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Knowledgeable, Dedicated, and caring Staff
Monique Erickson, M.A., B.C.B.A. |
Lauren Dechiro, M.Ed. |
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Monique is a certified behavior analyst who began her work with children diagnosed with ASD in 1995 as an undergraduate at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). As a research assistant in Dr. Laura Schreibman’s autism lab she gained experience in the application of Pivotal Response Training (PRT). After graduating from UCSD in 1996 with her B.A. in psychology she went on to earn her M.A. in special education from San Diego State University in 2002. In addition, Monique holds special education teaching credentials in the states of Texas and New York.
Monique has over 15 years of specialized training and experience that is specific to designing dynamic and effective ABA programs for children with autism. She is skilled in a variety of behavior analytic techniques and has extensive experience and training designing comprehensive programs unique to each child. Her extensive experience has resulted in the ability to adapt the traditional curriculum to meet the needs of all learners. She is skilled in teaching language from a verbal behavior framework, play, advanced social cognition, adaptive daily living, academics, and using functional communication systems such as PECS and other adaptive devices (e.g., Dynavox). Contact monique@aceautism.com |
Lauren completed her Master’s in Special Education with a concentration in Autism/ABA from Texas State University in 2009 and plans to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Exam in September 2010. Lauren received her Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology and Audiology with Honors from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2006.
In 2008 Lauren began working as a Lead Therapist alongside the Autism Center for Education (A.C.E.) where she continued to expand her clinical skills. In addition to acting as a Lead Behavioral Therapist on several of ACE’s programs, Lauren assisted in conducting behavior and skill assessments for new clients, clinical report writing, and curriculum development. Lauren also assisted in parent training and providing autism awareness in-services in the local community. With a strong interest in social skills development in children on the autism spectrum, Lauren collaborated with another colleague to organize and initiate ACE’s first social skills group program. Contact lauren@aceautism.com |
From 1996-2006 Monique worked with Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (C.A.R.D.). Initially working in C.A.R.D.’s California offices she provided intensive behavioral therapy in the home and school settings, trained junior and senior therapists, and was responsible for designing and implementing treatment programs.
In 2002 Monique relocated to C.A.R.D.’s New York office where in addition she assisted in the co-management of the office operations and provided mentorship to case supervisors in training. In 2005 Monique was promoted to Managing Supervisor and opened C.A.R.D.’s Austin, Texas office where she assumed responsibility for all clinical and administrative operations. In January 2008 Monique opened the Autism Center for Education (ACE). 
Lauren began working with children on the autism spectrum in 2005, while completing her last year of undergraduate work. Upon graduating with her Bachelor’s degree, Lauren moved to Austin and began working as a therapist for the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (C.A.R.D.). While at C.A.R.D she gained experience working with several children across various skill levels in home, center and school settings. In 2007 Lauren was promoted to Senior Therapist and assisted in the design and implementation of programs for a number of clients.