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, Clinical 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, Clinical 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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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.
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.
Michael Insalata, MS, BCBA
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Michael began his journey in the world of applied behavior analysis at Western Michigan University as an undergraduate. He went on to receive a masters degree in ABA from Northeaster University in Boston. Michael lived in the United Arab Emirates for four years where he worked with adolescents on the autism spectrum. In 2017/2018 Michael lived in Bahrain where he was the director of a small center for children with ASD. Now firmly settled in the Denver area, Michael is interested in serving the full range of people with development disabilities and has most recently begun to explore services for adults needing support.
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Michael began his journey in the world of applied behavior analysis at Western Michigan University as an undergraduate. He went on to receive a masters degree in ABA from Northeaster University in Boston. Michael lived in the United Arab Emirates for four years where he worked with adolescents on the autism spectrum. In 2017/2018 Michael lived in Bahrain where he was the director of a small center for children with ASD. Now firmly settled in the Denver area, Michael is interested in serving the full range of people with development disabilities and has most recently begun to explore services for adults needing support.
Ellen Vandelaar, M.Ed., BCBA
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
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.
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
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.
Megan Hollister, M.Ed., BCBA
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Megan completed her undergraduate degree in Speech and hearing sciences at Ohio State University. Through her undergraduate degree, she provided in-home ABA therapy as an ABA therapist. She completed her masters through Arizona State University in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. Through her passion for Applied Behavior Analysis, Megan received her BCBA certification in 2015. She has a passion for working with children and adults and continuing to dedicate herself to the applied behavior analysis field. In her free time she loves to spend time with her dog, hiking, cooking, exploring beautiful Colorado, and watching The Ohio State Buckeyes.
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Megan completed her undergraduate degree in Speech and hearing sciences at Ohio State University. Through her undergraduate degree, she provided in-home ABA therapy as an ABA therapist. She completed her masters through Arizona State University in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. Through her passion for Applied Behavior Analysis, Megan received her BCBA certification in 2015. She has a passion for working with children and adults and continuing to dedicate herself to the applied behavior analysis field. In her free time she loves to spend time with her dog, hiking, cooking, exploring beautiful Colorado, and watching The Ohio State Buckeyes.
Olivia Criddle, MS, BCBA
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Olivia earned 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.
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Olivia earned 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.
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.
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!
Danika White, BA, Public Health
Registered Behavior Technician
Danika graduated with a B.A in Public Health from the University of Colorado and a minor in Psychology. She has experience working with children in schools, day camps and at her dance studio where she currently teaches ballet. Danika is starting a M.A in ABA from Ball State University summer of 2019 and is excited to learn more about children who have ASD. In her free time, Danika loves to travel and spend time with her family and friends. She is excited to be a part of the Bending Birch team!
Registered Behavior Technician
Danika graduated with a B.A in Public Health from the University of Colorado and a minor in Psychology. She has experience working with children in schools, day camps and at her dance studio where she currently teaches ballet. Danika is starting a M.A in ABA from Ball State University summer of 2019 and is excited to learn more about children who have ASD. In her free time, Danika loves to travel and spend time with her family and friends. She is excited to be a part of the Bending Birch team!
Rachel Chaknova, BA, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Rachel graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor’s in psychology. Prior to her work in the field of ABA, Rachel worked as a legal advocate for a domestic violence organization. There, she provided supportive advocacy to victims of violence within the legal process. After graduation, Rachel shifted her focus from trauma to development, and discovered the realm of ABA. Since finding ABA, Rachel has fallen in love with the world of behavior. She has experience with individuals with ASD from the ages of four to 58. Rachel was accepted to the University of Denver Master of Social Work program for Fall of 2019 where she is hoping to center her focus on children.
Registered Behavior Technician
Rachel graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor’s in psychology. Prior to her work in the field of ABA, Rachel worked as a legal advocate for a domestic violence organization. There, she provided supportive advocacy to victims of violence within the legal process. After graduation, Rachel shifted her focus from trauma to development, and discovered the realm of ABA. Since finding ABA, Rachel has fallen in love with the world of behavior. She has experience with individuals with ASD from the ages of four to 58. Rachel was accepted to the University of Denver Master of Social Work program for Fall of 2019 where she is hoping to center her focus on children.
Anneka De La Torre, BS, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Anneka began working with children with special needs while in high school, where she volunteered with the Special Education department. After realizing her love for the field, she chose to pursue a career that focused on children with complex needs by majoring in Psychology and earning a minor in Special Education. While in college, Anneka worked in behavior respite care and eventually moved on to work as an RBT for two years. She is excited to be a part of the Bending Birch team while continuing to advance in her career. Having recently relocated from Southern California, Anneka is ready to explore all that Colorado has to offer with her husband and two dogs.
Registered Behavior Technician
Anneka began working with children with special needs while in high school, where she volunteered with the Special Education department. After realizing her love for the field, she chose to pursue a career that focused on children with complex needs by majoring in Psychology and earning a minor in Special Education. While in college, Anneka worked in behavior respite care and eventually moved on to work as an RBT for two years. She is excited to be a part of the Bending Birch team while continuing to advance in her career. Having recently relocated from Southern California, Anneka is ready to explore all that Colorado has to offer with her husband and two dogs.
Melissa Martin, BA, Psychology
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. 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!
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. 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!
