I discovered I wanted to teach after serving with an AmeriCorps- City Year Detroit program after I graduated from the University of Michigan in 2004. I pursued my master’s degree in Elementary Education in 2008 and graduated from Marygrove College with honors, Magnum Cum Laude, in 2011. I taught for 15 years and specialized in using Differentiated Instruction and Instructional Learning Cycles to close the achievement gap. Some of my students obtained up to 3 years of academic growth in one academic year. My passion for all students to excel, academically and socially, has driven my commitment to preparing myself to help all students. I am committed to make sure all students learn in an equitable and resourceful environment.  

After I transitioned from a successful teaching career, I began the journey of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2016. I worked as an ABA behavior technician and I discovered a new passion for students who learned differently. As a behavior technician I worked with students who had learning challenges such as communicating and transitioning to school. As I worked under the leadership of a BCBA, I learned skills that help children with functional communication training, self-injurious behaviors and executive functioning skills.  

 

For the last four years I have worked with students diagnosed with ASD, and have prepared them transition to a daycare or traditional classroom settings.  My behavior consulting training has included working with teachers and providing training on how to set attainable and functional behavior goals for students. As a Licensed Behavior Analyst, I conduct indirect and direct behavior assessments and write behavior goals, as well as train staff how to implement behavior analytic interventions and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). I also conduct functional analysis of behavior barriers to learning. My passion is working to support families of students with developmental disabilities to provide effective and ethical solutions to decrease problematic behaviors and increase socially appropriate replacement behaviors. 

 

My goal is to use the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, as an evidenced-based practice, to improve my business practices and expand Back-2-Basics Learning Centers and Complex Dynamics Integrated Health Services, an integrated network of health care services for children.