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.
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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. |
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Ellen Vandelaar, M.Ed., BCBA
Clinical Director
Ellen completed her undergraduate degree in Special Education at Texas A&M University and her masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education with an emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Upon graduating, Ellen worked as a BCBA in Nashville providing support in home and in school for 2 years before moving to Denver and joining the Bending Birch team. In her free time she loves to cook, go hiking with her dog, and travel.
Clinical Director
Ellen completed her undergraduate degree in Special Education at Texas A&M University and her masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education with an emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Upon graduating, Ellen worked as a BCBA in Nashville providing support in home and in school for 2 years before moving to Denver and joining the Bending Birch team. In her free time she loves to cook, go hiking with her dog, and travel.
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 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.
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.
Shannon Fitzgerald, BA Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Shannon is a graduate of Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN and is currently completing her Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT). Shannon began her clinical career as a Clinical Program Assistant at Fraser in Eden Prairie before moving to Denver. She has also studied abroad ini Mexico, New Zealand and Greece. Shannon is an avid soccer player and enjoys being in the mountains as often as she can.
Registered Behavior Technician
Shannon is a graduate of Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN and is currently completing her Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT). Shannon began her clinical career as a Clinical Program Assistant at Fraser in Eden Prairie before moving to Denver. She has also studied abroad ini Mexico, New Zealand and Greece. Shannon is an avid soccer player and enjoys being in the mountains as often as she can.
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.
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.
Camille Griffith, BA, Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Camille is originally from Alaska and moved to Colorado to attend Colorado State University and study psychology. Her passion for working with individuals on the spectrum began her freshman year of college while working as an adaptive swim instructor. After graduation, she worked as an RBT in Fort Collins before joining the team at Bending Birch and plans to continue pursuing her masters degree to become a BCBA. In her free time she enjoys running, skiing, hiking and paddle boarding.
Registered Behavior Technician
Camille is originally from Alaska and moved to Colorado to attend Colorado State University and study psychology. Her passion for working with individuals on the spectrum began her freshman year of college while working as an adaptive swim instructor. After graduation, she worked as an RBT in Fort Collins before joining the team at Bending Birch and plans to continue pursuing her masters degree to become a BCBA. In her free time she enjoys running, skiing, hiking and paddle boarding.
Natasha Moore, BA, Kinesiology
Registered Behavior Technician
Natasha, originally a California native, is deepening her understanding of and commitment to working with children with disabilities. She graduated from California State University, Chico in 2023 with a B.A. in Kinesiology and a minor in Adapted Physical Education. Her background in working with people with disabilities ranges across different settings, demographics, and abilities. She is also an aspiring Occupational Therapist. She is committed to increasing one’s independence and communication with their environment. Outside from helping others, she loves to be active outside, paint, garden, travel and cook.
Registered Behavior Technician
Natasha, originally a California native, is deepening her understanding of and commitment to working with children with disabilities. She graduated from California State University, Chico in 2023 with a B.A. in Kinesiology and a minor in Adapted Physical Education. Her background in working with people with disabilities ranges across different settings, demographics, and abilities. She is also an aspiring Occupational Therapist. She is committed to increasing one’s independence and communication with their environment. Outside from helping others, she loves to be active outside, paint, garden, travel and cook.
Amelia Armstrong, BA, Psychology and Criminology
Registered Behavior Technician
Amelia is passionate about educating children who require an alternative way of learning and has the ideal temperament to be drawn to the necessary focused attention of one-on-one evidence-based care. She considers her job as an RBT not solely as a way to make a difference, but as a way to change (even if only in a minor way) the social stigma of children who experience autism. Her efforts are founded in studies of the effects of depression on decision-making behaviors while earning her BA in Psychology from Kenyon College. She has been with Bending Birch Behavioral Services for nearly one year. Amelia is an award winning professional photographer, having owned and operated her own studio for more than 20 years.
Registered Behavior Technician
Amelia is passionate about educating children who require an alternative way of learning and has the ideal temperament to be drawn to the necessary focused attention of one-on-one evidence-based care. She considers her job as an RBT not solely as a way to make a difference, but as a way to change (even if only in a minor way) the social stigma of children who experience autism. Her efforts are founded in studies of the effects of depression on decision-making behaviors while earning her BA in Psychology from Kenyon College. She has been with Bending Birch Behavioral Services for nearly one year. Amelia is an award winning professional photographer, having owned and operated her own studio for more than 20 years.
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
Alicia Parsons, Early Childhood Education
Registered Behavior Technician
Alicia is a newly certified Registered Behavior Technician with a strong background in early childhood education and a passion for supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. With years of experience as a special needs preschool teacher and a director/lead teacher at a preschool focused on learning through the arts, Alicia has developed a deep understanding of the importance of individualized, creative approaches to teaching. Growing up with her three siblings on the spectrum she draws inspiration from first hand experience and experiences throughout her career, she is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals and their families. Alicia brings a unique combination of expertise in early childhood education and her newly acquired expertise in behavior analysis to their work, offering compassionate, evidence-based support that fosters growth and development.
Registered Behavior Technician
Alicia is a newly certified Registered Behavior Technician with a strong background in early childhood education and a passion for supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. With years of experience as a special needs preschool teacher and a director/lead teacher at a preschool focused on learning through the arts, Alicia has developed a deep understanding of the importance of individualized, creative approaches to teaching. Growing up with her three siblings on the spectrum she draws inspiration from first hand experience and experiences throughout her career, she is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals and their families. Alicia brings a unique combination of expertise in early childhood education and her newly acquired expertise in behavior analysis to their work, offering compassionate, evidence-based support that fosters growth and development.
