OUR MISSION:
Bending Birch Behavioral Services is a team of highly trained professionals who strives to build upon identified strengths to empower individuals diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum and with related disabilities and their families to achieve optimal outcomes that enhance their quality of life. Our services focus on the use of a variety of behavioral and educational strategies in the home, school and community in collaboration with families and related service providers to get the best results for the individuals that we support. We design programs specifically for each individuals goals, objectives and abilities and We believe that everyone can achieve success with the appropriate resources, skills and knowledge.
Bending Birch Behavioral Services is a team of highly trained professionals who strives to build upon identified strengths to empower individuals diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum and with related disabilities and their families to achieve optimal outcomes that enhance their quality of life. Our services focus on the use of a variety of behavioral and educational strategies in the home, school and community in collaboration with families and related service providers to get the best results for the individuals that we support. We design programs specifically for each individuals goals, objectives and abilities and We believe that everyone can achieve success with the appropriate resources, skills and knowledge.
OUR TEAM
Julie Crabtree, MS, BCBA
Executive Director,
Julie earned her master's in applied behavior analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and has over 20 years experience working with children with special needs and their families. She earned certification as a Florida Certified Behavior Analyst in 1994 and received training from the Lovaas Clinic in intensive early intervention. Since that time Julie has worked with children and families affected by disabilities in home, community, private day school, and hospital settings, most recently founding an outreach program in the metro Washington DC area, Avail Outreach, that provides ABA therapy to individuals and families affected by autism.
Julie Crabtree, MS, BCBA
Executive Director,
Julie earned her master's in applied behavior analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and has over 20 years experience working with children with special needs and their families. She earned certification as a Florida Certified Behavior Analyst in 1994 and received training from the Lovaas Clinic in intensive early intervention. Since that time Julie has worked with children and families affected by disabilities in home, community, private day school, and hospital settings, most recently founding an outreach program in the metro Washington DC area, Avail Outreach, that provides ABA therapy to individuals and families affected by autism.
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Robert Crabtree
Managing Director Robert is the Managing Director at Bending Birch in Colorado and Avail Outreach in Virginia. He earned a Bachelor's Degree from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio and his Master's Degree from John's Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. He has over 25 years of strategic, operational and human resource management experience in the private sector. He is passionate about making a difference in the lives of the families his companies serve and about playing hockey, hiking with his dogs Ajax & Cleo, skiing and volunteering in his community. |
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Ellen Vandelaar, M.Ed., BCBA
Clinical Director
Ellen completed her undergraduate degree in Special Education at Texas A&M University and her masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education with an emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Upon graduating, Ellen worked as a BCBA in Nashville providing support in home and in school for 2 years before moving to Denver and joining the Bending Birch team. In her free time she loves to cook, go hiking with her dog, and travel.
Clinical Director
Ellen completed her undergraduate degree in Special Education at Texas A&M University and her masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education with an emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Upon graduating, Ellen worked as a BCBA in Nashville providing support in home and in school for 2 years before moving to Denver and joining the Bending Birch team. In her free time she loves to cook, go hiking with her dog, and travel.
Hannah Larson-Zody, MS, BCBA
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Hannah recently graduated with her Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University in May 2020. Before being introduced to the world of ABA, Hannah graduated from University of Colorado, Boulder with her B.A in Speech, Language and, Hearing Science and worked as a speech pathology assistant for a year. While working on her M.Ed., she worked as a lead therapist at Joshua Early Childhood Center. Hannah is a Colorado native and in her free time loves to bake, go on runs, and spend time with her friends and family.
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Hannah recently graduated with her Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University in May 2020. Before being introduced to the world of ABA, Hannah graduated from University of Colorado, Boulder with her B.A in Speech, Language and, Hearing Science and worked as a speech pathology assistant for a year. While working on her M.Ed., she worked as a lead therapist at Joshua Early Childhood Center. Hannah is a Colorado native and in her free time loves to bake, go on runs, and spend time with her friends and family.
Whitney Bergman, MS, BCBA
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Whitney graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver with Bachelors in Psychology in May of 2014. She has experience working with individuals with ASD and other related developmental disorders between the ages of 2 and 21. Following school, Whitney began working at The Joshua School as Job Coach in the Transition Program; providing ABA services to learn skills of daily living and support students in vocational settings. In 2015 she began providing in home ABA services as a Behavior Therapist and became a BCBA in 2021.
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Whitney graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver with Bachelors in Psychology in May of 2014. She has experience working with individuals with ASD and other related developmental disorders between the ages of 2 and 21. Following school, Whitney began working at The Joshua School as Job Coach in the Transition Program; providing ABA services to learn skills of daily living and support students in vocational settings. In 2015 she began providing in home ABA services as a Behavior Therapist and became a BCBA in 2021.
Melissa Martin, MS, BCBA
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Melissa, a Colorado local native, graduated with her B.A. in Psychology at the University of Colorado Denver. Melissa has always had a passion for mental health and is excited to return to school to further her education in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Having a family member on the spectrum is what initially inspired Melissa to become an RBT, but she has fallen in love with the field and is excited for a future in ABA. Melissa completed her Masters Program at Ball State University in Applied Behavior Analysis and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in October of 2022. In her free time, Melissa enjoys playing guitar, drums and piano and loves spending time with her fur-babies and fish. Melissa is thankful and thrilled to be a part of the Bending Birch team!
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Melissa, a Colorado local native, graduated with her B.A. in Psychology at the University of Colorado Denver. Melissa has always had a passion for mental health and is excited to return to school to further her education in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Having a family member on the spectrum is what initially inspired Melissa to become an RBT, but she has fallen in love with the field and is excited for a future in ABA. Melissa completed her Masters Program at Ball State University in Applied Behavior Analysis and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in October of 2022. In her free time, Melissa enjoys playing guitar, drums and piano and loves spending time with her fur-babies and fish. Melissa is thankful and thrilled to be a part of the Bending Birch team!
Hayley Meacham, BA, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Hayley is a graduate of the University of Washington where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in 2013. She has taught children of all ages and backgrounds since. Hayley gets immeasurable joy from watching her kiddos learn new skills and loves having the opportunity to help them reach their fullest potential and achieve their goals. Hayley joined Bending Birch in 2020 as a Behavior Therapist.
Registered Behavior Technician
Hayley is a graduate of the University of Washington where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in 2013. She has taught children of all ages and backgrounds since. Hayley gets immeasurable joy from watching her kiddos learn new skills and loves having the opportunity to help them reach their fullest potential and achieve their goals. Hayley joined Bending Birch in 2020 as a Behavior Therapist.
Emma Benington, BA, Behavioral Neuroscience and Dance
Registered Behavior Technician, Clinical Supervisor Intern
Emma graduated from Connecticut College in May of 2020 with a BA in Behavioral Neuroscience and Dance. She grew up in Portland, Maine, and moved to Denver, Colorado to start her career in ABA. She is fascinated by neuropsychology and looks forward to a career expanding her knowledge in the field with relation to developmental disorders. In her free time, she loves to hike, rock climb, trail run, write music, and take dance classes!
Registered Behavior Technician, Clinical Supervisor Intern
Emma graduated from Connecticut College in May of 2020 with a BA in Behavioral Neuroscience and Dance. She grew up in Portland, Maine, and moved to Denver, Colorado to start her career in ABA. She is fascinated by neuropsychology and looks forward to a career expanding her knowledge in the field with relation to developmental disorders. In her free time, she loves to hike, rock climb, trail run, write music, and take dance classes!
Samantha "Sam" Glassman, MA, Applied Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Sam graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder with a Bachelor's in Psychology in May of 2013. She lived in the south of France for a year, after college, before returning to Colorado where she went back to school to complete her graduate degree in Applied Psychology from Regis University in 2018. Sam worked with children from ages 8 to 18 at a residential mental health facility before becoming a Behavior Therapist for Bending Birch. Here, her passion has grown immensely for helping children with ASD to become their absolute best selves. Sam has been inspired to continue her education in the field of ABA and is currently in a graduate program at Florida Institute of Technology where she is driven to earn her BCBA credentials. Sam recently got married and resides in Denver with her husband. They enjoy all sports activities, board games, live music and spending time with their families and friends.
Registered Behavior Technician
Sam graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder with a Bachelor's in Psychology in May of 2013. She lived in the south of France for a year, after college, before returning to Colorado where she went back to school to complete her graduate degree in Applied Psychology from Regis University in 2018. Sam worked with children from ages 8 to 18 at a residential mental health facility before becoming a Behavior Therapist for Bending Birch. Here, her passion has grown immensely for helping children with ASD to become their absolute best selves. Sam has been inspired to continue her education in the field of ABA and is currently in a graduate program at Florida Institute of Technology where she is driven to earn her BCBA credentials. Sam recently got married and resides in Denver with her husband. They enjoy all sports activities, board games, live music and spending time with their families and friends.
Marissa Stinson, BA Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Marissa graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Marissa worked with children ages 10-18 in a residential mental health facility and became interested in children with developmental as well as mental health disorders. She discovered ABA and received her RBT credentials after joining Bending Birch. She now plans to study at Vanderbilt University in the Child Studies program and earn her BCBA credentials. Marissa says working at Bending Birch continues to be an inspiring experience.
Registered Behavior Technician
Marissa graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Marissa worked with children ages 10-18 in a residential mental health facility and became interested in children with developmental as well as mental health disorders. She discovered ABA and received her RBT credentials after joining Bending Birch. She now plans to study at Vanderbilt University in the Child Studies program and earn her BCBA credentials. Marissa says working at Bending Birch continues to be an inspiring experience.
Olivia Bailey, M.Ed, Special Education, Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Registered Behavior Technician
Olivia graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South in 2019 with a BA in psychology and received a masters in special education and autism and developmental disabilities from The University of Texas at Austin in 2021. Olivia developed a passion for working with individuals with developmental disabilities while working for a family in her hometown. While in undergrad, she continued to pursue this through research and working with children with special needs in different areas until finding ABA. Olivia finds joy in helping kids reach their goals and maximizing their therapy experience. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, spending time with friends and family, cooking, reading, and seeing live music.
Registered Behavior Technician
Olivia graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South in 2019 with a BA in psychology and received a masters in special education and autism and developmental disabilities from The University of Texas at Austin in 2021. Olivia developed a passion for working with individuals with developmental disabilities while working for a family in her hometown. While in undergrad, she continued to pursue this through research and working with children with special needs in different areas until finding ABA. Olivia finds joy in helping kids reach their goals and maximizing their therapy experience. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, spending time with friends and family, cooking, reading, and seeing live music.
Carol Welch, BS Child Development
Registered Behavior Technician
Carol graduated from Texas Woman’s University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development. During her time in school, she worked at an art museum in Houston, where she gave art tours to elementary school students. After hearing more about the ABA world, Carol moved to Denver to join the Bending Birch team as an RBT. She loves art, books, road trips, and live music!
Registered Behavior Technician
Carol graduated from Texas Woman’s University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development. During her time in school, she worked at an art museum in Houston, where she gave art tours to elementary school students. After hearing more about the ABA world, Carol moved to Denver to join the Bending Birch team as an RBT. She loves art, books, road trips, and live music!
Gabby Weiss, BA, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Gabby graduated from Colorado State University in May of 2022 with her B.A. in Psychology. During her time in school, she worked at a daycare, through which she discovered the RBT profession and after graduation decided to explore it as a career. This brought her to Bending Birch which combines her love of working with children and passion for mental health. In her free time Gabby enjoys reading, going to the movies, and traveling.
Registered Behavior Technician
Gabby graduated from Colorado State University in May of 2022 with her B.A. in Psychology. During her time in school, she worked at a daycare, through which she discovered the RBT profession and after graduation decided to explore it as a career. This brought her to Bending Birch which combines her love of working with children and passion for mental health. In her free time Gabby enjoys reading, going to the movies, and traveling.
Lauren Aillet, BS Early Childhood Special Education
Registered Behavior Technician
Lauren is originally from Lafayette Louisiana but recently moved to Denver to pursue her career in ABA after seeing the benefits of Applied Behavior Analysis with a former student. In 2019, she earned a degree in Early Childhood Special Education with an add on certification in Early Intervention (birth to 5) from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. After graduating, Lauren worked as an Early Childhood Special Education Inclusion teacher for 3.5 year before deciding to pursue her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis. Lauren is very passionate about educating others on the benefits that Inclusion has on individuals with and without disabilities. She is currently in a Masters Program at Ball State University with a desire to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Lauren's hobbies include being outdoors, going on hikes, camping, working out, playing golf with her dad and friends, cooking, eating good food, and spending time with her dog Cheddar!
Registered Behavior Technician
Lauren is originally from Lafayette Louisiana but recently moved to Denver to pursue her career in ABA after seeing the benefits of Applied Behavior Analysis with a former student. In 2019, she earned a degree in Early Childhood Special Education with an add on certification in Early Intervention (birth to 5) from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. After graduating, Lauren worked as an Early Childhood Special Education Inclusion teacher for 3.5 year before deciding to pursue her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis. Lauren is very passionate about educating others on the benefits that Inclusion has on individuals with and without disabilities. She is currently in a Masters Program at Ball State University with a desire to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Lauren's hobbies include being outdoors, going on hikes, camping, working out, playing golf with her dad and friends, cooking, eating good food, and spending time with her dog Cheddar!
Hannah Hunter, BA Special Education
Registered Behavior Technician
Hannah is originally from Georgia and had the opportunity to tutor in a special education classroom when she was in high school. This opportunity sparked Hannah's interest in working and helping kids with neuro-divergent differences. She graduated from the University of West Georgia in 2016 with her B.A in Special Education. Hannah was an elementary school teacher for 6 years before deciding to pursue a career in ABA therapy. In her free time she likes to spend time with my friends, play with her cats, and go hiking.
Registered Behavior Technician
Hannah is originally from Georgia and had the opportunity to tutor in a special education classroom when she was in high school. This opportunity sparked Hannah's interest in working and helping kids with neuro-divergent differences. She graduated from the University of West Georgia in 2016 with her B.A in Special Education. Hannah was an elementary school teacher for 6 years before deciding to pursue a career in ABA therapy. In her free time she likes to spend time with my friends, play with her cats, and go hiking.
Octaviana (Ana) Pacheco, BA Social Work
Registered Behavior Technician
Ana, is originally from South Florida and recently decided to move to Denver after visiting her best friend in Colorado. She recently graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor's in Social Work, Ana is looking forward to obtaining her Master’s Degree in Behavioral Health. She has worked as a nurse for 6 years, as a home health pediatric nurse and dermatology nurse. Her interest in ABA began after working for six years with a pediatric patient with autism. Ana has two relatives with Autism who she enjoys spending time with outside work. One of her favorite quotes by Dr. Stephen Shore is “When you meet one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism”. Bending Birch Behavioral Services has taught her that each child is unique and deserves a distinctive treatment plan or protocol. As hobbies, Ana enjoys spending time with family and friends. She enjoys helping her parents with their plant business, serving at her church and community, attending car or truck shows, cooking, taking long drives to enjoy nature, and traveling.
Registered Behavior Technician
Ana, is originally from South Florida and recently decided to move to Denver after visiting her best friend in Colorado. She recently graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor's in Social Work, Ana is looking forward to obtaining her Master’s Degree in Behavioral Health. She has worked as a nurse for 6 years, as a home health pediatric nurse and dermatology nurse. Her interest in ABA began after working for six years with a pediatric patient with autism. Ana has two relatives with Autism who she enjoys spending time with outside work. One of her favorite quotes by Dr. Stephen Shore is “When you meet one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism”. Bending Birch Behavioral Services has taught her that each child is unique and deserves a distinctive treatment plan or protocol. As hobbies, Ana enjoys spending time with family and friends. She enjoys helping her parents with their plant business, serving at her church and community, attending car or truck shows, cooking, taking long drives to enjoy nature, and traveling.
Alexandra (Alex) Carreon, BA Psychology
Alex is originally from Los Angeles, California. She is completing her education from University of Colorado with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and minors in Business and Communication. After volunteering at a pediatric therapy clinic for four years, she became passionate about ABA therapy. Alex enjoys reading, attending concerts, and playing with her dog.
Alex is originally from Los Angeles, California. She is completing her education from University of Colorado with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and minors in Business and Communication. After volunteering at a pediatric therapy clinic for four years, she became passionate about ABA therapy. Alex enjoys reading, attending concerts, and playing with her dog.
Christina Kirkutis, BA Special Education
Christina was born and raised in Colorado. In May of 2020 she graduated from University of Northern Colorado with a degree in Special Education. Christina was a teacher for 2.5 years before pursuing a career in ABA as an RBT. Christina is passionate about helping others and creating opportunities for inclusion in all settings. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, hiking, going to concerts, and paddle boarding.
Christina was born and raised in Colorado. In May of 2020 she graduated from University of Northern Colorado with a degree in Special Education. Christina was a teacher for 2.5 years before pursuing a career in ABA as an RBT. Christina is passionate about helping others and creating opportunities for inclusion in all settings. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with friends, hiking, going to concerts, and paddle boarding.
