Cailey Rodgers (she/her)

Cailey is Board Certified Behavior Analyst who takes a different approach. She has 20 years of experience working with children with neurodevelopmental differences using naturalistic and developmental-behavioral supports in schools, homes, and interdisciplinary therapy clinics in NYC, LA and internationally. Cailey believes in applying a neurodiversity lens and a strengths-focused, play-based, child- and family-centered approach. She has lived experience with neurodevelopmental and sensory processing differences. She incorporates this experience with vast training in neurodevelopment, early childhood and special education, DIR/Floortime, sensory processing and other therepeutic methodologies. Committed to the paradigm shift in autism services, Cailey is currently working on another masters degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in child development and licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). She previously served as a moderator for the first ever professional Facebook group creating a space for conversation between Autistic adults and BCBAs. She also serves as a research consultant and presents nationally on topics related to neurodiversity affirming therapy. Cailey believes that authentic connection is more transformative and life changing than any therapeutic approach. (A belief that is shared by the American Psychological Association). Cailey cofounded ASC with Lola to live these values and provide an alternative for families in our community.

For more information on her background, you can view Cailey’s full CV here.

Education and Credentials:

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology-Child Studies Specialization | Antioch University Los Angeles (in progress)

Coursework in Special Education and Early Intervention | University of Oregon

Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism | Ball State University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology | Kent State University

Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education | Sinclair Community College

Board Certified Behavior Analyst | Behavior Analyst Certification Board

Certified DIR Floortime Practitioner | International Council on Development and Learning

Additional Certificates/Training in:

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

  • Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement and Regulation (JASPER)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

  • Collaborative and Proactive Solutions

  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

  • Early Start Denver Model

  • Interoception and Sensory Processing

  • Gestalt Language Processing

  • Fluency Based Precision Teaching

  • Executive Functioning Programs

  • Supporting Students with ADHD in Schools

  • Disrupting the School to Prison Pipeline

  • Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Dysarthria, and Dyspraxia

  • Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (i.e. Pathological Demand Avoidance)

  • Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches to ECE

Lola is a cofounder of ASC and an aspiring therapist with a passion and commitment to providing personal and affirming care. With a deep belief that the relationship is the therapy, Affirming Support Collaborative is a dream come true, as Neurodiversity care happening within a community of other Neurodivergent people, is a beautiful and life-changing gift. Lola is currently pursuing a degree in psychology with an emphasis in child development and human sexuality. Lola has spent the last 4 years working one-on-one with children on the autism spectrum doing comprehensive developmental therapy. Before her work in developmental therapy, Lola volunteered at a grief camp for Neurodivergent children ages 5 to 10, where she had the opportunity to connect and learn from families about what support their children needed. Lola’s lived experience as a neurodivergent woman has guided her work and ethos for providing personal and top-level care. Lola intends to pursue higher education and become a specialized therapist for Autistic women and families, She can’t wait to meet you and your family!

Education and Credentials:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (in progress)

  • Basic Professional Certificate in DIR/Floortime 201

  • Registered Behavior Technician (In progress)

Additional Certificates/Training in:

  • HIPAA for Behavioral Health Professionals

  • DIR/Floortime 101

  • Sensory Aware Level III

  • Meaningful Speech Professional Course for SLPs (Gestalt Language Processing)

  • Supporting Early Development for Children with Down Syndrome

  • American Sign Language For Babies and Toddlers

  • Harassment Prevention for Employees

  • Ethics and Neurodiversity: Let’s Talk About Sex

  • Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Dysarthria, and Dyspraxia

  • Reframing Autism: Autism Essentials

  • Nurturing Healthy Sexual Development in Kids

  • Working with Families of Individuals with Autism

  • Abuse and Neglect Protocol Training

  • Pervasive Drive for Autonomy or Pathological Demand Avoidance

  • Neurodiversity-Affirming OCD Care

  • Neurodiversity-Affirming Sensory Integration

  • Unstuck and On Target Executive Functioning for Educators

  • Healthy Sexual Identity & Development Training, Navigating Consent and Boundaries in Adolescence

  • Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of Young People With Disabilities

Lola Ethridge (she/her)

Colette Taheri (she/her)

Colette is a dedicated and passionate professional committed to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with diverse needs. Colette strives to promote growth, independence, and quality of life for each individual she works with. Colette holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is in graduate school to obtain a marriage and family therapy license. With over 10 years of experience working with children and teens, Colette has worked in a variety of settings, including schools, homes, clinics, and community-based programs. Known for her exceptional communication and collaboration skills, families, caregivers, educators, and other professionals to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to support the individuals they serve. She firmly believes that successful outcomes are best achieved through a team effort and with love and care.

Education and Credentials:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology 

  • Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (in progress)

  • Fluent in Spanish

Additional Certificates/Training in:

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

  • Attachment-Focused EMDR

  • DIR/Floortime 101

  • HIPAA for Behavioral Health Professionals

  • Sensory Aware Level I 

  • Supporting Early Development for Children with Down Syndrome

  • American Sign Language For Babies and Toddlers

  • Harassment Prevention for Employees

Coko Kirton (she/her)

Coko has worked with children for many years and has been working exclusively with neurodivergent children since 2021. During high school, she was a teacher's assistant for a children's math class and also taught her own theatre class for kids aged 4-5. She graduated from Cal State LA with a bachelors degree in theatre and has studied early childhood development as well as how to incorporate music into play. Dedicated to improving access to neurodiversity affirming care, Coko currently works in the entertainment industry and continues to support her clients at ASC whenever she can. Her goal is to make sure that every child she has the opportunity to spend time with feels cared for, accepted, and has a lot of fun!

 Education and Credentials:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Theatre

  • Adult, Child, and Infant, Pediatric CPR/AED & First Aid Certified

Additional Certificates/Training in:

  • HIPAA for Behavioral Health Professionals

  • Harassment Prevention for Employees

  • American Sign Language For Babies and Toddlers

  • Supporting Early Development for Children with Down Syndrome

  • Sensory Aware Level I

  • Reframing Autism: Autism Essentials

  • Neurodiversity Affirming OCD Care

  • Masterclass on Echolalia and Child-Led Therapy

Emerson Oertel (she/they)

Emerson is thrilled to be part of the ASC community! Having personal experience with neurodivergence, she understands the power of neurodiversity and is committed to creating a world that celebrates all minds. She has almost a decade of experience in child care across many settings, including preschools, dance classes, and homes. Emerson is passionate about fostering childhood joy through exploration and creativity. She believes that the world is best experienced through play and creating meaningful relationships, and uses this as a framework for her work in supporting children.  Emerson holds an undergraduate degree in psychology, and plans on pursuing a master’s-level education in the future. 

Education and Credentials:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, minor in Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies

Additional Certificates/Training in:

  • Reframing Autism: Autism Essentials

  • Harassment Prevention for Employees

  • HIPAA for Behavioral Health Professionals

  • Sensory Aware Level III

  • Masterclass on Echolalia and Child-Led Therapy

  • Unstuck and On Target: Executive Functioning Training for Educators

Cashin McCann (she/her)

Cashin is passionate about music and self expression. She has years of experience as a musician and instructor, and is interested in using this experience as a tool for connection with her clients. As a neurodivergent person, she feels grateful for the safe, supportive, and affirming relationships she’s made in her early adulthood, and she hopes to always contribute to spaces that encourage diversity and cultivate community. The prospect of having a bigger impact in the work that she is doing, along with more opportunity for collaboration and synergy with others, is something that excites her about working with ASC!

Education and Credentials

Graduated from Orange County School of the Arts

Additional Certificates/Training in:

  • Intro to the P.L.A.Y Project

  • Masterclass on Echolalia and Child-Led Therapy

  • Reframing Autism: Autism Essentials

  • Harassment Prevention for Employees

  • Sensory Aware Level II

  • HIPAA for Behavioral Health Professionals

Ginger Gordon (she/they)

Ginger is an attentive, compassionate advocate for neurodiverse youth, invested in the positive impact of individualized play-centered care. Their experience working with children ranges from academic tutoring to childcare to theater education, and always has a focus on encouraging the natural curiosity and creativity of children. Ginger is so excited to be a part of ASC and is passionate about their mission to embrace neurodiversity and push back against harmful and outdated treatment practices. Ginger is a native New Yorker and was a drama major at Laguardia High School for Music & Art and Performing Arts before moving to Los Angeles, where she received her BA in Theater with a minor in Cinematic Arts from the University of Southern California.

Education and Credentials:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Theater, Minor in Cinematic Arts

Additional Certificates/Training in:

  • HIPAA for Behavioral Health Professionals

  • Sensory Aware Level I

  • Harassment Prevention for Employees

  • Reframing Autism: Autism Essentials

  • Masterclass on Echolalia and Child-Led Therapy

Chantell Thompson (they/them)

Driven by a passion for empowering marginalized voices, Chantell combines a deep knowledgeof cognitive science with a heartfelt commitment to child-centered care. Chantell holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Cognitive Science from Occidental College and has a robust knowledge of human cognition, child development, and language acquisition. Having worked extensively in both educational and therapeutic settings, Chantell is thrilled to practice the DIR/Floortime approach, embracing a child-led framework to provide care that celebrates neurodivergent identities and experiences. Chantell’s ultimate goal is to harness the healing power of creativity, community, and care to foster meaningful relationships through every journey they embark. They are committed to following that path at ASC by collaborating closely with families, caregivers, and educators to support and empower their clients.

Education and Credentials:

Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science

Registered Behavior Techinician

Additional Certificates and Training in:

  • Reframing Autism: Autism Essentials

  • Harassment Prevention for Employees

  • Sensory Aware Level I

  • HIPAA for Behavioral Health Professionals

  • Meaningful Speech Professional Course for SLPs (Gestalt Language Processing)

Fernanda Lopez (she/her) 

Fernanda is a compassionate, dedicated artist and aspiring therapist. She has been working with children for many years, primarily as an instructor at MyGym Children's Fitness Center where she found a passion for supporting children’s cognitive, sensory, and motor skill development through movement, imagination, and play. As someone with ADHD, diagnosed in early adulthood, she brings a personal understanding of neurodivergence and the challenges it presents--especially when lacking support in childhood. These experiences have shaped her holistic approach to working with children, emphasizing creativity, engagement, and individual growth. Fernanda is proud to be an advocate for creating accessible, inclusive environments for all children. She is deeply committed to supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children and ensuring that they are heard and understood. She is an actress and writer who loves spending her free time cooking, baking, watching movies, or at the beach!

Education and Credentials:

  • Graduated from Los Angeles County High School for the Arts

  • Summer Acting Intensive at Yale

  • Fluent in Spanish

Additional Certificates/Training in:

  • HIPAA for Behavioral Health Professionals

  • Sensory Aware Level I

  • Harassment Prevention for Employees

  • Reframing Autism: Autism Essentials

  • Masterclass on Echolalia and Child-Led Therapy

  • Unstuck and On Target: Executive Functioning Training for Educators

Neurodiversity is the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits.

Organizational Structure

As a team, we envision a world where access needs are met, everyone is valued, and we all contribute in the ways that we can toward our shared goal of sustainable community. Affirming Support Collaborative operates as a non-hierarchical collective, distrubuting roles and tasks equitably and making consensus-based decisions.

We offer an equitable livable wage for our entire team and 100% coverage of health benefits for full time team members. We believe in mutual aid and value caring for our community in every way that we can.

If you would like to know more about this structure- ask us!

Interested in joining the team? Fill out this form

Note: We intend to grow our team slowly and intentionally and will review this form periodically as our needs change.