At Lighthouse Autism Center, we pride ourselves on having a team of dedicated professionals who bring a wealth of experience and compassion to their roles. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to one of our esteemed team members: Ladrienne. With a rich background in psychology and counseling, Ladrienne embodies the very essence of dedication and expertise that we strive to offer to our clients.

A Strong Foundation in Psychology and Counseling

Ladrienne’s journey began with a Bachelor of Psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana, where she laid the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to mental health. She furthered her education with a Master of Science in Counseling from Indiana State University, equipping herself with advanced skills to support and guide individuals through their mental health journeys.

A Decade of Diverse Experience

For nearly ten years, Ladrienne has been a pillar in the Indiana mental health community. Her professional journey has spanned a variety of roles, including therapeutic foster care, school-based counseling, home-based mental health services, community mental health, case management, and even adjunct instruction at a community college. This diverse experience has shaped her approach, allowing her to offer a well-rounded perspective to her clients.

A Holistic Approach to Mental Health

Ladrienne’s practice is a testament to her commitment to addressing a wide array of mental health needs. Her clientele includes children, teenagers, and adults from various racial and cultural backgrounds, reflecting her dedication to providing inclusive and empathetic care. Her areas of focus encompass:

• Anxiety and Depression: Helping clients navigate the challenges of these common mental health conditions.
• Trauma: Supporting individuals in healing from past traumas and building resilience.
• Transitional Life Events: Assisting clients in managing life changes and transitions with grace.
• School-Related Difficulties: Offering strategies and support for academic and behavioral issues.
• Parent-Child Relationships: Enhancing communication and connection between parents and their children.
• Maternal Mental Health: Providing specialized support for mothers as they navigate the unique challenges of motherhood.

A Commitment to Advancing the Field

Ladrienne’s dedication to advancing mental health services is evident in her contributions to professional literature. She is a co-author of the article “School-Based Mental Health Clinics,” published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing. This groundbreaking work reflects on the initial stages of building school-based mental health counseling services, highlighting her commitment to innovative and effective mental health care.

Balancing Professional Excellence with Personal Fulfillment

Outside of her professional life, Ladrienne enjoys quality time with her husband and blended family, traveling, reading, and exploring her creative side through writing. She values self-care practices and strives for personal growth, ensuring that she brings her best self to both her personal and professional endeavors.

At Lighthouse Autism Center, we are proud to have Ladrienne as part of our team. Her extensive experience, diverse background, and heartfelt dedication to mental health make her an invaluable asset to our clients and the community. If you’re seeking compassionate and expert support, Ladrienne is here to help you navigate your mental health journey with empathy and understanding.

We are thrilled to introduce Christina Gilkey, a valuable addition to the Lighthouse Autism Center team, who joined us in March 2024. Christina brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to supporting families and children, particularly those affected by trauma.

Christina’s academic background is impressive, with a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) earned in 2018 and a Master of Science in Couples and Family Therapy (MSCFT) achieved in 2020. Her dedication to her field is highlighted by her attainment of the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) status in February 2021 in her home state of Indiana.

A passion for making a difference

Known affectionately as a “Neuro-Nerd,” Christina has a profound fascination with the human brain and continuously seeks knowledge to better understand and support her clients. Her career has consistently focused on families and children, especially those impacted by trauma, demonstrating her passion for making a meaningful difference in their lives.

In addition to her professional work, Christina is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers – Indiana Chapter Ethics Committee, reflecting her commitment to upholding the highest standards in her field. Her dedication to volunteer work further underscores her commitment to serving her community.

Christina is also a proud wife of 21 years, mother of three adult children, grandmother to five grandchildren, and a loving owner of two fur babies. Her personal and professional experiences enrich her approach to care, making her an exceptional addition to our team.

Compassionate Care Champion at Lighthouse Autism Center

We are excited to announce that Christina has been recognized as our 2024 recipient of the “Compassionate Care Champion” award. This accolade celebrates her outstanding dedication, empathy, and commitment to providing exceptional care to our families and children.

We are honored to have Christina with us and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make at Lighthouse Autism Center.

At Lighthouse Autism Center, we are proud to have Dr. Luallin as a key member of our team. With a distinguished background in school psychology and a deep passion for working with individuals on the autism spectrum, Dr. Luallin brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our center.

Dr. Luallin earned her PhD in School Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado in 2020. Her doctoral journey included a transformative fellowship at Indiana University’s Riley Hospital’s autism clinic, which not only enriched her clinical skills but also led her to fall in love with Indianapolis—a city she now happily calls home with her husband and three beloved cats.

Focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder

Her career in clinical and research settings began early, focusing on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Over the past decade, Dr. Luallin has dedicated herself to working with individuals with ASD and their families. Her experience spans prestigious institutions, including Denver Children’s Hospital’s Neuropsychiatric Specialty Unit, which focuses on children with autism, and a private practice in Denver specializing in adults and females with ASD.

Advancing the field of autism research

Dr. Luallin has been an integral part of Lighthouse Autism Center for the past three years. Her contributions are not only practical but also scholarly, with several notable publications to her name. Her work includes:

• “Gender Differences in Emotion Dysregulation in an Autism Inpatient Psychiatric Sample”
• “Standardized Administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition across Treatment Settings”
• “Autism Spectrum Disorder Testing: What Parents Need to Know”

These publications reflect her commitment to advancing the field of autism research and providing valuable information to both professionals and families.

Activities that enrich her personal life

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Luallin enjoys a variety of activities that enrich her personal life. She is an avid yoga practitioner, loves to travel (having visited 20 countries), enjoys cooking vegetarian meals, and often spends time riding bikes with her husband.

Holistic approach

Dr. Luallin’s dedication to her field and her holistic approach to both clinical work and personal well-being make her a vital asset to Lighthouse Autism Center. We are excited to continue benefiting from her expertise and passion as she contributes to our mission of supporting individuals with autism and their families.

Thank you, Dr. Luallin, for your exceptional work and commitment to improving the lives of those we serve!

We are excited to shine a spotlight on Kari, a dedicated professional with a rich background in Rehabilitation Services, Psychology, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Kari’s journey began with her undergraduate studies at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services and Psychology in 2009. Her passion for behavior analysis led her to pursue a Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2011, where she immersed herself in ABA principles, research, and therapeutic interventions.

Throughout her career, Kari has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals through behavioral support. Her diverse experiences include conducting studies on twin interactions and behavioral patterns, researching preference assessments for elderly patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s, supporting rehabilitation for adolescents with traumatic brain injuries, evaluating executive functioning in neurotypical children, and providing therapy for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Kari’s expertise in ABA became even more pronounced after she earned her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential. She took her skills to a non-profit organization in Virginia, where she worked closely with public schools to enhance special education services for children on the autism spectrum. Her role involved assessing needs, implementing individualized education plans, and training educators using the Competent Learner Model (CLM). This model, rooted in ABA principles, played a crucial role in supporting children’s development and learning outcomes.

In her extensive career, Kari has also excelled in training and overseeing educational, professional, and clinical settings. Her ability to apply ABA principles to develop effective teaching strategies for diverse groups, including those with and without disabilities, highlights her versatility and leadership.

Since 2014, Kari has served as a Clinical Director, managing clinic operations to ensure the delivery of high-quality therapy services. Her leadership is marked by her dedication to fostering a positive work environment that motivates both staff and learners.

Autism Diagnostic Testing at Lighthouse Autism Center

In 2023, Kari embraced a new challenge as she transitioned into a diagnostics support role at Lighthouse Autism Center. Working alongside a licensed clinical psychologist, she is now involved in developing in-house autism evaluations. This role has allowed her to further expand her skills as a behavior analyst and engage directly with families seeking evaluation and treatment for their children. Additionally, Kari contributes to the organization’s training department, focusing on compassionate care, learner self-advocacy, and effective supervision.

Outside of her professional life, Kari enjoys a fulfilling family life with her husband, Scott, and their two young daughters. Together with their dog, Murphy, they embrace outdoor adventures and cherish cozy moments with their cat, Ridge, on rainy days. Kari’s hobbies include cooking, exploring the Indianapolis area, traveling, and tackling DIY home projects. She remains passionate about continuing her educational outreach and sharing her expertise in ABA.

Kari’s journey reflects her deep commitment to behavioral support and her ongoing dedication to advancing the field of ABA. We are thrilled to have her as part of our team and look forward to the continued positive impact she will make.

Abby’s  Lighthouse Autism Center Journey

Abby joined Lighthouse Autism Center in June of 2023 and currently serves as a level 2 Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at our Greenfield center, actively progressing towards level 3 certification. She graduated from Eastern Hancock High School in 2008 and is a dedicated mother to her two sons, aged 12 and 10. Abby finds joy in supporting her boys in their sports activities, with a particular enthusiasm for baseball. In her leisure time, she indulges in swimming and reading, hobbies that complement her busy family life and professional journey in ABA therapy.

What made you decide to apply to Lighthouse?

I heard about Lighthouse through a family friend. I have worked with kids for the past 13 years and have always loved it. I felt like God was pushing me in this direction. I decided to go ahead and apply. It was one of the best decisions! 

What is your favorite part of working at Lighthouse Autism Center?

It’s so incredible to be able to watch the learners meet their goals and see them accomplish what might look like the impossible. I love hearing stories from parents about all the growth and success they are seeing at home. It’s amazing that I get to be a part of that! 

How would you describe your experience working for Lighthouse?

As soon as I walked into the Greenfield center I felt welcomed and immediately accepted into a family that has been formed here at LAC. I had no prior experience in ABA therapy before coming here. No matter what questions I had or help I needed everyone was so kind and patient. I am so thankful that God planted me here! 

Do you have a favorite memory from your time here?

I’ve had some pretty amazing moments here with the learners and staff. I think my favorite was shortly after I started. I was sitting at the little table with my learner. I looked over at him and he put both of his hands on each side of my face. It was the sweetest little moment! I knew from that moment that I could push through all the hard times because those sweet little moments are the best! 

What advice you would like to share for those interested in a career at Lighthouse Autism Center?

This work can be challenging at times, but every time a learner meets their goals or accomplishes even the tiniest of things, it’s the best reward!  To be a part of their story even if it’s just a short time is amazing!