About Me
Hi, I’m Laura!
I started in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in 2011 working at an in-home agency. After getting my masters and BCBA in 2015, I spent nearly 6 years in public school districts in the Bay Area. Since the end of 2020, I have returned to in-home and community-based ABA, prioritizing trauma-informed and neurodivergent-affirming strategies. Using a play-based, child-led model ensures the child wants to engage and when the child is motivated, the most learning and interaction occurs.
I also enjoy mentoring and training new and experienced staff to think creatively and update the techniques they use.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my dog, Benji, cooking, DIY and art projects, going to Disneyland and Universal Studios, and spending time with family and friends. I born and raised in the Bay Area and love helping the families that live here.
Benji
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B.A. Psychology - UC Santa Barbara
M.A. Professional Behavior Analysis - Florida Institute of Technology
Ackerman Behavior Consulting, LLC - Owner
Experience
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Founded in 2024.
After nearly 15 years in the industry, I have seen it all. Working in agencies that do not share my approach (play-based, child-led, neurodivergent-affirming, and trauma-informed) led me to start my own company to make the change I would love to see in the ABA industry.
Services focus on Independent Educational Evaluations - Functional Behavior Assessments (IEE FBA), parent support, and school collaboration, among others.
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March 2023-December 2024
Managed a caseload of up to 25 clients in a value-based care 3-tier model, focused on improving client outcomes while ensuring treatment hours are effective and efficient
Grew the sub-region in the South Bay from <10 clients to 25+ via intakes and assessments
Provided on-going supervision to RBTs and Program Supervisors to satisfy BACB requirements
Mentored Program Supervisors in their current roles to meet BCBA hours requirements and BCBAs with less than two years of experience
Facilitated collaboration with other service providers and IEP team members for clients
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November 2021-March 2023
Songbird was acquired by Kyo in March 2023.
Created and modified protocols, systems, and trainings to ensure clear expectations across teams
Created systems for data tracking and team management across teams and departments
Measured and reported on clients and staff using various assessments and data collection methods
Grew the South Bay Region from by 300%+ clients via outreach, intakes, and assessments
Provided training in-person and via telehealth for BTs, parents, and other professionals
Mentored BTs and BCBAs in the South Bay Region
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March 2021 - November 2021
Measured and reported on clients and staff using various assessments and data collection methods for 2-tier, 3- tier, and parent training cases
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September 2015-November 2020
Lead a team of 15+ Behavior Interventionists, serving as the main point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including Senior Level District Staff
Provided training in-person and via telehealth to entry level staff through industry professionals for groups up to 100 people
As a Safety-Care Trainer certified by QBS, trained district employees to ensure safety for students and staff during daily activities and behavioral escalations
Mentor and main point of contact for Supervisors, Special Education with less than two years of experience Part of a multi-disciplinary team responsible for implementing and creating students IEPs
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January 2015-August 2015
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March 2011 - December 2015
Let me tell you about my approach
Neurodivergent Friendly
Trauma Informed
Child-Led and Play-based
Focus on Changing the Environment, Not the Child
Sensory Needs are Real Needs
Successful Across Behavior and Settings
Collaboration and Consistency is Key
