Emerge was founded in 2005 by Dr. Helena Huckabee, Ph.D., BCBA-D. Recognizing a critical need in Colorado for excellence in counseling, diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Huckabee drew upon her years of experience in autism and neuroscience to establish a practice offering multi-disciplinary services suited to a diverse set of needs.

The Emerge treatment model for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders utilizes the science of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and incorporates a variety of proven techniques such as Incidental Learning, Pivotal Response Treatment, and Verbal Behavior. Our goals and strategies are individually tailored to each client, maximizing cognitive, social and emotional growth while supporting the family's needs, lifestyle, and interests.

Emerge also specializes in behavior management, mental health, and personal growth across the lifespan. We approach these challenges with the same sensitivity, scientific knowledge, and commitment to each one of our clients and their families.

	Helena Huckabee, Ph.D., BCBA-D President of Emerge Dr. Huckabee is a Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Clinical Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She received her bachelor's degree in Geological Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines, her Master's and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston. Dr. Huckabee completed her Internship at Baylor College of Medicine with Post Doctoral Fellowships at DePelchin Children's Center and JFK Partners at the University of Colorado. Her clinical experiences include working with autism, borderline personality disorder, head injury, AD/HD, developmental disabilities, adoption, anxiety, and mood disorders. Dr. Huckabee's research studies have involved understanding intelligence and language skills in children with autism, the role of serotonin in mood disorders, self-injurious behaviors, brain anoxia, and treatment outcome in autism. Dr. Huckabee has previously held administrative leadership positions at five clinics for autism. With compassion and competence she provides counseling for individuals and couples as well as leading parent groups in the community. Dr. Huckabee is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Colorado Psychological Association and the Association for Behavior Analysis. Dr. Huckabee and her husband serve the community in many ways. Together they are parents of their son with autism and their daughter adopted from China.
	Tasha Jamroz, M.A., BCBA Vice President of Emerge, Board Certified Behavior Analyst Tasha received her bachelor's degree in Psychology at Saint Louis University in Missouri and earned her master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center. She has enjoyed specializing in treatment and assessment of Autistic Spectrum Disorders since 2004 and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  Having started working with Dr. Huckabee at JFK Partners, Tasha brings a wealth of skills and understanding to her work with families.
	Rosalie Byrd, M.S., BCBA Clinical Supervisor Rosalie became interested in working with children with disabilities at the age of 12 when she volunteered for Boot Straps, a therapeutic riding program in Wellesley, Massachusetts and that passion continues today. In Colorado, she volunteered at Hearts and Horses, a therapeutic riding program in Loveland. She earned her bachelor's degree in 2004 from the University of Northern Colorado with an emphasis in Art Therapy. Her experiences include working with adults with developmental disabilities and working as a behavior coach with the St. Vrain Valley School District. Rosalie began working with Dr. Huckabee in 2005.
	Heather Twitty, M.A. Pre-Doctoral Intern Heather earned her master’s degree from the University of Denver and is currently completing a doctorate in clinical psychology (Psy.D.) at the University of Denver. Heather works with Dr. Huckabee providing pediatric evaluations to determine diagnoses and providing psychotherapy for children and adults. Her clinical experience includes working with children, teens and adults in both residential and outpatient settings for a wide variety of psychological, neuropsychological and developmental disorders. She has particular interest and experience with attachment disorders, attention deficit disorder, eating disorders, grief, identity issues, relationship issues, and trauma. Heather began working with Emerge in 2009.
	Meghan Norman, M.S., BCaBA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Meghan holds a Master of Science degree in Research Methods in Psychology from the University of Reading in the United Kingdon, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee. Currently, Meghan is taking courses in Applied Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology and aspires to become a Board Certified Behaivor Analyst by 2010.  Previous to her work at Emerge, Meghan worked for Developmental Pathways, a nonprofit organization serving people with developmental disabilities, as a case manager for the Children's Extensive Support Medicaid Waiver program.  Having worked with children with autism spectrum disorders since 2005, Meghan is delighted to be able to utilize her skills and experiences with those she serves at Emerge.
	Suzanne Aurelio, BCaBA Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Suzie received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2006 from Rollins College in Winter Park, Fl. While at Rollins, she interned as a behavioral therapist at a center-based ABA program for children with disabilities. In 2007, Suzie completed her bachelors certificate in Behavioral Analysis through Florida Institute of Technology, a Behavioral Analyst Certification Board-(BACB) approved site. She joined the Emerge team in 2009 and plans to pursue a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis.
	Jamie Lawler, M.A. Behavior Specialist Jamie joined the Emerge team in August of 2008. She received her B.S. in Psychology from Western Michigan University in 2004. During her undergraduate studies at WMU, Jamie began working with children with autism, and has been doing so ever since. In 2007, she received her M.A. in Human Development from Wayne State University, and went on to work in a parent empowerment program at an autism center. Jamie has experience providing both in-home and center-based intervention based on ABA, and is currently taking graduate courses in Applied Behavior Analysis.
	Lashley Rhodes, B.A. Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Lashley obtained her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Religion in 2005 from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA. Her first experience working with adults and children with disabilities was at Camp Hope in Carmel, NY during the summer of 2002, which influenced her course of study. She also was a preschool teacher and has volunteered with the Child Life Program at National Jewish Hospital in Denver, CO. Lashley joined the Emerge team in 2008 and is currently completing coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis through the Florida Institute of Technology and aspires to earn her BCaBA following the completion of her coursework.
	Elizabeth Lenden, B.A. Behavior Specialist Elizabeth received her bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2001 from Michigan State University and since graduation has gained significant experience working with both adults and children affected by a variety of disorders, including developmental disabilities. Previously, Elizabeth has worked as a parent educator in a head start preschool program, a children's case manager, and as a clinical assistant to a neuropsychologist. She began working at Emerge in 2008.
	Anna Kroncke, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist Dr. Kroncke is a licensed psychologist specializing in child and adolescent assessment.  She earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Masters degree in School Psychology from the University of Georgia, and a PhD in Educational Psychology also from UGA. Her research interests are in psychological assessment, learning disabilities, Autism, and early identification of child emotional and behavior problems in schools.   Her post doctoral work was completed in psychological assessment with a private practice in Atlanta, Georgia.  Anna has worked for five years as a school psychologist in diverse urban school districts with children from preschool age through high school.  Anna began working with Emerge in 2010.
	Jessica Hodgman, B.S. Behavior Specialist Jessica received her B.A. in Psychology and Latin American Studies in 2007 from Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA where she also played volleyball. She began working with children with disabilities her first year in college when she was approached by a professor whose son has autism and was in need of a "college buddy." This experience expanded into working with other children and adolescents to improve social skills and community involvement. In addition to being a behavior therapist at Emerge, Jessica also works as a teacher at an area Montessori school. In the future, she plans on pursuing a master's degree in either Early Childhood Education or Applied Behavior Analysis.
	Julie Shannon, B.A. Behavior Specialist Julie is a Behavior Therapist who started working with Emerge in 2009. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado after studying Human Development and Family Sciences at Oklahoma State University. She has worked with young children as well as adolescents in various environments and capacities, including classrooms, summer camps, church organizations, and community volunteerism.
	Mary Pat Elmer Bookkeeper Mary Pat joined the Emerge team in 2009.