![]() ![]() In the unlikely event that she has spare time, Monica loves to cook, run, and spend time with her family. Monica is now a mother to two beautiful, young girls. Monica is grateful to have the unwavering support of her husband, who never questioned her crazy idea to leave behind a stable job in pursuit of building a clinic of her dreams. Yet today, it is a common first question to be asked by a family inquiring into services. ![]() In 2008, Monica had such a difficult time recruiting new clients because the idea of a center-based therapy clinic was so foreign to the region. It is amazing to reflect on how ABA therapy in Washington state has changed over the years. There were bumps and setbacks in the first year, but such was expected from a new company. Three months later, doors opened to the first two students. In July of 2008, Monica left her position at NBA to build Jigsaw. With ideas on hand and much enthusiasm, Monica is excited to guide and direct the vision of Jigsaw Junction. Her time at NBA provided experience for navigating the educational system in Washington State. At NBA, Monica coordinated home therapy programs, directed monthly team meetings, trained tutors, wrote treatment plans, proposed IEP goals, attended IEP meetings, and conducted workshops. Monica returned to the States in 2005 and honed her skills as a Program Manager at Northwest Behavioral Associates (NBA). She took the steps that would bring her closer to Jigsaw Junction. ![]() Nevertheless, the experience she gained in Hong Kong proved to be invaluable foundation for what she is trying to build today. The work was challenging, and the hours were long. She also assessed all incoming students and created individualized intervention programs. In addition to managing the classroom, Monica hired, trained, and supervised all school staff. Here, she helped start the first ABA school in Asia. Never content to rest, Monica also worked on the weekends providing one-on-one home therapy services to children in Manhattan through YAI, a local non-profit agency.įollowing graduation, Monica worked abroad in Hong Kong. The analysis and application of verbal behavior became an everyday phenomenon. It was at the Keller School that theory met application. While at Columbia University, Monica taught at the renowned Fred S. Upon gaining acceptance to one of the nation's leading Behavior Analysis programs, Monica studied under the tutelage of R. Monica inevitably continued her post-graduate studies in the field of Behavior Analysis. It was love at first sight: The relationships with families were irreplaceable, and the science of behavior analysis fascinated Monica, leaving her eager to learn more about this field. With some luck, Monica landed her first job working with several families on the Eastside. Inspired by the knowledgeable staff and mentors, Monica applied to become a home therapy tutor. This was where Monica began learning the basics of classroom management. While attending the University of Washington, she volunteered at the Experimental Education Unit (EEU). Monica spent most of her adult life in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. ![]()
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