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 dog Ajax, skiing and volunteering in his community. |
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Megan Yarnall, BCBA, MA
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Megan received her Bachelors Degree from Dickinson College and her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. After teaching English in Italy just after graduation, Megan began her career as a Behavior Therapist in 2014. She pursued her dual interest as a Marriage and Family Therapist while in graduate school and relocated back to Colorado in 2016. She recently completed her supervision requirements and passed her BCBA Board Examination to become Bending Birch's news BCBA. Megan is an avid and accomplished climber who has explored much of the wild terrain in Colorado. We are thrilled and proud of all that Megan has accomplished.
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Megan received her Bachelors Degree from Dickinson College and her Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. After teaching English in Italy just after graduation, Megan began her career as a Behavior Therapist in 2014. She pursued her dual interest as a Marriage and Family Therapist while in graduate school and relocated back to Colorado in 2016. She recently completed her supervision requirements and passed her BCBA Board Examination to become Bending Birch's news BCBA. Megan is an avid and accomplished climber who has explored much of the wild terrain in Colorado. We are thrilled and proud of all that Megan has accomplished.
Cassandra Mathias, MS, BCBA
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Cassandra has been active in the field of Behavior Analysis since 2013. She received her Bachelors Degree in Forensic Psychology from St. Ambrose University in 2011 and her Masters Degree in Psychology with a specialty in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2014. She is a member of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology and has participated in several academic presentations and research projects. After relocating to Colorado in 2014, Cassandra has taken on ever increasing roles and responsibilities in the field and in her practice.
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Cassandra has been active in the field of Behavior Analysis since 2013. She received her Bachelors Degree in Forensic Psychology from St. Ambrose University in 2011 and her Masters Degree in Psychology with a specialty in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2014. She is a member of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology and has participated in several academic presentations and research projects. After relocating to Colorado in 2014, Cassandra has taken on ever increasing roles and responsibilities in the field and in her practice.
Quincy Richter, MS, BCBA
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Quincy completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and his graduate degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis at Arizona State University. He has worked in a variety of settings (e.g., home, school, group home, community) with individuals diagnosed with Autism and related disorders. Currently, he is a member of the Arizona Association for Behavior Analysts, Colorado Association for Behavior Analysts, and previously a member of the Canine Science Collaboratory at Arizona State, Finding a Voice (Siena Francis Homeless Shelter), and other voluntary outreach groups. Quincy has passion in teaching individuals functional communication, daily living skills, social skills, and expanding his knowledge and expertise in multiple areas of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Quincy completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and his graduate degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis at Arizona State University. He has worked in a variety of settings (e.g., home, school, group home, community) with individuals diagnosed with Autism and related disorders. Currently, he is a member of the Arizona Association for Behavior Analysts, Colorado Association for Behavior Analysts, and previously a member of the Canine Science Collaboratory at Arizona State, Finding a Voice (Siena Francis Homeless Shelter), and other voluntary outreach groups. Quincy has passion in teaching individuals functional communication, daily living skills, social skills, and expanding his knowledge and expertise in multiple areas of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Arielle Reindeau, MS, BCBA
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Arielle obtained her Undergraduate Degree, a B.A. in Psychology, from Providence College. She then completed a year of service with City Year Inc. at their San Jose location, providing 1 on 1 support and after school behavior coaching. Arielle began in the field in 2013 as a Behavior Therapist in an inclusive preschool. In 2015, she completed her Master's Degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis at Simmons College. Arielle has spent the last several years practicing in the field on the East Coast in both the home and school setting. She is excited to work in a new environment to assist in promoting socially significant improvements.
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Arielle obtained her Undergraduate Degree, a B.A. in Psychology, from Providence College. She then completed a year of service with City Year Inc. at their San Jose location, providing 1 on 1 support and after school behavior coaching. Arielle began in the field in 2013 as a Behavior Therapist in an inclusive preschool. In 2015, she completed her Master's Degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis at Simmons College. Arielle has spent the last several years practicing in the field on the East Coast in both the home and school setting. She is excited to work in a new environment to assist in promoting socially significant improvements.
Nicole Teitch, MS BCBA
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Nicki completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Family Studies at James Madison University. She attended graduate school for Education at Touro College. In 2010 she went to Ghana, Africa and educated young adolescents on personal health and English language skills. She spent two years living in Tamarindo, Costa Rica where she taught at a Bilingual School and created their first Individualized Education Plan. With a passion for Behavior Analysis and working with individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral needs, she acquired her BCBA certification from Florida Institute of Technology in 2017. She moved from New York to Colorado and dedicates herself to working with Bending Birch Behavioral Services. In her free time she loves to hike, practice yoga/meditation, paint and crochet.
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Nicki completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Family Studies at James Madison University. She attended graduate school for Education at Touro College. In 2010 she went to Ghana, Africa and educated young adolescents on personal health and English language skills. She spent two years living in Tamarindo, Costa Rica where she taught at a Bilingual School and created their first Individualized Education Plan. With a passion for Behavior Analysis and working with individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral needs, she acquired her BCBA certification from Florida Institute of Technology in 2017. She moved from New York to Colorado and dedicates herself to working with Bending Birch Behavioral Services. In her free time she loves to hike, practice yoga/meditation, paint and crochet.
Brandy Sachen
Behavior Therapist
Brandy became attracted to Applied Behavior Analysis while working as a preschool teacher in Kansas City in 2009. She studied Early Childhood Education and began working in the Autism field in 2011. After relocating to Colorado in 2013 she continued to work with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to identify what each child needs to create an independent and fulfilling life. During her free time, Brandy enjoys exploring, getting crafty in her art studio, going to concerts and trying new things in her new home in Colorful Colorado.
Behavior Therapist
Brandy became attracted to Applied Behavior Analysis while working as a preschool teacher in Kansas City in 2009. She studied Early Childhood Education and began working in the Autism field in 2011. After relocating to Colorado in 2013 she continued to work with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to identify what each child needs to create an independent and fulfilling life. During her free time, Brandy enjoys exploring, getting crafty in her art studio, going to concerts and trying new things in her new home in Colorful Colorado.
Whitney Bergman, BA, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
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.
Registered Behavior Technician
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.
Olivia Criddle, BS, Exercise Science
Registered Behavior Technician
Olivia is currently earning her Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism from Ball State University. Prior to moving to Denver in 2016, Olivia earned her Bachelor's Degree from the College of Charleston, SC. While there, she spent four years working with children on the Spectrum both in In-Home and in School settings as a Lead Therapist. In her free time Olivia enjoys any sport taking place in the mountains including climbing, hiking and rafting. She hopes to one day open an adaptive rafting and kayaking camp for children with special needs.
Registered Behavior Technician
Olivia is currently earning her Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism from Ball State University. Prior to moving to Denver in 2016, Olivia earned her Bachelor's Degree from the College of Charleston, SC. While there, she spent four years working with children on the Spectrum both in In-Home and in School settings as a Lead Therapist. In her free time Olivia enjoys any sport taking place in the mountains including climbing, hiking and rafting. She hopes to one day open an adaptive rafting and kayaking camp for children with special needs.
Nicole Gundacker, BS, Communication Disorders
Registered Behavior Technician
Nicole graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2015. She studied abroad in 2014 at the University of Wollongong, Australia. She began her work with children and young adults with disabilities as a Volunteer with the GRACE Foundation of New York. Nicole worked with the Pediatric Rehabilitation Center of Staten Island prior to moving to Denver in July of this year. Nicole is incredibly excited to be in Colorado, to be here at Bending Birch and is most especially excited to begin her Masters Program to become a BCBA. We are thrilled she has chosen to join our team and we can't wait to help her along her journey as a Behavior Analyst.
Registered Behavior Technician
Nicole graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2015. She studied abroad in 2014 at the University of Wollongong, Australia. She began her work with children and young adults with disabilities as a Volunteer with the GRACE Foundation of New York. Nicole worked with the Pediatric Rehabilitation Center of Staten Island prior to moving to Denver in July of this year. Nicole is incredibly excited to be in Colorado, to be here at Bending Birch and is most especially excited to begin her Masters Program to become a BCBA. We are thrilled she has chosen to join our team and we can't wait to help her along her journey as a Behavior Analyst.
Ghoncheh Azadeh, BA, Psychology & Philosophy
Registered Behavior Technician
Ghoncheh is originally from the Pacific Northwest and moved to Denver in Fall 2017. She earned her degrees from the University of Oregon with honors and has extensive experience working with kiddos in a variety of settings, including classroom, clinical, and camp environments. These past experiences are what led her to Bending Birch. Here she takes joy in help clients reach their personal goals while also developing her own personal and professional skills.
Registered Behavior Technician
Ghoncheh is originally from the Pacific Northwest and moved to Denver in Fall 2017. She earned her degrees from the University of Oregon with honors and has extensive experience working with kiddos in a variety of settings, including classroom, clinical, and camp environments. These past experiences are what led her to Bending Birch. Here she takes joy in help clients reach their personal goals while also developing her own personal and professional skills.
Jaime Schmidt, BS, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Jaime is currently working towards her Doctorate Degree in School Psychology at the University of Colorado. Prior to relocating to Denver in August of 2017, Jaime earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse. While in school, Jaime worked for 3 years as an ABA therapist providing in-home therapy to children on the spectrum. During her free time Jaime loves to be hiking in the mountains and exploring all that Colorado has to offer.
Registered Behavior Technician
Jaime is currently working towards her Doctorate Degree in School Psychology at the University of Colorado. Prior to relocating to Denver in August of 2017, Jaime earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse. While in school, Jaime worked for 3 years as an ABA therapist providing in-home therapy to children on the spectrum. During her free time Jaime loves to be hiking in the mountains and exploring all that Colorado has to offer.
Bianca Aspe, BS, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Bianca graduated from Cal Poly- San Luis Obispo in 2017 with a degree in Psychology. She began her work with children with special needs in 2012 at an inclusive daycare center where she volunteered and helped develop one on one childcare programs. While she was completing her undergrad, Bianca worked as an assistant to an occupational therapist, as a respite care worker, and volunteered in a special day class until she found her home in ABA. Moving from California to Colorado at the start of this year, Bianca is excited to have joined the team at Bending Birch and continue her education toward becoming a BCBA.
Registered Behavior Technician
Bianca graduated from Cal Poly- San Luis Obispo in 2017 with a degree in Psychology. She began her work with children with special needs in 2012 at an inclusive daycare center where she volunteered and helped develop one on one childcare programs. While she was completing her undergrad, Bianca worked as an assistant to an occupational therapist, as a respite care worker, and volunteered in a special day class until she found her home in ABA. Moving from California to Colorado at the start of this year, Bianca is excited to have joined the team at Bending Birch and continue her education toward becoming a BCBA.
Katie Quick, BS, Speech and Hearing
Registered Behavior Technician
Katie graduated with a B.S. in Speech and Hearing Science at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology. She has experience working with children that have ASD across various settings; schools, homes and even Irish Dance classes! Also, across various age groups; early intervention, pre-adolescent, adolescents, and adults. She is currently pursuing her M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis at Ball State University and is super excited to be a part of the Bending Birch Team!
Registered Behavior Technician
Katie graduated with a B.S. in Speech and Hearing Science at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology. She has experience working with children that have ASD across various settings; schools, homes and even Irish Dance classes! Also, across various age groups; early intervention, pre-adolescent, adolescents, and adults. She is currently pursuing her M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis at Ball State University and is super excited to be a part of the Bending Birch Team!
Erin Packer, BS, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Erin recently arrived in Colorado from her home state of Ohio. She has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Biology and an Associates Degree in Sign Language Education and Interpretation. Throughout high school and college, Erin volunteered for Hippotherapy programs and this was her introduction to working with children with many varying levels of needs. In 2017 she realized all of her studies could be put to use in the field of ABA therapy, and she started working toward her RBT certification. Erin loves working with children and making people laugh. She has an 8 year old dog and enjoys hiking with him and working in her garden. She is excited for all the new opportunities in Colorado!
Registered Behavior Technician
Erin recently arrived in Colorado from her home state of Ohio. She has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Biology and an Associates Degree in Sign Language Education and Interpretation. Throughout high school and college, Erin volunteered for Hippotherapy programs and this was her introduction to working with children with many varying levels of needs. In 2017 she realized all of her studies could be put to use in the field of ABA therapy, and she started working toward her RBT certification. Erin loves working with children and making people laugh. She has an 8 year old dog and enjoys hiking with him and working in her garden. She is excited for all the new opportunities in Colorado!
