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 30 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, previously founding an outreach program in the metro Washington DC area that provided 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 30 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, previously founding an outreach program in the metro Washington DC area that provided ABA therapy to individuals and families affected by autism.
|
Robert Crabtree
Managing Director Robert is the Managing Director here at Bending Birch. 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 company serves and about playing hockey, hiking with his dogs Ajax & Cleo, skiing and volunteering in his community. |
|
Melissa Martin, MS, BCBA
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Melissa graduated with her B.A. in Psychology at the University of Colorado Denver in 2019 and received her master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University in October of 2022. Having a family member on the spectrum initially inspired Melissa to pursue a career in the field of ABA. Melissa has been a member of the Bending Birch Team since August 2019 and values the connections she has made and continues to make with her clients and the Bending Birch Family.
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Melissa graduated with her B.A. in Psychology at the University of Colorado Denver in 2019 and received her master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University in October of 2022. Having a family member on the spectrum initially inspired Melissa to pursue a career in the field of ABA. Melissa has been a member of the Bending Birch Team since August 2019 and values the connections she has made and continues to make with her clients and the Bending Birch Family.
Emma Benington, MS, BCBA
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
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. Emma completed her Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from FIT in 2023. 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!
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
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. Emma completed her Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from FIT in 2023. 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!
Lauryn Rumisek, MS, BCBA, LBA
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Lauryn graduated from Western Michigan University in May 2020, earning a B.S in Psychology and a B.A in Sociology with a focus in Social Psychology. During her time as an undergraduate, she worked as a teaching assistant alongside a professor teaching Abnormal Psychology, earned a spot on the Dean’s List for two consecutive years, and won a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Writing Prize awarded by The College of Arts and Sciences. After graduation, she relocated to Arlington Virginia and joined our team at Avail Outreach. She completed her Master’s Degree in Behavioral Science in 2023 and became a BCBA in July. She and her fiancé moved to Colorado in October and she is elated to be a part of the team of professionals at Bending Birch, and looks forward to leaving positive impacts on children’s lives.
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Lauryn graduated from Western Michigan University in May 2020, earning a B.S in Psychology and a B.A in Sociology with a focus in Social Psychology. During her time as an undergraduate, she worked as a teaching assistant alongside a professor teaching Abnormal Psychology, earned a spot on the Dean’s List for two consecutive years, and won a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Writing Prize awarded by The College of Arts and Sciences. After graduation, she relocated to Arlington Virginia and joined our team at Avail Outreach. She completed her Master’s Degree in Behavioral Science in 2023 and became a BCBA in July. She and her fiancé moved to Colorado in October and she is elated to be a part of the team of professionals at Bending Birch, and looks forward to leaving positive impacts on children’s lives.
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.
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 is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at FIT and will soon become a BCBA. 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 is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at FIT and will soon become a BCBA. She loves art, books, road trips, and live music!
Alexandra (Alex) Carreon, BA Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
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.
Registered Behavior Technician
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.
Allison Arrendondo, Biochemistry
Registered Behavior Technician
As a four year member of the National Honor Society, Allison is studying Biochemisty at Metro State in Denver under a CBS4 STEM scholarship program with an eye towards Med School. Prior to joining Bending Birch she completed Internships at Denver Indian Health and Family Services and the Office of Children's Affairs. She is a Boxing Coach for kids at Topiera Boxing Club and is a world class baker in her spare time.
Registered Behavior Technician
As a four year member of the National Honor Society, Allison is studying Biochemisty at Metro State in Denver under a CBS4 STEM scholarship program with an eye towards Med School. Prior to joining Bending Birch she completed Internships at Denver Indian Health and Family Services and the Office of Children's Affairs. She is a Boxing Coach for kids at Topiera Boxing Club and is a world class baker in her spare time.
Shelly Laman, BA, Psychology
BCBA Intern - Registered Behavior Technician
Shelly graduated from University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2019 with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Human Services. She is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from FIT and is about to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Shelly was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada but recently made the move out to the Denver area for a change of scenery and pace. She has been working as an RBT since 2018, and is extremely passionate about working with individuals diagnosed with developmental and learning disabilities. In her free time, Shelly enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
BCBA Intern - Registered Behavior Technician
Shelly graduated from University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2019 with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Human Services. She is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from FIT and is about to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Shelly was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada but recently made the move out to the Denver area for a change of scenery and pace. She has been working as an RBT since 2018, and is extremely passionate about working with individuals diagnosed with developmental and learning disabilities. In her free time, Shelly enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Jasmine Stevenson, BS, Behavioral Sciences
Registered Behavior Technician
Jasmine was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. She recently moved to Colorado and continued her career path in ABA services as a Registered Behavior Technician. Jasmine received her education in Behavioral Sciences at the University of New Orleans and plans to continue her education in childhood education/development. She began working with children as an in-school art instructor and grew a desire to work with children at all stages of development. In 2022, she began working as a behavior therapist for children with ASD in New Orleans. She provided ABA services in school, clinic, and home settings. Jasmine spent her early years caring for her siblings and babysitting any opportunity she got. Jasmine is thrilled to pursue her love for ABA in Colorado with the amazing Bending Birch team. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her dogs, go on outdoor adventures, dancing, and creating art.
Registered Behavior Technician
Jasmine was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. She recently moved to Colorado and continued her career path in ABA services as a Registered Behavior Technician. Jasmine received her education in Behavioral Sciences at the University of New Orleans and plans to continue her education in childhood education/development. She began working with children as an in-school art instructor and grew a desire to work with children at all stages of development. In 2022, she began working as a behavior therapist for children with ASD in New Orleans. She provided ABA services in school, clinic, and home settings. Jasmine spent her early years caring for her siblings and babysitting any opportunity she got. Jasmine is thrilled to pursue her love for ABA in Colorado with the amazing Bending Birch team. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her dogs, go on outdoor adventures, dancing, and creating art.
Bree Ward, BA, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Bree graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a BA in Psychology. After graduation, she began working as a Behavior Technician, where she developed a deep passion for working with individuals on the autism spectrum. In 2021, she moved to Colorado to explore new opportunities and enjoy the outdoors. Passionate about helping others, Bree has been working as an RBT and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for their clients. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, freediving, backpacking, and exploring nature.
Registered Behavior Technician
Bree graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a BA in Psychology. After graduation, she began working as a Behavior Technician, where she developed a deep passion for working with individuals on the autism spectrum. In 2021, she moved to Colorado to explore new opportunities and enjoy the outdoors. Passionate about helping others, Bree has been working as an RBT and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for their clients. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, freediving, backpacking, and exploring nature.
Ashlyn Stefanov, BA, Psychology and Criminology
Registered Behavior Technician
Ashlyn graduated from Penn State University in 2023 with BA degrees in Psychology and Criminology, and a minor in Anthropology. She had three years of experience as a preschool teacher before joining the Bending Birch team in 2024. Ashlyn is originally from Pittsburgh and relocated to Denver. In her free time, she enjoys live music, reading, and crocheting.
Registered Behavior Technician
Ashlyn graduated from Penn State University in 2023 with BA degrees in Psychology and Criminology, and a minor in Anthropology. She had three years of experience as a preschool teacher before joining the Bending Birch team in 2024. Ashlyn is originally from Pittsburgh and relocated to Denver. In her free time, she enjoys live music, reading, and crocheting.
Benjamin (Ben) Haisley, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Born and raised in Colorado, Ben is completing his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology and Religious Studies, at the University of Denver. He actively volunteers with the Rose Andom Center for survivors of domestic violence and teaches yoga through the center. During his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball, piano, and reading
Registered Behavior Technician
Born and raised in Colorado, Ben is completing his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology and Religious Studies, at the University of Denver. He actively volunteers with the Rose Andom Center for survivors of domestic violence and teaches yoga through the center. During his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball, piano, and reading
Nyakaisiki (Lillian) Wiederholt, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Lillian was born in Fort Portal, Uganda. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Africana Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She has always been passionate about understanding people and helping others thrive especially children and underserved communities. Her experiences working with the unhoused community through Mutual Aid Monday, with kids through nonprofits like Crazy Love Africa, and other creative programs have strengthened her desire to support growth and leave a positive impact on children’s lives. In her free time she loves to spend time in nature, read a good book, and spend time with friends.
Registered Behavior Technician
Lillian was born in Fort Portal, Uganda. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Africana Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She has always been passionate about understanding people and helping others thrive especially children and underserved communities. Her experiences working with the unhoused community through Mutual Aid Monday, with kids through nonprofits like Crazy Love Africa, and other creative programs have strengthened her desire to support growth and leave a positive impact on children’s lives. In her free time she loves to spend time in nature, read a good book, and spend time with friends.
Ariana Rubi, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Ariana graduated from the University of Denver in 2024 with a BA degree in Psychology and minors in History and Critical Race and Ethnic Studies. She previously worked in a psychology research lab focused on children and the effects television had on their interactions with one another, which peaked her interest in working with children. She volunteered with Casa de Paz to aid individuals released from the GEO detention center in Aurora. During her free time she enjoys reading, going to the movies and spending time with her family and friends.
Registered Behavior Technician
Ariana graduated from the University of Denver in 2024 with a BA degree in Psychology and minors in History and Critical Race and Ethnic Studies. She previously worked in a psychology research lab focused on children and the effects television had on their interactions with one another, which peaked her interest in working with children. She volunteered with Casa de Paz to aid individuals released from the GEO detention center in Aurora. During her free time she enjoys reading, going to the movies and spending time with her family and friends.
Regan Vandervelde, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Regan is a native of Denver and earned her Bachelors Degree in Psychology with a dual minor in Applied Behavior Analysis and Neuroscience from the University of Kansas. Prior to joining Bending Birch she work a preschool specializing in ABA and as a Camp Counselor over several summers. She enjoys skiing, hiking, concerts, camping and traveling when not hanging out helping the kiddos she loves.
Registered Behavior Technician
Regan is a native of Denver and earned her Bachelors Degree in Psychology with a dual minor in Applied Behavior Analysis and Neuroscience from the University of Kansas. Prior to joining Bending Birch she work a preschool specializing in ABA and as a Camp Counselor over several summers. She enjoys skiing, hiking, concerts, camping and traveling when not hanging out helping the kiddos she loves.
Amanda Johnson, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
After getting her Bachelors Degree from the University of Phoenix, Amanda worked for 10 years as a Case Manager for adults on the Autism Spectrum before joining Bending Birch. She is passionate about working in the field with this population and is looking forward to growing her knowledge and skills with younger kiddos. She is an avid Tik Tok content creator and livestreams every morning with her two cats and dog whom she considers her own furry kiddos.
Registered Behavior Technician
After getting her Bachelors Degree from the University of Phoenix, Amanda worked for 10 years as a Case Manager for adults on the Autism Spectrum before joining Bending Birch. She is passionate about working in the field with this population and is looking forward to growing her knowledge and skills with younger kiddos. She is an avid Tik Tok content creator and livestreams every morning with her two cats and dog whom she considers her own furry kiddos.
Ayanna Martinez, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Ayanna was born in Tucson Arizona but moved to Colorado when she was 8, so she’s basically a Colorado native. She is currently attending school at the Metropolitan State University of Denver earning her bachelors degree in Psychology. Ayanna has always been passionate about helping people accomplish their goals and becoming the best version of themselves. Ayanna spent some of her time in the dental field as a dental assistant but found that her true passion lies with therapy. In her free time she enjoys thrifting, playing the ukulele and spending time with her family.
Registered Behavior Technician
Ayanna was born in Tucson Arizona but moved to Colorado when she was 8, so she’s basically a Colorado native. She is currently attending school at the Metropolitan State University of Denver earning her bachelors degree in Psychology. Ayanna has always been passionate about helping people accomplish their goals and becoming the best version of themselves. Ayanna spent some of her time in the dental field as a dental assistant but found that her true passion lies with therapy. In her free time she enjoys thrifting, playing the ukulele and spending time with her family.
Rachel Brown, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Rachel graduated from the University of Florida in 2024 with a BS in Psychology and a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. She began working with children with pediatric feeding disorders at the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment. Rachel is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of South Florida. Rachel recently relocated to Colorado and joined the Bending Birch team! In her free time, she likes to go hiking, listen to music, and play with her cat.
Registered Behavior Technician
Rachel graduated from the University of Florida in 2024 with a BS in Psychology and a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. She began working with children with pediatric feeding disorders at the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment. Rachel is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of South Florida. Rachel recently relocated to Colorado and joined the Bending Birch team! In her free time, she likes to go hiking, listen to music, and play with her cat.
Paige LaFountain, Exercise Science
Registered Behavior Technician
Paige was born in Portland, Oregon. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from Linfield University where she played basketball. After graduating in 2023, she moved to Denver and has been spending most of her time coaching/training young boys and girls in basketball. She is passionate about making connections with youth through athletics and now in ABA. In her free time, she loves to watch and play basketball, spend time with friends, and read.
Registered Behavior Technician
Paige was born in Portland, Oregon. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from Linfield University where she played basketball. After graduating in 2023, she moved to Denver and has been spending most of her time coaching/training young boys and girls in basketball. She is passionate about making connections with youth through athletics and now in ABA. In her free time, she loves to watch and play basketball, spend time with friends, and read.
Madison Riley, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Madison graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and an minor in Forensic Studies. She first became a Registered Behavior Technician while working in Alabama after completing her degree. She moved to Colorado and joined Bending Birch so she could continue to provide therapy to children diagnosed with Autism and to continue working to provide them with opportunities have the highest quality of life possible. In her free time, Madison enjoys hiking and outdoor activities, reading, spending time with her cats and taking care of her plants.
Registered Behavior Technician
Madison graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and an minor in Forensic Studies. She first became a Registered Behavior Technician while working in Alabama after completing her degree. She moved to Colorado and joined Bending Birch so she could continue to provide therapy to children diagnosed with Autism and to continue working to provide them with opportunities have the highest quality of life possible. In her free time, Madison enjoys hiking and outdoor activities, reading, spending time with her cats and taking care of her plants.
Amy Selby, BA Social Work, MA Divinity
Behavior Therapist
Amy is a Colorado native. She has a BA in Social Work, minor in Math from Colorado State University and a Masters of Divinity from Denver Seminary. She has a wide variety of experience with people of different ages, abilities and backgrounds. In looking for a change of career, she was drawn to working with kids. She has many friends who have neurodivergent children and has been interested in the best ways to support them. Bending Birch came highly recommended from her daughter who has also worked here. In her free time, Amy enjoys hiking, backpacking, biking, reading, and hanging out with family and her dogs.
Behavior Therapist
Amy is a Colorado native. She has a BA in Social Work, minor in Math from Colorado State University and a Masters of Divinity from Denver Seminary. She has a wide variety of experience with people of different ages, abilities and backgrounds. In looking for a change of career, she was drawn to working with kids. She has many friends who have neurodivergent children and has been interested in the best ways to support them. Bending Birch came highly recommended from her daughter who has also worked here. In her free time, Amy enjoys hiking, backpacking, biking, reading, and hanging out with family and her dogs.
