Melanie Shaw 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 piloted in 2006 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 a board member for the Oregon Association for Behavior Analysis.  she enjoys spending time with her wonderful family including her children, Audrey (7) and Vincent (3).

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.

Jessica Hiestand is a seasoned behavior therapist who has worked with children with autism spectrum disorders for six rewarding 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, and Relationship Development Intervention.  Jessica moved to Portland in 2007 and has been working as a private behavior therapist.  When she is not working, Jessica is studying to complete her degree in Psychology at the University of Phoenix and enjoys her two sons, Ryan (8) and Kole (5).  

Corrigan Speicher is a behavior therapist with a degree in Child Development from California Polytechnic State University.  She is currently working to become a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst through Penn State University.  Corrigan has worked as both a one-on-one aide in the California school districts as well as in ABA based home programs.  She has been trained in a variety of interventions including Applied Behavior Analysis, Picture Exchange Communication System and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This past year Corrigan helped lead an extended school year pilot program in California which focused on social skill development for children with autism spectrum disorders.  When she is not working Corrigan enjoys exploring her new home in Portland.

Dawn Galli (Bio to come)