Question 1

What is a BCBA?

Accepted Answer

A BCBA is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  To become a BCBA, one must hold a masters in a related field, take advanced coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and complete supervised fieldwork.  I have been a BCBA since 2012 and in the field of special education and ABA since 2005.

Question 2

What is ABA?

Accepted Answer

ABA stands for Applied Behavior Analysis.  ABA is the science of behavior, and using behavioral change techniques to teach desired behaviors and lessen interfering behaviors.  The primary techniques that drive my practice include relationship development, positive reinforcement, analysis of objective data, natural environment teaching, task analysis, chaining and breaking skills down into smaller steps.  You may have heard of discrete trial training (DTT) associated with ABA: that is only 1 technique of ABA and not one that I typically use. I also ensure all objectives are applied and appropriate for the child, which means making sure they are neurodiversity affirming, and not "cookie-cutter ABA".​

Question 3

Are you accepting new clients?

Accepted Answer

Currently, I am accepting new clients.  Due to the individual needs of each client, we can discuss whether our schedules and needs align prior to onboarding.

Question 4

What type of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

All of my services are billed as private pay.  I am not in-network with any insurance company.  If you have out-of-network benefits, you may be eligible for reimbursement for my 1:1 behavioral therapy or parent coaching services.  As a disclaimer, most insurance companies do not provide coverage (in or out of network) for a BCBA unless the child has an autism diagnosis.  However, I have been able to get exceptions and will work with you to try to secure medically necessary coverage.  In these instances, a diagnosis is usually necessary as well as support from your child's pediatrician and/or a neuropsychologist.

Additionally, for IEEs, payment would happen through your school district.  In addition to IEEs, I have been contracted through school districts to provide 1:1 therapy or other services through the impartial hearing process.

Question 5

What type of needs do you serve?

Accepted Answer

​I work with children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, ODD, rare genetic disorders and multiple diagnoses as well as children who do not have a diagnosis.  While the diagnosis can play a clue into the underlying mechanisms behind strengths, deficits, behaviors and overall needs, my practice focuses more on the individual child and program.

Question 6

​What ages do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I specialize in early childhood and elementary school.  I have worked with middle and high school children, typically those who have more severe or intensive needs.  Most of my clients are between 2-10 years old.

Question 7

​What is the difference between you and other therapists?

Accepted Answer

My therapy is rooted in strengths-based skill building, self-acceptance and preservation of self-esteem.  My practice breaks skills down in fun and functional ways to teach them and promote generalization.  Across all my services, I work collaboratively with you to ensure progress and success.  My goal is that you and your child do not need my services forever: I want to empower and educate you and your child's team to maximize their success.

Question 8

How do I know if it's a good match?

Accepted Answer

Trust your gut.  For 1:1 therapy, your child should be excited to see me, or at the very least, not afraid of me or our work together.  Some kids avoid hard work, which means they may not love our sessions, and it's important for us to work together to identify any reservations.  For parent coaching, if it's not a match, that is okay!  I will refer you to other providers, and most of my services are billed hourly, which means there is no obligation to continue.  Finding the right rapport is part of the therapeutic relationship, and while I am flexible to meet the needs of many families, it is also okay if we are not the right match.

Question 9

What do your sessions look like?

Accepted Answer

For 1:1 therapy, my sessions often look like play.  We might build obstacle courses, do word searches, conduct science experiments, play board games or even play catch.  I use an eclectic mix of resources, and embed my teaching into fun activities. I might use the same activity for all of my sessions in a week, and it looks completely different from child to child based on their personality and goals.
  
For parent coaching, we can do in-person or via Zoom.  I like to include write-ups or visuals to support communication and collaboration.  I also will provide models (often with my own children if needed!) or train you directly on a skill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about my services, approach, and how to get started. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out through the contact page.

What is a BCBA?

What is ABA?

Are you accepting new clients?

What type of payment do you accept?

What type of needs do you serve?

What ages do you work with?

What is the difference between you and other therapists?

How do I know if it's a good match?

What do your sessions look like?

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about my services, approach, and how to get started. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out through the contact page.

What is a BCBA?

What is ABA?

Are you accepting new clients?

What type of payment do you accept?

What type of needs do you serve?

​What ages do you work with?

​What is the difference between you and other therapists?

How do I know if it's a good match?

What do your sessions look like?

What ages do you work with?

What is the difference between you and other therapists?