Our mission is to offer individuals with autism and neurodevelopmental differences the most nurturing, therapeutic service in their journey to self-actualization.
What’s the difference in a supports and connection-focused, growth-mindset in special education advocacy?
An inclusion model is representative of a structure of equality, that there is equal opportunity access. Instead what is needed, is equity. Our job, then, is to understand how equitable accessibility to learning would change the lives of those with exceptionalities for the better.
Focusing on level and variability of support-needs instead of disability helps us keep connection on the forefront of our mind. This subtle change offers a different perspective on growth. What can I accomplish if I was supported in the ways that I need? Let’s define those ways and opt out of the, “[disability] will prevent [y] from occurring,” mindset.
Embracing challenges and novel opportunities engenders a growth-mindset in each learner. Instilling and modeling, “I can learn anything,” is a powerful gift and even more powerful tool in accessing education.
What’s the difference in a Neuroaffirming, sensory and trauma-informed care practice in ABA?
Neurodiversity-affirming care practices follow a neurobiological and neurocognitive understanding of Autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, dyspraxia and more.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science of human behavior and evidence-based practice model that provides meaningful, individualized support. We choose teaching methods that positively bolster all aspects of development (communication, social-emotional, behavioral, motor, and cognition) and naturally incorporate them within play.
When paired with a comprehensive understanding in cognitive neuroscience, trauma-informed care practices, sensorimotor-informed training, and a strong knack for the great outdoors, this emerges as a holistic, neuroaffirming practice to offer a whole new perspective on nourishing self-advocacy and autonomy and feeling safe in one’s body and environment. This collaborative practice, emboldened in the hands of parents, family, and individuals may provide a critical step towards independence, well-being, and becoming one’s truest self.
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Olivia Martens Hake
FOUNDER
Olivia’s sister Toria will forever be her first love; and growing up with one eye on her sister and one eye on her teacher, standing with Victoria would become her first taste of advocacy. This love for her sister has presented her with a journey of uplifting individuals and their families diversely affected by autism. She has over 20 years of experience in providing support to families and children with disabilities beginning with volunteer work in sports and hobbies. Olivia grew up in both Hawaii and Colorado with her two siblings and all three traveled to various competitions in swimming, soccer, and ice skating.
After starting a Special Olympics swim team branch in La Jolla, Olivia graduated from the University of California, San Diego, with a BS in Cognitive Science with a specialization in Neuroscience and began working in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a behavioral therapist. She later pursued an MS in ABA at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and acquired a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential and is a Licensed Behavior Analyst with the Behavior Analysis Regulatory Board (BARB). She later completed her Board Certification in Advocacy for Special Education (BCASE) with the National Association of Special Education Teachers, her Certification with the University of San Diego, School of Law in Special Education Law and Advocacy Series (SELAS), and her Sequential-Oral-Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding Therapy Training. Olivia continues to love supporting individuals in empowering their own growth and advocacy and is currently pursuing creating social recreation opportunities in Central Oregon for the neurodivergent communities.
Olivia loves being outdoors and enjoying her free time with her partner Eric and their dogs, Blue and Denali. You will find her exploring, hiking, swimming, biking, climbing, or slacklining with her family.
