Susie earned her Elementary Education Teaching Degree through Michigan State University, she then inaugurated her teaching career as a second grade teacher within the Detroit Public Schools. It was during this six-year teaching experience that Susie’s passion for special education and autism was ignited. Susie continued her education at Oakland University earning her MA in Special Education, with endorsements in both autism and learning disabilities. She then continued her professional career as an ASD Teacher and then District-Wide ASD Teacher Consultant within Lake Orion Community Schools, while working towards becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) through Florida Institute of Technology. Upon completion of her BCBA in September 2013, Susie pursued her life long dream of opening North Oakland Autism Center.
Rachael has been working with children with special needs for over 15 years. Rachael discovered her passion for ABA therapy while working on her Masters in Counseling at Oakland University in 2009, and has been working within the field of ABA ever since.
While working as a case manager and behavior technician, Rachael pursued
her Masters in ABA at Ball State University. Rachael specializes in early intervention targeting communication, parent training/education, feeding, toilet training, and increasing social skills while decreasing maladaptive behaviors.
Rachael is excited to continue doing what she loves as part of the NOAC team! When not at work, Rachael enjoys reading, running and spending time outdoors with her family.
Jessica Gilhool is a BCBA and Clinical Supervisor at North Oakland Autism Center. Jessica earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree with a focus in psychology from Michigan State University. She went on to earn her Master’s of Social Work at the University of Michigan with an emphasis in clinical work with children and families. While working in Flint with children with mental illness and Autism as a case manager and family therapist, Jessica realized her passion for working with children with Autism and their families and knew that she wanted to learn how to better serve their needs. She began working as a behavior analyst while completing her coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis through Florida Institute of Technology. Jessica earned her BCBA and has been serving children with Autism in the Flint area since 2013. She is very excited to be a part of North Oakland Autism Center and to continue doing what she loves in the community in which she lives. When she is not working, she enjoys spending her time playing with her two young children at home.
Priscilla is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and a LEAD Tech at North Oakland Autism Center. She relocated to Michigan from Virginia in early 2016. When Priscilla moved to Michigan she decided to use this opportunity to make a fresh start and pursue a career working with children, which has always been a lifelong dream. She previously worked at a child learning center as a Teacher’s Aide, as well as worked as a nanny for three children. Most recently she worked with developmentally disabled young adults where she discovered ABA Therapy and found it to be absolutely fascinating! It was then she realized she could combine working with children and ABA. Priscilla is so happy and grateful to make a difference in the lives of children and works hard each day to ensure their future is as bright as they are!
Shellie is a LEAD ABA Technician at NOAC. Before starting at NOAC, she worked as a Montessori Teacher (8+ years) where she had the opportunity to work with children on the autism spectrum. She discovered ABA after she began researching best methods for teaching her student with autism. Shellie is a lifelong learner, and is looking forward to earning her official RBT Certification (Registered Behavior Technician) this winter. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children.
Grace is an ABA Technician at NOAC, as well as a student at Oakland University. From a very young age, Grace has always been enthusiastic about helping others reach their goals. Aside from working as an ABA Tech, Grace also works as a Dance Instructor, which is where she first discovered her joy and talent in working with young children. Working as an ABA Technician is another opportunity to impact young lives by teaching foundational skills within a fun and stimulating environment.Grace is thankful for the opportunity to work with such amazing families alongside the talented NOAC Team!
My name is Laura and I'm an ABA Technician at North Oakland Autism Center. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology. I truly enjoy studying theory and experimental psychology!
I have over 8 years experience teaching preschool where I worked with a team to identify children with developmental delays and guided families to obtain support services.
On a personal note, I've lived as a military wife and packed up and moved the family 8 times, while also fortunate enough to operate a small horse breeding business along the way! I have a child with autism that benefited profoundly from ABA Therapy. He is about to graduate from high school and will
attend Oakland University! I enjoy riding our horses, running, going to yoga and just spending quality time with my husband and 3 children.
My name is Gracie and I work as an ABA Technician at North Oakland Autism Center. I'm currently working towards my bachelor's degree in business marketing at Oakland University. In addition to my OU studies and working as an ABA Technician, I own my own party planning and rental business. I've always enjoyed working with children and have been gifted with natural and instinctual teaching ability! I'm looking forward to contributing to the growth of NOAC Kiddos, while working alongside the fabulous and collaborative NOAC Team.
Kerri is an ABA Technician at North Oakland Autism Center. Kerri received her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Art and Design from Northern Michigan University. She learned about ABA through her schooling and her previous job working with developmentally disabled adults. Kerri has also worked as a teaching assistant at NMU and student researcher where she developed her passion for psychology and teaching. Kerri is ecstatic for the opportunity to be working with children and is looking forward to seeing their growth and development. In her free time she enjoys creating art and spending time with family.
My name is Erika and I'm an ABA Technician at North Oakland Autism Center. As far back as I can remember, I've always had a passion for teaching and working with children. In the summer of 2019 I started working at a group home for developmentally disabled adults, and that's when I decided I wanted to work exclusively with autism, so when I found out I could successfully combine 3 of my biggest passions, I knew this is what I was born to do. I'm excited to be working with and building a fun learning experience with the kids and amazing staff at NOAC!
My name is Jodi and I work as an ABA Technician at NOAC. Before joining NOAC, I supervised the latchkey program within a local school district. However, I started out working with children at Stanford University Medical Center and Lucille Packard Children's Hospital for over 16 years. It was at LPCH where I found my true passion and joy in working with children. It is truly is a gift to watch kiddos develop, grow and learn! One of my strengths is making learning fun and there is no bigger gift than bringing smiles to the faces of the children I work with. I cannot wait to see where my new career takes me! During my free time, I love spending time with my husband, our two kids and our two dogs.
My name is Sarah and I work as an ABA Tech at NOAC. I received a Bachelors in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University and previously worked as a Special Ed. Paraprofessional for over 10 years. After taking a hiatus to focus on my family, I realized how much I missed working and learning from the kids! Being a life-long learner, I have a TON to receive and offer to NOAC Staff and Kiddos. At the end of the day I'm exhausted, but most importantly my heart is full and I'm smiling!
On a personal note, I'm a wife and Mom who loves taking care of her family and home. I also love to hiking and spending time outdoors. My favorite way to relax is to curl up with Netflix and a fuzzy blanket.
My name is Julia and I am an ABA technician for NOAC. I am currently a student at Rochester University studying elementary education. Ever since I can remember, I have found an immense passion and love for children. I was first introduced to the education world at a young age since my mom is a teacher. From there, I began working at a daycare, becoming a nanny, and now working toward my lifelong dream of becoming a teacher.
Caitlyn is an ABA Technician at North Oakland Autism Center. Prior to working as a part of the NOAC team, Caitlyn cared for her family members with Alzheimer's. Caitlyn also has 5+ years of experience working with children in a daycare setting. Upon looking for a place where she could exhibit her natural ability to care and show patience and compassion while also learning new things for herself; Caitlyn found NOAC. She couldn't be more excited to learn and to teach everything ABA has to offer.
My name is Emily and I have been working with children with autism since 2012, starting as an ABA Technician and then earning my BCBA in 2015. I have over 10 years of experience working with children with autism, with a focus on early intervention. I'm skilled in ABA program development, social skills training within small peer groups, parent training/coaching, toilet training, functional communication training, development of functional behavior assessments/behavior intervention plans, and most importantly making learning fun!
In my position of NOAC's Clinical Director, I'm dedicated to developing individualized ABA treatment plans to best meet the needs of your child and family, to promote a higher quality of life.