Empowering Success for Every Student with Autism Through Expertise and Collaboration
Pre-Consultation Option
Before scheduling an on-site consultation, consider this convenient and cost-effective option. Melissa offers virtual or phone-based consultations to support school teams working with a student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who is exhibiting challenging behavior.
Consultation
When an individual with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents challenging behaviors that haven’t responded to tier 1 and 2 strategies, Melissa provides on-site consultations in various settings (schools, homes, adult settings).
coaching
Melissa offers coaching to teach staff how to implement evidence-based practices (EBPs) recommended during consultations. This includes strategies like sensory integration, communication, visual supports, social skills, reinforcement, and more.
WHO I AM
Why Choose Melissa
Melissa brings over four decades of experience supporting students with autism and other developmental disabilities, grounded in both evidence-based practices and real-world application. As an Associate member of ICASE and a member of the Council for Exceptional Children, she remains actively connected to the latest research and professional standards in the field.
She has trained with some of the most respected leaders in autism and education, including Dr. Ross Greene, Dr. Paula Kluth, Dr. Brenda Smith Myles, Dr. Jed Baker, Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, and Kari Dunn Buron. This diverse foundation allows Melissa to offer practical, compassionate, and highly effective strategies tailored to each unique situation.
During her twenty years as an educational consultant with the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, Melissa partnered with schools across Indiana to support students with complex and challenging behaviors. She coached educators, collaborated with teams, and helped implement sustainable, evidence-based systems that improved outcomes for both students and staff.
Melissa is widely trusted by school leaders throughout the state. Principals, superintendents, and special education directors continue to seek her expertise because of her ability to build strong relationships, understand school systems, and deliver meaningful, lasting change.
In addition to her consulting work, Melissa has presented at local and national conferences across North America, sharing practical strategies that educators can immediately apply.
Melissa is also a published author and content developer, creating accessible, research-based materials for educators. Her expertise extends into comprehensive sexual health education, where she co-authored a book and developed training materials focused on supporting individuals
with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they navigate puberty, relationships, and sexuality.
Endorsements
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