ABI is growing by leaps and bounds!

  Anika is the founder and owner of ABI. Anika has worked in public schools and in private sectors with children for over 18 years. Anika has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an Emphasis in Autism, another Master’s degree in Human Exceptionality, an Ed.S in School Psychology, and is currently working on a Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis. Anika is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and also a Licensed School Psychologist.
Anika has a passion for helping individuals reach their highest potential. She started ABI in 2013 because she saw a need for high quality services for individuals with disabilities. Anika has been a single mom for 17 years and has one daughter who recently started college at BYU. (Her daughter was recently crowned Miss Draper 2020 with the platform of helping children in abusive situations).
Anika loves your children and is constantly thinking of how to help each one feel successful and know they are loved! Anika is her happiest when she sees children progressing and her staff smiling and happy as they come into work. Luckily she gets to see this EVERYDAY!! 

 Daphne Hartzheim is a dually certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She graduated from Utah State University with her Masters of Science in Communication Sciences in Disorders in 2005 and worked as a speech therapist and instructor before returning to Utah State University for a Ph.D. in Disabilities Disciplines, which let her specialize in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Since graduating with her Doctorate in 2015 she has worked as an Assistant Professor in the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, before joining ABI in 2021. She has published a number of research articles and is excited to continue learning. She is passionate about empowering children and their families to reach their full potential. She LOVES teaching and gets excited about lightbulb moments. Daphne is originally from Germany and returns as often as she can to visit family and conduct training for speech therapists. She is excited to be back in the mountains and adventure together with her dog, Cortex.  

 Ryan Elder graduated from Touro University Nevada with a Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy. Prior to his graduate studies, Ryan obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Services from Utah State University, an Associate’s degree from Utah Valley University, and a certification as a Registered Behavior Technician. Ryan worked at Lone Peak Hospital in the acute care setting before joining ABI in 2020. Ryan is passionate about the importance of play and its role in social, cognitive, and motor development. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids, reading, hiking, playing video games, and exercise (sometimes). 

 Will Johnson began working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis in 2011 and received his BCBA in 2015. He graduated from the University of Utah in 2011 with his BS in Psychology and graduated from Arizona State University in 2014 with his M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction (Applied Behavior Analysis). He has worked with a wide range of individuals in his time as an ABA provider and loves getting to help new people and be a support to the strength and abilities they already possess. Will grew up on the Central Coast of California. He loves to spend time with his wife Dana, daughter Olive, and their beloved puppy Chewie. He also loves music, cooking, taking naps, and spending time with family and friends. 

 Casey Barron has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since February of 2020 and joined the ABI team in July of 2020. She has been providing ABA services for six years, and has worked in clinical, home, and school settings. Casey completed her undergraduate education at The University of Utah, and received her master’s degree from Arizona State University. When she isn’t working, Casey enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.  

 Dana Johnson is a born and raised in Utah native, though she did live in California for a year and a half. Dana graduated with her Bachelor’s in Special Education mild/moderate from Utah State. She taught grades 7-12 for 8 years and loved the middle school phase. Dana received her Master’s Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in ABA from Capella University.  She also worked as a behavior analyst for 2 years in a behavior unit for students who have mental health diagnosis. In Dana's spare time she likes to spend time with her husband, Will, and daughter Olive. If she's not busy with them then Dana likes to watch movies, go to concerts or tend to her plants (Dana is a self diagnosed crazy plant lady).  

 Holly Mount is a BCBA with extensive experience in the field of applied behavior analysis starting with Autism Journeys in 2010.  Holly’s specialities are: early intervention, verbal behavior, parent training and support and she is one of our most experienced BCBA’s doing telehealth and online parent training.  Holly works using evidence based practices for behavior change to help families create positive shifts in behavior and is a strong proponent of training family members involved in the day to day interactions with her clients.  Holly is warm and caring.  She has four of her own kids in training and a husband who’s trailing behind, but showing some promise. 

 Christian Porter has worked with individuals with special needs for nearly his entire life. He received his B.S. in Music Therapy from Utah State University which lead him to Bloomington, IN for 4 years working with individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental disorders. During that time, he graduated from Ball State University with his M.A in Applied Behavior Analysis and became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in November 2019. Christian is passionate about early intervention and AACs, particularly the Picture Exchange Communication System.

Christian grew up in Lehi, UT and has lived all over the United States and Lithuania. He enjoys music (basically all instruments with strings), computers and electronics, biking, cooking, video games, and all things Pokémon.

 Miranda Thornley began working as an RBT at ABI in June of 2019 and immediately began working towards her BCBA. Miranda graduated with her Master’s degree in ABA Psychology and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in May 2021. Miranda has experience working with kids between the ages of 2-15 with Autism and other intellectual disabilities. She is passionate about teaching functional communication skills. Miranda was born and raised in Sandy UT and has never moved out of the state. Miranda spends 1 month in Scotland during her undergraduate at Utah Valley University and loves her Scottish heritage. When Miranda is not busy doing ABA she decorates and sells cookies with her sister. Miranda also enjoys watching movies and tv with her husband, taking naps, and doing crafts. 

 Katie Hamilton began working at ABI as an RBT in September 2020. Once finishing her Behavior Analytic coursework through The Florida Institute of Technology, she sat for her Assistant Behavior Analyst Certification Exam. In December of 2021, Katie became ABI’s first BCaBA. She has experience working with children aged 1-12 with Autism and other developmental disabilities. Katie’s mission is to celebrate all the little successes on the way towards bigger achievements. Katie grew up in Colorado, attended college in Idaho, and moved to Utah in 2019. When she’s not working, she loves spending time with her husband and dog, playing games, going swimming, and making food.

 Fadumo Nor - I was born in Somalia (east Africa) but grew up in Salt Lake City Utah. I received both my bachelors and masters degree from the University of Utah. As an undergraduate I studied Biology and Psychology and I became a BCBA in December of 2021. I have been working in the field of ABA as an early intervention behavior therapist since 2016. The best part of my job is being able to see the progress the client’s make. When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family, health and wellness, drawing and reading.  .

 Meagan Kemp is our Human Resources Director and will be assisting parents, children, Anika and her amazing staff to create the best space for autism services in the state. Meagan has 12 years experience working with children with autism and 8+ years human resources, safety, training and management experience. She received her BA from BYU and is honored to be part of ABI.