Springfield, IL

Get Started at Apple Academy in Springfield, IL!

Applied Behavior Analysis in Springfield, IL

Lead your child to independence with BPI.

Now offering In-Clinic ABA Therapy and In-Home Therapy.

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ABA Therapy Columbia MO

What is ABA Therapy?

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based treatment that is effective for people of all ages (from early childhood through adulthood), can involve one-to-one teaching or group instruction, and is provided in a variety of settings (e.g. clinics, homes, and schools). The goal of ABA therapy is to increase helpful, meaningful behavior and skills, and to reduce behavior that is harmful or negatively affects the individual. Each program is written to meet the needs of each individual learner.

View Current Job Openings at Our Springfield, IL Clinic

How can In-Clinic ABA help my child?

In-clinic therapy can create opportunities that are well-structured and systematic, which might be difficult at times at home. Apple Academy allows children to practice school-readiness skills and social skills.

What is special about Apple Academy?

Apple Academy is a unique alternative to traditional special education, providing individualized programming and a 1:1 staff ratio to maximize learning opportunities for learners ages 2-7.

Apple Academy Goals

  • Increase Communication
  • Create School Readiness
  • Greater Independence
  • Improve Fine and Gross Motor Skills
  • Expand Social Skills

Meet the Springfield, IL Team!

Click Here for Staff Bios

Ready to enroll your child in BPI?

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Other Autism Services in Springfield, IL

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School Consultation

Whether students return to school full-time, part-time, or continue virtual-learning, BPI has a plan of action for each scenario. BPI has focused on its school consultation program and is offering advanced training and support for educators.

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Parent Academy

Developed by a team of autism parents and professionals, Parent Academy is an online support center for parents who have a child on the autism spectrum.

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Why BPI?

We believe that every child has potential to reach new levels of independence, grow in effective communication, and acquire new, valuable skills. In fact, our organization exists because we believe those things. We want to partner with you to ensure that every child grows, learns, and experiences quality of life.

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Now Featuring

Apple Academy

Clinic Director

Lavisha Fernandes

Lavisha is a diligent, fun-loving, and compassionate professional who has been working closely with individuals on the autism spectrum and their families since 2014. She has first-hand experience dealing with autism and the challenges that come along with it from a parent’s perspective. Lavisha was first introduced to the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) back in 2010, she was intrigued by its wonders as it made a long-lasting impact on the quality of her family life. Deeply moved by its wonders she decided to pursue her master’s in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. She graduated from Northern Illinois University with a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis in May of 2018 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Providing client-centered cutting-edge therapeutic services with the highest degree of social validity to Lead, Support, Teach, and Empower is her mission. In her quest to positively impact lives, she has grown and evolved as a strong leader.

RBT Manager

Katie Sanson

Katie is the RBT Manager at our Springfield clinic! Katie studied at Illinois State University. Before working as BPI Title 1 aide at Carlinville Intermediate School. In her free time, she enjoys trying new recipes, laying at the pool, and kayaking. Katie is excited to work at BPI! Her exact words were: “I’m finally fulfilling my passion of working with children with autism after years of uncertainty about my path in life….good news…BPI is it!”

Director of Adult Services

Salena Schilling

Salena is BPI’s Director of Adult and Transitional Services. She completed the Dual Counseling/Applied Behavior Analysis program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2012. She is actively engaged in disability advocacy at the local and state level. She also is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She lives and greatly enjoys exploring all of Chicago and learning more about the history of the city.
Salena is passionate about working with adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She strives in helping with their goals, independence, and continuing to advocate for their rights. The values that drive her are high integrity, continuous professional, and personal growth. Salena is an avid traveler, reader and also listens to an array of podcasts. Running is a passion of hers as well and has a goal to run the Chicago Marathon.
She is excited to be with BPI to collaborate with a positive team and grow professionally.

Creativity

Collaboration inspires creativity. Forward-thinking innovation is crucial in continuing to develop and improve. We believe creativity at work leads to enhanced well-being and satisfaction for all team members. We provide opportunities for continuous learning, and we encourage employees to seek new information, knowledge, and creative ways to keep growing. 

Integrity

Valuing honesty and openness, expressing gratitude when teammates help each other and being flexible when unexpected obstacles present themselves encompass what integrity means. Integrity fosters a positive workplace culture where there is open communication and a strong moral compass guiding all decisions and actions made by the BPI team for each other and the families we serve. We are committed to always doing the right thing, no matter how challenging it may be.

Collaboration

We provide excellent individualized services and support that foster the development of new skills and behaviors in order to guide each learner forward. None of us can do this job alone. Sharing our knowledge, ideas, and expertise provides us with the tools needed to achieve our common goal. When every member of the team contributes, the results are amazing!

Positivity

We foster an environment where we appreciate each other for all the hard work we do and acknowledge each other’s contributions along the way. When faced with obstacles, we work together to find ways to overcome them and grow from those experiences. We promote healthy work relationships where open communication, support, respect, and understanding are paramount. 

Clinical Manager

Josephine Southwick

Josephine Southwick recently completed the Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Previously, Ms. Southwick completed a Master’s of Education degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at the Institute for Behavioral Studies at Endicott College in Beverly, MA. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Mills College, in Oakland CA. 

 

Ms. Southwick has taught Vocational Education and Autism specific classrooms in Kuwait, and California. Ms. Southwick was elected to the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies Exceptional Student Group in 2014 and 2015, and was the copyeditor for Behavior & Philosophy from 2015-2017. Currently, Ms. Southwick is an Adjunct in the Psychology Department in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. She is enrolled in the Applied Behavior Analysis Ph.D. Program at The Chicago School for Professional Psychology. 

Assistant Clinic Manager

Makayla Abbott

Makayla is the Assistant Clinic Manager at our Champaign IL clinic! Makayla is determined and passionate to help the learners and families that we serve reach all of their goals and needs.

Outside of work she spends a lot of time with her family and friends. She loves to go on walks with her dog named Paisley. She is a yellow lab. MaKayla rescued her when she was 9 months old. 

She is excited to work at BPI because this is what she loves to do. She gets to support and guide young learners every single day to be successful in their lives and to help families every day.

Clinic Manager

Taaji Bolton

Taaji is a Registered Behavior Technician in Champaign, IL! Taaji has her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She values the progress that all of her kiddos make. To her, it is very rewarding to know that she is a life changer. In her free time, she really enjoys going shopping and buying shoes.

She is excited to work here because she is able to make changes that will help the little learners in the long run. Fun fact about Taaji! She is a true shoe collector! She has been collecting gym shoes since she was around 6-years-old. She now has around 250 pairs of shoes.

Clinic Manager

Kaitlynne McNutt

Kaitlynne is our Clinic Manager in Madison County, IL! She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Her father was in the military, so she lived all over the United States as well as Italy, Japan, and South Korea. Before working for BPI she worked as an RBT for 2 1/2 years. She loves to collect Starbucks coffee mugs from all the cities she visits around the world.

In her free time, she loves crafting and being with her family. She is excited about challenging herself in a new position.  She also cannot wait to see all she can learn from her peers and the learners she will get to work with!

Regional Manager

Michaela Goode

Michaela is the Regional Director for BPI Central Illinois West. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University in Human Development and Family Relations. She received her Graduate degree from Ball State University in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism. Michaela grew up in Carlinville, Illinois. 

In her free time, she likes to hang out with friends and family, going to wineries, making new things on my Cricut, and watching movies. Her Favorite Movie is Life as We Knew It. Michaela loves the BPI atmosphere, the passion everyone has, the family feel, and all the clients and families she gets to work with each day!

Clinic Manager

Mike Humann

Mike is the Assistant Clinic Manager at our Lake in the Hills, IL clinic! Mike has his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Illinois State University. Before working at BPI he was working at an inpatient Psych Hospital with Children, adolescents, and Adults Diagnosed with Autism.

Three values that really drive Mike to do his best are Honesty, Integrity, and Loyalty. In his free time, he enjoys watching sports, playing video games, and streaming new tv shows. One thing on Mike’s bucket list is to travel to Europe. It excites him to know that he has the ability to shape the future of our learners; a responsibility he takes pride in.

Clinic Manager

Eric Ortolano

Eric is at the Lake in the Hills clinic as our Clinic Manager. He is currently pursuing a Psychology Degree at McHenry Community College. Eric grew up in Palmer, Alaska, and managed a nonprofit that focused on feeding children and families facing nutrition insecurity. He believes that respect, integrity, reliability, and honesty are traits of a great teammate at BPI. 

When he is not working, his biggest passions are traveling and learning about new cultures. Eric also enjoys photography, music, and connecting with friends and family. Eric’s favorite travel spot is a tie between Australia and the United Kingdom. Eric has always had an interest in behavioral and mental health. Working for Behavioral Perspective excites him because he is able to help support, teach and empower the kids we serve so that they can reach their potential and continue to learn and grow.

BT Manager

Brett Caldwell

Brett is an RBT Manager in Lake in the Hills! He has an Associate of Arts from Mchenry County Community College in Crystal Lake, IL. Before working with BPI he was the Program Manager’s Assistant at Alexander Leigh Center for Autism. Brett thrives with creativity, positivity, and compassion. In his free time, Brett enjoys Video games and sports. He also loves spending time with his corgi, Phoebe. Brett likes working at BPI because he gets to see all of the amazing accomplishments that the young learners make.

Clinic Director

Annette Grandolfo

Annette started her career working with children who have special needs while in college.  While home on summer and winter breaks, Annette began working at a school providing services to children requiring special education services.  During the 10-years working at this school, Annette worked with a wide range of ages and abilities from 3 to 22-years old in classroom settings and with older learners on job sites ensuring job duties were completed thoroughly.

Upon graduating from the Master’s program, Annette has obtained her nationally recognized Board Certified Behavior Analyst Credential.  Annette is passionate about working with children and adults diagnosed with special needs.

Behavior Technician Level 3

Diana Deward

Diana is an RBT at our Oswego Location! Diana is originally from North Aurora and went to Oswego high school! Before working at BPI she was a Daycare Assistant Teacher. In her free time, she enjoys: reading, writing, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. She loves to watch the learners grow and achieve their goals. She enjoys working hand in hand with them to ensure a safe and fun environment of learning. She has one pet dog named Sprout and a pet turtle named Ray! 

Clinic Manager

Keith Latham

Keith has an undergraduate degree in Human Development focusing specifically on child and adolescent development. He is currently a Masters’s student at Aurora University working towards a Masters’s in School Social Work.  Before joining the BPI family Keith was going to school and working as a personal trainer. In order to be the best version of himself he believes he must continue to grow, learn, and try new things. When not working Keith enjoys working out, shooting archery, hunting, camping, and being outdoors.

Keith enjoys working with children and helping them grow to become the best possible version of themselves. Working at BPI allows him to work one on one with children in order to teach them new things and enhance their ability to create relationships. Helping them to grow and find their voice. Keith has a one-year-old golden retriever named Ranger. One thing on his bucket list is to travel more.

Clinic Director

Angela Miranda

Angela is our Plano, IL Clinical Director. She has an MA in Applied Behavior Analysis and a BA in Psychology with a Minor in Sociology. She grew up in Lyons, IL, and was the Senior Team Lead for Target for 12 years! Angela knows that her compassion, perseverance, dependability, honesty, open-mindedness, optimism all make her an excellent team member and BCBA!


When she is not at BPI she enjoys spending time with her family and cooking! She is an avid traveler and even traveled to China! The best part of Angela’s job is seeing the difference she makes in individuals’ lives for both her learners and coworkers.  She feels the company truly cares about its employees and loves the people she works with!

Assistant Clinic Manager

Kimberly Gomez

Kim is the Assistant Clinic Manager at at our Oswego, IL clinic! Kim has her Associates degree in criminal justice and is going back to school to finish her bachelors degree in disability studies. 

Before coming to BPI Kim worked for another ABA company, and prior to that, worked in the public school system in a behavioral disorders classroom and self contained autism classroom. 

In her free time, Kim enjoys hanging out with her kids, boyfriend and 2 dogs. She enjoys riding quads and going camping with her family! Her favorite place she has traveled to is Alaska! Kim lived there for almost 5 1/2 years!

Clinic Manager

Maria Burggraf

Maria is an RBT at our Aurora, IL clinic! Maria has her Master’s degree in Education. Before working at BPI she was a financial aid advisor for Career Education and Co-founder of Bulgarian Language school. 

Maria loves to work with kids and teach them new skills. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, skiing, and reading. Maria has a golden retriever named Charlie.

BT Manager

Kiya Severson

Kiya is our RBT Manager at our Oswego and Plano, IL clinics! Kiya has her Bachelor’s degree in Disabilities Studies. Her favorite part of her job is using her leadership skills to help and motivate others.

Seeing the children laugh and grow is so motivational for Kiya!

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, daughter, and friends.

Clinic Director

Manali Thakore

Manali is BPI’s Clinical Director for Oswego and a BCBA! She has her BA from Marquette University and her MS in ABA at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Manali has been in the field for over 10 years and has had experience in therapeutic day schools, community-based, in-home, and clinic settings.

Her favorite part of her job is watching her kids make progress and knowing she was a small part of making that happen.

In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her pup Vanilla Bean, playing video games, listening to crime podcasts, and going on walks.

 

Assistant Clinic Manager

Debbie Pham Huynh

Debbie is a graduate from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelors’s in Social Work. She’s currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Social Work and is thinking about pursuing a career as a BCBA when she graduates.

Debbie was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Debbie was an RBT at  BPI Austin for almost 2  years before transitioning into her new role as Asst. Clinic Manager. She loves playing and being silly with the kids, watching them grow every day, and helping them reach their full potential! She is excited about her new administrative role at BPI. She hopes to foster a positive and supportive working environment for the staff as well as build her own leadership skills!

 

Clinic Manager

Kegan Gonzalez

Kegan has been working in the field of ABA for nine years. He graduated from the University of Houston with a focus in Psychology. He worked for years as a behavioral technician and developed a strong passion for ABA and the people he has met in the process. Kegan hopes to use his experience and position to continue to foster a positive working environment and help those around him succeed.  

 

BT Manager

Nimbe Lozano

Nimbe is the BT manager for our Austin TX location. Nimbe is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree and has been working as an RBT for the past 3 years. Nimbe is excited to be in a leadership role that allows her to learn the administrative side of the ABA field. In her free time she enjoys watching Korean and Chinese drama and learning Korean. She also has a one year old husky named WooBin!

 

Clinic Director

Rachel Reeder

Rachel is the Clinical Director in Austin, TX! Rachel has a BA in Speech-Language Pathology with a minor in Family Studies and her Master’s in Behavioral Sciences.

 

Prior to working at BPI, she was working at another outpatient clinic with children on the spectrum. In her free time she enjoys going to the greenbelt, doing yoga, and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite part about BPI is, “I absolutely love our multidisciplinary model; collaborating with speech and occupational therapy to ensure our learners are getting a focused treatment plan.”

 

Assistant Clinic Manager

Courtney Norton

Courtney is the Assistant Clinical Manager at BPI Springfield! Courtney has her associate in Arts and is currently working towards her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Courtney loves being creative and fun for the learners. In her free time, Courtney loves to play  Sims 4, paint, and tie-dye clothing!

Clinic Manager

Amanda DeFord

Amanda is the clinic manager at the Springfield Clinic. Amanda has her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Masters’s in Elementary Education. Before working at BPI she was the Lead PreK Teacher and Assistant Director at an Early Learning Center. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to wineries and concerts with her husband, and drinking coffee on her front porch! Seeing the kids grow and develop is such a passion of hers!  Her favorite part about working at BPI is: “getting to work with and learn from amazing, hard-working people who have compassion and the drive it takes to help parents/guardians, children, siblings, and other co-workers to better understand and appreciate every learner that walks through our doors.

RBT Manager

Emily Leibach​

Emily is BPI’s Central IL, RBT Manager! Before starting with BPI Emily was working as Behavior Tech for 6.5 years. Her favorite part of her job is seeing our RBTs and learners grow and succeed. 

In her free time, Emily enjoys being with family and friends, visiting her sister in Florida, and going to CUBS games. One thing on Emily’s bucket list is to travel to New Zealand and ride in a hot air balloon someday!

Clinic Director

Sabina Khan

Sabina is the Clinical Director and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at our Springfield location! Sabina received her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Sabina was born and raised in Darien, IL. She then moved to Springfield in 2018 with her husband who started his residency at Memorial Medical Center. Sabina was working in the field of ABA as a line therapist at another company prior to starting her practicum experience at BPI. Sabina enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and traveling with her husband. Sabina has had the pleasure to be a part of the BPI team since 2017. Sabina is dedicated to improving the lives of those she works with through her commitment to providing an evidence-based scientific approach to behavior services.

BT Manager

David Bandish

David has been working with the special education population for about six years. He went to Lewis University and double majored in Psychology and Criminal Social Justice. After college, he worked multiple positions within the special education field including a 1:1 Instructor, Registered Behavior Technician, Program Manager, and Crisis Interventionist. David currently works at Behavioral Perspective Inc. as the Assistant Clinic Manager. His favorite part about working with children with autism is witnessing them make progress over time as well as breaking down barriers that impede their social and academic abilities.

Clinic Manager

Kaleena White

Kaleena White has worked with children for over a decade. During which time, she worked as a home daycare provider and an assistant teacher in a couple of daycare’s. Kaleena has been with BPI for over two years. Kaleena became a Lead RBT and is now our new Apple Clinical Assistant.

RBT Manager

Jesenia Delatorre

Jesenia is the RBT Manager for our Aurora, IL clinic! Jesenia has her Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in art. She grew up in Cicero, IL. She loves doing anything arts and crafts related and also enjoys doing her makeup. Jesenia loves coming to work and seeing the faces of every single client and watching them grow every single day. It truly makes her heart happy! Jesenia has a dog named Lola! She loves to travel to Mexico and learn about her culture! One thing she would love to do in her lifetime is to adopt a child.