Birchtree’s day school staff includes autism experts who are specialists in the fields of applied behavior analysis, special education, communication, and occupational therapy. These specialists design and closely supervise all student programs.
The autism experts on our school team include:
Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®)
BCBAs have a graduate-level certification in applied behavior analysis (ABA). They use evidence-based techniques to help individuals improve their behavior by assessing, designing, implementing, and evaluating behavior interventions.
Certified Special Educators
Birchtree’s Special Education Case Managers all hold special education certification in New Hampshire. They oversee students’ academic programming and work with students, staff, related service providers, families, and sending districts to ensure compliance with the implementation of each student’s Individualized Education Plan.
Occupational Therapists (OTs)
Our OTs work with students to enhance their functional abilities and independence in daily activities. They assess students’ skills and develop individualized plans to improve sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, and self-care abilities such as dressing and feeding.
Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
The SLPs on our staff provide related services to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive communication, and swallowing disorders. Our SLPs also support students using various Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems.
Transition Coordinator
Our Transition Coordinator assists students in identifying post-secondary goals aligned with their strengths, interests, and preferences and supports their development of skills needed to support those goals. Students and their families are also supported in obtaining services necessary to transition from high school to a post-secondary setting, whether for post-secondary education, employment, or long-term support.
Registered Nurse
Birchtree’s day school team includes a full-time Registered Nurse who provides school-based health services to all students and oversees the development and implementation of Individualized Health Plans for students with ongoing unique medical needs.
Registered Behavior Technicians® (RBTs®) and Clinical Instructors
Our school’s direct support staff includes Registered Behavior Technicians® (RBTs®) and Clinical Instructors. All direct-support providers are specially trained and highly qualified, with extensive training in applied behavior analysis and autism. They also receive training to assist students in practicing and developing their academic, motor, self-regulation, and communication skills. Professional development topics include support for academic instruction, occupational therapy techniques, communication sciences, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, crisis-intervention training, CPR, and first aid.
Director of Student Services
Shelly Fagen, MIT
Director of Student Services- Leadership Team
- Day School
One Parent’s Perspective
Attending a school that understands the strengths and challenges of autism has allowed our family to understand more about our son’s unique needs and has helped him better understand himself and the world around him.