Emerge was founded in 2005 by Dr. Helena Huckabee, Ph.D., BCBA-D. Recognizing a critical need in Colorado for excellence in counseling, diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Huckabee drew upon her years of experience in autism and neuroscience to establish a practice offering multi-disciplinary services suited to a diverse set of needs.

The Emerge treatment model for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders utilizes the science of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and incorporates a variety of proven techniques such as Incidental Learning, Pivotal Response Treatment, and Verbal Behavior. Our goals and strategies are individually tailored to each client, maximizing cognitive, social and emotional growth while supporting the family's needs, lifestyle, and interests.

Emerge also specializes in behavior management, mental health, and personal growth across the lifespan. We approach these challenges with the same sensitivity, scientific knowledge, and commitment to each one of our clients and their families.

		Helena Huckabee, Ph.D., BCBA-D President Dr. Huckabee is a Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Clinical Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She received her bachelor's degree in Geological Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines, her Master's and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston. Dr. Huckabee completed her Internship at Baylor College of Medicine with Post Doctoral Fellowships at DePelchin Children's Center and JFK Partners at the University of Colorado. Her clinical experiences include working with autism, borderline personality disorder, head injury, AD/HD, developmental disabilities, adoption, anxiety, and mood disorders. Dr. Huckabee's research studies have involved understanding intelligence and language skills in children with autism, the role of serotonin in mood disorders, self-injurious behaviors, brain anoxia, and treatment outcome in autism. Dr. Huckabee has previously held administrative leadership positions at five clinics for autism. With compassion and competence she provides counseling for individuals and couples as well as leading parent groups in the community. Dr. Huckabee is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Colorado Psychological Association and the Association for Behavior Analysis. Dr. Huckabee and her husband serve the community in many ways. Together they are parents of their son with autism and their daughter adopted from China.
		Tasha Jamroz, M.A., BCBA Vice President, Board Certified Behavior Analyst Tasha received her bachelor's degree in Psychology at Saint Louis University in Missouri and earned her master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center. She has enjoyed specializing in treatment and assessment of Autistic Spectrum Disorders since 2004 and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  Having started working with Dr. Huckabee at JFK Partners, Tasha brings a wealth of skills and understanding to her work with families.
		Meghan Norman, M.S., BCBA Board Certified Behavior Analyst Meghan holds a Master of Science degree in Research Methods in Psychology from the University of Reading in the United Kingdon, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee. Currently, Meghan took courses in Applied Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology and is a Board Certified Behaivor Analyst.  Previous to her work at Emerge, Meghan worked for Developmental Pathways, a nonprofit organization serving people with developmental disabilities, as a case manager for the Children's Extensive Support Medicaid Waiver program.  Having worked with children with autism spectrum disorders since 2005, Meghan is delighted to be able to utilize her skills and experiences with those she serves at Emerge.
		Sarah Nickel, M.A.
		Suzanne Aurelio, BCaBA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Suzie received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2006 from Rollins College in Winter Park, Fl. While at Rollins, she interned as a behavioral therapist at a center-based ABA program for children with disabilities. In 2007, Suzie completed her bachelors certificate in Behavioral Analysis through Florida Institute of Technology, a Behavioral Analyst Certification Board-(BACB) approved site. She joined the Emerge team in 2009 and plans to pursue a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis.
		Anna Kroncke, Ph.D., NCSP Licensed Psychologist Dr. Kroncke is a licensed psychologist specializing in child and adolescent assessment.  She earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Masters degree in School Psychology from the University of Georgia, and a PhD in Educational Psychology also from UGA. Her research interests are in psychological assessment, learning disabilities, Autism, and early identification of child emotional and behavior problems in schools.   Her post doctoral work was completed in psychological assessment with a private practice in Atlanta, Georgia.  Anna has worked for five years as a school psychologist in diverse urban school districts with children from preschool age through high school.  Anna began working with Emerge in 2010.
		Annabel Kaplan, M.S.Ed., BCBA Clinical Supervisor Annabel holds a Master’s of Science degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Hunter College in New York City as well as a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. She has held teaching certifications for both general and special education and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. While in New York City, Annabel worked as an ABA therapist in home and school settings with practices such as YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities and The McCarton School. She has served children with autism spectrum disorders since 2004. Annabel joined the Emerge team in 2010 and is excited to bring her creativity and expertise to Colorado.
		Lashley Rhodes, BCaBA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Lashley obtained her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Religion in 2005 from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA. Her first experience working with adults and children with disabilities was at Camp Hope in Carmel, NY during the summer of 2002, which influenced her course of study. She also was a preschool teacher and has volunteered with the Child Life Program at National Jewish Hospital in Denver, CO. Lashley joined the Emerge team in 2008 and, after coursework through Florida Institute of Technology, obtained her BCaBA in 2010.
		Jennifer Edwards, M.A., MFT Marriage and Family Therapist Marriage and Family Therapist Jennifer grew up in the Seattle, Washington area and attended Western Baptist College in Salem, Oregon for her undergraduate degree in Education.  She taught both secondary and elementary in many subjects.  During her teaching career she worked with many children diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, and many learning disabilities.  In 2009 she began working on her graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Liberty University.  Through this experience, she gained a passion for working with families and individuals that face the challenges of Autism, as well as marriage and family therapy in general.  Jennifer now resides in the Denver area and joined the Emerge team in 2012 as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
		Amanda Ridinger, B.S.  Behavior Specialist Amanda is very excited to become a member of the Emerge team in March of 2012.  She earned her Bachelor's of Science degree in Psychology from Colorado State University in 2010.  While attending CSU she volunteered at Hearts and Horses, a therapeutic riding center, where she was first introduced to Autism Spectrum Disorders.  After graduating from CSU, Amanda spent time studying human rights and teaching second grade in Tanzania and upon her return taught at a preschool.  Amanda enjoys spending any extra time she has outside with her her dog, horses and family as well as volunteering with her many animal's veterinarians.
		Bridget Cyr, B.A. Behavior Specialist Bridget is very excited to join the Emerge team in 2011.  She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Colorado State University, where she gained interest in Autistic Spectrum Disorders.  Bridget was an intern for the Learning Disabilities Association of Colorado and has volunteered at the SaddleUp! Foundation.  Bridget is currently working towards her BCaBA at the University of Colorado-Denver.  She has experience working with children in-home, in classroom settings, and outdoors.
		Katie Walton, B.S., SLP-A Behavior Specialist Katie is very excited to join the Emerge team in 2011.  She earned her bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology from The University of Oklahoma, where she gained interest in Autism spectrum Disorders.  Katie has spent time working with children with Speech Disorders and is currently working on her Master's degree from Ball State University in Applied Behavioral Analysis and then hoping to sit for the BCBA exam.  In her spare time Katie enjoys spending time with family, fly fishing, and Bronco's football!
		Shaun D'Arcy Behavior Specialist Shaun has been with Emerge since July of 2011. He is originally from Liverpool, United Kingdom.  He immigrated to the United States in 2009.  Prior to working at Emerge, Shaun spent three summers working in Philadelphia at a camp for children with autism and Down syndrome.  He has also worked as an Educational Assistant for the Douglas County School System.  Shaun is currently enrolled at Arapahoe Community College (ACC). In January of 2013, he expects to be enrolled in Denver University (DU) to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology.  In his spare time he enjoys fishing, climbing 14ers, and spending time with his family.
		Charlie Nilan, M.B.A. Business Manager Charlie joined the Emerge team in 2011.
		Lindsay Van Dusseldorp, B.A. Administrative Director Lindsay joined the Emerge team in 2010.
		Mary Pat Elmer Bookkeeper Mary Pat joined the Emerge team in 2009.
		Kara Tyree, B.S. Administrative Assistant Kara joined the Emerge team in 2011.