Meet Sam Farber – The Compassion Behind Our Care

Therapy room at Lighthouse Autism Center with toys on a table with blue chairs and book shelves above

Author: Allison Gonyon

Meet Sam Farber – The Compassion Behind Our Care

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Get to know the Compassionate Team of Clinical Experts at Lighthouse Autism Center

Sam’s Lighthouse Story

Sam Farber is a speech-language pathologist at Lighthouse Autism Center. She has a bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing sciences from Indiana University Bloomington and received her master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University. She has been in practice for six years. Sam recently enrolled at the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) in May 2022 to pursue her master’s in behavior analysis. She will join the team of three other dually certified SLP-BCBAs at Lighthouse Autism Center.

What made you decide on a career in therapy?

I have two brothers with autism and saw first-hand how therapies could impact not only their lives, but the lives of their loved ones as well.

What inspires/drives you?

My brothers and the clients I get to work with.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Seeing the impact for the kids and their families when they are able to communicate.

How has this career path impacted you?

This career has impacted me very positively both personally and professionally.  I get to work with wonderful clients who teach me just as much as I get to teach them and seeing them have a lot of success and go on to bigger and better things really is the highlight for me.

What advice would you give to those seeking a Similar career path?

I would advise them to get experience and volunteer for a variety of different organizations that support individuals with special needs. Not everyone has the experience of growing up with siblings with autism and getting that exposure helps you find what you are most interested such as ages of client, type of setting you want (clinic based vs. home based), etc.

Why Lighthouse Autism Center?

My sister works as a BCBA at Lighthouse and spoke highly of it.  I also had general understanding of ABA since I also worked with individuals with autism and grew up with my brothers, which is not common for an SLP.  I was interested in the opportunity to work with clients with ASD since each child is so unique and wanted to provide a service that was not available to Lighthouse Autism Center at the time.

What is your favorite part about Lighthouse Autism Center?

The collaboration with the BCBA’s and the families for the clients.

What Lighthouse Autism Center value to you identify most with?

“Care about people more than anything”

What is a fun/unique fact about you?

My favorite season is the summer and I prefer to spend my time off in the sun and on the lake.

Ready for a career where you can make a difference?

Join Our Team About Us

Meet Emily Lourash – The Compassion Behind Our Care

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Get to know the Compassionate Team of Clinical Experts at Lighthouse Autism Center

Emily Lourash’s Lighthouse Story

Emily Lourash is a speech-language pathologist at Lighthouse Autism Center. She has a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in speech-language pathology, both from Indiana State University. She has been in practice for six years. Emily recently enrolled at the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) in May 2022 to pursue her master’s in behavior analysis. She will join the team of three other dually certified SLP-BCBAs at Lighthouse Autism Center.

What made you decide on a career in therapy?

My youngest brother has DiGeorge Syndrome, and we always went to therapy with him during the summer. I loved helping him with his speech therapy homework!

What inspires/drives you?

Providing an effective way for children to communicate their wants and needs.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Watching the progress and seeing the therapists, BCBA’s, and family’s face light up when their client/child has learned a new sound or way to communicate effectively.

How has this career path impacted you?

It has made me more empathetic in public when I see anyone with a disability.

What advice would you give to those seeking a Similar career path?

Stick with it! The classes are difficult, but the career is SO rewarding; no matter what span of life you are working with!

Why Lighthouse Autism Center?

I love the employees and the care they provide for all of the learners and families!

What is your favorite part about Lighthouse Autism Center?

My favorite part about Lighthouse is the way they care for their staff and the clients!

What Lighthouse Autism Center value to you identify most with?

“Judge people by more than their metrics” because there is much more to people than their stats, scores, diagnoses, and behaviors we see upon initially meeting.

What is a fun/unique fact about you?

My husband drag races so we spend majority of our summers at the race track!

Ready for a career where you can make a difference?

Join Our Team About Us

Meet Helen Corey – The Compassion Behind Our Care

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Get to know the Compassionate Team of Clinical Experts at Lighthouse Autism Center

Helen’s Lighthouse Story

Helen Corey is a speech-language pathologist at Lighthouse Autism Center. She has a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree with a concentration in speech-language pathology from Ball State University. She has been in practice for six years. Helen recently enrolled at the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) in May 2022 to pursue her master’s in behavior analysis. She will join the team of three other dually certified SLP-BCBAs at Lighthouse Autism Center.

What made you decide on a career in therapy?

I had delayed speech, and didn’t talk until I was 4 years old, and so I received speech therapy all throughout elementary school.  I absolutely loved my speech therapist and she inspired me to make changes in every kid’s life through providing them the means to communicate, whatever that may be!

What inspires/drives you?

I am driven by my need for continuous learning. I am always researching techniques, watching webinars, and making connections across the SLP world.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is being able to connect with all the kids, and when I walk into a building having kids come up to me and hug me, or say hi, and want to play all day with me!

How has this career path impacted you?

The career path has allowed me to take a step back in life, slow down, and appreciate the little moments. All children progress differently, and it is important to be able to celebrate the little victories!

What advice would you give to those seeking a Similar career path?

Learn to appreciate yourself for your special skills! No one is ever a perfect therapist, and we all need to continue to learn and grow as people and as therapists, because improving the quality of life for the children is always the top priority.

Why Lighthouse Autism Center?

I worked with a BCBA at a previous job site and found my niche of alternative and augmentative communication! The majority of kids that I have worked with along my career path, have had primary diagnoses of autism, and so it was a no-brainer for me at the time to come to Lighthouse so that I could work with one of my favorite populations full-time!

What is your favorite part about Lighthouse Autism Center?

My favorite part about Lighthouse is that they encourage expanding your mindset to become more adept in your profession, by providing access to continuing education.

What Lighthouse Autism Center value to you identify most with?

Put a premium on innovation & creativity. In the field of Speech Pathology, there is no need to only utilize a few techniques, there are so many different ways to achieve a goal, and it’s fun to come up with completely individualized ways of targeting communication!

What is a fun/unique fact about you?

I have over 50 houseplants that I care for and love!

Ready for a career where you can make a difference?

Join Our Team About Us

Meet Susan Stahly – The Compassion Behind Our Care

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Get to know the Compassionate Team of Clinical Experts at Lighthouse Autism Center

Susan’s Lighthouse Story

Susan Stahly is a speech-language pathologist at Lighthouse Autism Center. She has a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and received her master’s degree from California State University, Northridge (CSUN). She has been in practice for 20 years. Susan recently enrolled at the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) in May 2022 to pursue her master’s in behavior analysis. She will join the team of three other dually certified SLP-BCBAs at Lighthouse Autism Center.

What made you decide on a career in therapy?

I was working as a catering manager with Marriott Hotels and Resorts; in the evening I would volunteer in the NICU at a local hospital. It became apparent that I wanted to be part of the healthcare industry; I loved working with patients and their families, have always been fascinated with healthcare, neurology, physiology, etc. as well as wanting to make a difference by directly helping others.

What inspires/drives you?

I am very passionate about doing all I can, within my area of expertise, to help our clients and their families. I always strive to learn more evidence-based strategies, techniques and follow research for the greatest benefit of our clients and families. I’m inspired by all of my current and past patients/clients/families – they have taught me so much and I’m grateful and feel privileged to work with them.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I love to see the smiles on learners’ faces and love celebrating progress. It is rewarding to help build communication skills as well as feeding and swallowing skills. I’m grateful for our co-treat sessions, learning from each other and the collaboration as an interdisciplinary team.

How has this career path impacted you?

Working as an SLP has been an incredible part of my life; the families and clients that I’ve worked with have taught me so much and allowed me to sharpen my skills. I’ve been in awe of the strength, drive, and commitment I’ve witnessed; it has opened my eyes to the vast challenges people go through, and their perseverance. I’m grateful to be part of their journey.

What advice would you give to those seeking a Similar career path?

I would advise anyone interested in a career as a speech-language pathologist to spend time talking with or shadowing SLPs in a variety of settings, to help find your niche and which population and setting you are most passionate about. I would also advise them to continue to learn and strive to expand your skills and expertise.

Why Lighthouse Autism Center?

With the new Lighthouse Fusion model, I am able to pull from my past SLP experiences to consult and collaborate, to share my knowledge; partnering with Program Managers to blend our areas of expertise for the greatest benefit of our clients. I share Lighthouse Autism Center’s desire to help clients and their families and can appreciate their desire to expand.

What is your favorite part about Lighthouse Autism Center?

My favorite part about Lighthouse is the people – such a fantastic team of co-workers, dedicated parents, and amazing learners.

What Lighthouse Autism Center value to you identify most with?

Care about people more than anything: Isn’t that why we’re here?

What is a fun/unique fact about you?

I dream of being a Formula 1 race car driver.

Ready for a career where you can make a difference?

Join Our Team About Us

Lighthouse Autism Center Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Celebrating 10 Years

Lighthouse Started from Humble Beginnings

It’s hard to believe that it has been a full decade since Lighthouse Autism Center first opened its doors. From humble beginnings of just serving four families in Mishawaka, Lighthouse Autism Center now provides autism services to over 500 families across three states.  On May 21, 2012, Lighthouse Autism Center opened its very first center in Mishawaka, Indiana. With a handful of clients and a small team of clinicians, we began providing ABA therapy services to the Michiana community.

Over the past ten years, Lighthouse has grown into a leading center-based provider of ABA therapy for children on the autism spectrum, with a network of centers across Indiana, southwestern Michigan, and Illinois. As the largest ABA provider in the state of Indiana, Lighthouse has a reputation for bringing together compassionate care with clinical excellence, with autism therapy programs supported by a beautiful play-based environment that supports the best possible outcomes for children with autism.  To think that Lighthouse stated with just one center and has now grown to over twenty centers is truly incredible.

When Gregg and Sandy Maggioli pursued their dream of providing the highest quality autism therapy services to families in Mishawaka, they never could have imagined just how big and how far that dream would come ten years later. Through a passionate team of individuals dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families with autism, Lighthouse Autism Center has impacted hundreds of clients and thousands of individuals across the state of Indiana, Illinois and Michigan serving as not only an ABA provider, but an advocate and support for special needs families.

We are grateful to all of our clients, families, staff, physicians, advocates and individuals who have been a part of the Lighthouse family for the past ten years and look forward to what another year will bring!

Follow us on Facebook to see all the exciting activities we will be doing in May, to celebrate 10 years of Lighthouse Autism Center! Click here: https://www.facebook.com/LighthouseAutismCenter

Together, we can unlock your child’s potential

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Lighthouse Autism Center Staff Spotlight: Andy

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Meet Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight of the Month: Andy.

Andy is a Registered Behavior Technician at our Anderson autism center, where he has worked since September of 2021. Andy attended University of Arkansas and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Securities. Andy loves family time, making music, cooking and collecting old records and comics.

What made you decide to apply to Lighthouse?

I had been wanting to move into a career that was more rewarding and fulfilling in nature. I decided to make a complete career change and move into this field. I wish that I would have made that decision many years ago.
 

What is your favorite part about working at Lighthouse?

Hands down the kiddos. I’ve been pleasantly overwhelmed by the team structure and family atmosphere at Lighthouse Autism Center. But, seeing those faces and watching our clients just light up with every small victory will never get old.

How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?

It’s been pretty awesome. Seeing the kiddos grow and achieve their greatness, that always makes a day better.

Ready for a career where you can make a difference?

Join Our Team About Us

Lighthouse Celebrates Autism Awareness and Acceptance!

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

April is Autism Awareness Month

Lighthouse Autism Center plans to take this month to celebrate those with autism through awareness, acceptance and understanding that each individual is as unique and different as each of our fingerprints.

Lighthouse is celebrating through activities that staff and children can participate in such as spirit week, a South Bend Cubs sensory friendly game, a sensory film with Yes Cinema, craft days, friendly center competition with creative autism awareness displays, and so much more!

Autism Awareness and Acceptance

Autism Awareness is special to our Lighthouse team and this month we have committed to celebrating everything that makes autism so wonderfully different.

If you would like to see Lighthouse’s Autism Awareness activities during the month of April, please follow us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/LighthouseAutismCenter

Together, we can unlock your child’s potential

Get in Touch Autism Services

South Bend Cubs Autism Awareness Day Presented by Lighthouse

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Lighthouse Autism Center Celebrates Autism Awareness and Acceptance Day

Sunday, April 10, 2022, 2:05PM at Four Winds Field in South Bend, IN

Lighthouse Autism Center and the South Bend Cubs are partnering to host an Autism Awareness Day with the South Bend Cubs. Gate opens at 12pm. First pitch is at 2:05pm. Home Plate Suite will be open as a sensory room.

Congratulations to the t-shirt design winner, Tracy Galicia, Registered Behavioral Therapist!

Checkout Tracy’s design below! This design will be featured on the South Bend Cubs special edition Autism Awareness shirts and hoodies, for the month of April!

These shirts and hoodies will be available for purchase from the South Bend Cubs, in-store and online: https://southbendcubs.milbstore.com/

The Cubs Den team store hours are Monday – Friday 10:00am-5:00pm and Saturday 10:00am – 2:00pm and is located at 420 S. William St in South Bend.

Join us for a sensory friendly game that will support autism awareness!

Check out the sensory room!

Learn More Here: https://www.milb.com/south-bend/tickets/promotions

Together, we can unlock your child’s potential

Get in Touch Autism Services

Bringing Effective Behavior Analytic Speech Techniques to Dublin, Ireland

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Three LAC Members Present at the ABAI in Ireland

Every two years the Association for Behavior Analysis International hosts an international conference during which behavior analysts from all over the world converge to share research and ideas.  This year’s conference will be held in Dublin, Ireland.  Three Lighthouse Autism Center speech-language pathologists: Samantha Farber, Emily Sears and Janine Shapiro will be in attendance and Lighthouse Autism Centers’ paper was accepted for presentation.

Janine Shapiro will be demonstrating effective behavior analytic speech techniques to address common speech concerns of behavior analysts.

We’re excited to bring our Lighthouse Fusion tricks to an international stage so we can help learners and practitioners near and far!

Learn more about the conference here: Conference Home – Association for Behavior Analysis International (abainternational.org)

Janine directs Lighthouse Fusion, an enhanced therapy solution that blends the best practices of ABA and speech therapies into one comprehensive program. Developed by a team of dually certified clinicians at Lighthouse Autism Center, some of only a handful in the entire country, the program brings together experts in the fields of speech and ABA to collaborate on goal development, deliver therapy, and celebrate each child’s progress.

At Lighthouse Autism Center, we offer the highest quality therapy in a beautiful, play-based environment. With Lighthouse Fusion, children make greater progress, faster, all while having fun.

Together, we can unlock your child’s potential

Get in Touch Autism Services

Driving a Global Impact with Innovative Techniques

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Innovative Techniques of ABA and Speech Therapy

Our very own Janine Shapiro, CCC-SLP, BCBA, Director of Speech/ABA Integration at Lighthouse Autism Center, recently presented at a highly attended Beijing-organized presentation. This was a virtual presentation that was quick to fill at full capacity, with several of China’s behavioral analyst in attendance! The focus of this presentation was behavior analytic techniques to establish and increase vocal communication.

Janine at Lighthouse Fusion

Janine directs Lighthouse Fusion, an initiative to fuse speech-language pathology and behavior analysis at Lighthouse Autism Center. She has practiced as a dually certified behavior analyst and speech-language pathologist for fourteen years and remains one of only a handful of clinicians with both certifications in the world. She speaks at conferences and training events around the world and passionately shares the power of behavior analysis with fellow speech-language pathologists. Janine co-authored research concerning the effectiveness of Social Thinking therapy, which was published in the Journal of Autism and Development Disorders and co-authored a chapter in Essential for Living—a curriculum guide and assessment tool for people with moderate to severe disabilities.

Lighthouse Autism Center could not be more thankful for her passion and dedication to helping our clients reach their unlimited potential. Janine is a phonemical asset to the Lighthouse team. We cannot wait to follow her journey as she continues to educate the world on behavior analytic techniques!

Together, we can unlock your child’s potential

Get in Touch Autism Services

Lighthouse Autism Center Staff Spotlight: Jordan

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Meet Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight of the Month: Jordan.

 

Staff Spotlight: Meet Jordan

Jordan started working at Lighthouse Autism Center in July of 2021 and has just recently hit six months as an (RBT) Registered Behavior Technician! She graduated from Warsaw Community High School as well as Ivy Tech and spent two years at Grace college. Jordan was a CNA for almost five years before becoming an RBT.
 
 

What is your favorite part of working for Lighthouse?

My favorite part of working at Lighthouse is the bonds we all build with these kiddos. A lot of these kids look forward to seeing us everyday and it warms my heart. I love seeing the impact we can make on these kids and watching them grow.

 

How would you describe your experience working for Lighthouse?

My experience at Lighthouse has been like no other job I have ever had. The teamwork is unmatched. When I started, my first day was full of encouraging words and tons of help. Even to this day I am still encouraged and never have to look far for help.
 
 

Do you have a favorite memory from your time here?

My favorite memory is a small one, but it has stuck with me still. Once I had passed my test to become an RBT and began working by myself, the bonds I built with the kiddos were amazing. Nothing felt better than bringing a child in to the center at the start of the day and having them say your name and being so excited that I was their teacher that day!

Ready for a career where you can make a difference?

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Brewing up success with one Lighthouse Autism Family

Posted on by Allison Gonyon

Following the Journey of Nick – delivering 22 years of compassionate care

Featuring Maggie Curry, Program Manager, BCBA

2010

Maggie Curry started working with Nick at an ABA provider in 2010. He was 6 years old at the time. His family moved to Indiana from Nebraska for quality ABA services when Nick was 3 or 4 years old. At this time, Nick’s family was dedicated to his care and fostering his unlimited potential. Even at his early age, Nick’s family would talk about their goals of life readiness and future employment when he was old enough. Nick’s mother wanted to own a coffee shop and employ Nick, so that she could remained involved with his needs.

2013

Nick ended up starting in school and changed ABA providers before beginning at Access which has since been acquired by Lighthouse Autism Center. Maggie started at Access in 2014 and was once again Nick’s therapist for in-home services. As he grew older, he took a liking and interest to the kitchen, always assisting his mom with meals, baking, groceries, and in any way he could. This further fueled the idea to have him work in a restaurant or coffee shop.

Maggie was promoted to a trainer position while attending school to become a Board Certified Behavior Analysist and remained involved with Nick’s programming for supervision and training his therapists. Once she was certified, Maggie became Nick’s BCBA.

2021

Nick’s parents made the decision to invest in a coffee shop franchise based out of Nebraska and open one here in Indiana. They are a very close family and often travel back to Nebraska to visit and spend holidays there as well, in addition to much of their family from Nebraska coming to Indiana to visit often – some have even moved here permanently!

2022

It’s a long process for Nick and his family and they are working on finding the perfect location and hope to have a shop opened within the next year. By then, Nick will be 18 years of age and will be their first employee! They are also hoping to hire a few other employees with special needs and offer a safe and accepting environment for them to continue to grow and gain independence.

“It’s been amazing to work with Nick and his family for so long and watch this dream unfold. I’ve worked with them for 12 years, and while I’ll be sad not to work with Nick any longer, I cannot wait to go to Scooter’s and order a cup of coffee!” Maggie Curry, Program Manager, BCBA

Nick’s story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kfv0W4uirGY

At LAC, we are seeing incredible progress made by our learners every day.

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