Education:
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Autumn Eyre, PhD, BCBA, LBA
I was a public relations professional in my previous life, but working behind a desk did not satisfy my heart. My 15-year-old sister died when I was starting my business career, and she taught me how short life can be, motivating me to listen to what my heart had always wanted to do - teach. I found a job as a paraprofessional - and on my very first day of school, I knew that I was home surrounded by children and the smell of fresh crayon wax. I then worked there for two years while earning my Master’s of Art in Teaching from Seattle Pacific University. I served as a special education teacher in a Title I school for five years with 94% free-and-reduced lunch. I wanted to learn more behavior management skills and went back to school to complete my Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) coursework and supervision through the University of Washington (UW). Learning is one of my greatest passions, whether I'm learning from coursework, employees, clients, church, or life circumstances. I completed my PhD in May of 2021 at the UW. Over the years, I've also found joy in helping novice professionals gain skills needed to help children, whether I was teaching Masters's students at the University of Washington and Seattle University or training staff. It's important that our staff feel valued, supported, and know how much I care for them. At Orchid, we put employees AND clients first, ensuring that our team is 100% ready to be your guide and cheerleader! |
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Katy Yu, Clinical Director, M.A., BCBA, LABA
I have been working with clients and families with special needs since 2015. I completed my Masters Degree in Special Education while working as a behavior technician and have been happy to be continuously immersed in the field since then. My professional experience is characterized by variety and diversity. I have worked with students in pre-K through young adulthood in clinics, homes, schools and within the community. I am passionate about empowering the client by helping them increase communication, adaptive and social-emotional skills. I find it especially important to “meet the clients where they are”, teaching the skills they need to have their needs met. My goal is to continue to support and empower individuals and families through comprehensive ABA therapy and in collaboration with other supporting providers. |
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Karen, Operations Manager, CBT
I come to Orchid with a background in building and developing small businesses - everything from import/export to healthcare equipment to teaching coding to kids. When I met Autumn and learned about ABA therapy and her plans for Orchid, I knew I was ready for my next adventure! Growing up in a big family, I have always been comfortable around kids and really enjoy their curiosity and humor. Teaching kids for the past 8 years gave me a chance to face new challenges and learn something new every day. At Orchid, I enjoy spending time interviewing to find the best, passionate and skilled people to join our team, creating workflows or useful spreadsheets always makes me happy, too. The time I spend working one one one with a client as a CBT feeds my soul. |
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Crystal, Director of Growth and Learning, BCBA, LBA
I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and I have been in this field for 9 years now. I love Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and what it can do for the kids and families we work with. My passion for helping and teaching children started when I was very young and worked with kids in foster care as well as in preschools. I was a PreMed student in my undergraduate years at UC Santa Barbara and I wanted to become a Pediatrician. However, after taking Organic Chemistry I soon realized I was not happy in my major and decided to find a different way to help and work with children. Soon after, I ended up switching my major to Psychology and found a job as a behavior therapist for kids with special needs. This led me to Applied Behavior Analysis and I fell in love with this field. In 2015 I became a BCBA and since then have loved learning the many different ways to help kids with special needs. Some of my passions within ABA are social skills, behavior intervention and parent training. When I am not working and talking ABA, I can be found having outdoor adventures with my husband and two sons. |
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Melody, Operations Assistant
I’ve worked with kids of all ages for over 30 years. I earned a BS in psychology from the University of Washington, and a Masters in child development with a specialty in Play Therapy. I enjoy teaching art, tutoring and planning fun activities. I love how kids approach their world with curiosity, creativity and delight in discovering new things! |
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Maurine, M.S., BCBA, LBA
After I completed my undergraduate in Community Psychology at the University of Washington Bothell in 2017, I became a Registered Behavior Technician so that I could support individuals and families with special needs. This was the beginning of my journey and passion in which I decided to earn my Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis at Western Connecticut State University. I have witnessed enormous success with the practice and application of ABA and team collaboration. Clients have learned to communicate with their loved ones in meaningful ways, learned to stay-on task in classroom settings, and attained adaptive, communication, social, and academic skills that helped children and adults live a more independent life. With my intensive experience, background, and continuous education, my goal is to endlessly continue serving individuals and families with special needs in communities, homes, and schools. |
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Kim, BCBA, LBA
I have been working with children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental conditions since I graduated with a B.A. in Child Psychology in 2016. After witnessing how ABA intervention can make such a big difference in children’s life, I decided to go back to school for my M.A. in Special Education with a focus on ABA. What I love most about working with kids and seeing them make progress and grow every day. When I am not working, I love hiking and exploring new coffee shops. |
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Rav, BCBA, LBA
Bio Coming! |
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Joana, CBT, LABA
Bio Coming! |
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Alisha, Speech Language Pathologist, M. Ed., CCC-SLP
Alisha is a certified member of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) and is licensed to practice speech-language pathology in the states of Washington and Ohio. She received her Bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University in 2010 and her Master’s degree in Communication Disorders from North Carolina Central University in 2016. Alisha has practiced speech therapy in a number of settings to include: public schools, private schools, private practice clinics, and skilled nursing facilities. The majority of her experience has been in the specialized school setting where she has worked extensively with preschoolers, school-aged children, and young adults with varying disabilities. She specializes in the treatment of a variety of communication disorders to include: receptive/expressive language disorders, articulation disorders, autism spectrum disorders, Down Syndrome, social skills, auditory processing disorders, and other developmental delays. Alisha works closely with individuals and their families to facilitate functional and effective communication skill development and implementation. Alisha is passionate about enriching a child’s ability to communicate in all settings through the use of AAC. Since starting her career, she also became interested in understanding the behavior of her clients which in turn guided her to return to school to complete the coursework to also become a Behavior Analyst (BCBA) from Florida Institute of Technology. The ongoing goal of teaching individuals ways to effectively advocate for themselves, navigate their environment & socialize with friends/family/staff is one of the most rewarding aspects of her career! |
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Isabella, Senior CBT
I’m a yoga teacher and student with a passion for being of service to others, and myself. My yoga practice holds me accountable for how I’m showing up in my life and where I’m staying in my comfort zone. I moved to Washington after graduating with my Bachelors in Psychology and knew I wanted to find that sense of fulfillment in other areas of my life- not just on my mat. I found ABA and I quickly knew this was the perfect fit for me. A new practice where I can help children become independent. With my background in psychology and mind-body connection, I strive to create a space where our clients can grow and feel empowered. I’m super grateful to be part of an amazing team of therapist that strive to make a change in children’s lives daily. I love getting to teach our clients yoga as an emotional regulation tool and seeing them independently go straight to breathing when faced with a struggle! |
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Indigo, CBT
I worked in the customer service industry before I found my passion working as a CBT. My favorite part about being a CBT is seeing the growth and impact that we all make on a child’s daily life. I have a deep passion for learning and helping others succeed. I learn something new every day working in ABA, whether it is from the clients or coworkers, my mind is always asking questions and seeking information. I first found my enjoyment working with children when I began teaching horse back riding lessons as I was able to gain knowledge on different learning styles and how to best adapt to ones way of learning. I love being able to see a child grow and flourish passed an unprecedented goals. |
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Zoe, CBT
Bio Coming! |
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Hannah, CBT
Bio Coming! |
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Kasthuri
Bio Coming! |
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Jordan, CBT
Bio Coming! |
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Endi, CBT
Bio Coming! |
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Krystal, CBT
Bio Coming! |
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Destiny, CBT
I have been a registered behavior technician and very passionate about the field for the last two years. I enjoy hiking and being out in nature especially with my dogs and friends. I love being able to learn and work with children. |
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Tessy, CBT
Bio Coming! |
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Rachael, CBT
Hello! My name is Rachael and I have been working with kids the past 9 years in a range of roles as a daycare teacher, a nanny, and a camp counselor. Being around kids for my work environment is my ultimate gift and calling. I love how kids are so honest and intuitive. When working with kids there is never going to be a dull moment, in knowing that each have such different personalities. I love to be able to learn from them too, even when I don’t realize it in the moment. I am passionate about my relationships with family/friends and spending time with them outdoors hiking or indoors cooking meals together. I love to cook, so cooking meals with the people I enjoy being around is always so much fun! I enjoy camping and traveling to new spots around the beautiful state or finding hidden gem restaurants are always great weekend activities i enjoy! |
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Samantha
Bio Coming! |
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Carol, CBT
I came to Orchid after working for 3 years as a paraprofessional in the special education department in the Issaquah School District. My joy is seeing the children I work with learn and grow while smiling and having fun! I enjoy spending time with my daughter paddle boarding, traveling and going on adventures. |