About Me

Hi, I’m Laura!

I started in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in 2011 working at an in-home agency. After getting my masters and BCBA in 2015, I spent nearly six years working in public school districts in the Bay Area. Since the end of 2020, I have returned to in-home and community-based ABA, prioritizing trauma-informed goals, neuroaffirming strategies, and collaboration with other providers.

Using a play-based, child-led model ensures the child wants to engage and when the child is motivated, the most learning and interaction occurs. As a neurodivergent person, I understand how difficult it can be for children, teenagers, and young adults. My ultimate goal is to help the adults change their approaches and the environment to reduce the need to engage in behaviors and to be able to make meaningful progress. I also enjoy mentoring and training new and experienced staff to think creatively and update the techniques they use.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my dog, Benji, cooking, DIY and art projects, going to Disneyland and Universal Studios, and spending time with family and friends. I am born and raised in the Bay Area and love helping the families that live here.

A fluffy dog on a leash sitting on a paved path with grass and shrubs in the background.

Benji

Person smiling in a maroon sweater against a plain background.

  • B.A. Psychology - UC Santa Barbara

    M.A. Professional Behavior Analysis - Florida Institute of Technology

    BCBA - Initial Certification in 2015

    Ackerman Behavior Consulting, LLC - Owner

 Experience

  • Founded in 2024.

    After nearly 15 years in the industry, I have seen it all. Working in agencies that do not share my approach (play-based, child-led, neuroaffirming, and trauma-informed) led me to start my own company to make the change I would love to see in the ABA industry.

    Services focus on Independent Educational Evaluations - Functional Behavior Assessments (IEE FBA), parent support, and school collaboration, among others.

  • March 2023-December 2024

    • Managed a caseload of up to 25 clients in a value-based care 3-tier model, focused on improving client outcomes while ensuring treatment hours are effective and efficient

    • Grew the sub-region in the South Bay from <10 clients to 25+ via intakes and assessments

    • Provided on-going supervision to RBTs and Program Supervisors to satisfy BACB requirements

    • Mentored Program Supervisors in their current roles to meet BCBA hours requirements and BCBAs with less than two years of experience

    • Facilitated collaboration with other service providers and IEP team members for clients

  • November 2021-March 2023

    Songbird was acquired by Kyo in March 2023.

    • Created and modified protocols, systems, and trainings to ensure clear expectations across teams

    • Created systems for data tracking and team management across teams and departments

    • Measured and reported on clients and staff using various assessments and data collection methods

    • Grew the South Bay Region from by 300%+ clients via outreach, intakes, and assessments

    • Provided training in-person and via telehealth for BTs, parents, and other professionals

    • Mentored BTs and BCBAs in the South Bay Region

  • March 2021 - November 2021

    • Measured and reported on clients and staff using various assessments and data collection methods for 2-tier, 3- tier, and parent training cases

  • September 2015-November 2020

    • Lead a team of 15+ Behavior Interventionists, serving as the main point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including Senior Level District Staff

    • Provided training in-person and via telehealth to entry level staff through industry professionals for groups up to 100 people

    • As a Safety-Care Trainer certified by QBS, trained district employees to ensure safety for students and staff during daily activities and behavioral escalations

    • Mentor and main point of contact for Supervisors, Special Education with less than two years of experience Part of a multi-disciplinary team responsible for implementing and creating students IEPs

  • January 2015-August 2015

  • March 2011 - December 2015

Let me tell you about my approach

  • Neurodivergent Affirming and Strength Based  

  • Trauma Informed

  • Child-Led and Play-based 

  • Focus on Changing the Environment, Not the Child 

  • Sensory Needs are Real Needs 

  • Successful Across Behavior and Settings

  • Collaboration and Consistency is Key 

Assorted children's toys including LEGO pieces, small figurines, and colorful pencils on purple trays.

“If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” 

— Ignacio Estrada

Get started with me today!