Azure Behavior Consultants

I have been providing services to individuals with autism and other developmental differences for almost 25 years. Born and raised in Houston, Texas I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, fine arts, and education from Houston Baptist University. I received my Master of Arts degree in psychology, with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis, from the University of Houston, Clear Lake, which is also where I completed my post‐graduate program in Art Therapy. While completing my master’s degree, I was able to sit for the very first offering of the Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst exam, earning me the honor of being the 10th person to obtain a BCaBA. In 2009 I became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and have earned several teaching credentials that include special education, art education, and a multiple subjects teaching credential.

My first experience working with someone with autism came when I worked as an art teacher at a small private school for children with learning and developmental differences. It was during this time when my nephew was diagnosed with autism. I learned the difficulties in working with family members coming to terms with the diagnosis. While working as the Autism Coordinator for the Houston Independent School District, I was able to develop a district wide program for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders that met federal, state and local guidelines as well as included best practices in the field of Autism. This was not an easy feat in that the Houston Independent School District is the 5^th largest school district in the United States, located in the 4th largest city in the United States.

Since moving to California, I have provided educational and behavior analytic services in school, home and community settings, including many settings for adults with a variety of developmental differences, some having a dual diagnosis (developmental disability and a psychiatric diagnosis). I have provided services with individuals ranging in age from 12 months to 70 years. Since the start of the pandemic, I have been providing services, such as trainings and supervision, via telehealth/web conferencing (i.e.: Zoom). Part of my experience includes starting and successfully running companies that provided in‐home ABA services for individuals with autism. These companies spanned across California, as well as 5 other states. I understand the complexities of working with families, funding sources (i.e.: insurance companies, regional centers) and staffing issues.

My most recent experience has been providing services to adolescents and adults who have a dual diagnosis of a developmental disability and a psychiatric disorder, most of whom have experienced trauma, and are residing in crisis behavioral group homes (EBSH and CCH). My current focus has been to learn more about how to provide Trauma Informed Care for a variety of populations. This includes obtaining my certifications in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and completing the post-master’s internship in Art Therapy. My goal is to provide ACT, CBT and Art Therapy to those with anxiety, depression and trauma.

I have had the pleasure of working with a variety of experts in the field of autism, including Dr. Andy Bondy (co‐developer of the Picture Exchange Communication System, or PECS), Dr. James Partington (co‐developer of the Assessment of Basic Language and Learner Skills, or ABLLS), Dr. G. Roy Mayer, and Dr. Beth Sulzer‐Azaroff.

I have conducted a variety of training to behavior therapists, new BCBA’s or those working on their BCBA, parents, teachers, and a variety of staff in schools, group homes, and other agencies who support individuals with developmental disabilities. I have written an RBT training program, as well as have a parent training curriculum available for sale on Amazon.

I am available to provide ABA, ACT and CBT services to those around the world via Zoom or other online video conferencing platform. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment.