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.
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.
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!
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!
Lindsay Houseknecht, MS, BCBA
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Lindsay completed her master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Western Michigan University in 2021. After receiving her master's degree, she moved from Michigan to Colorado and worked as a BCBA in an early intervention setting for 2 years before joining the Bending Birch team. In her free time she enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, and music.
Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor
Lindsay completed her master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Western Michigan University in 2021. After receiving her master's degree, she moved from Michigan to Colorado and worked as a BCBA in an early intervention setting for 2 years before joining the Bending Birch team. In her free time she enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, and music.
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.
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!
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.
Shelly Laman, BA, Psychology
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 Ball State University with a desire 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.
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 Ball State University with a desire 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.
Kelley Crowley, BS, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Kelley graduated from Long Island University with a B.S in psychology in the spring of 2023. During her time at LIU, Kelley worked along side her professors by assisting in researching cognitive behavioral therapy, social psychology, mental health counseling, and neuroscience. She began working in the ABA field this year and quickly found a passion for working with neurodiverse kids. Kelley is currently working to complete her education with a Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling and Therapy at Grand Canyon University. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, reading books, traveling, hiking and playing with her dog Aspen.
Registered Behavior Technician
Kelley graduated from Long Island University with a B.S in psychology in the spring of 2023. During her time at LIU, Kelley worked along side her professors by assisting in researching cognitive behavioral therapy, social psychology, mental health counseling, and neuroscience. She began working in the ABA field this year and quickly found a passion for working with neurodiverse kids. Kelley is currently working to complete her education with a Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling and Therapy at Grand Canyon University. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, reading books, traveling, hiking and playing with her dog Aspen.
Hayden Kindschi , BA Psychology
Hayden graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2020 with a B.A. in psychology. During his time at CU, Hayden worked in a cognitive psychology lab, where completed an undergraduate honors thesis project. He began working in the ABA field about a year after graduating, and quickly discovered a passion for helping young learners unlock their potential and live their best lives! Hayden is planning to earn his master’s in education and become a teacher, but he wants to spend more time working closely with neurodiverse kids first. In his spare time, he loves reading, hiking, camping, and spending time with his partner and their dog and cat.
Hayden graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2020 with a B.A. in psychology. During his time at CU, Hayden worked in a cognitive psychology lab, where completed an undergraduate honors thesis project. He began working in the ABA field about a year after graduating, and quickly discovered a passion for helping young learners unlock their potential and live their best lives! Hayden is planning to earn his master’s in education and become a teacher, but he wants to spend more time working closely with neurodiverse kids first. In his spare time, he loves reading, hiking, camping, and spending time with his partner and their dog and cat.
Samantha (Sammi) Yocum, BS, Clinical Human Services
Registered Behavior Technician
Sammi graduated from the University of Delaware with a BS in Clinical Human Services. From there, she moved to Denver to volunteer a year of her life with Americorps where she worked in an under-resourced school for a nonprofit named City Year. After her year of service, Sammi moved to northwest Colorado to work on a ranch and be with all the animals she loves. Bending Birch brought her back to Denver when she started with us in April. Sammi has a deep passion for animals and working with individuals with disabilities. She has a dream of one day combining those two passions and making the outdoors accessible for all abilities and people.
Registered Behavior Technician
Sammi graduated from the University of Delaware with a BS in Clinical Human Services. From there, she moved to Denver to volunteer a year of her life with Americorps where she worked in an under-resourced school for a nonprofit named City Year. After her year of service, Sammi moved to northwest Colorado to work on a ranch and be with all the animals she loves. Bending Birch brought her back to Denver when she started with us in April. Sammi has a deep passion for animals and working with individuals with disabilities. She has a dream of one day combining those two passions and making the outdoors accessible for all abilities and people.
Ashley Wilson, BA, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Ashley graduated from Wichita State University earning my BA in Psychology in December of 2022. During school she worked as a RBT in Wichita KS. When moving to Colorado. Ashley worked as a mental health case manager. She decided she missed working in ABA and decided to get back into the ABA field and pursue her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis at Florida Institute of Technology to get her credentials as a BCBA. Ashley enjoys hiking, playing softball, yoga, and traveling.
Registered Behavior Technician
Ashley graduated from Wichita State University earning my BA in Psychology in December of 2022. During school she worked as a RBT in Wichita KS. When moving to Colorado. Ashley worked as a mental health case manager. She decided she missed working in ABA and decided to get back into the ABA field and pursue her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis at Florida Institute of Technology to get her credentials as a BCBA. Ashley enjoys hiking, playing softball, yoga, and traveling.
Estelle Halbrooks, BS, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Estelle is originally from Fairbanks, Alaska, but moved to Denver to pursue her undergraduate degree. She graduated from the University of Denver (DU) in 2023 with her B.S. in Psychology. Through her educational path at DU she was exposed to ABA, even making hand outs for parents who are looking to possible begin ABA for their kids. Estelle is extremely interested in how programs like ABA can be implemented in a variety of populations. Currently, she is applying to Masters programs to obtain her Masters in Social Work and may eventually pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. In her free time, Estelle enjoys camping, hiking (especially in the winter) and dancing. .
Registered Behavior Technician
Estelle is originally from Fairbanks, Alaska, but moved to Denver to pursue her undergraduate degree. She graduated from the University of Denver (DU) in 2023 with her B.S. in Psychology. Through her educational path at DU she was exposed to ABA, even making hand outs for parents who are looking to possible begin ABA for their kids. Estelle is extremely interested in how programs like ABA can be implemented in a variety of populations. Currently, she is applying to Masters programs to obtain her Masters in Social Work and may eventually pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. In her free time, Estelle enjoys camping, hiking (especially in the winter) and dancing. .