Creating a compassionate Environment

Melissa creates a compassionate environment in which she and families work together to meet goals that are meaningful and socially relevant.

Melissa is a Chicago-based Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst who has been providing individualized direct ABA therapy since 2016.

“I believe we can accomplish great things and have fun while doing it, so I create positive treatment programs that we can enjoy together. From my years of teaching through to today, I help parents connect with school teams and advocate for their family.”

Melissa likes the work at Aspire Consulting because she has the ability to collaborate with families, meet each learner at their stage of development, and teach them the skills they need.

Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Illinois State University and holds a Special Education Learning Behavior Specialist certification.

serving Students

While in college, she was a Behavior Specialist for Northwest Special Recreation Association with children mainstreamed in their neighborhood summer camp. Throughout her career, she has worked with children from preschool to primary grades partnering with related therapeutic professionals.

As a former Special Education Teacher, she served students with a variety of disabilities and levels of functioning and the school district utilized her expertise as a consultant to interpret test results and create goals to drive effective Individualized Education Plans.

Melissa is a baker, an avid reader, and likes to walk by the lakefront with her dog “Banks.”

CERTIFICATIONS

Board Certified Behavior Analyst Certification, BCaBA

Licensed Behavior Specialist (TMH/PH, LBS1)

Registered Behavior Technician

ACADEMICS

Bachelor of Science in Education, Illinois State University, Normal

Licensed Behavior Special (TMH/PH)

PRACTICING SINCE

2012

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

PEAK: The Next Generation of ABA Therapy, 2015

Florida Institute of Technology Coursework, 2013 – 2014

Pyramid Approach Workshop and Communication Systems, 2004

Heartland’s ABCD Hand in Hand, Model Training for Supporting Children with Autism, 2003

Child and Infant, First Aid and CPR certified

CPI Safety and Crisis Prevention Training

Mandated Reporter Training

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

ASPIRE Consulting, Inc. 2012-present

Autism Home Support Services, 2015 – 2016

Behavioral & Educational Therapist, Aspire Consulting, Inc. 2012 -2015

Multiple Needs Teacher, CCDS 15 Conyers Learning Academy, 2007-2008

Citywide Autism Itinerant, Chicago Public Schools, 2004 - 2007

Special Education Teacher, NSSEO Mark Twain, 1997- 2004

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Illinois Special Olympics, Area 18, 1997-2004

Rett Syndrome Association of Illinois, Speaker on Circle of Friends Peer Program Implementation