Our ‘Why’: Hopebridge Team Shares What Draws Them to Autism Therapy
March 19, 2026
March 19, 2026
What’s your “why” for doing the job you do? From siblings and “firsts” to advocacy and education, the “why” for working in pediatric therapy often runs the gamut, but often comes down to one key theme: caring for others.
We love to learn what drives our Hopebridge team members in their roles each day. It’s the blend of their inspiration and motivation that has enabled us to advance clinical excellence for children with autism for more than two decades.
Here is a peek into the “purpose” behind the work for some of our team members:
“Some of our kids need so much love, but their intelligence and potential may go unnoticed without it. Watching them flourish into these incredible humans – without them losing their unique spirit in the process – is so important to me. I never want to hinder that. I want them to be themselves. That’s why we love them and why their families love them. They are all so wonderful and brilliant and I wish more of the world could see them.”
Hopebridge Clinical Director Michelle Beliveau-Miner
“When it comes to working in this space, there is no judgment, no qualms about personal history. We’re all here for the same reason and we’re all buds. I want everyone to have that experience. We’re here to serve our kids, families and the community around us. We also need to remember that these ‘babies’ of ours grow up. It’s our hope that as they get older, our impact translates into who they are as adults. It’s a huge honor and responsibility.”
Hopebridge Center Manager Allison McGarry

Hopebridge BCBA Francesca Salmonsen
“Today, I work as a BCBA at the same Hopebridge center where my children first received care. I walk the same halls, but in a new role, one defined by humility, gratitude, and lived experience. I bring with me the voice of a parent, the lens of a clinician, and a heart anchored in quality service. I know firsthand the importance of aligning goals with what truly matters: meaningful outcomes that support children in being autonomous. I know what it means for a family to feel empowered. And I know what’s possible when collaboration is formed and when care is grounded in respect for neurodivergent identity.”
Hopebridge Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Francesca Salmonsen
“When my kiddos greet me verbally and identify me with their AAC devices. “Hey, Miss Grace!” is my favorite thing to hear!”
Hopebridge Speech Language Pathologist Grace Warren
“Back when we started noticing some of my son’s challenges, applied behavior analysis was not readily available and centers like Hopebridge didn’t exist. I remember being given his diagnosis without receiving any follow-up resources or therapy options. I feel the purpose of my job is to make sure our Hopebridge kiddos and their parents never have the same problem.”
Angie Graff, Insurance and Credentialing Manager
I had a kid who had a hard time opening up. He would often act out his frustration by throwing things. By my third session with him, we started with a gross motor activity, and he really enjoyed it. He was really engaged for the rest of the session, and that was probably the start of us building that therapeutic bond. For the next several sessions, he started telling me more words, participating in more tasks, and looked like he really enjoyed our sessions. He was surpassing his goals and doing really well at school as well. Seeing his progress and watching him thrive in his environment was one of those moments where I thought, “This is why I do what I do.”
Hopebridge Occupational Therapist Dr. Jordan Widenhouse
“As a behavior analyst, I enjoy being able to see the difference we make–not only in the children’s lives–but in the overall well-being of entire families.”
Hopebridge Senior Telehealth BCBA Kim Hayward

Hopebridge ACD Alex Peters
“I love moving around and appreciate Hopebridge giving me the opportunity and flexibility to do it. I like to go where the children and autism population need us, rather than having them come to me. My goal is to move around and expand my reach to more children by training more members of our staff. This is what reinforces me, over and over. One person in one place can reach a few people, but if I can get the people I train to hold onto these ideas, we can pass them along to future generations of behavior analysts and the families they serve.”
Hopebridge Assistant Clinical Director Alex Peters
“Being able to make these moments happen is my favorite part of the job. Watching these kids make eye contact, figuring out what they want, and then being able to give them the words to express it…I love seeing it all come together. I know what it’s like. It doesn’t just make a difference in the child’s life, but rather the entire family dynamic. It changes everything, even if you don’t realize it.”
Hopebridge Assistant Clinical Director Taylor Thomas
“I was personally a late bloomer and developed speech when I was closer to 4 years old. Speech developed at a slow rate, both in English and my native language, Spanish. No one shared with mom how to obtain a developmental evaluation, much less how to access a variety of services like speech, physical, occupational or ABA services. At the end of my senior year in high school, I wanted to help individuals to overcome developmental challenges so they, too, would flourish over time. My “why” is to be influential in children’s lives so they can develop to their fullest potential and have a fulfilling, enriching and growing experience. I want this for them not only at Hopebridge, but across all settings, from their home, to their community, and into their schools. “
Adriana Morales, PsyD, BCBA-D, LBA
“My favorite thing about children is the curiosity and enthusiasm they have for life. Children know how to find joy in the little things, and I love to see that little sparkle in their eyes. I think people can learn a lot from children about finding happiness and appreciating life. It’s really special to play a role in making such a big difference in someone’s life and I don’t take that lightly.”
Hopebridge BCBA Rebecca McCormick
“Heroes work at Hopebridge! Our staff works tirelessly to help children receive the care they need. I want them to know how important their jobs are in the lives of our kiddos and to make sure they know how much they mean to us! By advocating for their experience and making them feel seen when they start, I believe I can make sure they recognize their value to our organization. It’s also inspiring being able to showcase the diversity Hopebridge has cultivated in the workplace. We really strive to make sure that we have different perspectives and viewpoints in not only our corporate office, but also with our kiddos. Lots of people talk about working to eliminate barriers and championing diversity, but Hopebridge makes it a priority! They’ve given me so many opportunities to learn and grow within the organization and it’s amazing to be able to show our new hires that they can be offered the same opportunities.”
Hopebridge Onboarding Specialist Dani Lopez-Roque
Now it’s your turn to tell us your “why.” If you are ready to put your “why” into action and continue your career in a job that makes a difference, check out our open positions in locations across the country.
*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.
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