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 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 3 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.
Hello! My name is Marina Puszczyk, and I am a Lead Behavior Technician 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 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 Ryann, and I am a Behavior Technician here at STAR. I am currently going to Macomb Community College for my Associates Degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. I enjoy working with kiddos and achieving any goals they have. The love and care I have for children is out of this world, I can’t wait to continue to work with kiddos here at STAR and further my experiences.
My name is Kaitlyn Bogdanovich and I am a behavior technician at Star Behavior Consultants. I am currently a junior at Wayne State University and majoring in special education. I have always loved working with children and I can’t wait for the day that I will be working in my own classroom. ABA is something that is relatively new to me. I was introduced to ABA this summer and my passion for it has only grown since. Getting to work one on one with the kids has been such a wonderful opportunity. I can’t wait to continue to do so and learn all there is about ABA. When I’m not at school or STAR I love staying active or spending time outdoors!
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.
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!
Hi everyone! My name is Sameera Mahimkar and I am a new Behavior Technician at STAR Behavior Consultants! Some things about me is that I am currently a Junior at Michigan State University! Go Green! I am double majoring in Dietetics and Human Biology with intent to pursue a career in the medical field. I love working with children and my end goal is to be a pediatrician or be involved with kids. I took on this opportunity because I am super interested in ABA, I think it is super rewarding to observe!
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 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 Steve Bareis, and I work as a behavior tech 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’m 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 places 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 RPGs, and raising pet rabbits. And of course, there is nothing better than spending treasured time with family and friends.
Hello there! My name is Sabrina Rodriguez and I’m a Behavior Technician at STAR. I graduated with my Bachelors degree from Grand Valley State University in Exercise Science, and plan to pursue my Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health.
Prior to working at STAR, I traveled to Spain on two separate occasions for several months to work as a Private English Tutor and an Au Pair. Likewise, I consistently held various babysitting jobs throughout high school and college. Throughout all my experience, I’ve learned that working one-on-one with children, helping them exceed their goals, and witnessing all their progress is a position I highly value and find incredibly rewarding. Working in ABA is an ever more unique experience because it truly expands one’s mind to think outside the box and to remember that we are just as much of students as we are teachers.
When I’m not traveling (or working), I can be found writing, nose-deep in a book, lifting weights and shuffle dancing at the gym (but not at the same time), or just hanging out with close friends and family.
Although I’m fairly new to ABA, I can confidently say that it is a blessing to wake-up and be part of the sheer joy in children laughing, smiling, and developing in extraordinary ways. I’m excited for the future of STAR, and I look forward to meeting your little one!
Hello, my name is Ryan Bates and I am a new behavior technician at star. I have a history of working with children with non-progressing neuromuscular conditions in the physical therapy setting. I am also a trained and licensed EMT and have experience working in the emergency department and pre-hospital settings.
I have chosen to pursue a career in ABA so that I can continue to work with children and help them to improve their overall quality of life. I have an associate degree of general studies and am currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in applied health sciences online at Indiana University. It is my goal to become a BCaBA before continuing onto my masters and becoming a BCBA.
I am very excited to be a part of the team and to begin my career as a behavior technician.
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 STAR Family! My name is Joann Giannola and I am so excited to be able to say that I am working 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 cooking are very close to my heart. I have two beautiful nieces and two handsome nephews. I enjoy traveling and have my own small business on Etsy called Jan’s Pretzels. I am honored to be able to enjoy the wonderful kiddos each day here at STAR!
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.
I love the field of Applied Behavioral Analysis because I get to work directly with children to bring about meaningful, positive behavioral changes that help them function and be successful in their lives. I enjoy being a therapist because I get to teach children in a fun, creative environment and watch them progress to reach their daily goals. Being an ABA Line Therapist allows me the opportunity to work one on one with kids and build relationships while promoting healthy learning through affection, exercise, and discipline. I hope to assist my children in attaining the best quality of life possible. I am blessed to be able to help them and their families while being in a career that is challenging and yet so rewarding.
Bachelor’s Degree: B.Sc. in Human Development and Family Studies, University of Houston, Houston, TX
Minor: Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX
Hobbies/Activities: cooking, baking, gardening, decorating, photography, crocheting, fostering animals, event planning, and entrepreneur/business owner
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 Jillian Ignacio and I am a Behavior Technician here at STAR. I am currently in my undergrad at Wayne State studying Communication Sciences and Disorders in hopes of becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist in the future. I love spending time with kids and watching them grow and reach their goals. I hope to continue working with them as a Speech Therapist in the future as well. I am so excited to work here and learn more about ABA and the kids I get to work with! Outside of STAR I like to spend time with my loved ones, read, travel, draw, sing and eat good food.
Hello! MY name is Kate Gardner and I am a Behavior Technician 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.
Hi! My name is Alexia Graziani and I am a Behavior Technician at STAR. I am currently a Senior at Michigan State University majoring in Psychology with a minor in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. Helping children has always been a passion of mine, and my passion has grown even larger since being introduced to ABA! I worked with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder throughout high school and I absolutely loved it. It is so fulfilling to me to spend time interacting, playing, and working with kids. I am so excited to be working at STAR! When I am not working, I love to spend time with my friends and family, to exercise, and to travel to new places!
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 Star Families! My name is Susan Browning and I am so excited to join the team here at STAR. I graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology. My career has included working with a wide range of clients, from preschool children to older adults. I love to incorporate music, along with putting the “fun” in “functional” into all of my treatment sessions to help everyone find their voice. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Michael, and our daughter, Natalie, age 12, along with our dog, Holly, and cat, Millie. I enjoy doing yoga, baking, and spending time outdoors.
My name is Kaitlyn Steele and I am the Speech-Language Pathologist at STAR. I earned my Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders with an emphasis on Speech-Language Pathology and my Bachelor of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology from The University of Texas at Dallas. Prior to working at STAR, I worked with young children in both the public school and private clinic settings. My continuing education has included training on various areas such as incorporating ABA principles into my sessions as an SLP, working with children with autism spectrum disorder, use of augmentative-alternative communication including sign language and treatment methods for childhood apraxia of speech. I am excited to help initiate the speech therapy program at STAR and get to know the team members, kiddos and their families. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my husband David, son Weston and our two schnoodles Daya and Zoey. We enjoy outings such as going to the zoo and visiting with family during our spare time.
Hi! My name is Ashlynn Law and I am the Pediatric Occupational Therapist at STAR. I earned my Occupational Therapy Doctorate from the University of Toledo and my Bachelor of Health Science – Exercise Science from Oakland University. I have always had a passion for working in pediatrics, specifically with the autism population! In the past I worked as an autism respite provider and community support provider. I also designed an aquatic therapy program for children with autism as a capstone project during my doctoral degree. I am very excited to help bring occupational therapy services to STAR and I can’t wait to watch each kiddo grow and reach their milestones! Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband Alex and our rescued goldendoodle Mowgli! We enjoy going on long walks, hikes, and road trips together.
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 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.
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