husband still operates. She and her husband’s entrepreneurial spirit has been in full swing over the past few years allowing them to positively impact lives in ways they could never imagine. Katie was previously a leader in the IT industry for over 20 years. She has an initial foundation in project management, which paved the way to her future leadership opportunities.  

Katie comes from humble beginnings growing up in southeast Arkansas, and doesn’t take lightly the opportunities she has been blessed to seize.  Early in life, she envisioned finding ways to give back to communities like her own and helping others see their own potential. Over the years, Katie has sought to be a servant leader, seeking the Lord’s direction in how to best give of her talents so that they may glorify Him.  She is intentional and aspires every day to be an inspiration.  

She has taken on roles in women’s mentorship programs, promoting the inclusion and recognition of women.  She continuously seeks opportunities to encourage, advance, and provide leadership development for young talent. She considers this one of her everyday responsibilities as she encounters hundreds of team members and patrons at her restaurant daily.  

Katie loves prioritizing quality time with her family and seeking opportunities to give back to the community through volunteerism whenever possible. She is a committed partner in our efforts to advance the educational progression of behavioral studies and identifying the best forms of support for children and adults on the autistic spectrum.  

Rickey Starks is the founder and CEO of Starks Investments Group, LLC, a holding company that owns a variety of subsidiaries that all share the culture that integrity comes standard and the great customer experience.  

His Companies include:

Sight Capital Consulting 

Eikon Design & Print

The Captains Lodge Barber Studio 

Starks Quality Vending 

Willionaire Clothing Brand

Before devoting his work fulltime to Starks Investments, Rickey served as CFO for multiple organizations. He was a senior level IT professional for companies such as Verizon and the S.E.C.

Born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and raised in the humble small town of Humphrey, Arkansas, Rickey started entrepreneurship the at age of 14 and continues to pursue his passion until this day. As CEO he currently manages the Starks Investments portfolio of stocks, subsidiary companies, Real Estate Investments and Real Estate Development.