Integrated Team of Autism Care Experts

Ian is a physician entrepreneur dedicated to building best-in-class care models. He has an MD/MPH degree from Tulane University and was in residency at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. He completed advanced training in care model innovation and health policy from Stanford, Harvard, and the CDC. He has worked in strategy and leadership roles for leading healthcare provider organizations across the US, including as a consultant for the Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

Jen is a designer, education, and people expert. She has a background in human-centered design, including serving as a Director at Stanford’s design school (d.school) focused on human-centered innovation in education. She previously served in leadership and operational roles in several K12 public schools. She began her career as a high school Chemistry teacher.

Amanda has over 10 years of experience working with children with autism and related conditions. She has worked in multiple settings providing direct client/family care and overseeing other BCBAs as a Clinical Director. She received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is trained in the Early Start Denver Model, or ESDM.

Dr. Abby Wischkaemper is a Licensed Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She began her work with children with developmental delays as an undergrad. This opportunity to work directly with children and their families inspired her to pursue her doctoral training in School Psychology at The University of Southern Mississippi. She also received specialized training in Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention, autism diagnostic assessment, and treatment of pediatric feeding disorders during her clinical internship at the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Nebraska. After returning home to Louisiana, she completed her fellowship and additional experience at Live Oak Children’s Center and the Ochsner Boh Center for Child Development. Dr. Abby has experience providing both assessment and treatment services to a variety of children and adolescents, including neuro-typical children and those with developmental delays. She aims to assist children and their families by providing thorough evaluations and using individualized, evidence-based treatment strategies.

Kate has been a pediatric occupational therapist for 6 years in the Denver area. She believes in providing holistic and individualized evaluation and treatment to kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with a focus on helping them participate to their fullest potential and gain independence in daily life. She has an extensive background in providing treatment for kids with ASD, specifically in the areas of feeding, sensory integration, and executive functioning. Kate received a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Colorado State University in 2015.

Will is a certified ESDM therapist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 10 years of experience in early intervention and autism therapy. Will earned a Master of Education degree in Early Intervention with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorder from The University of Pittsburgh. After starting his career in community-based practice, Will joined the faculty at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and began working on a research study comparing the effectiveness of ESDM therapy to other approaches. Prior to joining Soar, Will served as the Vice President of Clinical Quality and Outcomes for a multisite ABA provider. His clinical specialties include: naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention, compassionate, communication focused approaches to challenging behavior, and building meaningful models for caregiver involvement in ABA therapy. He is passionate about building high-quality early intervention programs for children with autism and their families.

Kat comes to Soar with 15 years of experience working with children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. She has experience in home, school, and center-based programs building programming that highlights each child’s individual strengths. She is trained in the Early Start Denver Model and enjoys coaching clinicians and caregivers on incorporating it into their lives.

Michaela has been working with children with autism and related disorders for over 5 years. She has worked in several different settings including multidisciplinary clinics and facility schools. Michaela is passionate about providing high quality care to the children she serves with a strong emphasis of learning through fun. Michaela received her Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University in 2018. She is in the certification process for the Early Start Denver Model.

Laurie is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, who specializes in working with young children with autism and their families. She has a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee and has been working with children with autism since 2013, first as a preschool special education teacher and then as a Behavior Analyst. She really enjoys helping children learn through play, and loves to teach parents and families about ABA and incorporate them into sessions as much as possible. She is also trained in the Early Start Denver Model, Picture Exchange Communication System, and Pivotal Response Training.

Emily is a Speech-Language Pathologist at Soar and an AAC Specialist. She has a passion for working with children with autism and their families. Emily received her Masters of Arts degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Memphis.

Obioma (“Obi”) is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy dedicated to holistic, inclusive, strengths-based, and family-centered care. With a background in the performing, visual & literary arts, Obi understands the value of creativity as an essential instrument in child development. Obi’s holistic approach combines each family’s individual story with teamwork and the latest evidence-based treatments, ensuring high-quality care. She continuously advocates for inclusive environments which welcome and celebrate the differences we all share. She received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) from Rush University in Chicago, IL. Her doctoral project focused on the promotion of health and well-being.

Allison received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder, and has over 7 years of experience working with children. She is driven to create a safe, accepting, and judgement-free space for all children, families, and employees. As a former Registered Behavioral Therapist and Office Manager, she provides a bridge from the knowledge of ABA therapy to daily center operations and working with families as our Caregiver Outreach Manager.

Macy received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Clemson University and worked as an RBT before transitioning into an operations role supporting Soar. She intends to pursue her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling and continue working and growing in the psychology field.