BCBA Spotlight: Meet Kali Flowers

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 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.

Business Team Spotlight: Meet Cameron Burton

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 our Business Operations Associate II, Cameron Burton.

How long have you worked for the Thompson Center?

I have been with the Thompson Center for just over eight years now. I have worked as an Office Support Assistant, Executive Assistant, and now Business Operations Associate.

What are your main job duties?

My job involves a little bit of everything! As Dr. Sheinkopf’s assistant, I coordinate meetings and manage appointments. I put together metrics for a variety of reports, process improvement projects, and whatever other tasks the business team needs done.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Centralia, MO, where I still reside with my partner and son.

What is your educational background?

I have a bachelor’s degree in health science from Mizzou.

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

I was a Patient Service Representative at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center.

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

Making a difference, our amazing providers, and my coworkers!

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

I like to read, spend time with my family, and do puzzles.

Business Team Spotlight: Meet Megan Cook

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 Megan Cook, an Office Support Assistant IV for the Thompson Center.

How long have you worked for the Thompson Center?

I have been at the Thompson Center for three years. I started as a Patient Service Representative at the front desk and then later joined the Business Team as an Office Support Assistant IV.

What are your main job duties?

As part of my job, I take care of all of the Thompson Center’s HR tasks, including onboarding for new employees and managing payroll. I also help with reporting for grants. Like most of the people on our team, my day-to-day duties can look very different based on the Thompson Center’s needs at the time!

Where are you from?

I grew up in St. Charles, MO and currently live in Higbee, MO.

What is your educational background?

I have an AAS in business administration with an emphasis in accounting.

Where did you work before you came to the Thompson Center? What did you do there?

I started working for MU Health Care at South Providence Family Medicine in the phone room.

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

My favorite thing about the Thompson Center is how willing everyone is to help each other with projects and encourages each other to be the best they can be.

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

I stay pretty busy with my three young boys! My husband and I enjoy working on projects for our woodworking/crafting business.

Business Team Spotlight: Meet Jackie Jiordano

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. First up is Jackie Jiordano, our Prior Authorization Specialist.

How long have you been with the Thompson Center?

I started at the Thompson Center as an intern in 2015, moved to a student position, then was hired on full-time at the front desk five years ago. I became the Prior Authorization Specialist as part of our business team about three years ago.

What are your main job duties?

As the Prior Authorization Specialist, I make sure that authorizations are complete with insurance companies before all psychological evaluations and ABA therapy appointments. I also run estimates for families and do my best to answer insurance questions that come up. I am also always happy to jump in wherever is needed, so you might see me up at the front desk occasionally as well!

Where did you grow up / where do you live now?

I was born and raised in Columbia where I am now married and raising my family!

What is your educational background?

I have a bachelor’s degree in general studies with an emphasis in psychology/sociology, social work, and infant and toddler development. I also have a minor in multicultural studies. I like to say that I studied “families.”

Where did you work before you came to the Thompson Center? What did you do there?

This is my first full time position! Before this I just worked in a church nursery and did occasional babysitting, pet-sitting, or house-sitting gigs.

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

The family-friendly work environment and my coworkers! It is so nice knowing my coworkers are there to support me through any situation–whether it is work-related or family-related.

What got you interested in working with people with autism?

I knew nothing about autism when I interviewed to be an intern here. Over the years I have met some of the most amazing families. I love hearing success stories of how our services have helped families while they navigate so many different systems. Now that I have learned more about autism, I can’t imagine not working in this field. As the Prior Authorization Specialist, I advocate for insurance coverage for services needed by our patients, as well as make sure families know what is going to be covered by their insurance so they can plan accordingly.

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

Being flexible in everyday life is a must. Between working with families of special needs kiddos and the chaos that is insurance, I have learned that you have to be willing and able to be flexible with how your day is going to go. There are some days where I am able to call insurance companies and get information within 20 minutes and others where it can take 2 hours of being on hold before someone is able to answer my questions. We also do our best to fill any last-minute cancellation spots for evaluations, so I have to be able to stop what I am doing and prioritize those patients so insurance will cover them.

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

Reading, cross-stitching, playing games and watching movies with my family, and spending time with my many animals (a dog, four cats, a snake, and a lizard)!

I hear you have some exciting changes coming your way?

Baby Girl Jiordano will be arriving in February! While I am spending time with my family on maternity leave, the rest of our business team will be working on prior authorizations and helping to answer any insurance questions you may have.

2021 Top PIQ Award Winner: Tammy Hickman

Congratulations to Tammy Hickman, the Thompson Center’s 2021 Top PIQ Award recipient! This award is given annually to an employee who exemplifies the core values of professionalism, initiative, and quality in the workplace.

Tammy is an LPN (licensed practical nurse) and has worked at the Thompson Center since 2008. In her role, Tammy takes vital signs, refills medications, answers messages, and assists medical providers. She is also a handler for Rhett, the Thompson Center’s facility dog.

Tammy became interested in autism when she was a child. Her family was part of a foster care program and had a child in their care with an autism diagnosis. Her interest in autism ultimately led to her earning a degree in psychology. Now, Tammy is passionate about working with families and seeing patients with autism grow and change over time.

Tammy has demonstrated professionalism, initiative, and quality repeatedly this year within her division and throughout the Thompson Center. Her approach is solutions-based, positive, and collegial. She tries to understand individual perspectives and to analyze the best considerations for the organization as a whole. She often comments and shows through her actions that we are all working toward the same goal: excellent care for patients and their families. Tammy is a resource for the front desk team and acts as a natural liaison between them and the medical providers. If there is a point of conflict, she quickly jumps in to look for a solution and offer her support. She is trusted by her colleagues.

Over the last year, Tammy provided leadership in navigating the fluid policies of COVID-19 screening and prevention in the clinic. She talked with parents about the one-visitor policy, masking, and temperature checks. These were tough at times and she delivered the news in a diplomatic and firm way to keep everyone safe. She was passionate about being a resource and willing to take on new tasks. There were also many times that the nursing team was short-staffed over the past year. Tammy is always willing to increase her workload and power through a busy clinic. She is supportive of her coworkers and understanding when they need to be out of the office.

Last but not least, Tammy is passionate about being part of Rhett’s handler team. She provides leadership of Rhett’s activities and clinical interactions. She cares deeply for Rhett and, in conjunction with the other handlers, makes sure he is in good health. She is already checking into the process of getting another facility dog in preparation for Rhett’s future retirement. The Thompson Center is fortunate to have Tammy on our team. Thank you, Tammy, for sharing your talents with us!