4 THE SPECTRUM - Key Persons

Angel graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2015 and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience. She has been implementing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs and working with children on the spectrum for 6 years. Angel has a long history with data analysis, constantly analyzing the children's actions and daily habits. "A child on the spectrum experiences the world in a completely different way. I have the privilege of going on that journey and modifying their behavior in such a way that benefits them and allows them to better communicate with the world in which they live in."

Kate graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Developmental Family and Early Childhood studies with an emphasis in early childhood development and intervention in 2008. This has given her close to 10+ years of experience working with children on the autism spectrum and other developmental disabilities. Kate was introduced to Applied Behavior Analysis after graduation where she has trained many therapists and parents on how to implement and understand ABA programs for nearly eight years. In 2013, she received the Dallas Child "Mom Approved" therapist award. Kate currently serves as our Program Coordinator and is ProLoquo proficient. "I am inspired by what I have learned from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the impact it has on a family's life. The children I work with continue to teach me lessons, including accepting others and myself for who they are. Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain."

Maggie graduated from Indiana University in 2017 earning a Bachelors of Art degree in Anthropology. Throughout college she worked as a Direct Support Professional in a group home setting with adults with disabilities, and spent many volunteer training hours for adults and children with physical and developmental disabilities. After graduating she went on to work as a skills development specialist for a community mental health agency supporting elementary age children with various mental health needs for 3 and a half years. After moving to Texas in 2020 she started her journey with ABA. Maggie has always had a strong passion for helping others, it did not take long for her to realize this was the field for her. Recently, Maggie began her journey to obtain her Masters of Science in Psychology with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis. Maggie aspires to one day become a BCBA and is very excited to continue learning and growing from those around her. Her favorite quote is: "Be the change you wish to see in the world".

Nikki is highly regarded as an expert in the field of ABA for over 21 years. Several providers in the community got their start under the direction and guidance of Nikki. She not only prides herself in being an effective leader, consultant, trainer, wife, daughter, friend, but more importantly a mother. Being a mother has been the greatest gift on earth. As a mother of her son, Sonnier and daughter Sanaa, she understands the daily challenges of balancing family, work and life, as well as fighting for her children to get the very best education possible. Nikki discovered her love for working with kids as a teenager when she became a mentor for elementary students. Her biggest inspiration comes from both of her kids, but she discovered her passion for children with special needs when her younger cousin that her mom helped raise, was diagnosed with autism nearly 25 years ago. ABA was not prevalent as it is today, so her cousin was only able to access speech and occupational therapy services. Her cousin has turned out to be a beautiful young lady with some remaining challenges, but Nikki always wonder how would her cousin's skill level be if she were able to access ABA services when she was first diagnosed. Nikki is one of the first Licensed Behavior Analysts in the state of Texas. Nikki first became a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst (BCABA) in 2004 and later fully certified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2005. She completed her Master degree in Special Education with an Autism specialization in 2004 and her Bachelor of Science degree in Behavior Analysis with a minor in Psychology at the University of North Texas in 2002. Nikki began working with adults with special needs in 1997 and has over 19 years of experience. Nikki started under the tutelage of two nationally known professors in the Department of Behavior Analysis at UNT and thereafter received her supervision under the direction of regionally recognized Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Nikki is currently an advisory board member of Oakhill Academy and a Dallas Child Mom Approved ABA provider for 2015, 2016 and 2017. She provides parent, therapist and teacher training; creates behavior intervention programs for school classrooms, home and clinical settings; conducts functional assessments; develops and implements Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals; and participates in school Admission Review and Dismissal (ARD) meetings. Nikki is an active member of the International Association of Behavior Analysis, The Association of Professional Behavior Analysts and the Texas Association of Behavior Analysis. It has been Nikki's vision to create a warm, meaningful, reliable and supportive environment for the children and families we serve. With this in mind, she has made it her mission to help each of our families feel like an extended part of our family and that their voice counts. She recognizes when families discover their son or daughter has autism, it is devastating and very overwhelming. When families work with Nikki the amount of love, care, support and high level of transparency is very evident. Nikki's passion is to help children develop a love for learning. All too often we as adults take "time" and everyday skills that come natural or easy, for granted. She reminds herself daily time is of essence for our children and everything we do for them today will reflect how they will be tomorrow. When getting to the root of the behavior, she tells herself, "The Learner is Never Wrong." Her favorite quote is "A failure is not always a mistake, it may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying." -B.F. Skinner