Helena Huckabee, Ph.D., BCBA, is President of Emerge, P.C.  She is a Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Clinical Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Dr. Huckabee received her Bachelor’s degree in Geological Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines, her Master’s and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston. Dr. Huckabee completed her Internship at Baylor College of Medicine with Post Doctoral Fellowships at DePelchin Children’s Center and JFK Partners at the University of Colorado. Her clinical experiences include working with autism, borderline personality disorder, head injury, AD/HD, developmental disabilities, adoption, anxiety, and mood disorders.   Dr. Huckabee’s research studies have involved understanding intelligence and language skills in children with autism, the role of serotonin in mood disorders, self-injurious behaviors, brain anoxia, and treatment outcome in autism. Dr. Huckabee has previously held administrative leadership positions at five clinics for autism. With compassion and competence she provides counseling for individuals and couples as well as leading parent groups in the community. Dr. Huckabee is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Colorado Psychological Association and the Association for Behavior Analysis. Dr. Huckabee and her husband serve the community in many ways. Together they are parents of their son with autism and their daughter adopted from China.
 
Tasha Aper, MA, is our Outreach Director and Clinical Supervisor of intervention for autism and behavior disorders. She also offers individual counseling services for children. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Psychology at Saint Louis University in Missouri and earned her master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colorado HSC. She enjoyed specializing in treatment and assessment of Autistic Spectrum Disorders since 2004. Currently, Tasha is completing graduate coursework through the University of North Texas in pursuit of her certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA). Having started working with Dr. Huckabee at JFK Partners, Tasha brings a wealth of skills and understanding to her work with families.

Elizabeth “Liz” Christman, MA, SLP-CCC received her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Colorado-Boulder. Liz began providing Behavior Analytic interventions for children with Autism in 1997 and started working with Dr. Huckabee in 2004. Her combination of training in Communication and Behavior Analysis is rare and valuable enabling Liz to address Communication and Behavioral difficulties on multiple levels.

Monica Danfelser, OTR began working in Pediatric Occupational therapy in 1990. Her work includes experience at Illinois Masonic in Chicago, Easter Seals in San Antonio, Developmental Pathways and Cerebral Palsy of Colorado.  Monica has worked in other pediatric settings including NICU, early intervention programs, school systems, home settings and clinic settings.  She has worked with children having a wide variety of diagnoses.   As a mother of three, Monica is especially adept at developing essential skills for success in the community, at home, and participating in leisure activities.

Rosalie Byrd, BA, a Senior Behavior Therapist, became interested in working with children with disabilities at the age of 12 when she volunteered for Boot Straps, a therapeutic riding program in Wellesley, Massachusetts and that passion continues today.  In Colorado, she volunteered at Hearts and Horses, a therapeutic riding program in Loveland.  She graduated in 2004 from the University of Northern Colorado with an emphasis in Art Therapy. Her experiences include working with adults with developmental disabilities and working as a behavior coach with the St. Vrain Valley School District. Rosalie began working with Dr. Huckabee in 2005 and anticipates certification as a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) in the near future.

Kim Wortley, BS is a Behavior Therapist with a long history of serving individuals with disabilities in recreation and community activities. Her previous experience includes National Sports Center for the Disabled and Americorps. Kim has her degree in Business Administration from University of Connecticut but has long preferred working in social service.

Lashley Rhodes, BA is a Behavior Therapist she obtained her bachelor's degree in Psychology and in Religion in 2005 from Dickson College in Carlisle, PA. Her first experience working with adults and children with disabilities was at Camp Hope in Carmel, NY during the summer of 2002, which influenced her course of study. She also was a preschool teacher and has volunteered with the Child Life Program at National Jewish Hospital in Denver, CO.

Devon Jones, BA is a Behavior Therapist she obtained her bachelor degree in Arts in 2003 from Dalhousie Universtiy in Nova Scotia.  She has worked with Emerge, P.C. as an ABA therapist since 2007. Devon has worked with children in many different environments and capacities, from hospitals and community volunteerism, nanny to figure skating and theatre instructing. Devon is currently completing her Master's degree in speech-language pathology at the University of Northern Colorado, and will graduate in 2009.