It all started with her.

          I started my journey with Autism and ABA therapy in 2010. After studying psychology and earning my bachelor's degree of science from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, I took a job as a behavior technician. That is when I fell in love with working one-on-one with children diagnosed with Autism and the science of ABA therapy. My passion continued to grow as I saw the meaningful impact treatment was having on these children and their families. I then moved up into the position of behavioral treatment therapist where I could have a bigger part in planning treatment programs.

          In 2016, I stepped back from my work to fully embrace motherhood. In a few short years, Hazel, Peyton, and Harrison became my whole world. During Hazel's first years, I began to see symptoms I was familiar with from my time delivering ABA therapy. I trusted my intuition and she was diagnosed with Autism Level 2-3 just before age 2. It was then that I got to experience ABA from the other side. We had therapists coming into our home full-time to help her. A few years later I trusted my intuition again and Harrison received his diagnosis of Autism Level 2. At that time, we had ABA therapy for both of them in our home. Autism and ABA were our new normal.

          In 2020, our family felt the impact COVID-19 was having on the job market. My husband and I switched roles and I resumed work as a behavioral treatment therapist. Something was different though. I had spent so much time experiencing the struggles these families encounter on a daily basis that I needed to do more. I enrolled in Ball State University and began to dream of starting my own clinic. In 2022, I completed the special education program with a certificate in ABA and graduated with a master's degree of arts. In May of 2023, I became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

          Fast forward to today and here we are. At the Hazel Grace Center for Autism, we are committed not only to helping your child thrive but to become a source of knowledge and support for you. We will focus on things that are most important to your family. We will help guide you to resources to make your life easier. We will also work with you to help reduce the stress that can sometimes feel insurmountable. Let us help you by going on this journey together.