Two Decades Strong: Stories from the Heart of Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers

Celebrating the Journeys, Milestones and Memories of Our Hopebridge Team

For 20 years, Hopebridge has provided life-changing care for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental needs, as well as their families. While this mission has remained constant, the real heartbeat of Hopebridge has always been its people—the clinicians, therapists, administrative staff and leaders who show up every day to make a difference.

In honor of our 20^th anniversary, we’re celebrating the incredible individuals who have shaped our journey. From those who have been with us since the early days, to those just beginning here, every team member brings a unique story and passion to our mission.

We ask some of our longtime employees to reflect on their time at Hopebridge, what keeps them inspired, and the impact they’ve seen firsthand.

Clarissa Merchant, BCBA — 15 Years with Hopebridge

Started as an ABA Therapist in Kokomo, IN

What inspired you to pursue a career in ABA/pediatric therapy?

I studied counseling in my undergraduate studies. When I graduated, I was intent on finding any role in the helping profession, but had fully intended on continuing to pursue a master’s in counseling. At the time, I worked with a young man in respite services and would transport him to Hopebridge for therapy. I had never heard of applied behavior analysis (ABA) or Hopebridge before. After reading about the concept further, I applied and was accepted. Eventually I made a total shift in my path and went on to receive my Master’s in ABA with a concentration in autism spectrum disorder. That young man that I worked with has unfortunately since passed away, but I remain in touch with his family and really I dedicate my career to his influence. I chose to pursue this career because of the impact I saw on the patient’s lives! It was really awe-inspiring to see those moments when a skill clicks for the patient… and changes their life.

What is your area of passion within your role?

Helping a patient find a communication method that best suits them has been an area of passion. This gives a voice to our patients and can open many doors for them! I also really enjoy helping patients learn strategies to regulate themselves in order to be able to participate more independently in their world.

What do you enjoy most about working at Hopebridge?

Hopebridge has grown and changed so much since I started in 2010, as you can imagine! However, the leadership has always been committed to providing ethically sound treatment for patients and extensive quality resources for us clinicians. In addition to this, Hopebridge places a big emphasis on collaboration. I enjoy collaborating with the parents of patients and other professionals in order to help patients live their best life possible!

Stand-out moment that made you think, “This is why I do what I do.”

In about 2017, I worked with a patient at the Indianapolis East center in Indiana who couldn’t vocally speak yet. It’s unforgettable that first moment when he finally used a picture to communicate by himself! Even more than that though, I’ll never forget when his mother dropped him off for therapy one day after that and told us he had finally said “Mommy” to her. Imagining that mother finally getting to hear her baby’s voice after 5 years still leaves me floored!

Fun fact:

I’m an avid fiction reader and have read the whole Harry Potter series several times, have one foot in the house of Ravenclaw and one in Hufflepuff, and I might secretly have a wand or 4 at home!

Megan Nelson, Fellowship Specialist — 12 Years with Hopebridge

Started as a Program Coordinator in Kokomo, IN

What inspired you to pursue a career in ABA/pediatric therapy?

I have always had a passion for helping children. After college, I went back to school to become a teacher. I had friends that were ABA therapists at the time. I would hear them talk about how ABA therapy was helping the children they worked with make amazing progress in learning academic and functional skills. I quickly realized that ABA was more aligned with my values, especially the emphasis on individualized care.

What is your area of passion within your role?

My biggest passion is helping fellows understand and navigate BACB fieldwork requirements. I feel a great sense of pride when I’m able to take complex information and translate it into clear directions that enable our fellows to be successful.

What do you enjoy most about working at Hopebridge?

The opportunity to have a positive impact in the lives of the children we serve by helping our fellows navigate the process of being a BCBA.

Stand-out moment that made you think, “This is why I do what I do.”

Every time one of our fellows passes the BCBA exam, I’m honored to feel that I was able to play a role in what they have achieved and all that their new certification and knowledge will allow them to accomplish in the future.

Fun fact:

I’ve been working in the field of ABA for 17 years!

Taylor Thomas, Director of Functional Assessment — 12 Years with Hopebridge

Started as an ABA Therapist in Marion, IN

What inspired you to pursue a career in ABA/pediatric therapy?

I found the master’s program for Applied Behavior Analysis first and was accepted. Then I was talking to one of my IWU professors and he mentioned there was an ABA clinic in my hometown with someone he knew well and recommended I apply. The rest is history!

What is your area of passion within your role?

I love a good success story. These cases where we see a great improvement in quality of life for everyone (the child, the family, our staff, etc.) are what make me want to come to work every day.

What do you enjoy most about working at Hopebridge?

We listen to concerns and respond quickly. When BCBAs report a concern, when parents come to us, when our staff mention burnout, we respond quickly and empathetically.

Stand-out moment that made you think, “This is why I do what I do.”

When I was in school to be a BCBA, I worked with a kiddo that moved to the states specifically for treatment. He had never spoken a single word. We worked together for weeks using a device and running trials and one day, while running trials, he said “ball” plain as day. I squealed and hugged him and probably scared him, but I was so excited! His parents were thrilled when I told them.

Fun fact:

I love a good physical challenge. I weight lift 3–4x a week, I love mud runs, I hate running but will do it if there’s competition involved. I’ve trained for years in kickboxing and just love being physically challenged.

Stephanie Ramos, Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) — 11 Years with Hopebridge

Started as an SLP in Fort Wayne, IN

What inspired you to pursue a career in ABA/pediatric therapy?

When I was in elementary school, I had speech therapy. I remember having so much fun and recalling the increase in confidence I had when I was understood. I wanted to make others feel that way too.

What is your area of passion within your role?

Language is my passion. I love to be able to give kids their voice because that is something that no one can take away.

What do you enjoy most about working at Hopebridge?

I love collaboration among the disciplines in order to achieve success!

Stand-out moment that made you think, “This is why I do what I do.”

I had a child that had no expressive language but understood so much. With the help of alternative communication, he was able to express what he wanted to his family!

Fun fact:

I have three daughters, ages 16, 13, and 10, and my oldest wants to be a speech language pathologist too!

Tracy Piering, Center Manager — 9 Years with Hopebridge

Started as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) in Fort Wayne, IN

What inspired you to pursue a career in ABA/pediatric therapy?

I opened and ran a daycare for 16 years and thought that I wanted to be done managing. I have always had a passion for individuals with special needs and saw the job posting on Indeed. I started as an RBT and then realized how much I missed management.

What is your area of passion within your role?

I love seeing the client’s world open up, but I also have a huge passion for taking care of the staff. Our RBTs are our front line and I love making them feel heard and seen.

What do you enjoy most about working at Hopebridge?

Some of my favorite times have been traveling to help clinics in need. I enjoy working for a company that is all about serving the underserved.

Stand-out moment that made you think, “This is why I do what I do.”

I remember a mom coming in crying to tell us that, after only a couple of months of therapy, her family was able to go out to eat together for the first time. What seemed like a little thing to most was a huge deal for this family.

Fun fact:

I won Disney’s American Idol years ago!

Ryan Napier, Center Manager — 9 Years with Hopebridge

Started as an RBT in Greenwood, IN

What inspired you to pursue a career in ABA/pediatric therapy?

I enjoyed the 1:1 aspect of ABA and building relationships with families and kiddos.

What is your area of passion within your role?

Seeing the progress and growth of not only the kiddos but also the employees. Being able to serve and help others grow has been a huge motivator for me.

What do you enjoy most about working at Hopebridge?

The teamwork and culture we continue to build along with seeing kids develop from day one to graduation makes Greenwood an enjoyable place to be.

Stand-out moment that made you think, “This is why I do what I do.”

Watching the growth of kids and employees over nearly a decade keeps me inspired every day.

Fun fact:

I’ve never had coffee, played college tennis, and played rugby.

Jennifer Morgan, ABA Authorization Manager — 9 Years with Hopebridge

Started as an Authorization Specialist

What inspired you to pursue a career in ABA/pediatric therapy?

Honestly, my career at Hopebridge started by happenstance—I had been in customer service previously and was just looking for a change—and it’s been the happiest accident!

What is your area of passion within your role?

Cross-functional collaboration. It takes a village to make meaningful progress and a positive impact.

What do you enjoy most about working at Hopebridge?

Being able to support so many team members, clinicians, and ultimately our families is the best reward.

Stand-out moment that made you think, “This is why I do what I do.”

My son was diagnosed with autism at Hopebridge in 2023. Walking firsthand through the diagnosis, evaluation, and therapies process was eye-opening. Experiencing the same care families receive reminded me that this is why treating every child, every referral, every authorization with the utmost care is so important.

Fun fact:

I never have a good answer for this 🤣

Brad Beebe, Autism Diagnostician, HSPP — 8 Years with Hopebridge

Started as an Autism Diagnostician, BCBA-D in Kentucky and Indiana

What inspired you to pursue a career in ABA/pediatric therapy?

Working with special needs kids since 2001.

What is your area of passion within your role?

Helping to inform and guide parents through the process of assessing for autism.

What do you enjoy most about working at Hopebridge?

I most enjoy witnessing the dedication and teamwork of the many people involved directly and indirectly with the kids in our care.

Stand-out moment that made you think, “This is why I do what I do.”

I had a case where a parent had been seeking an evaluation for her daughter (against the wishes of relatives and pediatricians) for years. After careful examination, I discovered subtle but genuine characteristics of autism that are not obvious to the public at large. Upon explaining the autism diagnosis to the mother, she down in tears, saying, “No one believed me!” This is why I do what I do.

Fun fact:

I have a daughter working at Hopebridge!

Join the Mission at Hopebridge

As we look back on 20 years of growth and impact, one thing is clear: Hopebridge would not be where it is today without the extraordinary people who embody our mission every day. Their stories remind us that it’s not just about the milestones we achieve; it’s about the lives we touch and the team that makes it all possible.

If you’re looking for a career where your work truly matters, we invite you to be part of our next two decades and beyond. Join the Hopebridge mission today: jobs.hopebridge.com.

For families seeking high-quality autism therapy and support, Hopebridge is here to walk alongside you. Learn more about our personalized care and services by filling out the form at hopebridge.com/contact.

*Informed consent was obtained from the participants in this article. This information should not be captured and reused without express permission from Hopebridge, LLC. Testimonials are solicited as part of an open casting call process for testimonials from former client caregivers. Hopebridge does not permit clinical employees to solicit or use testimonials about therapeutic services received from current clients (Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts 5.07-5.08; BACB, 2020). Hopebridge does not provide any incentives, compensation, or renumeration for testimonials provided by a former client or client caregiver.