Who we are

Dr. Arick has experience working as an educator, researcher and trainer in the field of autism for over 40 years. He is the lead author of the nationally used STAR (Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research) Program and Links Curriculum. He is also a co-author of several other published programs in the area of autism. These programs include the ASIEP-3 (Autism Screening Instrument for Educational Planning-3, 2004), the KADI (Krug Asperger Disorder Index, 2003), and the FACTER Program (Functional Assessment and Curriculum for Teaching Everyday Routines, 2004). Dr. Arick, with colleagues, has been measuring the progress of children educated using the STAR Autism Program, over the past ten years. He is also an author of a chapter entitled “School-based Programs for Children with Autism” in the Handbook on Autism (2005). Dr. Arick is Professor Emeritus at Portland State University.

Sheila has served in public schools for over 30 years as a classroom teacher, school psychologist and administrator. She has coordinated programs for children with autism at both the pre-school and school-age level. The programs she coordinated have implemented the STAR Program and served as model training sites. She has many years of experience coaching and implementing the strategies found in the STAR Program, including: Discrete Trial Training, Pivotal Response Training, Teaching Functional Routines and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. In addition to her work in the schools, Sheila has also taught classes at the university level preparing educators in the field of special education.

Kara has spent the last decade working directly with students that have Autism. She received her Master’s degree in special education from Portland State University and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She is a co-author of both the Links Curriculum and Sunshine Literacy Program and currently travels the country conducting workshops and providing in-class training for STAR Autism Support. Kara is an experienced education professional having worked as a classroom teacher and Autism Specialist with students of all ages as well as with adults in community and vocational settings.

Since 2011, Nilma has worked as a classroom teacher of children with autism, as well as those affected by a variety of other developmental disabilities. She is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico, where she received a Bachelor of Education in Adapted and Elemental Physical Education. Nilma began working with STAR Autism Support as coach of the Puerto Rico Autism Project in February of 2015. As a coach in the project, she uses strategies and tools found in the STAR Program and Links Curriculum to support the implementation of evidence-based strategies at multiple school sites throughout Puerto Rico.

Amy has provided behavior analytic services to individuals on the autism spectrum since 1997. Over the course of her career, she has developed and implemented educational/behavior support programs in clinical and school based settings, trained and supervised staff, and provided social skills and vocational training for young adults with Asperger's and related differences. In 2003, Amy helped create and direct a social skills intervention program that continues to flourish in serving children and adolescents with a diverse range of backgrounds and abilities. Amy joined the STAR Autism Support team as a training specialist in July of 2013. She has completed postgraduate studies at St. Cloud State University and is a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst.

Heather Berry, MAT in Special Education, specializing in social/emotional, behavioral disorders, earned her degree from Walden University. She spent 19 years servicing students with special needs in the classroom as a special education case manager as well as serving students with occupational therapy needs. Her areas of expertise include behavior modification, early intervention, and development. She has implemented programs such as the STAR Program and other social emotional learning curriculum.
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Currently, Heather serves as a training specialist at STAR Autism Support, where she delivers evidence-based workshops nationwide and supports dedicated educators in implementing effective instructional strategies. She enjoys riding horses and spending time with family and pets.

Deneata has worked with students in Special Education for 14 years in a variety of roles including as an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (ECSE), Behavior Adjustment Special Educational Teacher, Special Education Campus Team Lead, and as an Applied Learning (ALE) Special Education Teacher. Deneata holds a Master’s in Education Leadership from the University of North Texas and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. As a Training Specialist for STAR, Deneata conducts virtual and in-person workshops trainings, parent trainings, hands-on classroom consultation, extended school year educator coaching and professional development seminars for school districts. She continues to provide consultation to classrooms internationally and throughout the country for STAR Autism Support to help them implement evidence-based practices. Deneata currently resides in Rowlett, Texas with her family.

Aimee is a speech and language pathologist (SLP) and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has over 15 years of experience serving students with autism in public, private and home settings. In addition to providing workshops and training in schools across the country and Puerto Rico, Aimee works with STAR Autism Support to manage and develop large projects. Her work includes developing workshops, building training sites, and coaching staff to successfully implement The STAR Program and Links Curriculum in several states, regions, and districts. Aimee is passionate about raising awareness for autism in her community and has led fundraising efforts at the local and regional levels.

Cami worked within the private sector for 6 years and the public school setting for 14 years. Within the school setting Cami was a part of the Assistive Technology team, Autism team, provided hands-on STAR training, supervised SLPs and graduate students. She provided support for Preschool Programs for Children with Disabilities, Functional Life Skills and Structured Teaching Method classrooms. She works with children and families with speech and language disorders, autism and other developmental disabilities. She also provides collaboration and support for students in need of Assistive Technology, Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems. Cami has a Master's degree in Communication Disorders. Cami enjoys connecting with educators and families, while bringing a realistic and supportive approach to presentations and classroom consulting.

Wynter has been working with students and adults with Autism and other developmental disabilities since 2010. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of roles that ultimately led her to join STAR Autism Support in 2018. Wynter holds a Master's degree in Special Education, along with a certificate in Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. She also has a Master's degree in Human Behavior with a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. As a Lead Training Specialist, Wynter provides workshops and classroom training for educators across the country and in her home state of Oregon.

Shelli, a training specialist based in Central Texas, brings years of experience in special education as a teacher and coordinator to her role on the STAR team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and a Master of Education degree with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis, achieving Board Certified Behavior Analyst status in 2023. Shelli’s demonstrated dedication to improving outcomes for students with autism led to receiving the Texas Education Agency Autism Grant for her district in 2020 and 2022. Shelli's professional passions center on relationship-building and evidence-based strategies in her work with teachers and caregivers. She seeks to create strong outcomes by building others up and adding value as she supports teachers and students in classrooms implementing STAR, SOLER, and LINKS curricula. Beyond her work with STAR, Shelli enjoys cooking and baking, especially for others, and being outside while hiking, walking, and sitting at the pool. She and her husband, who met while working at the same school, enjoy a family with three sons, a daughter-in-law, and a new granddaughter.

Renee graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s degree in speech-language sciences and technology, and she earned a master’s degree in early childhood education with a certificate in applied behavior analysis (ABA) from Arizona State University. She has served children with autism, speech and language disorders, and other developmental disabilities since 2012 and holds a current Arizona teaching license with dual certification in early childhood education and early childhood special education. Renee’s previous role as a special education teacher in an autism classroom allowed her to use her experience with evidenced-based practices to teach functional communication, social skills, functional life skills, and academics at both the preschool and school-age level. She also served as a teacher, mentor, and coach for her district supporting educators and paraprofessionals in implementing the STAR program. Renee began working with STAR Autism Support in June 2022 as a training specialist providing workshop trainings and classroom consultations.

After early professional experience in college administration, Mark worked for more than a decade as a special educator, trainer, and mentor for teachers and paraprofessionals in primary and secondary public schools. During his time in the classroom, he developed and led a specialized program using the STAR Program to support students in kindergarten through grade 6. Mark holds a master’s degree in education, and has presented at local, regional, national, and international professional development opportunities and conferences. Beyond his time in public education, he has extensive experience working with children and young adults (ages 3-22) with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities in private and not-for-profit sectors.

Carol is a Texas STAR Autism Support training specialist who provides STAR/LINKS professional development to school districts around the country. She also conducts 1:1 coaching visits to model STAR instructional strategies to teachers. Carol holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY (State University of New York) at Geneseo and received her Master of Education and BCBA from the Florida Institute of Technology. Before she joined the team at STAR, she taught for a variety of self-contained special education classrooms. Additionally, she was a Behavior Specialist for 11 years, supporting students with IEPs, of varying ages and instructional settings. Carol is passionate about her goals of increasing students’ independence in communication, daily living skills, and social skills, while also increasing each teacher’s toolbox with evidence-based strategies to support these skills. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family and traveling because it allows her to explore new restaurants and cultural experiences.

Dr. Kemmerer has been working with children with autism since 1994. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and received her PhD in Special Education with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis from the University of Iowa. Some of Lisa’s work experiences include: faculty positions at multiple universities, autism coordinator for the University of Iowa, Children’s Hospital Autism Center, behavior analyst with school districts in Iowa and West Virginia, special education teacher, and paraprofessional.

As a Training Specialist for STAR Autism Support, Shawn Kolb provides professional development and on-site coaching for educators and parents on implementing evidence-based practices for students with autism. Shawn is a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) who has over 30 years of experience working with children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities. Most recently she developed and provided oversight for a day program for preschoolers with autism which utilized the STAR curriculum. Shawn also assisted in developing the Applied Behavior Analysis program and Project ImPACT program. Shawn enjoys helping others through collaborating, connecting and providing support while focusing on teaching children skills they will use for the rest of their lives in school, at home and in their community.

Katie has a Master’s degree in Special Education and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Since 2008, Katie has worked with individuals with special needs in school based, home, and recreational settings. While teaching in New York, Katie worked with students with autism and other disabilities from ages 2 to 21 in both public and nonpublic school settings. While teaching in the classroom, she specialized in ABA-based settings and utilized the STAR program in her classroom. Katie also became a STAR coach within her district and provided support to fellow teachers and paraprofessionals. As a training Specialist for STAR Autism Support, Katie provides on-site coaching in evidence-based practices. Katie enjoys working with teachers and paraprofessionals to implement the STAR program in their classroom to support their students' needs and promote independence across the school day.

Darby works with STAR Autism Support to provide workshops and hands-on consultation to classrooms throughout the country and in the state of Oregon with classrooms who have been trained to serve as model training sites (Oregon Regional Program Autism Training Sites/OrPATS). Darby brings classroom experience as an elementary life skills teacher who helped create the first elementary ORPATS training site in Lane County. For four years Darby served as a Program Supervisor overseeing the elementary life skills program and the regional autism program for Lane Education Service District. Darby also served as a senior instructor for Portland State University providing workshops and hands-on training to classrooms around the state of Oregon. Darby holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education, a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development and a current Oregon Administrator License and Oregon Teaching License with endorsements Autism, Special Education and Early Childhood Education.

Nate has worked in public education, with students with autism and developmental disabilities, since 1999. As a training specialist for STAR Autism Support, Nate provides on-site consultation to teachers to implement evidence-based practices. Nate holds a degree in Special Education from Weber State University and has an Early Childhood Special Education license from Utah State University. Nate has been a Behavior/Autism Specialist and a Special Education Teacher. As an early childhood educator, Nate implemented the STAR curriculum as part of the Utah Statewide Autism Education Project. He has been a member of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) for over 15 years, and has been actively involved on the Utah board, as well as contributing to CEC’s Student Committee, Program Advisory Committee, and the Maltreatment Policy Statement Workgroup. Nate is passionate about advocating for the needs of students, families, and educators, and is engaged in ongoing work to influence local, state, and federal policy. He currently lives in Utah with his wife and four children.

Sarah Metcalfe, MS, LBA, BCBA, earned her Master's in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, after completing a Bachelor's in Human Development and Family Studies. She also holds a Master's Certificate in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas.
Sarah has more than 20 years of experience supporting students in private and public schools across general and special education settings, as well as experience in clinical ABA practice. She has also taught graduate students pursuing degrees in Applied Behavior Analysis. Her areas of expertise include functional behavior assessment, behavior intervention, and crisis management. She has implemented evidence-based practices, including Discrete Trial Training, Pivotal Response Training, and Functional Routines as used in the STAR Program.
Currently, Sarah serves as a training specialist at STAR Autism Support, where she supports teachers nationwide in developing and applying evidence-based instructional strategies in their classrooms. Outside of her professional work, she is a baseball fan and enjoys singing and playing piano.

As a training specialist for STAR Autism Support, Rebecca provides behavior support strategies and on-site coaching in evidence-based practices for educators. She holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education with a concentration on Autism and ABA strategies. In her previous role as Behavior/Academic Specialist, Rebecca provided professional development training and on-site support to educators in her school district. Rebecca has trained teachers to implement communication, behavioral, academic and management strategies in their classrooms.

As a training specialist for STAR Autism Support, Deeana provides professional development and on-site coaching for educators and parents on implementing evidence-based practices for autistic students. Deeana graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and received her master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of North Texas. Deeana has served students with autism and other disabilities since 2010, both as a certified special education classroom teacher and also at the administrative level. She developed her passion for teacher education as a coach and mentor to new teachers with several national organizations and within school districts in Texas. As an educator, Deeana saw the power of using evidence-based practices in teaching students with autism and trained in ABA principles as applied to the classroom. She currently lives in Texas with her family, and she includes coffee and ice cream among her personal preferred reinforcers.

Kathryn has worked in public education since 2006, as both a special education teacher in an autism classroom in the Chicago Public School District, as well as an autism specialist for a school district in Oregon. She has experience implementing evidence-based practices with students on the autism spectrum across elementary, middle school, high school, and post-secondary levels. Kathryn works for STAR Autism Support as a training specialist and as assistant product manager for the Links Routine Teaching Units. As a training specialist, Kathryn travels the country providing workshops and classroom consultations to school districts. She enjoys working in diverse classrooms and coaching teachers and paraprofessionals to be successful implementers of the STAR Program and Links Curriculum. Kathryn received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Special Education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She currently resides with her husband and two children in Southwest Michigan.

As a training specialist for STAR Autism Support, Alexis provides professional development and on-site coaching for educators and families to help them implement evidence-based practices for autistic students. Alexis holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in special education, with a concentration in autism, from Texas State University. She has spent the past ten years working with autistic students in the greater Austin area, working the last seven of those years in public education, in special education. She has worked in early childhood education, as well as in a K–5 foundational learning structured, self-contained classroom. Prior to joining the STAR team, she was a STAR district coach and had a model classroom. Alexis is passionate about working with neurodiverse individuals and their families. She currently lives in Texas with her fiancé and their three pups.

As a training specialist for STAR Autism Support, Kristi Porter provides professional development and on-site coaching for educators and parents on implementing evidence-based practices for students with Autism. Kristi graduated from Texas Women’s University with a master’s degree in special education as an Educational Diagnostician. Kristi has served in many different capacities in special education in Utah, Wyoming, and Texas. She had the privilege of representing educators on the Wyoming Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities while serving as Chair Elect. Kristi is passionate about professional development and has presented at the Texas Council for Exceptional Children Conference, Texas Region 11 Directors Meeting, and the National Council for Exceptional Children.

Kaleen holds a Master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration on Autism from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She has spent the last 10 years working with children with disabilities. Kaleen holds a current teaching license as an Academic and Behavior Strategist in the field of Special Education and a certification as an Autism Specialist. In addition to serving as a special education teacher for children with autism, she has experience educating caregivers of children with exceptionalities how to implement academic, behavioral, and emotional support strategies at home and in the community. In her previous role, Kaleen served as Student Committee Chair with the Council for Exceptional Children where she provided professional development and support for pre-teachers in the field of special education. As a parent of a child with autism, Kaleen is passionate about making a difference for students with autism, their families, and educators. Kaleen resides in Minnesota with her husband and three children.

Dr. Severs brings more than 20 years of experience working with exceptional students of various ages and in multiple states to the STAR team in her role as a training specialist. As an accomplished teacher, her experiences include being awarded Teacher of the Year for Yuma County, Arizona, in 2022, opening a new program from the ground up in a rural district, and implementing the LINKS curriculum within a model site classroom. Tricia holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction applied behavior analysis, as well as dual certification in general and special education (K–12). Currently, she is pursuing a doctorate degree in special education. As a parent of a young adult with autism, she has navigated the educational journey from both the perspective of a parent and an educator. Tricia's goals and passions focus on assisting teachers and caregivers, making their lives easier through training and modeling using STAR curricula, and demonstrating her commitment to showcasing the full potential of exceptional students. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her four adult children, family, and friends. She also enjoys traveling, especially to areas close to the beach.

Cara Speicher, M.Ed, BCaBA, LABA is a Training Specialist with STAR Autism Support with over 25 years of experience in autism education. She holds a Master's in Education - Special Education/Autism Intervention from the University of North Texas and has supported students across public schools and private practice for more than two decades. Cara specializes in autism intervention, behavior analysis, early intervention, and program development, and has spent 15+ years implementing the STAR Program and Links Curriculum. In district leadership roles, she developed autism programming, mentored educators and coaches, and led professional development. She is also a co-author on research addressing barriers to voting for adults with disabilities and continues to deliver evidence-based training nationwide to support effective classroom practices.

Julie completed her Education Specialist degree in School Psychology at the University of Iowa in May, 2015, and has been working with students with autism and developmental disabilities for six years. Her professional experiences include assessment of challenging behavior, behavior reduction, skill acquisition, and diagnostic evaluation. She has worked in clinical and school settings but finds energy and passion in schools working directly with students, teachers, and paraprofessionals. Julie is always looking for ways to continue learning and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in School Psychology.

Tracy works with STAR Autism Support conducting workshops for the STAR and Links curriculums, as well as providing hands-on coaching in classrooms throughout the United States and China. Tracy taught in public schools in CA and AZ and brings classroom experience as a former general education teacher. After her years in general education, she worked as an Instructional Coach and then as an autism specialist. Tracy created and taught in an ABA based classroom providing behavior support and training in evidence-based strategies prior to being introduced to the STAR curriculum as part of the AZ State-wide project. Tracy graduated from ASU with a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in ABA. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, who currently resides in Grand Junction, CO.