My name is Tiffany Clauw and I am the Owner/Director of STAR Behavior Consultants. I am Licensed Behavior Analyst and have been practicing Behavior Analysis for over a decade in various settings, including clinics, homes, schools, and the community. I found my niche in Behavior Analysis while pursuing my undergraduate Psychology degree in 2008. I then continued to follow my dreams to pursue my Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2010 from Western Michigan University, one of the most reputable training programs in the nation. Throughout my years in the field, my passion for behavior analysis and children continues to grow, which shows in interactions with families and staff.
I work adamantly on instilling STAR’s mission in all staff, which is to provide the utmost quality of care and celebrate the small victories of each child served. I deeply value a positive work environment, which promotes fun and functional learning. Those who know me have heard me say “happy staff+happy children=effective therapy”, which is truly what makes STAR different.
When I’m not at STAR, I enjoy spending my time with my husband, our daughter Avery, son Max, and our “puppy daughter” Skye! I love being outside, traveling, learning new things, and spending time with friends and family.
My name is Kristy Shoaf. I am a Licensed Behavior Analyst and have been working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder since 2008. I was attending school for a psychology degree at Western Michigan University, and chose to complete my practicum experience as a behavior technician in an Early Intervention classroom for children on the Autism spectrum. I loved it so much that I did an additional two semesters in that practicum and continued on to pursue my Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis there. Since then I’ve worked in a variety of roles in the field, including Training Coordinator, Program Manager (BCBA), and Clinical Director. I feel that the variety has helped round me as a Behavior Analyst, as I’ve directly experienced each important role for myself. I am also a mother of two amazing children (6 and 2 years old) and feel that the addition of motherhood to my life has given me an invaluable perspective to treating children and working with families. My favorite thing about this field is that it insists that you continue to grow and learn and adapt to each child. I also love witnessing the pieces click together for a child and seeing their world open as they learn; there is just nothing better than being a part of that.
My name is Nicole Gehle. I am attending Oakland University to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and am currently working as a Behavior Technician at STAR. I have always enjoyed working with children, and have taught second grade for the past 3 years. I graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 2017. While teaching, I discovered a passion in helping those that had unique behaviors, which is when I learned about Applied Behavior Analysis. I absolutely love being able to help children learning their own way! When I am not teaching or at STAR, I am spending time with my Fiancé and our kitten, Eevee. I also love to travel, exercise, and visit friends and family.
Hello! My name is Marina Puszczyk, and I am a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and one of the supervisors here at. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Saginaw Valley State University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum Development with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. Currently, I am working towards becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Prior to working at Star, I worked as an Elementary School Teacher, teaching grades from preschool up to third grade in Utica Community Schools, Waterford Schools and as a homeschool teacher for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for six years. During my time spent as a teacher, I’ve worked with a wide range of children with different abilities and strengths. Outside of Star, I enjoy spending time with my husband Zac and our dog child Barry or “Barry Sanders”. I love being outside, enjoying time at our family cabin, attending footballs games coached by my husband and spending time with family and friends.
Working with children is a true passion of mine. I truly love working one-on-one with our clients and being a part of their growth and development. I truly feel blessed to be working at Star alongside professionals that share the same passion and heart as I do. I look forward to getting to know each one of our amazing Star families and working with your child
Hi! My name is Parisa Shifteh and I am a behavior technician at STAR Behavior Consultants. I have my Bachelors degree in Kinesiology from Oakland University and my Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. Currently I am working towards my Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification.
Prior to working at STAR, I was living in Shanghai, China for a couple years, working as a pediatric behavior therapist at a multidisciplinary clinic. There, I worked with a diverse population of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Outside of STAR, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, being outdoors and experiencing new things!
My name is Shannon Valicevic and I am a Technician Supervisor at Star. I got my Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Wayne State University, but switched careers joining the ABA field 5 years ago. It was the best decision I could have made as I have always had a passion to work with the special needs population due to growing up with a sister with special needs.
It’s an honor to help our kiddos find the tools within to communicate effectively, play appropriately with friends, and learn new skills. It’s an even bigger joy to hear from families that it is carrying over at home, which is the ultimate goal to help them find themselves in all parts of their daily lives. I am also a big kid at heart so to be able to come to work everyday run around with kids, play with toys while still calling it work is a dream come true. In my spare time, I coach basketball at Macomb Community College, play sports myself, and hang out with my friends and family, especially my sweet little niece.
I am looking forward to the future at Star for our families and staff as we have already become a close group who strive to help our kids reach the highest of goals.
My name is Steve Bareis, and I work as a clinical assistant here at STAR. I received my Bachelor’s in History and German Studies from the University of Michigan, and I knew I wanted to teach those subjects to the next generation. To that end, I earned my Master’s in Teaching from Oakland University and entered into service as a public school teacher. It wasn’t long before I realized that I loved the kids even more than the subject matter, which completely changed my outlook on the purpose of my work. I taught middle and high school for three years before deciding to change careers, though my passion for lifting up young people remained unchanged. Recently, I was lucky enough to discover the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, and I look forward to helping our kids at STAR unlock their full potential and become the best versions of themselves.
When I am not working, I’m usually finding ways to expand my own mind and become the best version of myself. I love learning new languages, traveling to place I’ve never experienced, and meeting people who view the world differently than I do. I also enjoy video games, playing piano, cooking (and eating!), gardening, tabletop RPG’s, and raising pet rabbits. Any of course, there is nothing better than spending treasured time with family and friends.
Hello! My name is Kate Gardner and I am a clinical assistant here at STAR. I recently graduated from Oakland University where I recieved my Bachelors Degree in Communications. I have a strong passion for working with kids, especially kids with different abilities. I plan to get my Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, with the end goal of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. The staff here at STAR have been super kind and welcoming. I am proud to be apart of such a great team! Outside of STAR, I love to spend time with my family, friends, and I love to travel.
Hello! My name is Kaila Draper and I am a Behavior Technician here at STAR. Before working here I went to school at Macomb Community College for Early Childhood Development. Working with kids has always been something I am very passionate about. I was a nanny for over five years, a daycare assistant and have also had experience working as a preschool assistant in high school. I am very excited to be working here at STAR. I cannot wait to bring my experience and creativity to the team and to get to know all the kiddos and their families.
Hello! My name is Alaina Caruso and I am a Behavior Technician here at STAR! I graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. I found the rewarding world of ABA shortly after graduating and I love expanding my knowledge that I took from school into my day-to-day work here at STAR. In my spare time I love reading, relaxing, and playing soccer. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at STAR and look forward to continuing getting to know your kiddos.
Hello! My name is Nikki Giannopoulos. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and my master’s in Early Childhood Education from Oakland University. I began working with children about five years ago and have loved every minute of it! I am excited to continue education children at STAR! I also have two of my own children, Ilias (8) and Constantine (4). In my spare time, I enjoy doing activities with my boys. We like to travel and learn new things. I look forward to meeting your child!
Hi, my name is Rachel Vibbard! I am so excited to be apart of the STAR team! I started ABA about 7 months ago and I love working with children. I have a passion to help others. I am currently taking classes at Macomb Community College. My goal is to get my Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. I am so thankful that my journey is starting at STAR! Some of my favorite hobbies include writing, reading, painting, and nature walks. I enjoy playing with my nephew on my free time and being surrounded by family! I look forward to my future and being able to work with the kiddos here.
Hi my name is Violet Lulgjuraj! I am beyond thrilled to start my journey here at STAR and can see all individuals succeed! Since I was a little girl, I have always had a strong appreciation and natural gravitation towards individuals with ASD! This compassion to teach new skills and everyday tasks is largely due to my inseparable bond with my younger brother! He challenges me yet inspires me to look at life in an entirely new and bold perspective! I am forever grateful to him for that blessing. Right now, I am currently finishing up my last year at Macomb Community College. My plan is to then transfer to Oakland University to pursue their Applied Behavioral Analysis program with a master’s focused entirely on psychology! The activities I enjoy most in life are getting creative with any drawing utensils and/or working on art projects with my older sister! I am also a die-hard lover for any sort of animal, especially dolphins and dogs! Additionally, I am most at ease when I am spending time with family; whether it be playing games with my loved ones or simply watching a movie, I always seem to find that’s when I’m most at peace! There are endless wonders that life brings us all; however, being apart of this team here at STAR Behavioral Consultants has brought me a sense of joy like never seen before.
Hi! My name is Sopha Caccamo and I am a Behavior Technician at STAR Behavior Consultants. I recieved my Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and a minor in Public Relations at Oakland University. Even though I spend the first 4 years of my post-college career in Marketing, I always loved working with children. I often babysat children and worked for Clinton Township Parks and Recreation. While in college, when the pandemic first hit, I then decided to change my career to working with children. Since then, I’ve been in the field of ABA for nearly two years. I am also enrolled at Wayne State University working towards my Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis to then eventually become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. I am so grateful that I get to work with such amazing kiddos everyday and watching them grow.
Outside of work, you can find me working out, spending time with friends and family, or cuddling my pup, Simba. I am so excited to be a part of the STAR family!
Hello! My name is Dragana! I’ve always had a passion for working with children, incorporating the arts, and helping make a difference in people’s lives. I received my Bachelor’s in Integrative Studies at Oakland University that focused on psychology, communication, and fine arts. Art Therapy is something I’m passionate about and hope to achieve many goals of mine through my creativity and enthusiasm.
Hi! My name is Kourtney. I recently graduated from OCC with my associates degree in mental health and social work and will continue my education at U of M-Flint this fall. I have always wanted to work with kids since being a nanny. In my free time you can find me hiking, camping, or at the beach.
Hi my name is Kayleigh Plaskon and I am a behavior technician at STAR. I received my Bachelors in Psychology and a minor in Biology from Oakland University. Prior to STAR I worked at The Tutoring Center at Oakland University and a family campground the past 4 summers! I have always loved every experience I have had working and interacting with children, and studying psychology is what really peaked my interest in the field of ABA. At STAR, I value the connections and relationships we all have here with our kiddos! When not working at STAR, I spend my free time running outside and spending time with my golden retriever Libby!
Hello, my name is Allison Lusky and I am a Behavior Technician here at Star Behavior Consultants. Prior to working at STAR, I worked at a childcare center as a Lead Teacher in the toddler classroom. I currently hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Oakland University and plan on pursing my master’s degree within the next year.
Growing up I have always had a passion for working with children. Being able to watch them grow and learn new things is very rewarding to me. My ultimate goal is to positively impact each of the children’s lives I work with and build strong relationships with them. I love ABA because it gives me the opportunity to work with children directly to help them become successful in their future. The staff here at STAR have been very welcoming and have such positivity that make coming to work enjoyable. I am very thankful to be a part of such an amazing team. In my spare time, I love to spend time with family and friends, watch movies, sing, and travel.
Hi my name is Michelle Foss. Before STAR I was working as a preschool teacher for 2 years. Prior to teaching I was a special needs caregiver for kiddos! I am currently finishing my degree in ABA at Ball State University. After completing my bachelors, I will stay at Ball State and obtain my masters in ABA. My end goal after school is to work towards becoming a BCBA. In my free time, I love to cook, bowl, watch baseball, and spend time with friends and family.
Hi, I’m Cate! I am a Behavior Technician here at STAR. I am two classes away from completing my B.S. in Psychology from Central Michigan University. Although I have had multiple majors throughout my time at Central Michigan University, one thing that hasn’t changed is my passion for working with children! I thrive in one-on-one connections with kiddos, helping them reach any goal and milestone their heart’s desire! When I am not at work, you can find me lifting weights, cycling, watching way too many episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, or testing out all the coffee shops around! Although I am new to STAR, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with your little ones and celebrate all the goals that will be achieved.
Hi! My name is Allison Griffiths and I am a Behavior Technician here at STAR. I am currently in my undergrad at Wayne State University, studying Communication Sciences and Disorders, and hope to earn my MA degree in Speech-Language Pathology and become a licensed Speech Language Pathologist in the near future. I have always loved working with children and have recently discovered the field of ABA. In my short time in this field, I have been able to learn tremendously, and grow and discover my love for ABA. Without a doubt, I love working with all the kiddos here. It is incredible to watch their progress and be a part of them working and achieving different tasks and goals. I genuinely enjoy getting to interact, play and laugh with all the kids every day. When I’m not at STAR, or doing homework, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and boyfriend. I love to be active, travel, shop and watch movies.
Hi! My name is Jasmine Weber and I am a Behavior Technician at Star. I am currently at Oakland University working towards my Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Studio Art. Before Star, I worked as a nurse assistant at Troy Beaumont. Throughout my childhood I attended a church group where I became friends with the pastor’s son who was special needs. Over the years, we developed a very special relationship and I was able to watch him become verbal through the use of ABA. During high school, I was involved in an after school group that worked with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I found that I loved working with special needs children. I love the interaction and play time you get with the children while also seeing them grow and achieve results while working at Star. I am so thankful that I am able to learn more about ABA in a job I love. When I’m not at Star or school I spend a lot of time with my family, especially my 4 year old sister.
Hi! My name is Katie, and I am a Behavior Technician here at STAR! It is my goal to make a difference in children’s lives and help them grow. I also enjoy helping others. Growing up I knew that I wanted to work with kids and make a difference in their lives. I am so excited to get to know all the kiddos and their families!
Hello! I am a proud parent of two teenagers, 3 cats. and one bird. I have lived in Michigan for three years now but grew up in Texas as well as having lived in Costa Rica and Honduras. I graduated college with a degree in early childhood education and now also have my RBT certification. I would like to gain my master’s degree in the near future. I love working with special needs children and have raised one myself. I have a passion for learning, growing, the great outdoors, serving my community, and spreading love and light.
Hello! My name is Lauren and I have been working in the ABA field for a little over a year and a half! I’ve always wanted to work with children, but I knew being a school teacher wasn’t the right fit. I fell in love with ABA because I get to put my time and effort into one kiddo at a time. I’m currently working towards my Master’s in psychology with an emphasis in ABA. Outside of school and work some of my hobbies include pottery, biking, and playing with my pup!
Hi! My name is Tia Dalpra and I am a Behavioral Technician at STAR Behavior Consultants. I am currently at Wayne State University working towards a Communication Sciences and Disorders degree and my goal is to become a Speech Language Pathologist. I have always had a passion for working with children and previously worked as a nanny and at a daycare for many years. I could not be happier with becoming an ABA therapist and finding STAR. Watching children grow and being a part of the process is one of the most rewarding things I can think of. I have loved my time here and being surrounded by so many amazing and passionate people. When I am not at STAR, I enjoy spending as much time as possible with family and friends. I also like to travel and explore new places! I am so excited to see what the future holds and to continue working with all the awesome kiddos, families, and coworkers at Star!
Hello! My name is Katie! I went to Ferris State and Detroit Mercy for Biology/ Pre-PA. I have been working with individuals ranging from all ages with developmental disabilities for six years. I was a nursing assistant, behavioral technician, swim teacher and lifeguard, and mortgage underwriter before starting my journey with STAR. I have a passion for anything psych or brain related! I am also currently in school to become an EEG technician. Outside of work, you can usually find me at the movies, on a boat on lake St. Clair, or around a bonfire. I also have mini black lab, who thinks she is a human child, and just wants all of my attention!
Hi! My name is Lauren, and I am a Behavior Technician here at STAR! I am a graduate student at Wayne State University in their Occupational Therapy program. I love working with kids and hope to one day be a pediatric OT! In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, shopping, and watching movies!
My name is Shelby and I have been working in ABA for over three and a half years. I love working with children, their families, and my co-workers. I am from California and moved to Michigan with my dog a year and a half ago. While in California, I began working in ABA because I have a family friend who receives services and after learning about ABA, I knew I wanted to work in this field. In my free time I love to spend it with my dog, family, and my friends. I also enjoy playing softball and traveling. I am excited to continue my education with the hope of becoming a BCBA.
Hello! My name is Erik Coleman and am a Behavior Technician here at STAR. I just recently graduated from Oakland University with a bachelor’s degree of science. Some of my favorite hobbies include fishing, playing golf, and hanging out with friends. I am very excited to be working with these kiddos and making them better each day!
Hello! My name is Maddy! I have a passion for helping others and my favorite thing is seeing someone become the best version of themselves and being part of that process is such an amazing feeling! I am very creative inside and outside of work, and love art! I love pets and have two parrots myself, and enjoy baking, biking, and reading.
Hi! My name is Julianna Nagy! I’m glad 22 years old and I just graduated from Michigan State University this May with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Human Biology with a minor in bioethics. I enjoy playing volleyball, reading a good book, and love making new friends. I have always loved working with children and am eager to become a member of the team here at STAR Behavior Consultants.
Hello Star Families! My name is Susan Browning and I am honored to be a part of a fantastic collaborative team here at Star. I graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology in 2001. My career has included working with a wide range of clients, from preschool children to older adults. I am certified in Natural Language Acquisition/Gestalt Language Processing, along with being a PROMPT trained clinician for apraxia. My treatment style is all about putting the “fun” in “functional” through practical, child/family-led activities to work on goals that are important to those I serve. My ultimate goal is to help everyone find their voice in their own unique way. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter, along with yoga, baking, and spending time outdoors
Hi! My name is Rachel Birchmeier and I am excited to join the team at STAR as a Speech-Language Pathologist! I graduated from Central Michigan University with my bachelor’s and then continued onto Michigan State University with my Master’s in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. I have worked with many different clients from young children to older clients in both the schools and outpatient clinics. I have a passion for working with clients with autism spectrum disorder and using augmentative-alternative communication from low-tech to high-tech devices. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Jason, and friends and family. We enjoy spending time outside, on the lake, traveling, cooking, and reading.
Hi! My name is Bailey Chavez. I graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. I then continued my education at Midwestern University, a small school outside of Chicago with my Masters in Speech-Language Pathology. My favorite part about this work is being able to connect and build relationships with my clients while providing them the means to make meaningful connections throughout their lives! Outside of work, you can find me spending time with my fiancé, Steve, and our rescue Kitty, Ms. Fern! I enjoy traveling listening to podcasts and going on long walks!
Hi, my name is Ashlynn Law! I received my Occupational Therapy Doctorate from the University of Toledo and my Bachelor of Science – Exercise Science from Oakland University. I have completed fieldwork in a variety of settings such as schools, outpatient clinics, acute care, and NICU/PICU. My doctoral work focused on studying the effects of aquatic therapy for children with special needs and I spent the initial part of my career developing a swimming program for children with autism. My favorite thing about being a pediatric OT is helping little hands to BIG things! Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband Alex, and our rescued doodles Mowgli and Milo! We enjoy hiking, camping, and going on road trips together.
Hello! My name is Lauren Tellefsen, and I am so excited to be a part of the STAR family 🙂 I received my Master’s in Occupational Therapy from Davenport University in 2018. Prior to that, I had worked in ABA as a behavior technician throughout grad school and discovered my passion for working with children who have Autism. This led me to choosing to stay in the field of pediatrics once I became an OT! I love having the opportunity to be able to help children meet so many different milestones while laughing along the way. In my free time I love to workout, bake, and spend time outdoors.
Hi STAR families! My name is Lindsey. I am a recent graduate from Davenport University where I received my Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy degree in December 2021. I have over 3 years of experience as an ABA technician as I worked through school, and found my passion for working with the pediatric population. I started with STAR in September 2021 as a ABA tech and I am so excited to continue my journey at STAR but transition into a new role as an OT. I find so much joy in helping kiddos achieve their goals and gain independence as they grow. In my free time I enjoy outdoor activities such as biking, kayaking and skiing, along with spending time with my friends and family. 🙂
Hello! My name is Nicole Berger, I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, and I earned my degree from Baker College. I am new to this amazing team and look forward to working with all the kiddos and their families. I enjoy volunteering at a local animal shelter and spending time with my husband, Brett and our rescue dog, miss Gracie. We love being outdoors and going camping. I have always had a passion for working with pediatrics and I look forward to this new journey!
Hello! My name is Devon and I am an Occupational Therapist Assistant here at STAR. I went to school at Macomb Community College to receive my degree. I love OT because of the focus on the individual using their interest to help them achieve their highest level of function. I have a one-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter. I love working with kids and am excited to get to know the families and kiddos here at STAR. I live in South Lyon with my husband, kids, dogs, goats, bunnies, and peacocks.
Hi STAR Family! My name is Joann Giannola and I am so excited to be able to say that I work at STAR Behavior Consultants! I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Oakland University in 2015. I’ve always wanted to work with kiddos and found the rewarding world of ABA shortly after graduating. After working 1:1 with the kiddos for four years I then moved into the business side of ABA. At STAR, I’ll be assisting Tiffany with various office needs. I’ll be up front, so I’ll get to see all the kiddos smiling faces as they come in.
In my spare time, I love being with my family and friends. I have a large Italian family, so food and family are very close to my heart. I have two beautiful nieces and three handsome nephews. I am honored to be able to enjoy the wonderful kiddos each day here at STAR!
Hello, my name is Chloe and I am a Behavior Technician here at STAR. I am a 20 year old college student. Due to everything with the pandemic I am currently not in school, but I am still focusing on my future path. I have traveled all over the world, even lived in Germany for two years! I have always had a passion for helping others and have volunteered in many ways. I love children very much and even have three nieces myself, all under three.
Hello, my name is Chloe and I am a Behavior Technician here at STAR. I am a 20 year old college student. Due to everything with the pandemic I am currently not in school, but I am still focusing on my future path. I have traveled all over the world, even lived in Germany for two years! I have always had a passion for helping others and have volunteered in many ways. I love children very much and even have three nieces myself, all under three.
Hi! My name is Katie, and I am a Behavior Technician here at STAR! It is my goal to make a difference in children’s lives and help them grow. I also enjoy helping others. Growing up I knew that I wanted to work with kids and make a difference in their lives. I am so excited to get to know all the kiddos and their families!
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