Training Specialist Spotlight: Meet Brooke Barnes

The Training Core provides trainings for a wide variety of groups including educators, BCBAs, medical providers, community agencies, and parents/caregivers. In addition to our trainings, we also do school classroom consultations, facilitate our STRIVE program for young adults with autism and work with businesses through the Autism Friendly Business Program. One of our newest projects is the Supporting the Spectrum Podcast which you can listen to on our website or the Apple Podcast App.  

This month, we will met our amazing training specialists and learn a little bit more about them and why they are passionate about working with children with autism!

What’s your name?

Brooke Barnes

Where did you grow up?

Montgomery City, MO

What is your position at the Thompson Center?

Training & Education Specialist

How long have you worked at the Thompson Center?

Since 2017

What is your role at the Thompson Center?

Early Childhood Coordinator – Training Core

What got you interested in working with autism?

My internship and coaching position with Special Olympics my senior year at Mizzou! My first day (first hour) working in the Students With Intensive Needs (SWIN) classroom at CPS solidified this.

What is your favorite thing about working at the Thompson Center?

When I am in schools doing PRT or APERS because I really miss kiddo contact!!