Meet the team at
Leaps Ahead Early Intervention
Meet our AMAZING team!
We are here to work with you, build on your strengths and give you the support that you tell us that you need.
- Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst (BCaBA)
- Certified Behaviour Analyst - Undergraduate (CBA-U)
- Executive Board Member of the Association for Behaviour Analysis Australia (ABAA)
- Currently studying Advanced Diploma in Psychology
- Over 28 years experience supporting neurodiverse children across Australia
- Founder of LAEI
Michelle has trained numerous ABA therapists, delivered programs in educational settings, and works closely with families to foster children’s growth and independence. She is passionate about functional communication, social and life skills, toileting, puberty, and supporting children through key developmental stages. Based in Hobart, she provides services across Tasmania.
- Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA)
- Developmental Educator
- Degree in Disability Studies and Early Childhood Education
- Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis
- Over 25 years experience supporting neurodiverse children and teenagers
- Currently working remotely from Canada
Along with sharing knowledge and experience with fellow colleges, Jess loves coaching parents and working directly with participants. As a lifelong learner, Jess continues to seek professional development opportunities in various domains of education, behaviour analysis and evidence based methodologies. When not at work you can find Jess climbing 100m rock faces, mountain biking and hiking!
When Simon is not helping business owners take control of their cashflow and build beautiful businesses, he is playing outside in the mountains either climbing, mountain biking, running or hiking. Sometimes, instead of getting high up in the mountains, he dives into the depths of the underwater world to explore the marine life.
Based at our Glenorchy centre
- Member of the Association for Behaviour Analysts Australia (ABAA)
- Over 25 years experience working in reception, accounts and administration roles
- Joined LAEI in 2020
Theresa returned to the workforce once her children were school-aged and was eager to join a team that makes a difference in the lives of children and families. As a parent of a child with additional needs, she brings a unique insight and empathy to her role.
In her own time, she loves travelling the world and spending time with her family.
- Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA)
- Certified Behaviour Analyst (CBA)
- Member of the Association for Behaviour Analysts Australia (ABAA)
- Member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
- Master of Business
- Master of Social Work (Disability and Youth)
- Master of Education (Applied Behaviour Analysis)
- Currently studying Graduate Certificate in Positive Behaviour Support
- Over 10 years experience supporting neurodiverse individuals
- Joined LAEI in 2018
- Works as Procedural Integrity Coordinator overseeing program quality and implementation
Romy is passionate about supporting individuals to channel their strengths and supporting families along the way. Originally from Peru, Romy enjoys bringing her culture into her everyday life and teaching her son Spanish.
- Board Certified Assistant Behaviour Analyst (BCaBA)
- Certified Behaviour Analyst - Undergraduate (CBA-U)
- Member of the Association for Behaviour Analysts Australia (ABAA)
- Bachelor of Applied Behaviour Analysis
- Over 8 years experience in early intervention
- Joined LAEI in 2024
Jamie has an interest in working with young children and families. She loves to see the meaningful impact that her work has for the lives of her clients and their families. In her spare time, Jamie enjoys travelling, spending time with her family and friends, and being out in nature.
- Member of the Association for Behaviour Analysts Australia (ABAA)
- Bachelor of Behavioural Science
- Diploma of Counselling
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis
- Currently studying Graduate Diploma in Counselling (Mental Health Practice)
- Over 10 years experience working in disability and mental health fields
- Completed extensive training in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), adolescent grief & trauma, and crisis prevention
- Works as Behaviour Support Coordinator overseeing BSP training and supervision
- Joined LAEI in 2019
Jess is passionate about supporting children and families to achieve their personal goals.
- Member of the Association for Behaviour Analysts Australia (ABAA)
- Bachelor of Arts (Behavioural Science)
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Behaviour Analysis
- Currently studying Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis
- Joined LAEI in 2015
- Works as Admin/Marketing Officer
Roni has always had an interest in children's development and is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with ASD, and their families. She enjoys supporting children to express themselves and learn new skills through ABA-based therapy.
- Registered Counsellor with Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
- Member of the Association for Behaviour Analysts Australia (ABAA)
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Graduate Diploma in Counselling
- Over 20 years experience as a counsellor and case manager in community services.
- Joined LAEI in 2023
Bridget enjoys supporting children and their families, working together using ABA to create opportunities for growth and connection.
Bridget is also a singer/singing teacher and has been running her singing school for 28 years. She loves to spend time with her family, perform in theatre productions around Tasmania and relaxing at the beach.
- Member of the Association for Behaviour Analysts Australia (ABAA)
- Over 15 years experience working in the disability field
- Joined LAEI in 2018
Sarah is a motivating ABA Therapist and has truly found her calling at LAEI. For her, the best thing about her job, is the positive changes in the kids. Sarah enjoys spending time with her family.
- Member of the Association for Behaviour Analysts Australia (ABAA)
- Bachelor of Psychology (Children with Special Needs)
- Master of Clinical Psychology
- Over 10 years experience in ABA
- Joined LAEI in 2020
Nasi loves building trusting relationships with children and their families, and seeing the joy that comes with progress whether it’s a new skill learned, a challenge overcome, or a moment of connection.
Outside of work, Nasi enjoys spending time with her family and her little girl, who keeps her busy, makes her laugh, and teaches her patience every day.
- Member of the Association for Behaviour Analysts Australia (ABAA)
- Currently studying Bachelor of Psychological Sciences
- Joined LAEI in 2011
Joel enjoys working closely with and engaging in the children's interests and passions. Joel tailors his sessions to be supportive, uplifting, and productive while prioritising his client's enjoyment and self-expressions.
Outside of work Joel enjoys writing, playing games, swimming and hanging out with dogs.
Based in Northern Tasmania
- Member of the Association for Behaviour Analysts Australia (ABAA)
- Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
- Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis
- Over 8 years experience as an ABA therapist
- Joined LAEI in 2024
Caitlin loves seeing the positive impacts that ABA can have on individuals and those around them. She enjoys supporting children and young people to build skills, confidence and independence in their lives.
- Member of the Association for Behaviour Analysts Australia (ABAA)
- Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Diploma of Counselling
- Currently studying Honours in Psychology, pursuing Masters and registration
- Research assistant at UTAS studying sibling influence in children with ASD
- Joined LAEI in 2022
Petria enjoys supporting neurodiverse children and their families with tailored therapeutic supports that maximise each child’s individual potential.
Outside of work, she enjoys running, hiking, yoga, and spending time with family.
Kaylee has a background in early childhood education in childcare settings, where she supported a diverse range of children.
She is passionate about working with neurodiverse children and developing resources to assist with their individual challenges.
Kaylee is enjoying learning more about ABA therapy and the impact this has on children's learning and wellbeing. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her children and their two dogs.
