Laura K. Takagi, M.Ed., BCBA Laura Takagi first discovered her enthusiasm for working with children with autism in 1996 while earning her Bachelors Degree at Whittier College. It was while pursuing her bachelor's degree in psychology that she received training in applied behavior analysis and began educating students with autism and related disorders. Laura later worked as a service coordinator for the Regional Center of Orange County where she provided case management for both children and adults with developmental disabilities. In 2002, Laura moved to Seattle and began working toward her Master's of Education in Special Education from Seattle University. While attending Seattle University she gained experience in several settings including the Tacoma School District, the Lake Washington School District, and Childhaven. During this time, she also worked privately for families providing in-home early intervention services and tutoring for students on the autism spectrum. After graduating from Seattle University, Laura worked as a teacher for an area school district that served many students on the autism spectrum in an integrated preschool setting. Techniques with which Laura has experience include fluency based instruction, discrete trial, incidental teaching, and errorless teaching. Laura also participated in the development of A.P.P.LE. Consulting's "P.A.L.S. "(Play, Academic, Language, Social) peer groups and worked as a Lead Teacher for its inaugural sessions for the 6-8 age group held during the Summer of 2008 at ASTAR (Autism Spectrum Treatment & Research) Center. In August of 2009 Laura will finish her course work to sit for the examination to become certified as a behavior analyst in the coming months. Laura is a Certified Provider for the Microsoft/ Premera Autism Benefit. Laura Takagi joined A.P.P.L.E. Consulting in December of 2006.
Mindy Miles, MA, BCBA Mindy has been working with children in professional settings for the last 12 years. She has many years experience in teaching socially and behaviorally challenged students. As a regular classroom teacher, she worked closely with the special education teacher to meet the needs of all of her students. She continued to work with special education staff and students as a school counselor, helping her obtain a vast working knowledge of the special education system.In her assignment as a school counselor, she worked primarily with students on the autism spectrum, focusing on behavior change in the roles of 504 Coordinator, Conflict Managers Facilitator, Behavior Support Plan Coordinator, Student Success Team Member, Intensive Instruction Teacher, and Crisis Response Team Member. She is experienced in writing IEP goals, conducting functional behavioral assessments, using precision teaching, errorless teaching, preference assessment, problem solving skills training, anger management training, and social skills implementation. Mindy graduated from Cal State San Bernardino in 1994 with a degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Psychology. She received her teaching credential in 1997 from the University of Redlands.Mindy received a Master's degree in Counseling in 2000. She has taught grades 1, 4 and 5 and has worked as a school counselor for six years. Mindy has also worked privately in the past as a behavior consultant for families and school districts. She has completed the BACB©(Behavior Analyst Certification Board) required coursework and is certified BCBA© (Board Certified Behavior Analyst). Mindy is a Certified Provider for the Microsoft/ Premera Autism Benefit. Mindy began working with A.P.P.L.E. Consulting in the summer of 2008.
Shana Zito began working with children with autism and related disorders while living in the greater Los Angeles area over 5 years ago.She is originally from Seattle and received a B.S. in Psychology from Washington State University before relocating to southern California for graduate school.Shana received a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from PepperdineUniversity. After attending Pepperdine, Shana became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has worked with children ranging in age from 19 months to 18 years. She has extensive training and experience in applied behavior analysis and has utilized these skills to both develop and implement effective intervention and educational programs in both school and home settings. She has had the opportunity to provide direct intervention and to also supervise other direct interventionists before taking on the role of Clinical Manager where she managed andsupervised other Clinical Supervisors and their programs.In the summer of 2009, Shana decided to return to her roots in the Pacific Northwest and is thrilled to be working with A.P.P.L.E. Consulting.In addition, Shana has also worked with at-risk youth and children and adolescents with a variety of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders and is currently pursuing licensing in Marriage and Family Therapy. Shana is a certified provider for the Microsoft Premera Autism Benefit. |
