BCBA Spotlight: Meet Ali Cooper

After receiving an autism diagnosis, there are many different services available to serve the spectrum of needs that vary from person to person. One intervention offered at the Thompson Center is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Over the next few weeks, we’ll introduce the Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) that make up our Applied Behavioral Intervention Services (ABIS) division. Read our latest spotlight to meet Ali Cooper!

How long have you worked for the Thompson Center?

I have worked at the Thompson Center since 2015. I was a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) from 2015-2017 before I started in my full-time position as a Behavior Analyst.

What are your main job duties?

As a Behavior Analyst, I am responsible for designing, implementing, and monitoring behavior analytic programs to improve socially significant behavior for clients in our clinic. I also supervise students in the Master of Applied Behavior Analysis program through the University of Missouri.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Quincy, IL and currently live in Columbia, MO.

What is your educational background?

I have an undergraduate degree in health sciences, a master’s degree in special education, and received a master’s certificate of applied behavior analysis, all from the University of Missouri.

Where did you work before you came to the Thompson Center?

I worked several jobs before becoming a behavior analyst. I worked as a barista at Lakota Coffee Company, and I was a direct support professional and a job coach at Alternative Community Training (ACT).

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

I enjoy seeing my clients make progress the most. I also love all my coworkers and the support we provide each other.

What got you interested in working with people with autism?

I completed an internship in my senior year of undergraduate school and became interested in working with people with autism through that.

What do you wish more people knew about ABA?

ABA a scientific approach to understanding behavior. It is not one specific intervention but a variety of procedures that can be individualized to suit the needs of clients and families. There are a so many ways to use and apply ABA-based principles.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned in your time working at the Thompson Center?

It’s so important to have collaboration and variety of perspectives in this work. I appreciate that this easy to do here at the Thompson Center.

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?

I like spending time with my dogs, walking or running, playing tennis, and reading.

BCBA Spotlight: Meet Jennifer Weyman

How long have you worked for the Thompson Center?

I have worked at the Thompson Center for two and a half years as an Assistant Teaching Professor.

What are your main job duties?

My main responsibilities include teaching graduate students about behavior analysis in Mizzou’s ABA program and to assess and treat severe problem behavior (e.g., aggression, self-injury) in the Severe Behavior Clinic.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Miami, Florida, and now live in Columbia, Missouri.

What is your educational background?

I received undergraduate degree from the University of Florida (Go Gators!), then my master’s degree from University of Maryland, Baltimore County, while accruing hours toward my BCBA certification at Kennedy Krieger Institute. Finally, I received my PhD from University of South Florida.

Where did you work before you came to the Thompson Center?

I worked at Kennedy Krieger Institute, an inpatient hospital for individuals with severe problem behavior. I worked with a team of behavior analysts, psychiatrists, and speech language pathologists to assess and treat problem behavior. After that, I worked at a clinic called Engage where I took the skills I learned up to that point and adapted them to less controlled settings.

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

I love mentoring graduate students and working as a team to help individuals with ASD. I also love that there is a strong sense of community at the Thompson Center. We are all working together to improve the lives of children with autism and their families. We also go all out for Halloween.

What got you interested in working with people with autism?

I got interested in working with people with autism because my oldest friend’s brother has autism. We spent so much time together and I learned so much from him. I also took a course on behavior analysis and autism at University of Florida. That class just clicked with me, so I quickly got involved in the behavior analysis research lab there.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned in your time working at the Thompson Center?

During the last two and a half years, I learned that we need to be flexible with our clients, their families, and our students in order to provide the highest quality services. The last few years have been challenging for most everyone and we need to account for that.

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?

I love hiking and playing with my puppy. I also enjoy eating delicious food!

What’s next for you after the Thompson Center?

I have accepted a tenure-track faculty position at California State University, Los Angeles. I will be teaching and mentoring graduate students in their ABA program. Although I will miss all of the colleagues and friends I have made at the Thompson Center, I’m excited about this new adventure!

BCBA Spotlight: Meet Brittany Schmitz

How long have you worked for the Thompson Center?

I have been at the Thompson Center for eight years. I started as a registered behavior technician (RBT) in 2014 and then when I graduated with my masters in 2018 I transitioned to my current role as a BCBA.

What are your main job duties?

As a BCBA, I design and monitor ABA interventions, train RBTs, and train and supervise graduate students.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Versailles, MO near Lake of the Ozarks. I currently live in Ashland.

What is your educational background?

I earned a Bachelor of Science in health sciences and Master of Science in applied behavior analysis from Mizzou.

Where did you work before you came to the Thompson Center?

I have worked as a babysitter, in a daycare, as a server in restaurants, cashier at Walmart, and worked in some group homes.

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

I love the variety of clients that I am able to help and working with a group of behavior analysts that are supportive and collaborative in problem-solving.

What got you interested in working with people with autism?

In my undergraduate program, I interned at the Thompson Center in a social skills group with kids with autism. I loved the uniqueness of each child and watching the skills they gained open up so many opportunities for them. After that I was hooked and continued pursuing opportunities to learn more.

What do you wish more people knew about ABA?

I wish people knew that our goal is not to take away the identity of people with autism or to make people fit into a box of what society claims to be “normal.” Our goal is to help them communicate, advocate for themselves, and gain skills to build their independence and autonomy.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned in your time working at the Thompson Center?

I have learned to embrace and celebrate the uniqueness of every person.

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy hanging out with my dog and two cats, reading, and spending time with my favorite people.

BCBA Spotlight: Meet Rebecca Ebbers

How long have you worked for the Thompson Center?

I have been working at the Thompson Center as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for just a few months. I worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) previously for two years.

What are your main job duties?

My main job duties include conducting functional behavior assessments and creating and implementing individualized programming for children across all of our ABA clinics.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Minnesota. I live in Columbia now!

What is your educational background?

I received my master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Mizzou.

Where did you work before you came to the Thompson Center?

Prior to this position I worked for another ABA organization in Columbia as a BCBA.

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

My favorite thing about working at the Thompson Center is working alongside my mentors from Graduate Training.

What do you wish more people knew about ABA?

I wish more people knew the wide applications of ABA principles. I use these principles as they relate to wellness, health, and teaching/training others!

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned in your time working at the Thompson Center?

Working at the Thompson Center highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration when working with children with autism.

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?

When I’m not working, I enjoy reading, hiking with my dog, kayaking, or any outdoor activity!

BCBA Spotlight: Meet Kali Flowers

How long have you worked for the Thompson Center?

I have been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since September 2021. Before that I was a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) here as well as a practicum student in the ABA program from August 2019-August 2021.

What are your main job duties?

I supervise RBTs who work directly with clients, oversee client programming, supervise practicum students, develop treatment plans, and collaborate with clients’ families and treatment teams.

Where are you from?

I grew up in the bootheel of Missouri in a super small town called Steele. I moved to Columbia to attend Mizzou in 2014 and have been here ever since!

What is your educational background?

I have a Bachelors in Health Science and Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from Mizzou.

Where did you work before you came to the Thompson Center?

Before being an RBT in the Applied Behavioral Intervention Services (ABIS) division at Thompson Center, I was an RBT at another clinic in town.

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

I love being able to easily collaborate with other members of my clients’ care teams.

What got you interested in working with people with autism?

While I was studying for my undergraduate degree, I worked at a summer camp for individuals with disabilities. I loved it and knew I had to make a career of working with a similar population.

What do you wish more people knew about ABA?

I wish more people understood how individualized our treatments are to each specific client and how hard we work to give our clients the tools they need to thrive.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned in your time working at the Thompson Center?

It’s been amazing to see how beneficial it is when multiple members of a client’s care team are able to collaborate.

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy spending time with my son and husband!

BCBA Spotlight: Meet Emma Keicher

How long have you worked for the Thompson Center?

I have been a BCBA at the Thompson Center for nine years. For the past few years, I have also been the Applied Behavioral Intervention Services (ABIS) Clinical Operations Manager. Prior to becoming a full-time BCBA here, I was the first part-time staff hired to be an “ABA Implementer,” which we now call a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).

What are your main job duties?

I provide ABA services to patients, as well as oversee our RBTs and BCBAs in the ABIS division of the Thompson Center.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Columbia. I left for a few years to attend college, and then moved back here!

What is your educational background?

I moved back to Columbia for my master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education at Mizzou. I completed my BCBA coursework through the Florida Institute of Technology, along with supervision from past BCBAs at the Thompson Center.

Where did you work before you came to the Thompson Center?

I worked as an ABA Implementer at a clinic in Fort Worth, Texas after graduating with my bachelor’s degree. I also worked as a private ABA implementer for Boone County Family Resources and Missouri First Steps prior to joining the Thompson Center.

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

I get to work with a variety of professionals at the Thompson Center, as well as my team of ABA providers, students, and faculty from our master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis.

What got you interested in working with people with autism?

I have always enjoyed working with children, and I had experience with some friends who had siblings with developmental delays. In college, my degree was in psychology. I took a course in behavior analysis, which led me to this field.

What do you wish more people knew about ABA?

ABA is still a relatively new field and is rapidly changing. I enjoy being able to learn more about ways we can improve people’s lives through our involvement with the master’s program in ABA at Mizzou.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned in your time working at the Thompson Center?

I have learned that being flexible and open to new ideas helps to expand and improve our services. We have so many amazing providers here who are working together to support families and provide supervision to our students from various disciplines.

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy spending time with my family.

Social Work Spotlight: Shelby Beckman

March 15 is World Social Work Day! Having a social worker is an important part of the multidisciplinary care the Thompson Center offers its patients. Shelby Beckman is the full-time social worker on our staff. Read more to learn about her role at the Thompson Center!

Social work practicum student Brittany Williams (left) and Thompson Center social worker Shelby Beckman (right)

How long have you worked for the Thompson Center?

I have been with the Thompson Center for three years.

What are your main job duties at the Thompson Center?

I help families get connected with needed resources. I work with families in our medical clinics and post autism diagnosis. I am also Social Work and Self Advocate faculty for TIPS 4 Kids.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Quincy, Illinois and currently live in Columbia, Missouri.

What is your educational background?

I have a master’s degree in social work from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

What did you do before you came to the Thompson Center?

I was finishing up my master’s degree. This is my first job out of graduate school.

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

My favorite thing about working at the Thompson Center is the patients and families that I work with.

What got you interested in working with people with autism?

I was interested in working with people with autism because I want to help individuals gain access to needed services and supports.

What do you wish more people knew about social work?

Social work is a versatile job and can be found in many different settings!

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned in your time working at the Thompson Center?

The most valuable thing that I learned at the Thompson Center is the importance of family-centered care. I love that I work with a team of nurses, doctors, psychologists, and psychiatrists that works to treat the variety of needs in each situation.

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?

I love to crochet and send time outdoors.

Social Work Spotlight: Brittany Williams

March 15 is World Social Work Day! Having a social worker is an important part of the multidisciplinary care the Thompson Center offers its patients. Brittany Williams is a social work student doing her practicum at the Thompson Center this semester. Read her spotlight to learn more about her!

How long have you worked for the Thompson Center?

I’ve been a practicum student here since January of this year.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Southwest Virginia, but I’ve lived in Columbia for the last 8 years.

What is your educational background?

I’m currently getting my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Missouri. I also got my BA in psychology at MU.

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

My favorite thing about working at the Thompson Center is interacting with families and learning about their different experiences.

What got you interested in working with people with autism?

My life-long best friend has three children on the spectrum. Watching her go through this process inspired me to get involved!

What do you wish more people knew about your job?

I think social work and autism both can look so different from situation to situation. It’s not a one size fits all.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned in your time working at the Thompson Center?

Learning about the needs of the families we see and how I can be a better asset to the community has been so important to me. This has really been a deeply rewarding experience that has shaped the sort of social worker I want to be.

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy spending time with my family and reading things that aren’t related to school!

Business Team Spotlight: Meet Marie Heuer

It takes a lot of planning and coordination to support the variety of operations at the Thompson Center. Our Business Team is one of the behind-the-scenes groups that makes it all possible! Over the last few weeks, we’ve been spotlighting the members of this team and looking into how they keep the Thompson Center running. In our final Business Team spotlight, we will meet the Thompson Center’s Business Manager, Marie Heuer.

How long have you worked for the Thompson Center?

I have been with the Thompson Center for 9 years.

What are your main job duties?

I am responsible for the annual budget, assisting with pre- and post-award grant management, and overseeing HR, fiscal, insurance authorization, and building tasks.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Glasgow, Missouri. I currently live in Hallsville, Missouri.

What is your educational background?

I received my master’s degree in business management from Columbia College.

Where did you work before you came to the Thompson Center?

I started my career with the University System working part-time in the Treasurer’s Office. I then transferred to the School of Medicine where I was a Fiscal Analyst and Senior Fiscal Analyst.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned in your time working at the Thompson Center?

One of my favorite things about working at the Thompson Center is knowing that each person that works here is helping make a difference in our patients’ lives.

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?

I like to read, spend time with my family, and attend my children’s sporting events.

Business Team Spotlight: Meet Danielle Perrigo

It takes a lot of planning and coordination to support the variety of operations at the Thompson Center. Our Business Team is one of the behind-the-scenes groups that makes it all possible! Over the next few weeks, we’ll be spotlighting the members of this team and looking into how they keep the Thompson Center running. In this spotlight, we will meet Danielle Perrigo, an Office Support Assistant IV for the Thompson Center.

How long have you worked for the Thompson Center?

I started working at the Thompson Center at the beginning of this year.

What are your main job duties?

As an Office Support Assistant IV, I place orders and stock office supplies, handle reimbursements, and assist with any other day-to-day business needs for the Center.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Columbia but now live in Hallsville.

Where did you work before you came to the Thompson Center?

I did billing for University Physicians before starting at the Thompson Center. Before that, I worked down the road at Central Missouri Dermatology where I scheduled patients, put together charts, and whatever else needed to be done to prepare for appointments.

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

My coworkers at the Thompson Center make a great team! I have only been here for a few weeks, but I feel like I have worked here forever.

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?

My two sons keep me very busy with their extracurricular activities. Brock is involved with FFA, golf, and shooting sports. Tison plays baseball, track, football, and wrestling. When we get a break in our sons’ schedules, my husband and I enjoy drag racing.