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.

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!

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!

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.

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?

What is your favorite part about working at Lighthouse?

How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?

Staff Spotlight: Meet Jordan

What is your favorite part of working for Lighthouse?

How would you describe your experience working for Lighthouse?

Do you have a favorite memory from your time here?

Why did you apply for a position with Lighthouse?

How would you describe your experience working for Lighthouse?

Do you have a favorite memory from your time here?

Meet Alexis: Mishawaka Center

Meet Alexis! Alexis is a Registered Behavioral Technician at our Mishawaka center, where she has worked for a year. She is a graduate of Indiana University and holds a degree in Psychology. As an RBT with Lighthouse Autism Center, Alexis is responsible for working one-on-one with children with autism and implementing therapy programs designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts. She helps children work on refining previously learned skills and helps them develop new communication, social, living skills and more!

What made you want to apply to work at Lighthouse?

I wanted to work somewhere where I could help kiddos live their best life.  I knew I could do that at Lighthouse Autism Center.

Tell us about your favorite part of working with your team at Lighthouse.

Honestly, my favorite part of working with my team is being able to be myself around them, inside or outside of work. Whether it’s making jokes or needing support, they are always there.

Can you share a favorite part or memory about working with the Lighthouse kiddos?

My favorite memory is hearing one of our non-verbal kiddos finding their voice. The list words he knows went from zero to almost 30 seemingly overnight. I may have shed a tear or two hearing him talk.

How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?

It’s been the most supportive environment I’ve ever worked in. The staff, the seniors, and our PM’s are just all so friendly and easy to get to know.

In her free time, Alexis enjoys painting to help her relax.  She paints on canvas and on miniatures, which are only one inch tall!

Meet Lighthouse Autism Center’s Staff Spotlight of the Month: Katie Beth

Meet Katie Beth! Katie Beth is a Registered Behavioral Technician at our Granger center, where she has worked for a year and a half. She also has a degree in ministry and theology from Atlanta Bible College. As an RBT with Lighthouse Autism Center, Katie Beth is responsible for working one-on-one with children with autism and implementing therapy programs designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts. She helps children work on refining previously learned skills and helps them develop new communication, social, living skills and more!

Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.

I have always had a passion for working with kiddos and helping people.  Since I knew that I wanted to be able to make a bigger impact in the lives of children with special needs, Lighthouse seemed like a natural fit! My aunt has Down Syndrome and she has been an inspiration in pursuing a career in this field.

Can you share a favorite part or memory about working with your Lighthouse teammates?

I love how supportive and encouraging my teammates are.  Coming to work is easy when you have such a wonderful group of people to share the day with.  I would not be able to do what I do without each of them!

Can you share a favorite part or memory about working with the Lighthouse kiddos?

The best feeling in the world is when you look back on when a child first started and see just how much they have achieved in their time with us.  It is such a joy to be a part of their lives and help them grow!

Outside of work, Katie Beth enjoys spending time with her husband and their rescue dog Sage.  She also enjoys photography and hiking. 

Meet Tiffaney! Tiffaney is a Registered Behavioral Technician at our South Bend center, where she has worked for two and a half years. Tiffaney also has a degree in Psychology from Indiana University South Bend. As an RBT with Lighthouse Autism Center, Tiffaney is responsible for working one-on-one with children with autism and implementing therapy programs designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts. She helps children work on refining previously learned skills and helps them develop new communication, social, living skills and more!

Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.

I wanted to apply to work at Lighthouse because I wanted to be able to use my degree to impact lives and know I am a part of something bigger.

Tell us about your favorite part of working with your team at Lighthouse.

One of my specific favorite memories was during a transition to school day with one of our kids. We were in a completely new environment and without any help they were able to communicate their needs. It reminded me how hard these kids work every day and how what we all work on is implemented into their daily lives.

How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?

I would describe my Lighthouse experience as life changing. The kids that I have worked with over the years have taught me so much. I have experienced growth in my own life, and I have the privilege to see the growth in the kids’ lives as well.

In her spare time, Tiffaney enjoys taking care of her six pet bunnies and writing.

Caitlin Tells Us About Working with Children with Autism

Meet Caitlin! Caitlin is a Registered Behavioral Technician at our Elkhart North center, where she has worked since August. As an RBT with Lighthouse Autism Center, Caitlin is responsible for working one-on-one with children with autism and implementing therapy programs designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts. She helps children work on refining previously learned skills and helps them develop new communication, social, living skills and more!

Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.

I honestly had never really thought of working with children with autism before. I had always known I wanted to work in pediatrics but wasn’t sure where. Then Covid hit and I was laid off. I was looking for something different and figured I would give it a try. It was the best decision I could have made!

Tell us about your favorite part of working with your team at Lighthouse.

I absolutely love how encouraging and helpful every one of my teammates are.  We are constantly building each other up.

What is your favorite part of working with the Lighthouse kiddos?

I love everything about the kiddos I work with. They bring a smile to my face and melt my heart. Seeing their progress and growth is so rewarding.

How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?

I love working for LAC! I don’t dread waking up in the morning to go to work. I come in excited for the day and excited to see the kiddos that have stolen my heart.  This job has truly changed my life in such a short time!

Caitlin has three children, ages 8, 4 and 7 months. She loves going to rock concerts and going camping with her family.

Meet Alexis: A Registered Behavioral Technician at LAC Avon

Meet Alexis! Alexis is a Registered Behavioral Technician at our Avon center, where she has worked for one year. As an RBT with Lighthouse Autism Center, Alexis is responsible for working one-on-one with children with autism and implementing therapy programs designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts. She helps children work on refining previously learned skills and helps them develop new communication, social, living skills and more!

Tell us about why you applied for a position with Lighthouse.

I applied to Lighthouse Autism Center because I wanted the opportunity to provide meaningful services to children in an urban setting.

Tell us about your favorite part of working with your team at Lighthouse.

My favorite part of working with my Lighthouse teammates is being able to leave work every day knowing we are making positive differences in the lives of our kiddos and having the most fun while doing it!

How would you describe your Lighthouse experience?

My “Lighthouse experience” has been great! No two days are alike, and I have been able to learn a lot about myself as an employee and as a therapist while working for Lighthouse! Everyone I have had the opportunity to work with has been team-driven with shared goals, and the unwavering support for each other is incredible!

Alexis is the oldest of seven kids and has a pet bunny named Ice Cube.  She is a graduate of Indiana University Kokomo, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Spanish.