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Employee Spotlights

We are proud to work alongside remarkable professionals dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families through innovative, evidence-based approaches. While these clinicians come from diverse backgrounds, they all share one common goal: to create progress and possibilities® for every child.

Join us in celebrating these team members who exemplify what it means to make a difference in autism care at Bierman Autism Centers.

Inspiring Career Journies at Bierman Autism Centers

Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)

"I first discovered the field of Behavior Analysis during an undergraduate internship. Observing my clients’ growth was heartwarming, and I knew I wanted to keep contributing to this uplifting field. Forming connections with each child, cheering them on, learning about them as individuals , and witnessing their progress is the most fulfilling part of being a Behavior Analyst. I love seeing the meaningful changes we bring to the lives of the children and families we work with. At Bierman Autism Center, I get to be part of a supportive and collaborative environment where progress feels limitless, and new possibilities are always within reach ."

Elizabeth Sullivan

Cary, North Carolina

"I initially studied nursing, but a child psychology course introduced me to Behavior Analysis and ignited my passion for helping individuals with autism Every bit of progress , no matter how small, can mean the world to our learners and their families. Watching clients communicate for the first time or bravely try something new is incredibly rewarding. My favorite part of the job is using skill-based treatment that emphasizes autonomy, creating a happy, relaxed learning environment for everyone involved. "

Ben Leversee

Westfield, Indiana

Speech Language Pathologists (SLP)

“I’ve always loved working with children; helping them find their voices brings me so much joy. Watching them grow and thrive in school, home, and their communities is incredibly rewarding. One of my favorite parts of the job is the collaboration at Bierman Autism Center! I work closely with a child’s entire team—including BCBAs, BTs, OTs, and parents—ensuring they can consistently use the skills they learn. One of the most effective techniques with early communicators is ‘expectant waiting.’ By pausing and looking at the child expectantly, you encourage them to express their needs in an effective way.”

Kate Carmichael

Bedford, Massachusetts

“I always wanted a career focused on helping others, and when I discovered pediatric speech therapy, I knew it was the perfect fit. Making a positive impact on my clients and their families is incredibly fulfilling, and watching children build confidence in their communication abilities keeps me excited about my role every day. I love seeing how quickly speech therapy can unlock a child’s ability to communicate, opening new doors for them and their families.”

Caroline McAuley

Broad Ripple, Indiana

“I’ve seen the impact a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can make through my family’s experiences with speech therapy. During my graduate school rotation in autism care, I loved the uniqueness of each child and how no two sessions were ever the same. At Bierman Autism Center, I collaborate with amazing colleagues, combining our skills to support our clients. My favorite part of the job is play-based, child-led therapy, where I incorporate goals into the child’s interests, making the process dynamic and engaging.”

Sabrina Bankemper

Cary, North Carolina

Occupational Therapists (OT)

"Watching a client reach a milestone or achieve a goal they’ve worked so hard for is one of the most rewarding parts of being an Occupational Therapist at Bierman. Balancing child-led and therapist-led activities has been highly effective in building rapport and focusing on goal-directed activities. Incorporating a child’s preferred activities or interests into sessions is incredibly motivating for our learners."

Megan Kirk

Berkeley Heights, New Jersey

“I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare and with children. My interest in Occupational Therapy began in high school. After switching from nursing school, I never looked back. I fell in love with working with autistic children in my first job after graduate school. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the progress clients make alongside their families. I’ve found that engaging in play in ways my clients prefer is incredibly effective—it motivates and engages them in tasks they might not normally enjoy.”

Rachel Kilbourne

Avon, Indiana

“I originally got into Occupational Therapy because a family member benefitted from the service. While I initially wanted to work in mental health, I fell in love with pediatrics during my fieldwork. Building relationships and witnessing the kids gain skills is really rewarding.”

Ariana Morookian, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

East Bay, Rhode Island

Other Careers - Clinical Excellence Team

“I first got introduced to ABA therapy in high school when my mother began working in the field. I was immediately drawn to the kids and the science of breaking down big goals into attainable, measurable steps—celebrating each small success is incredibly rewarding. Watching kids learn new ways to communicate and become happier, calmer, and more effective communicators is truly fulfilling. Now, one of the best parts

Aubrey Byrne, Clinical Director

West Orange, New Jersey

"I’m a people-person who finds joy in teaching, supporting, advocating, and collaborating. Behavior Analysis allows me to do all these things in a very meaningful way. What keeps me going is seeing the impactful changes in the lives of the children and families we serve—and the growth of our team members. Motivation and behavioral skills training are especially rewarding aspects of my work. At Bierman Autism Center, I get to be part of a supportive, collaborative environment where progress and possibilities are endless."

Cherelle Brown, Clinical Director

Gahanna, Ohio

“I was working with a little boy who had severe behavior challenges, dedicating most of my energy to discovering what he loved and using those interests to help him communicate and transition safely between activities. I felt so proud as I watched him develop communication skills and reduce self-injury. Many years later, I discovered Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and fell in love with the science of behavior.”

Sarah Costa, M.S.Ed., BCBA, LABA (MA), LBA (RI)
Director of Clinical Excellence

Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Clinical Training Team

“I fell into the world of ABA while in college, where I initially planned to attend medical school and become a pediatrician. However, my journey took an unexpected but welcome turn when I began working with a child with autism. This experience led me to a research lab focused on early screening tools for autism. Inspired by this new path, I pursued a graduate program in early childhood special education and ABA—and I’ve never looked back!”