Hopebridge Heroes Build Bonds to Last a Lifetime

Creating Friendships in Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers

At Hopebridge, we are dedicated to providing kids with autism the skills they need to communicate, socialize with peers and hopefully create meaningful relationships with those around them. What many team members find, however, is they often build their own lasting friendships here in our centers. 

Working alongside friends seems to be an unexpected perk of the job. We are grateful for the Hopebridge heroes who bring the special people in their lives into our world, as well as those who care enough about their work that they create bonds with those around them.

In honor of International Friendship Month, here are some of the sweet stories of friendship from center managers, BCBAs, RBTs and ABA trainers who make Hopebridge what it is today:

Emily Toth and Laura Wade

“Laura and I met while working as BCBAs at a previous job in Chicago. We became great friends really quickly and I actually introduced her to her husband. I moved back to northwest Indiana with my husband and joined the Hopebridge team, so when Laura and her husband moved to the area, she joined Hopebridge too. I always joke that I found Laura a husband and a job! She just had a little girl a few weeks ago and I’m pregnant with a girl due in June, so hopefully, they will become best friends too.”
– Emily

Wanda Bilodeau and Savannah Johnson

“I was fortunate to meet Savannah here at Hopebridge. We have been friends for a year and a half serving our amazing children. We share a true passion for treating these kiddos and caring for their well-being. We support each other and always have each other’s backs. When we are together, you are sure to feel our positive vibe, catch some old school lyrics, and maybe some essential oils. We are workout partners, enjoy girl time away from work and help each other along in life outside of Hopebridge. We have a special friendship and encourage each other to be our best selves.”
– Wanda

Casey Colvin and Tiffany Rigdon

“In all honesty, Tiffany kind of intimidated me when I first started at Hopebridge because she was a veteran therapist, but as time went on, we became great friends. We discovered our personalities almost mirror each other’s, and later, we even found out we are distant cousins! Working together is like working with a sister. I never feel judged when I’m with her, I know we have each other’s backs, and she is someone I can talk to when I’m having a rough day. I can always count on her, whether it’s to bring me a robe for dress-up days at work or to bring me food when I haven’t eaten.”
– Casey

Domanique Brown and Kiara Stradford

“Kiara and I went from high school rivals to high school teammates and best friends. When we’re not working together, we like to hang out with our sons or go shopping. Working with my best friend is amazing. We have gotten closer since learning new things about each other that we never knew before working together.”
– Domanique 

Megan Butler, Jordan Stewart and Katie Johnson

I started working at Hopebridge around the same time as Jordan and Katie, which is where I met these two lovely ladies whom I hold so dearly to my heart. As students enrolled in the ABA Master’s program, Hopebridge BCBA Fellowship Program, and committee leaders, we work closely together both on the job and outside of work. The best parts about working with these ladies is that we are constantly encouraging one another, sharing ideas, exchanging information and providing support for one another. I believe this makes us really strong as a team!”
– Megan

Billie Isaacs and Stacey Scarrette

“We are second cousins, neighbors and the best of friends. Billie reached out to me when our Hopebridge was searching for a new center manager. She was vital in convincing me to join the team and I love working with her. We have a wonderful and honest working relationship. She is a phenomenal BCBA, leader and friend, and she is my go-to when I have any ABA therapy or BCBA-related questions. Without her, I would not be the regional center manager I am today.”
– Stacey

Ashley Minnick and Victoria Ebersol

“Ashley and I met at Hopebridge. I love working with her and seeing her kiddos succeed, as I know she does with me. She wears her heart on her sleeve and will stand up for the people she loves, especially her kids. I love these beautiful babies very much, who have also grown to love me.”
– Victoria

Angelica Olivarez and Aylin Arriaga

“We previously worked together as lifeguards, but were not close until we worked together here. I referred her to Hopebridge and it was the best decision I ever made. Aylin is an amazing therapist. She always makes sure my day is going smoothly and there is never a dull moment with both of us playing musical chairs. She is someone I look for every morning just to say hello.”
– Angelica

Ariel McConnell and Mackenzie Carpenter

“We met outside of work and thought it would be fun to work together! Ariel is actually married into my family and we have been best friends for years. It’s really fun to work together and nice to be able to talk to her about it since she understands all of it. My favorite thing about her is her sunshine attitude and her contagious smile.”
– Mackenzie

Leslie Hale and Ashlynn Bingham

“When exciting moments happen with our kiddos, we are always the first to tell each other, and we love Fun Fridays when we get to dress up for them. Ashlynn is also an amazing mother and friend. Her dedication to her children is inspiring. I have known her for years and it is amazing to watch her excel as a mother.”
– Leslie

Does Hopebridge sound like a place where you can build your career alongside other professionals cheering you on? Check out our open positions and to find your calling at one of our autism therapy centers across the nation.

*Informed consent was obtained from the participants in this article. This information should not be captured and reused without express permission from Hopebridge, LLC.