Philip Menard is the clinical director of Arbor Autism Centers and a speech-language pathologist. He created the STEPS Autism Program and ToMs Theory of Mind Gaming Program at the University of Michigan and has over 20 years of experience helping families with autism. His understanding of the unique interplay between communication, behavior, development, and motivation within our environment helps to create the most effective, individualized programming. These strategies that apply research principles in clinical settings and their outcomes have been presented nationally.
Amanda Jager is a licensed speech language pathologist, the director of the Arbor EATS Feeding Program, and the program coordinator at Arbor Autism Centers. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Grand Valley State University and accepted an internship with Michigan Medicine’s STEPS Autism Program
Amanda Jager is a licensed speech language pathologist, the director of the Arbor EATS Feeding Program, and the program coordinator at Arbor Autism Centers. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Grand Valley State University and accepted an internship with Michigan Medicine’s STEPS Autism Program. After successful completion of the STEPS internship, Amanda attended Emerson College where she received her master’s degree in speech language pathology.
Amanda’s graduate clinical work focused on the evaluation and treatment of pediatric feeding disorders and feeding difficulties for children with autism. During her clinical fellowship, Amanda developed the Arbor EATS Feeding Program which seeks to provide evidence-based treatment to children with pediatric feeding disorders while providing education and support to family members. Amanda is passionate about providing feeding therapy education to our staff, medical professionals, and others in the community. In her free time, Amanda enjoys spending time outside with her family.
Erin Hacker is a licensed speech-language pathologist involved in the Arbor groups and Arbor EATS programs. She also leads monthly parent support groups (meeting the last Friday of every month at 12pm). Erin obtained her Master's Degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Indiana University. Throughout her undergraduate and graduate studi
Erin Hacker is a licensed speech-language pathologist involved in the Arbor groups and Arbor EATS programs. She also leads monthly parent support groups (meeting the last Friday of every month at 12pm). Erin obtained her Master's Degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Indiana University. Throughout her undergraduate and graduate studies, Erin had a primary focus on working with pediatric clients and found a passion for working with individuals with autism.
Erin has gained valuable experiences treating, evaluating, and advocating for her clients. In her free time, Erin enjoys volunteering with Special Olympics Michigan, reading, and exploring new nature trails to run on.
Jordan Gopi is a speech-language pathology clinical fellow involved in the Arbor groups and Arbor EATS programs. Jordan has several years of experience serving children and their families. Prior to pursuing her graduate studies, Jordan worked as a social worker in a variety of roles serving children in foster care and children with mental
Jordan Gopi is a speech-language pathology clinical fellow involved in the Arbor groups and Arbor EATS programs. Jordan has several years of experience serving children and their families. Prior to pursuing her graduate studies, Jordan worked as a social worker in a variety of roles serving children in foster care and children with mental health diagnoses. She received a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from Eastern Michigan University.
While interning at Arbor Autism Centers during her graduate program, Jordan found a passion for children with autism and is excited to continue to serve Arbor families. During her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her dogs, hiking, and watching reality TV.
Elise Hiskens is a speech-language pathology clinical fellow involved in the Arbor groups and Arbor EATS programs. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from Eastern Michigan University. Elise is passionate about working with children with autism and has previously worked in schools as a teacher and chaplain in the
Elise Hiskens is a speech-language pathology clinical fellow involved in the Arbor groups and Arbor EATS programs. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from Eastern Michigan University. Elise is passionate about working with children with autism and has previously worked in schools as a teacher and chaplain in the United States, Australia, and South Korea.
During a graduate school internship, Elise realized a passion for partnering with families to support communication in children. Originally from Australia, Elise has lived throughout the Midwest and now calls Ypsilanti home. In her free time, Elise enjoys being outside, drinking tea, and reading.
Shelby Klick is a speech-language pathology clinical fellow involved in the Arbor Groups programs. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Eastern Michigan University. Throughout her graduate program, she worked primarily with the pediatric population and developed a passion for providing an engaging
Shelby Klick is a speech-language pathology clinical fellow involved in the Arbor Groups programs. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Eastern Michigan University. Throughout her graduate program, she worked primarily with the pediatric population and developed a passion for providing an engaging and supportive therapeutic space for children.
Before becoming a speech-language pathologist, Shelby was an elementary school teacher. She brings several years of experience serving young children of all abilities and their families. Ahead of successfully defending her thesis, she presented her research at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) conference in 2024, which explored the perspectives of speech-language pathology graduate students following participation in an interprofessional education (IPE) project. In her free time, Shelby enjoys spending time with her family, taking her rescue dog, Clover, on exciting adventures, and traveling.
Katelynn Kemski is an occupational therapist, Aquatic Therapy Autism Program Certified Provider, and certified lifeguard. Katelynn created the ARBOR Swim program, teaching swim safety skills to children, teens, and adults with autism. She is also developing the Aquatic Safety for Autism Provider Certification (ASAP Certification), a train
Katelynn Kemski is an occupational therapist, Aquatic Therapy Autism Program Certified Provider, and certified lifeguard. Katelynn created the ARBOR Swim program, teaching swim safety skills to children, teens, and adults with autism. She is also developing the Aquatic Safety for Autism Provider Certification (ASAP Certification), a training program for adults interested in leading their own aquatic therapy and teaching water safety skills to individuals with autism, which will be launching in June of 2025.
Katelynn has spent the entirety of her career working in pediatrics, most specifically focusing on autism treatment. Katelynn obtained her OT degree from Grand Valley State University and started her career at Michigan Medicine as a student intern training in the STEPS Autism Treatment Program. Shortly after, she became a permanent member of the STEPS treatment team. She is now continuing to follow her passion for working with children with autism and their families both on land and in the water.
Natalie is an occupational therapist from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Movement Science with a minor in medical anthropology from the University of Michigan in 2021. Inspired by her caregiving experiences during college, she pursued a doctorate in occupational therapy from the University of Pittsburgh, graduati
Natalie is an occupational therapist from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Movement Science with a minor in medical anthropology from the University of Michigan in 2021. Inspired by her caregiving experiences during college, she pursued a doctorate in occupational therapy from the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in 2024.
During her doctoral capstone, Natalie worked with Homewood Children’s Village and Lincoln Elementary School in Pittsburgh, providing sensory strategies to help students with emotional regulation. She also created a clinical practice guideline titled “Sensory Diets in School-Aged Children.”
Since graduation, Natalie has worked in an outpatient pediatric setting with children who have autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, and oppositional defiant disorder. She is passionate about helping children with autism engage in self-care, play, and social participation. Natalie is excited to join the interdisciplinary team at Arbor Autism Centers. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Kelsey Honsberger is a licensed occupational therapist who has several years of experience working in pediatrics. Her passion for working with children and their families began while working in preschools and running youth programs at her local YMCA. She received her Doctorate Degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toledo. Sh
Kelsey Honsberger is a licensed occupational therapist who has several years of experience working in pediatrics. Her passion for working with children and their families began while working in preschools and running youth programs at her local YMCA. She received her Doctorate Degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toledo. She also has experience in the outpatient pediatric setting through work and graduate school. In her free time, she enjoys trying new restaurants, listening to music, and spending time with family, friends, and her pets.
Kelsey primarily works in the school setting now, but helps support our Arbor patients and families during the summer months.
Jessica Morrison is a board-certified behavior analyst who attended University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign, obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a child development focus. After graduating in 2001, she worked in Illinois as a case manager at a residential facility for men living with developmental disabilities. She moved ba
Jessica Morrison is a board-certified behavior analyst who attended University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign, obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a child development focus. After graduating in 2001, she worked in Illinois as a case manager at a residential facility for men living with developmental disabilities. She moved back to Michigan to attend Wayne State University. There she obtained her Master’s Degree in Counseling with a focus on school and rehabilitation counseling. She began working in public schools in 2007 as a paraprofessional.
After graduating with her masters in 2009, Jess continued working in the schools as a paraprofessional, Title 1 coordinator, and substitute counselor. She went back to school for her Behavior Analyst Degree in 2012. Most recently, Jess obtained her LPC in 2021. Jessica is a fan of soccer and closely follows Tottenham Hotspur FC. She lives in Ann Arbor with her partner, Allen, two kids and two cats.
Natalie McDonald is an SLP/OT/ABA intern. Natalie graduated in December 2024 from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s Degree in Movement Science. She is planning to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison in June 2025 to obtain a Doctor of Occupational Therapy with an interest in working in pediatrics or neurological rehabilit
Natalie McDonald is an SLP/OT/ABA intern. Natalie graduated in December 2024 from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s Degree in Movement Science. She is planning to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison in June 2025 to obtain a Doctor of Occupational Therapy with an interest in working in pediatrics or neurological rehabilitation.
Natalie loves working with kids and seeing growth in each child. In her free time, Natalie enjoys trying new restaurants in Ann Arbor, spending time with friends and family, exercising, and being outdoors.
Lorenna Singer is an intern who graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences, concentrating in Occupational Therapy. She plans to begin a Master of Occupational Therapy program at Eastern Michigan University in January 2026. Originally from Brazil, Lorenna is trilingual, speaking English, Por
Lorenna Singer is an intern who graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences, concentrating in Occupational Therapy. She plans to begin a Master of Occupational Therapy program at Eastern Michigan University in January 2026. Originally from Brazil, Lorenna is trilingual, speaking English, Portuguese, and Spanish, which has allowed her to connect with diverse communities.
Lorenna has always had a passion for working with children and is eager to use her compassionate skills to make a difference in pediatric occupational therapy settings. In her free time, Lorenna enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family, friends, and her cat, Archie.
Marzia Tasnim is an intern who graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN). She is currently in her gap year and plans to pursue a Master of Social Work this upcoming Fall. She has a strong interest in child development and mental health.
Marzia loves working with kids and fin
Marzia Tasnim is an intern who graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN). She is currently in her gap year and plans to pursue a Master of Social Work this upcoming Fall. She has a strong interest in child development and mental health.
Marzia loves working with kids and finds it very rewarding to support their growth through play and connection! She is passionate about understanding how both biological and environmental factors influence behavior, especially in early childhood and through development. In her free time, Marzia enjoys exploring new restaurants, spending time with her cats, going on walks, and doing pilates/barre.
Maria Garces is an intern who graduated from Siena Heights University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Originally from Venezuela, Maria is trilingual in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, a skill that has enabled her to connect deeply with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Maria
Maria Garces is an intern who graduated from Siena Heights University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Originally from Venezuela, Maria is trilingual in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, a skill that has enabled her to connect deeply with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Maria is passionate about understanding human behavior and aspires to become a criminal psychologist. She has professional experience in human resources and consulting, and she is currently pursuing opportunities that allow her to support and work with children and families. Her compassionate nature, communication skills, and love for helping others continue to guide her professional journey. In her free time, Maria enjoys reading, spending time with loved ones.
Carley Curry is an intern who graduated from Calvin University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She will continue the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program at Calvin University in May of 2026, with an interest in working with the pediatric population
Carley is passionate about communication supports and fee
Carley Curry is an intern who graduated from Calvin University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She will continue the Master of Speech-Language Pathology program at Calvin University in May of 2026, with an interest in working with the pediatric population
Carley is passionate about communication supports and feeding therapy. She finds great joy in helping children build confidence while supporting their communication. Her goal is to create a supportive, engaging environment where every child feels seen, heard, and empowered. In her free time, Carley enjoys staying active, spending time with family and friends, and doing arts and crafts.
Nicole Portmann is an intern and a Master’s of Social Work student at the University of Michigan. Prior to U-M, Nicole completed her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Virginia.
Nicole is originally from Chile and is trilingual in English, French and Spanish. She enjoys being able to interact with her patients and families from differ
Nicole Portmann is an intern and a Master’s of Social Work student at the University of Michigan. Prior to U-M, Nicole completed her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Virginia.
Nicole is originally from Chile and is trilingual in English, French and Spanish. She enjoys being able to interact with her patients and families from different cultural and language backgrounds. Nicole is passionate about medical social work and is eager to use her skills as a hospital social worker post-graduation. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, and teaching and choreographing dance
Natasha Rice (commonly known as Tasha) is an intern with a bachelor's degree in psychology from Michigan State University. Currently, she is taking a gap year to gain practical experience in the field of therapy, with a particular focus on child therapy. Tasha is passionate about understanding mental health and its impact on families, and
Natasha Rice (commonly known as Tasha) is an intern with a bachelor's degree in psychology from Michigan State University. Currently, she is taking a gap year to gain practical experience in the field of therapy, with a particular focus on child therapy. Tasha is passionate about understanding mental health and its impact on families, and she is eager to expand her knowledge in this area.
In her free time, Tasha enjoys playing with her Husky/German Shepherd mix, Romeo, and has recently taken up crocheting as a hobby. She also cherishes spending time with her godchildren and watching television shows and movies.
En Ci Chang (commonly known as Grace) is a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, majoring in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences with minors in Public Health and Health Administration. She is passionate about health inequities, leading fundraisers, and volunteering in healthcare settings. Grace promotes mental health awa
En Ci Chang (commonly known as Grace) is a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, majoring in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences with minors in Public Health and Health Administration. She is passionate about health inequities, leading fundraisers, and volunteering in healthcare settings. Grace promotes mental health awareness on campus and is trained in Mental Health First Aid and crisis intervention.
Dedicated to working with children, Grace has volunteered at a local community center since her youth. She looks forward to supporting and empowering children at Arbor Autism.
Anne Ryan is the lead administrator of Arbor Autism Centers, bringing over 20 years of experience in helping families navigate the complexities of health care and insurance. Her sensitivity to patient perspectives and her dedication to facilitating access to health care have proven invaluable to countless families. Anne is also the founde
Anne Ryan is the lead administrator of Arbor Autism Centers, bringing over 20 years of experience in helping families navigate the complexities of health care and insurance. Her sensitivity to patient perspectives and her dedication to facilitating access to health care have proven invaluable to countless families. Anne is also the founder and producer of a local aerial arts training facility. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, dancing, and relaxing with friends and family.
Christopher Kemski is the medical biller for Arbor Autism Centers, bringing over 15 years of experience in coordinating appointments. Growing up with a brother who had cerebral palsy, Christopher pursued a path to provide support and understanding to all the families he encounters. His passion for the arts has led him to serve as the firs
Christopher Kemski is the medical biller for Arbor Autism Centers, bringing over 15 years of experience in coordinating appointments. Growing up with a brother who had cerebral palsy, Christopher pursued a path to provide support and understanding to all the families he encounters. His passion for the arts has led him to serve as the first assistant director on a feature film, perform live, and give back by teaching music.
As we continue to expand our services, we are always looking for dedicated individuals to join our team.
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