Melanie Shaw, Owner/Director, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Special Educator.  She received her masters degree in special education-applied behavior analysis from Columbia University-Teachers College following her undergraduate and post-baccalaureate studies in psychology and speech language pathology.  Melanie has acquired a broad background in effective research-based interventions for autism spectrum disorders and has taught in a variety of programs and settings from early intervention through intermediate levels.  She specializes in social and verbal behavior analysis and has presented multiple workshops on the topic.  Melanie has been recognized for her success in the development of a county-wide early intervention program in Maryland when she chaired the county’s autism steering committee.  Through private practice, Melanie has provided training and consultation within schools and home-based programs in Oregon, New Jersey, New York, and Maryland.  Melanie moved back to Portland in 2007, where she replicated her Early Learner program, continues her private practice, and is an active member of the Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis.  she enjoys spending time with her wonderful family including her children, Audrey (9) and Vincent (5).

I believe in...

• Comprehensive and completely individualized treatment, with consideration to all evidence-based models of teaching.
• Adoption of applicable teaching and behavioral strategies as "a way of life" in order to create an intensive and consistent teaching environment for the child throughout the day.
• Equal attention given to child-directed interventions in order to ensure generalization, self-determination, and truly individualized programming right from the start.
• High level of exposure and facilitated interaction with typical peer models.
• Close working relationship with parents and on-going collaboration with all educational team members in order to ensure consistency and the best possible outcome for the child.
• Maintaining the utmost levels of ethical practice and respect for my clients.

Dana Donaldson, Program Coordinator, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Western Michigan University followed by her Masters and teaching certificate from Columbia University, Teachers College with a specialty in Behavior Disorders and Applied Behavior Analysis. While at Columbia, Dana worked as a teacher at the Fred S. Keller School where she gained experience in both assessing and treating the behavioral and educational needs of children with autism and related disorders.  For the past ten years, Dana has worked as a behavior analyst for Northwest Behavioral Associates in Seattle, Washington.  She has gained extensive experience in developing individualized programs for children with autism and in training school personnel and home tutors in the implementation of behavior analytic principles.  Dana was NBA's fluency based instruction consultant and was instrumental in organizing and facilitating NBA's training program.  Dana partnered with Melanie at Play Connections in the Fall of 2010 and maintains a daily passion for the children and families she serves.  Dana is also the mother of two darling little girls, Naomi (5) and Gabriella (2). 

Jessica Hiestand, Intervention Specialist, is a seasoned behavior therapist who has worked with children with autism spectrum disorders for many years.  She has enjoyed teaching children within specialized preschool classrooms in California as well as home based programs.  She has been trained in a variety of interventions including Applied Behavior Analysis, Picture Exchange Communication System, Verbal Behavior Analysis, Precision Teaching and social skills development.  Jessica moved to Portland in 2007 and is studying to complete her degree in Psychology at the University of Phoenix.  When she is not working, she enjoys her family including two sons, Ryan (10) and Kole (7).  

Corrigan Speicher, Intervention Specialist, received her degree in Child Development from California Polytechnic State University.  Corrigan completed additional behavior analysis course work through Penn State Universtiy and is now a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst.  Corrigan helped lead an extended school year pilot program in California which focused on social skill development for children with autism spectrum disorders.  She also has several years experience in ABA based home programs.  Corrigan has been trained in a variety of interventions including Verbal behavior Analysis, Picture Exchange Communication System, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Precision Teaching,  crisis intervention and social skills development.  She joined Play Connections in the Fall of 2009.  In her free time, she enjoys exploring her home in Portland.

Nina Askew, Intervention Specialist, (Bio to come)

Cory Tempel, Lead Interventionist, earned her BS degree in Mental Health and Human Services from Franciscan University in 2007.  Prior to moving to Portland, she trained in Intensive Behavioral Intervention in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and worked in the autism intervention field there for three years, providing home, center, community, and school-based services.  She joined Play Connections in the Fall of 2010.  Cory eventually hopes to complete her BCABA studies.  When she is not working, she enjoys cooking, running 5k races and traveling home to visit family. 

Sophie Millon, Interventionist, recieved her degree in psychology from University of California-Santa Cruz.  While there, she conducted an independent reserach study looking at the effectiveness of computer-mediated learning tools for children with autism.  She also completed her internship at The Bay School, where she acquired a broad base of ABA experience and continued to work post-graduation for several years as a case manager.  During this time, she also completed her BCABA coursework.  Sophie joined Play Connections in the Fall of 2010.  She is currently pursuing a post-baccalaureate degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from PSU.  In her free time, she enjoys cooking and traveling the world.

Benjamin Greenhill, Interventionist, is originally from Dallas, Texas.  He received his BS in Behavior Analysis with a minor in Psychology from the University of North Texas in 2007 where he acquired a strong background in ABA principals.  Since then, he has gained practical experience in autism within home and clinical programs with a variety of children ranging in ages of 3-18.  Benjamin joined Play Connections' Early Learner Program in the Fall of 2010.  In his free time, he enjoys playing ping-pong, drawing, reading, and music.  

Adrienne Newell, Interventionist, (Bio to come)

Erica Peck, Interventionist, was born and raised in Portland, Oregon and has been with Play Connections since June 2011.  In 2010, she completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Child Development with a minor in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA.  Since 2007, Erica has been working with children on the spectrum in academic, home, community, and privatized settings.  During her free time, Erica enjoys being with friends and family, running, cooking, exploring, and traveling.