Helena Huckabee, PhD, BCBA-D

Licensed Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst
President of Emerge

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 and her Master’s and Doctorate degrees 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 leads 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, MA, BCBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Vice President of Emerge

Tasha is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who also serves as Director of Outreach ABA Services and Vice President of Emerge. She 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 autism spectrum disorders since 2004. Tasha also has experience and interest in treating a variety of behavior challenges including, but not limited to, those accompanying typical development, ADHD, mood disorders, and developmental delay/disability. She has substantial experience working with individuals affected by comorbid mood and/or anxiety issues and autism spectrum disorder. A member of the Emerge team since its inception, Tasha brings both passion and a wealth of skills and understanding to her clients and their families. Tasha is a member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International as well as the Colorado Coalition of Autism Professionals (COCAP) and enjoys supporting her community through volunteerism, fundraising, and public policy. She and her husband have two sons and enjoy showing them the beautiful Colorado landscape through outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and cycling.

Jessica S. Reinhardt, Ph.D. NCSP

Postdoctoral Fellow

Dr. Jessica Reinhardt is Licensed Psychologist at Emerge. In addition, she is the Director of Clinical Experiences and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Child, Family, and School Psychology at the University of Denver. Her research and teaching interests include: neurodevelopmental disorders, assessment and graduate training. She earned a BA in Journalism and Psychology from The American University, where she was a member of the Division I Swimming and Diving Team. She earned an MA in Psychology also from The American University, and completed her Ph.D. in Child, Family, and School Psychology, at the University of Denver. Dr. Reinhardt is an active member of a number of committees within the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists. Recently, Dr. Reinhardt was a contributing author to an autism assessment textbook, Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Critical Issues in Clinical, Forensic and School Settings, written by Dr. Kroncke and Dr. Huckabee, and edited by Dr. Randy Kamphaus. When she is not working, Dr. Reinhardt can be found swimming or playing soccer. Dr. Reinhardt began working at Emerge in 2013.

Leigh-Ellen M. Curl, EdS, NCSP

Licensed School Psychologist

Leigh-Ellen M. Curl received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and an Education Specialist degree in School Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado. While a graduate student at UNC, Leigh-Ellen participated in Project InSPECT, a federally funded grant program providing EdS students with an additional year of specialized coursework in Early Childhood School Psychology, through the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Denver. Leigh-Ellen completed her internship and worked as a school psychologist in a diverse urban district in the DC area before returning to her home state of Colorado. Her areas of professional interest include early identification and treatment, support and training for family members and teachers of children with disabilities, play therapy, and social skills training for children with autism spectrum disorders. Leigh-Ellen enjoys skiing, writing, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two children.

Suzanne Purcell, MS, BCBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Case Supervisor

Suzanne is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Assistant Director of ABA Services at Emerge. In 2006 she received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Rollins College in Florida and her master’s degree in Counseling and Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis at Nova Southeastern University in 2013. She discovered her passion for working with children and families affected by autism during her senior internship at a center-based ABA program. Since that time, she has been working with children, teenagers, and adults on the autism spectrum in a variety of settings. Outside of work, Suzanne enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as hiking in the beautiful Colorado mountains.

Shaun D’Arcy, RBT

Behavior Specialist

Shaun has been with Emerge since July of 2011. He is originally from Liverpool, England. 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 for two years as an Educational Assistant for the Douglas County School System. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology May, 2016. Shaun will begin his Master's program in January, 2017 in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Autism through Ball State University. In his spare time he enjoys fishing, climbing 14ers, running half marathons, and, most importantly, spending time with his wife Colleen and two children Thomas and Anna.

Jaclyn Hamlin, BS, RBT

Case Supervisor

Originally from New York State, Jackie received her Bachelor’s degree in Creative Arts Therapy from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY where she concentrated in Dance/Movement Therapy. She found her passion in 2006 when she began working with children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Jackie has worked with this population in a wide variety of roles including school paraprofessional, respite care provider, in-home habilitation worker, Medicaid service coordinator, and creative arts instructor. She has experience working with people with disabilities throughout the lifespan. Prior to joining the Emerge team in 2014, Jackie provided ABA-based services in Colorado Springs. She is currently completing her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Autism through Ball State University (Muncie, IN), and is a student member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). Jackie is pursuing certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Erik Newman

Interim Director of Psychological Services

Dr. Newman is a licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in assessment of children, adolescents, and young adults. He received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he received specialized training in assessment through Four Winds Hospital and New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University. He completed his pre-doctoral internship through the UC San Diego School of Medicine with rotations in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services and Rady Children’s Hospital Outpatient Psychiatry. Dr. Newman completed postdoctoral research training in Biological Psychiatry and Neuroscience through the UC San Diego Department of Psychiatry and the Center for Human Development (CHD). He spent five years as a project scientist at the CHD supervising the behavioral assessment core and conducting research on relationships between brain development and development of behavioral phenotypes (e.g., anxiety, inhibitory functioning, academic skills). The ultimate goal of this research was to further evidence-based practice in psychology and education by furthering our understanding of how individuals’ strengths, limitations, and general tendencies can be more effectively used to guide intervention services. Dr. Newman’s clinical expertise is in the areas of child and adolescent psychology generally, and psychological assessment specifically. He has been conducting psychological assessments for over 10 years in psychiatric inpatient, outpatient, and school settings. During that time he has specialized in testing for ADHD, learning disabilities, disruptive behavior disorders, mood disorders, and psychosis. He has also conducted cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, and play therapy interventions with children and adolescents. He has published a number of scientific articles and book chapters on neuropsychological assessment and therapeutic intervention in ADHD, mood disorders, and emotional disturbance, as well as on development of psychological and neuropsychological phenotypes in typically developing children and adolescents.

Kevin Rice

Psychology Assistant

Kevin Rice has been with Emerge since August of 2016. He is currently pursuing his Master’s in MFT (Marriage and Family Therapy), a certificate in Play Therapy, and a certificate in Counseling Children and Adolescents at Regis University. Kevin is a Colorado native who grew up in Aurora and attended the University of Colorado Boulder for his undergraduate degree in Psychology. Prior to working at Emerge, Kevin worked for two years as an Early Education Teacher. In his off time he enjoys racing, paddle boarding, snowshoeing, hiking, and an assortment of other outdoor activities.

Magen Perlini

Case Supervisor

Magen Perlini has been providing ABA services with Emerge since September of 2015. In 2017, Magen completed her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. She is currently working toward achieving her board certification in ABA. Prior to joining the Emerge team, Magen provided direct ABA services in Orlando, Florida at Nemours Children’s Hospital. Her passion for working with children with disabilities developed during her time in Florida. Magen continued pursuing this passion following her relocation to Colorado. While in Colorado, she has worked with children in a wide variety of roles including in schools, in-home therapy and clinical practices. Outside of work, Magen enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the outdoors.

Cassie Byrum, RBT

Behavior Specialist

Cassie received her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from South Dakota State University (Brookings, SD) in August of 2016. Cassie’s passion for working with people with developmental/intellectual disabilities began at a young age, as both of her parents have worked with adults with disabilities for 23+ years. She began working with adults in a number of capacities, but upon discovering behavior modification, found a love for working with children and their families. In 2015 she began working in Applied Behavior Analysis at a clinic in South Dakota, but after practicing in the field for 2 years, Cassie relocated to Colorado in the hopes of growing her skills and education under a seasoned supervisory staff. In January 2017 Cassie returned to school in pursuit of her Master’s degree with the goal of gaining her Behavior Analysis certification. She is currently attending Arizona State University (distance learning) and is taking classes in the program of Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction of Applied Behavior Analysis. She joined the Emerge team in October 2017. Outside of work, Cassie enjoys spending time with her friends and her cat Stella, visiting her mighty large family including 4 siblings and 9 nieces and nephews, hiking in the beautiful Rockies, going to concerts, and watching the Denver Broncos.

Annie Black

Behavior Specialist

Originally from West Texas, Annie received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, NM) in 2015. Before joining the Emerge team in Spring of 2017, Annie provided in-home ABA services in El Paso, Texas and worked as a substitute teacher for all grade levels. She is currently working on her Master’s degree in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis through Ball State University (Muncie, IN) and expects to be finished in Summer of 2018. Outside of work, Annie enjoys spending time exploring her new home here in Colorado.

Jeremy Wilson

Jeremy is a post-doctoral fellow specializing in school psychology. He earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Colorado-Boulder and a PsyD in School Psychology from the University of Colorado-Denver. His research interests are in school advocacy, autism, learning disabilities, early identification of children with disabilities, and psychological assessment. Jeremy has been with Emerge since 2015 as a practicum student and intern before transitioning into a post-doctoral role.

Tamie Whiteman, MEd, BCBA

Case Supervisor

Originally from West Virginia, Tamie obtained a BA in psychology from West Virginia University in 1987 and an M.Ed. from University of Cincinnati in 1988. She is currently completing a certificate in applied behavior analysis at The University of Colorado in Denver, to be completed in December 2017. Having worked in disability services for over 25 years as a case manager, for centers of independent living, and as a teacher and classroom support, her areas of expertise are adults with intellectual disabilities and children (preschool through teens) on the autism spectrum.

Brittany Warsing

Behavior Analyst

Brittany is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Emerge. She has her B.S. in Communicative Disorders from Northern Illinois University and M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Brittany has been working with children with autism since 2009 and through her graduate work found a love for working with adults and teenagers across developmental disabilities as well. She has provided support in clients' homes, schools, day programs, group homes, and in the community. Brittany is passionate about providing quality behavior analytic services to all individuals, across age, environment, and diagnosis. Outside of work, Brittany enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her puppy, practicing yoga, and taking advantage of the Colorado sunshine.

Danielle Erickson, BCBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Danielle is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She received an Associate’s Degree from Brigham Young University, her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Ashford University, and later earned her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an Emphasis in Autism from Ball State University. She first became passionate in treating kids with autism when her son was diagnosed with autism as a toddler. She has experience providing treatment using Applied Behavior Analysis since 2010. Danielle also has experience and interest in treating a variety of behavior challenges including, but not limited to, Autism, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, ADHD, and developmental delay/disability. She has experience in directing treatment in an ABA clinic setting, providing school consultation and teacher training, leading in-home treatment services, social skills groups, and providing training to parents specific to their needs. Danielle is a member of the Association for Behavior Analysis International as well as the Colorado Association for Behavior Analysis. She enjoys spending time her husband and two sons.

Alex Vohs

Alex Vohs, PsyD candidate, is a doctoral student at the University of Colorado Denver in the School Psychology program. She has experience working in various school settings and students with autism spectrum disorder, AD/HD, attachment disorders, developmental disorders, learning disabilities, and mood disorders. Her areas of professional interest include early identification and treatment, trauma, and social skills training for children with autism spectrum disorders. Alex enjoys skiing, hiking, traveling, cheering on her favorite sports teams and spending time with her family.

Kaitlin Ohde

Kaitlin Ohde, M.A., is an advanced doctoral student at the University of Northern Colorado and an external practicum clinician at Emerge. She received her M.A. in Counseling Psychology in 2015 from the University of Denver. She has worked with a wide range of clients in individual, group, couples, and family therapy. She has worked as a therapist in various settings including as a high-school counselor, inpatient behavioral health clinician, and at a college counseling center. Her research interests include veteran’s affairs, trauma, family systems, and neuropsychology.

Dana Ready

Dana Ready is a School Psychology Psy.D candidate in the BCBA certification program at the University of Colorado at Denver. She joined the Emerge team earlier this year to gain additional experience as she works toward her doctorate. Dana has teaching credentials in Colorado and California, and has worked with students in both urban and rural settings. Dana went to Colorado State University for her undergrad, and has spent a total of 7 years in Colorado. When Dana isn't working or studying, she enjoys running, reading and cooking.

Emma Topf

M.A.

Emma Topf, M.A., is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Denver in the Child, Family, and School Psychology program. She joined the Emerge team earlier this year as a doctoral intern. Emma obtained her bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and her master’s degree in Child, Family, and School Psychology from the University of Denver. Her current research focuses on supporting non-relational foster children and families in the educational setting. Emma has experience working with students with learning disabilities, attachment disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental disorders. Her areas of professional interest include trauma, neuropsychology, student engagement, family systems, and social skills training for youth with autism spectrum disorders. Emma enjoys spending time in the mountains, scrapbooking, and traveling.

Christina Yeagley, Psy.D

Psy.D

Dr. Christina Yeagley is a licensed Clinical Psychologist. She recently completed her post-doctoral fellowship at a large community mental health agency in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Yeagley earned a Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in Sacramento, California. Prior to that, she completed a Masters in International Disaster Psychology at the Graduate School of Professional Psychology at the University of Denver in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Yeagley's training and clinical experience allows her to practice as a clinical generalist, which means she enjoys working with clients of all ages who may be experiencing a state of imbalance in their lives. Additionally, she has specialized training in completing comprehensive psychological assessments and working with children and adolescents who are experiencing difficulties related to complex or developmental trauma, mood dysregulation, anger management, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and/or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Dr. Yeagley prefers collaborating with clients using an integrative theoretical approach in order to best tailor the therapeutic work specifically to each client’s needs and abilities. When she is not working, she likes to spend as much time as possible exploring and hiking with her dog as well as traveling and experiencing new places. She is thrilled to be back in beautiful Colorado!

Jennifer Worcester

Jennifer is a PsyD candidate at the University of Colorado, Denver, School Psychology Department. She earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado in 2001 and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has experience working with children and families in a variety of settings including schools, clinics, and residential treatment centers. Currently pursuing her doctorate degree, she has interest in autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, learning disabilities, and parenting. In her free time Jennifer enjoys traveling, playing soccer and spending time with her family.

Pete Gladstone

Pete Gladstone, M.A., is a doctoral student at the University of Denver studying in the Child, Family, and School Psychology program. His research focuses on postsecondary outcomes for individuals with intellectual disabilities; his specific focus is on how secondary settings prepare students for postsecondary education or vocation. He has experience working with students with learning disabilities, mood disorders, attachment disorders, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has lived in Colorado since 2013 and enjoys getting into the mountains as much as possible!

Hannah Nurnberger, BCBA

Case Supervisor

Hannah is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Case Supervisor. Though originally from the state of Wyoming, Hannah obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Northwestern University-Saint Paul in 2012 and her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from Ball State University in 2016. Hannah has practiced in the field of Psychology for over a decade and has specifically served children with ASD since 2014. She has experience in implementing treatment in an ABA clinic setting, developing individual treatment goals for clients, providing parent training, and conducting social/academic/structured play groups in a variety of settings. In her free time, Hannah enjoys creating music with her guitar, going for walks with her dog, dreaming of Europe travels/the creation of a tiny home, and spending time with her husband. She greatly looks forward to working with you!

Chris Tyler

RBT

Chris began working with individuals with disabilities during her undergraduate career at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. She found her passion for working with those diagnosed on the Autism spectrum while at a clinic centered around gross motor development. From there, Chris took a position at a residential facility where she learned the basis for applied behavior analysis and fell further in love with the field. After graduating with a BA in psychology, she worked as an instructional assistant at a preschool for kids with a wide array of diagnoses and as the lead counselor for CampAbility in Indianapolis. Chris is pursuing her Master's in Adapted Physical Education and has attained RBT certification. She continues to integrate her passion for fitness in her work with her clients. In her free time, Chris enjoys hiking, attending concerts, and exploring beautiful Denver.

Marissa Lindgren

Marissa Lindgren is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. For the past 4 years, she has provided therapy for individuals, couples, families and groups in settings that provide mental health and chemical dependency therapy. She received a Masters of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University. During that time, Marissa completed an internship at an inpatient treatment facility. Prior to this, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Whitworth University where she completed an internship at a crisis nursery.

She specializes in couples and families in trauma recovery, chemical dependency recovery, and experiencing developmental changes. Marissa applies an experiential model to the therapy process, meaning therapy is strengths-based and change occurs when the client experiences a new emotion and set of meaning in relation to their goals. Her training informs how she holds a systems view of each individual. This means the therapy process pays attention to the client as part of family and cultural systems that have shaped their life and offered both strengths and challenges.

Marissa is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. She holds a certificate in Adlerian Psychology, is trained to administer the Prepare/Enrich premarital couples inventory, and is trained as a Nurturing Parenting Facilitator to offer this curriculum in both individual, family, and group settings.

She is passionate about this field and in her time away from work enjoys snowboarding, backpacking, and cooking.