Sam Anderson received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Concordia University Wisconsin. During this time, Sam worked as a Behavior Technician at an ABA company that provided in-home services, where she was first introduced to ABA. Sam quickly found her love and passion for the field of ABA and knew she wanted to continue her professional career providing individualized services to children in need. Sam then earned her master’s degree in ABA at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology while also working as a behavior therapist within the clinic setting providing services to children on the Autism Spectrum. During this time Sam received her supervision from Roots where she was exposed to a variety of new skills. Since becoming a BCBA, Sam has loved working with a variety of children and families as well as her supportive team at Roots. Her passion for this field continues to grow each day and she loves working closely with families and seeing all of the kid’s progression being made.

Alexa received her bachelor degree in psychology and education from DePauw University. She worked at a behavioral intervention camp which sparked her interest into the field of behavioral sciences. She went on to get her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Through her master’s program, she worked as an RBT at Roots and gained knowledge through her supervision and direct experiences with clients. She looks forward to continuing her collaboration with her coworkers, families and other professionals as a BCBA and eager to see her client’s growth and development.

Hannah is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with 5 years of experience working in behavioral health. Hannah began her career in ABA in 2019 working as a behavior technician with kids aged 4-years-old to 8-years-old. Hannah quickly found her passion and love for ABA and knew she wanted to continue in the field. She started her career by earning her registered behavior technician certification in October 2019 and continued on to earn her M.S. in applied behavior analysis from the University of North Dakota in December of 2021. Throughout her career she has worked with a diverse range of kids aged 2-years-old to 16-years-old and their families. She has a passion for teaching communication, whether through sign language, AAC device, or vocally, and independence as well as supporting families throughout their journey. Her love and passion for the field continues to grow as she watches her clients gain the skills needed to transition into the next phase of their lives.

Emma received her B.S. in behavioral science from Western Michigan University. During her time in undergrad Emma was introduced to ABA and quickly discovered her passion for working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other development delays. Once receiving her bachelor’s degree she worked to earn her master’s in behavior analysis from Western Michigan University. Emma has a wide range of experience working with individuals on the spectrum ages 2 – 26, in a variety of settings such as preschools, elementary schools, intensive behavioral units, vocational settings, as well as universities. As she is continuing her work as a BCBA; she prioritizes independent living, providing compassionate care, and helping learners have the most enriching lives possible.

Olivia began her career in Columbus, Ohio where she received her B.A. in Speech and Hearing Sciences from The Ohio State University. She went on to work as an Outreach Provider at Haugland Learning Center where she provided home and school based education programs for children on the Autism Spectrum. It is there that she realized the importance of establishing meaningful relationships with the families and children she works with to create lasting solutions.

These experiences led her to The Chicago School of Professional Psychology where she earned her M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis. During her education, she worked in multiple different environments including in-home, clinic, and school based settings providing ABA therapy to children ranging from 3 to 18 years of age. She found the most significant impact working in-home closely collaboratively with families, which led her to Roots Autism Solutions.

Alli received her undergraduate degree in early childhood education from Miami University. She then taught kindergarten and was a school-based behavior therapist providing 1:1 support to a student with special needs. During that time, Alli was introduced to the field of ABA and found her passion for individualized services for children with special needs. This led her to pursue a career in ABA. She earned her master’s degree in ABA at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology while working as a behavior therapist providing services to children on the Autism Spectrum in home and clinic settings. Since becoming a BCBA, Alli has worked with a variety of children, families, and other professionals. She is dedicated to providing the best treatment possible and loves working closely with families to achieve their goals.

Shari has received her Master’s of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University focusing on pedagogy and curriculum development. After experiencing non- traditional education environments on her professional journey, she set out to become a BCBA. The joy found while working with children on the spectrum and other mental disorders drives her everyday. Helping a child strive to their potential, and overcome hurdles that may seem easy, from a different perspective, is an active mission in her practice.

Jenn holds an undergraduate degree in psychology and fine arts from Loyola University Chicago and a master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis Practice from Florida Institute of Technology (FIT). While in undergrad, she worked as a group therapy leader for individuals in assisted living and rehabilitation centers across the Chicagoland area. Here, she gained valuable experience working with adults with diverse disabilities, including autism, traumatic brain injury, and speech/language impairment. Motivated by a commitment to working with children, Jenn transitioned to become a Registered Behavior Technician, delivering ABA services in both home and clinic settings for children on the autism spectrum while in graduate school.

Jenn is driven by a deep passion for delivering personalized and meaningful care, emphasizing a commitment to upholding client dignity and promoting cultural competence. She hopes to cultivate an inclusive and empathetic environment where clients and their families feel heard, valued, and respected.

Outside of work, her passions include animal rescue, handbuilding pottery, and cooking.

Taylor received her B.S. degree in Psychology from Michigan Technological University, with a focus in Social and Behavioral Studies. After graduation, she began working with adults with various developmental disabilities during the day, and worked as a Behavior Technician working with children on the Autism Spectrum in the evening. These experiences led her to pursue her Masters in Special Education from Grand Canyon University, and eventually obtain her Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University in March of 2021. Throughout her Graduate Certificate program, Taylor worked as an RBT in the clinic setting, providing therapeutic services to children and teens on the Autism Spectrum as well as their families. After completing her internship and gaining all experience hours, Taylor stepped away to raise her son and focus on motherhood. When her son was preschool age, Taylor earned her BCBA and returned to working with children on the Autism Spectrum and their families. The joy and pride that each client has when they learn a new skill and become more independent is what drives Taylor each day.

Amanda Gruden is a lead Registered Behavior Technician at Roots Autism Solutions with seven years of experience in Applied Behavioral Analysis. She is responsible for supporting RBT’s day to day operations at Roots, and supporting BCBAs. Amanda strives for respect, rapport and dignity with clients during her time at Roots. Amanda is a powerful force at Roots, harnessing her positive energy, bubbly conversations and all around smiles! She loves going home after a fulfilling day at Roots and spending time with her dog, Chewy!