History of the Business:
After working in the autism community for over a decade, Kate Andersen realized the growing need for autism services and the lack of qualified professionals available to provide them. Kate's hands-on experience had shown her that a variety of treatment options were effective if chosen and implemented around each individuals's strengths and needs. She had also seen the importance of provider collaboration, which ensures all areas of the individual's development is being addressed. In March of 2007, Kate founded Autism Journeys and began working with families and professionals throughout the community doing consultative services, mainly in client's homes. Within 3 months Kate and her team were working at capactity. The dream of helping families had become a reality, but so had the heartache of having to turn away many others. Autism Journeys simply wasn't able to do enough; the idea of expanding and helping more families became a top priority. With the help of clients, community supporters and autism leaders in the community, the plan to grow Autism Journeys was developed and put into action. In November of 2008 the Autism Journeys Treatment Center opened its doors. The 3500 square foot center was an amazing addition to the community and reached capacity within 6 months. Growing once again became a necessity. In September of 2009, Kate Andersen and Autism Journeys will open their newly renovated and spacious 7300 square foot center! Thus allowing twice as many families to begin receiving the support and treatment they so desperately deserve. This amazing treatment center is lead by an all-star team of professionals with varied backgrounds, allowing Autism Journeys to provide a treatment plan addressing all areas of development. This team consists of a child psychologist, licensed clinical therapist, licensed speech-language pathologist, licensed occupational therapist, certified music therapist, and a variety of highly trained autism and developmental specialists with training in the most common treatment options available in the autism community. Methods include: ABA, Floortime and PLAY Project, PECS and other visual aides, TEACCH, Social-Thinking techniques, and many others. Autism Journeys will continuely strive to produce the most individualized, comprehensive treatment to children and families in the autism community. Team Leaders: Kate Andersen: President & Founder Natalie Roth, Ph.D.: Psychologist Howard F. Dahle, LPC: Clinical Therapist & Adult Services Dirctor Dawn Gummersall MS, CCC-SLP: Speech-Language Pathologist Jay Wheeler, OTR/L: Occupational Therapist Rachelle Blair-Thatcher: Early Childhood Director Morgan Dahle: Adolescent Director Natasha Despain: Music Therapist Kathy Jensen: Office Manager | 
