Karissa, Owner
She/Her
Karissa has been teaching in the gymnastics and education industry for more than 20+ years, holds a B.S. in Psychology, and has worked as an ABA Therapist since 2008. Author, creator, and developer of SpectraAbilities and LEAP-Learning, an industry-leading educational platform. She is known globally for her work with individuals living with developmental & intellectual disabilities, she is actively engaged in increasing awareness of her unique and highly successful practices. Through promotions, public speaking engagements, training, consulting, and mentoring other like-minded colleagues. Residing in Portland, she proudly serves on the Autism of Oregon's board of directors as Vice President.
Licensing Onboarding
Subscription to spectrAbilities Platform
Online Staff Training Courses & Resources
Exclusive Monthly Licensee Community Meetings
Phased Program Integration
Adaptive Lesson Plans & Games
Expert Behavior Advisors
Exclusive Tumbl Trak Equipment Packages
Karissa currently offers a free discovery call to assist professionals with licensing and program implementation. Consulting also includes:
Neurodiverse market analysis
Site visit to Spectra for program orientation
Option for program orientation & training at your site
Staff Training
(in person or virtual)
Karissa offers professional development training sessions for private clubs seeking inclusion programs.
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Emily, Executive DIRECTOR, BCBA
She/Her
Emily is our new Executive Director of Spectra. She has over ten years of experience working with kids and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. She has her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She recently moved here from Michigan to further her career and has officially joined the Spectra team!
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Allison,
Speech Language Pathologist
they/them
I have 29 years of lived experience as an autistic/ADHD human, and almost 6 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist.
Within speech pathology, I have worked across educational, medical, and clinical settings with humans across the entire lifespan.
I am originally from Western NY, I got my bachelors degree with a double major in Communication Disorders and Linguistics from SUNY New Paltz in 2016 and my masters in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Utah in 2018.
I prioritize connection over compliance and client-led therapy that is individualized and neurodiversity-affirming. Education and advocacy are a staple in my work as well as implementing trauma-informed strategies/concepts and considering intersectionality and cross-cultural considerations. I could talk forever about my passion for working with and being a part of the actually autistic community, and I can’t wait to connect with you!
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Dustin, therapist
Dustin has been working with children and young adults who have different intellectual disabilities for over 3 years as an ABA therapist. He earned his B.S. degree at the University of Western Oregon in Exercise Science and joined the Spectra Team early in 2023 supporting both the Gym/Preschool and ABA programming. Dustin is looking forward to his professional development and cultivating relationships with Spectra clients and families. Outside of Spectra, he works for a house painting company and is an avid adventurer outdoors, sports, and traveling.
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Lindsey, Teacher
She/Her
Lindsey has been teaching preschool classes since 2011. She emphasizes teaching to the whole child, giving students the opportunity to practice interacting with peers, engaging in independent decision-making, working to regulate emotions, being flexible thinkers, and becoming more resilient. She is a parent of multiple neurodivergent children and knows how life-changing it can be for children to be accepted, understood, and loved in a supportive environment. She is honored to be able to provide this for her students. Spectra has been an exceptional support for her son and she is very excited to join the Spectra team!
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Madeline, Instructor
She/Her
Madeline has nurtured relationships through her volunteer experiences working in SPED classrooms and with family members on the spectrum. She studied both Speech & Hearing Sciences as well as Special Education at Portland State. Madeline is now researching her preferred degree specialization by exploring career opportunities that allow her to gain specific experiences to better help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Madeline is an absolute natural when working with neurodivergent students of all ages and abilities! In her free time, she enjoys hiking, singing, and playing the piano.
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Jessica, Therapist
She/Her
Jessica is an original Oregon native; she has lived in the Portland area her entire life. She has a passion for ABA Therapy because she has had her own struggles in school, and she wants to help others. Recently graduated from Western Oregon University with a BS in Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Portland State University. She enjoys hiking, Minecraft, and anything to do with arts and crafts. Her goals are to become a BCBA, and eventually own her own business. Her ultimate goal is to integrate ABA Therapy into Montessori schools.
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Jess, Therapist
She/Her
Jess moved to Oregon a few months ago and can't wait for the cold weather. She went to school for Early Childhood Education to be a preschool teacher, but after volunteering for a year at Americorps working with children who were struggling in a regular class setting she realized this is what she wanted to do and her journey brought her to ABA. She is currently finishing her AS in ECE to achieve a BA in ABA therapy and create an enlightening career in this field. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing with her partner, their two cats, and anything arts and crafts related- currently exploring making soaps and lotion.
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Tiffany, Therapist
She/Her
Tiffany is originally from Texas and has lived in the Portland area for 10 years. She loves working with early learners and incorporating fun learning opportunities within the natural environment. With over 7 years of experience in the field, a M.S. in ABA, and recently becoming a BCaBA, she is currently pursuing her BCBA certification in order to better assist her clients. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, lazy beach days with her pups, traveling, and a good game of poker.
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Tiffany, Therapist
Tiffany has established herself as an innovative and collaborative therapy professional with more than six years of experience providing support and services to meet the developmental, academic, emotional, and social needs of children with autism spectrum disorder. She is currently finishing up her education, a Master of Arts, in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism from Ball State University. Previously she received her Bachelor of Arts, in Social Work, from the University of Iowa.
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Sam, Therapist
I graduated from the University of Colorado Denver, earning my B.S. in Psychology with a minor in cognitive behavioral neuroscience. I worked at a nonprofit in Colorado to help first-generation teenagers earn their high school degrees and teach them how to be successful in college. My passion is being able to help others accomplish their goals and learn how to be independent, which is why I am so excited to be part of the Spectra team! I began my master's degree in ABA last fall with the hopes of becoming a BCBA and starting my own business in the PNW! In my free time, I love to watch movies, draw, and hike around the entire state of Oregon!
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Brooke, Therapist
She/Her
Brooke is a Portland native and an avid advocate for individuals with disabilities. With a bachelors degree in science and aim to improve the quality of life of those around her, she found ABA therapy impactful. Seeing the moment where something clicks for a child is the most fulfilling and heart-warming experience! On the weekends you can catch her outdoors hiking and fishing!
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Ashtin, Therapist
They/Them
Hello friends! Born and raised in the Portland area, I am so thrilled to be working as an RBAI on the Spectra team! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and am working towards furthering my education to become a play therapist. As a fellow autistic human, I am passionate about leading these kids to become the most comfortable, capable, and confident versions of themselves. On the weekends you can find me learning ASL with my partner, taking my dog on hikes, and playing guitar!
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Connor, INSTRUCTOR
He/Him
I started working with special needs children during elementary school when I would volunteer at my church. Later on, I joined Taekwondo where I took lessons and taught for 7 years. My mother an I started a program for special needs people who wanted to learn martial arts. I enjoy working with Neurodivergent people because I know I can make a difference and be a positive influence on their lives. In my spare time, I enjoy playing the drums, spending time with my cat, or practicing singing!
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Abi, Therapist
She/Her
I've been living in Oregon for 2 years, and working as an RBT for 4! I found my love for working with children when I began babysitting and nannying as a teenager. Around the same time, I learned about ABA through a family I worked with. In college I found a job as an RBT and I've loved it ever since. I enjoy working with clients across a range of ages and abilities, and my favorite skill to see improve is communication. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my two
cats, playing board/card games, and doing puzzles.
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Maxine, Admin
Maxine is Spectra's spectacular remote office administrator, working with our Parents through JackRabbit! Maxine loves working here, not just because her family enjoys a membership but because she believes in the value of our inclusive gymnastic and educational programs!
“One of my nephews is on the spectrum and Spectra is a place where he feels fully accepted and understood."
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Jen, ABA Billing Specialist
Jen has her Bachelor's degree in Business Management w/ emphasis in Human Resources. She works with small businesses as a medical coder/biller and has been doing so for 12 years. Her family loves the outdoors, camping, fishing, and playing in the water. Her family has been patrons of Spectra for over 10 years. We are so very pleased with Karissa and her dream. We have watched her grow and help so many individuals/families. I am honored to work with Karissa and her staff. She stands for everything our family believes in.
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