I started working with children with autism in 1995. I had previously worked in private homes with children as well as some adults and adolescents with Developmental Disabilities. I was initially trained by an autism consultant to provide in-home services using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. From there, I finished my undergraduate work at the University of Tennessee and decided I wanted to continue providing behavioral services to individuals with autism and other Developmental Disabilities.
I moved to Nashville and started working for a private company (SAIL Inc.) serving children on the autism spectrum. I gained invaluable experience with a wide variety of children, all with different strengths and weaknesses. Our individualized programming included goals in the areas of cognition, communication, social, gross/fine motor, play, and self-help.
After four years, I went back to school and received my master’s degree in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas. While I was in graduate school, I continued working with individuals with autism and Developmental Disabilities. I provided behavioral services in a variety of settings including in-homes as well as public and private schools. In addition, I worked my way up to Program Director at an inclusive pre-school for children with autism. I have had the wonderful opportunity to learn from an extensive number of professionals in the field of Behavior Analysis.
Following the completion of my degree, I moved back to Tennessee, received my Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA), and resumed working for SAIL Inc. After another five years providing behavioral services to children with autism and other Developmental Disabilities, SAIL Inc. dissolved in August 2010.
As this part of my career is ending, a new opportunity for private practice is beginning. Throughout my experience with individuals on the autism spectrum as well as typically developing, I’ve also worked with children who have Down syndrome, ADHD/ADD, metabolic disorders, and speech and language disorders. I’m hoping this extensive knowledge base has helped prepare me for my next challenging adventure.