Autism Educational Supports

Like many professions in this field, I chose this career because I love someone that has autism. My son was diagnosed with autism in 2005. His diagnosis came as a complete shock to our family. There was very little information about autism available to the general public at that time and very few service providers. My "coping strategy" was to absorb myself in information and learn everything I could to help guide my son's development and education. I'm happy to say that today he is growing into a fine young man that any mom would be proud of! Currently, I work as an independent behavior consultant in the Greater Cleveland Area. I began working in this field in 2009 and became certified as a BCaBA in 2012. I work with a variety of wonderful students aged 2 to 14-years old. I believe that my greatest strength as a clinician is problem-solving and finding unique ways to present materials. I love finding what motivates children to learn and watch their eyes light up when they achieve success.

Discrete trial training (DTT) Direct Instruction Video Modeling Natural Environment Training

Yet to be added

Masters of Arts in Psychology Chicago School of Professional Psychology Chicago, IL | December 2017 Behavior Analyst Coursework Florida Institute of Technology Naples, FL | 2011 BACHELOR OF ARTS IN Psychology Cleveland State University Cleveland, OH | May 2009

I recently had an amazing experience volunteering with the Global Autism Project at the Aprendo Center in the Dominican Republic.We worked to train staff in the principals of Applied Behavior Analysis and provided direct consultation regarding programming. We helped develop a program that built upon skills that students had mastered in 1:1 discrete trial setting and incorporated into mini Centers sessions. This strategy allowed students to learn necessary prerequisite skills necessary to transition to a classroom setting including; following a schedule, initiating tasks, maintaining attention and working independently without the additional stress of trying to also learn a new skill. I will be volunteering with the Global Autism Project again in February 2017. I cannot wait to return and see the progress the students have made! This experience has motivated me to advocate for all individuals to receive the quality treatment that allows them to thrive. Access to treatment should not be limited by a parent's address or tax bracket. All individuals deserve to be allowed to learn!