Meet our Founder Elise

Guiding Growth Through Play and Connection

Elise is an Educator and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a passion for helping children with autism grow and thrive. After working with companies whose values didn’t align with hers, Elise decided to start her own practice based out of Fenton MI. Her clinician-owned practice prioritizes families’ goals, prescribes medically necessary hours, and allows the child to lead.

Elise, lead ABA therapist, bringing warmth and expertise to her Michigan practice

what we practice

Respect

Excellence

Compassion + Connection

Integrity

  • We uphold integrity through open, transparent communication with families, clients, and our team, ensuring ethical, client-centered decisions at every step of the therapy process.

  • We foster meaningful connections by creating a compassionate, safe space where clients feel valued. We first build rapport, integrate client interests into therapy, and align with family values.

  • We uphold the highest standards of excellence by staying current with ABA advancements and pursuing ongoing professional growth. We set and review clinical benchmarks to ensure effective, goal-focused interventions.

  • We prioritize respect to build trust and collaboration with each child and family, fostering engagement, motivation, and a safe space where the child feels valued and understood.

Toys and learning tools used in ABA therapy sessions for children with autism

Elise’s approach is all about connection—creating fun, engaging, and compassionate experiences that empower children with autism to find their voices, stand up for themselves, and pursue a fulfilling life.

Elise began her career as an elementary music teacher, where she discovered her love for helping children learn new skillsets. After earning her master’s degree and becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2018, she dove into the world of ABA, supporting kids from 2 to 21 in developing skills like communication, self-regulation, and independence.

When she’s not working her magic with kids, Elise loves to run, bake delicious treats, and spend quality time with her family in Fenton, Michigan.

Professional photo of Elise, emphasizing her role as a child-focused ABA therapist
Elise, an ABA therapist in Michigan passionate about play-based learning

Our Therapy Philosophy

Play Based. Person Focused. Trauma Informed.

Our therapy philosophy centers on providing play-based, person-focused, and trauma-informed behavior analytic services that prioritize the dignity and autonomy of each individual. We believe in meeting each child where they are, honoring their unique strengths and needs, and using strategies that are not only effective but also respectful and empowering. We are committed to promoting neurodiversity-affirming language and practices, ensuring that all individuals are seen and valued for who they are. Our approach emphasizes collaboration with families, creating a supportive and safe environment where every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive at their own pace.

A young girl learning self-regulation through play-based therapy activities

“I have been inspired to prioritize family values after working with providers who are required to follow a system that maximizes profit over clinical care.”

Elise Hester,
Founder and Lead BCBA

Reach out to explore how we can support your child’s growth!

Schedule your FREE 15 Minute Discovery Call to learn more about our therapy services and to see if we would make a good fit for your family.