CEo, BCBA, early childhood special education specialist

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Jessica is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) specializing in early childhood development (0 to 8) and developmentally appropriate, evidence-based practices.  As an Early Childhood Special Education Specialist and BCBA, Jessica brings a thorough understanding of the 5 critical developmental domains of early childhood, how they play a role in a child and family’s everyday routines, and the impact they have on 3 global outcomes: the ability to have positive social relationships, the ability to acquire knowledge and skills, and the ability to engage in appropriate behaviors to get needs met. 

Jessica capitalizes on both professional and personal experience when working with young children and their families. Prior to making the choice to create her own company, Jessica gained over 8 years of experience working with young children in a variety of capacities, including as a BCBA, a Developmental Interventionist in an Early Intervention Program, and as a teacher at a Montessori preschool. In addition to Jessica’s professional experience, she served as a parent advocate in the education system for 14 years on behalf of her 4 sons, 1 with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other comorbidities and 1 with ADHD. In her free time, Jessica loves to spend time with her family, including her 4 dogs, playing outdoors, watching sports, and reading.   

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Kassidy discovered her passion for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) working as a behavior technician for a behavior organization.  With an unparalleled work ethic, Kassidy takes great pride in creating child focused, play-based therapeutic environments that enhance growth and development within a child’s life. Kassidy joined the Grand Valley Behavior team with a Bachelors degree in psychology (emphasis in counseling).  Kassidy went on to receive a Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorder.   

Kassidy was born and raised in Fruita, Colorado.  In her free time, Kassidy enjoys hiking, playing basketball, and spending time with her husband and her dog Bear. 

JJ is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a student of life who is creative and passionately driven to continue to challenge herself to explore all elements of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy and research.  JJ's been in the Special Education field since 1996 and has worked with individuals from birth to adulthood during her expansive career. JJ started her career as a behavioral therapist working with teens teaching them social/emotional skills as she empowered them to self-advocate for their wants and needs. She then took an internship with Easter Seals and became the Summer Camp Director where she supported children of all abilities and ages to engage in adaptive summer fun activities such arts and crafts, kayaking, swimming and team sports. JJ's clientele have taught her the importance of active listening, compassion and empathy. 

In 2007, JJ began working at Mesa Developmental Services (STRIVE) as a Case Manager for 0-3 year old’s. She received her degree as a Special Education Generalist in 2010 and started teaching for Mesa County School District #51. While advocating for the needs of her autistic students, JJ collaborated with many great hearts and minds to bring the community the Early Intervention Autism Program. She has taught the primary, intermediate and secondary level of the Autism program. From Special Education Teacher to Autism and Behavior Specialist in the district, JJ has worked with a variety of students, families and community members. As a BCBA, she prides herself on her ability to create trusting relationships with her clients and their family. 

JJ and her family have been in the Grand Valley for over twenty years. In her free time, she loves to read, weave tapestries and be outdoors with her family and their dogs. 

Kailey is a dynamic, fun, and dedicated registered behavior technician on the Grand Valley Behavior team. Kailey takes pride in her upbringing as a military brat, where she accessed a variety of experiences, in a multitude of places as a child. Prior to joining the Grand Valley Behavior team, Kailey worked as a registered behavior technician for a behavior clinic and as a developmental interventionist aide in an early intervention program. Kailey also has multiple early childhood courses under her belt.   

Kailey's passion for working with children with special needs initially took root when she was in middle school, working as an aide in a special education classroom. Kailey’s first role as an aide was in 7th grade and she continued to support classmates with special needs in this capacity every year thereafter until high school graduation.  Kailey’s passion grew deeper after having 2 children of her own with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In her free time, Kailey loves spending time with family and friends and her dog Willow. 

Andrea joined the GVBSC team after completing her B.A. in Psychology, with an emphasis in counseling. After an internship working with individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders at Mosaic, Andrea found her passion for working with individuals with special needs. Andrea is currently on the path to becoming a BCBA and is completing her M.A. in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. 

In her free time, Andrea loves playing basketball, reading, cooking, and spending time with her friends and family.

Corynn is a hard-working, energetic, kind, and generous RBT who is  currently studying Psychology at Colorado Mesa University.  Corynn enjoys learning, exploring, and trying new things, and is proud to have found a work setting that allows her to stay in touch with her inner child and engage in symbiotic learning relationships.  Corynn has a passion and appreciation for how an understanding of behavior and what it is communicating can do to support growth in everyone. Outside of  working at Grand Valley Behavior and going to school, Corynn enjoys working out, spending time with friends and family, and traveling. 

Twila joined GVBSC with a background in early childhood and early elementary, also the areas she finds the greatest joy. Twila brings a unique experience to our team as a proud individual with Asperger’s Syndrome, now classified as autism spectrum disorder, which she finds gives her the compassion, energy and patience to work with any child and family. Twila has many years of experience teaching in the US and abroad and is a renowned presenter on the experience of an autistic person in China.  In addition to teaching in China, she brings ten years of experience as a Montessorri teacher. 

Aspen

Kadence

Natalie

Patrick

River