Returning the Care: Honoring the Heroes of Autism Therapy During Employee Appreciation Week

Hopebridge Celebrates More than 3,600 Team Members With Pizza, Prizes and Pie Fights

Celebrating the “wins” and “aha moments” are daily occurrences at Hopebridge, and a big reason why many of us do what we do. From expanding food choices and transitioning between activities, to brushing teeth independently and finding new ways to communicate, it’s all high-fives for our kiddos. Every now and then, however, we take a moment to turn the spotlight and cheer for our Hopebridge Heroes, too.

“With more than a decade in service committed to the autism community, Hopebridge’s longevity and success rests on the tremendous work of our incredible team members,” said Hopebridge Founder and Chief Clinical Officer Kim Strunk. “This month, as we celebrated our 16^th anniversary, we also honored these real-life heroes for their immense passion and commitment to their craft.”

All Work – and Play! – With Jobs in Autism Therapy

Hopebridge’s Employee Appreciation Week included surprises such as catered lunches and brunches, pie-throwing contests, personalized gift baskets, center visits from local food trucks, raffle prizes, superhero swag and more. Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT), Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA), RBT Fellows, occupational therapists, speech therapists, center managers and the home office all joined in the entertainment.

Autism Parents Shower Hopebridge Therapists with Kind Words

We already knew our staff was made up of superheroes, but if we needed extra proof, we wouldn’t need to look very far. Here are some of the sentiments Hopebridge parents shared about their children’s therapy teams via Facebook and Google reviews: 

“Yesterday Paris spoke my name ‘Mommy’ with intention and purpose to get assistance. I am over the moon. I’m so thankful for Hopebridge. Her therapist Rho, Raquial and Natalia are amazing … Paris is actualy using words to communicate! She was completely non-verbal just 10 months ago. She loves our potty routine! … We are beyond grateful and happy. Implementing what we learned from parent training at home with intention has done wonders for Paris in just one week. This morning, she told me she was ‘sleepy,’ ‘happy,’ and needed ‘milk!” Amazing.”
Natasha, mom to Hopebridge kiddo

“My son has been attending Hopebridge Indy West for 2 years. I can’t say enough #GREAT things about his RBT Phil … Phil has went over and beyond for my son and I’m so grateful. Hopebridge Indy West Thank you for all you do. Terry Thompson, BCBA and Phil, RBT. Signed, A loving ASD Mommy.”
Tamara, mom to Hopebridge kiddo

“These two people right here have changed our life forever. These are Dakota’s RBTs at Hopebridge. They have been amazing with Dakota and worked so hard every day to help him excel and reach his goals. We are so sad that it is time to swap but I know the next family to be blessed with them will be just as happy as us. Thank you Sandelle and Chrys for taking such good care of my boy!!!”
Brandy, mom to Hopebridge kiddo

“Great staff! Samantha, Caroline and Kyle do great with my child. I’m impressed with their professionalism and caring demeanor. We’ve seen a difference in my son’s behavior in just a few months.”
Kayla, mom to Hopebridge kiddo

“What a lovely unexpected gesture! Some of the girls in Hopebridge made a early Happy Birthday card to my daughter and it just made my eyes watery! Thank you so so much!!”
Yesica, mom to Hopebridge kiddo

“Dr. Ament was amazing. She made us all feel at ease in what might otherwise be an uncomfortable situation. In addition to her excellent customer service skills, she was extremely thorough. I highly recommend anyone who is looking for answers or closure to any questions you might have about Autism. Thank you Dr. Ament!”
Sachi, mom to Hopebridge kiddo

“My son Jessyah has been going to Hopebridge in Glendale since they opened a year ago, I cannot say enough wonderful things about this place or the people working there, they are absolutely AMAZING!!!! Now they opened one in Litchfield closer to my home, I was so scared to move him because like a lot of autistic people he does not do well with change, but the staff at Litchfield have made the transition so wonderful, Jessyah comes out each day happy as before and it makes my heart smile, I can’t wait to see how wonderful he does this next year and I am so very grateful I found Hopebridge.”
Cristy, mom to Hopebridge kiddo 

“Lauren and Cynthia have done amazing work with Ethan. They’ve both made it to where he wants to go to ABA! Missy had made it to where Josh is talking and becoming more sociable. I can only brag on your team. You ALL are amazing! I’d be here all day giving everyone a shout-out.”
Angela, mom to Hopebridge kiddo

“I want to say thank you for your company and Greenwood, Indiana staff. If I could give you a zillion star rating I truly would. I’m so grateful for them! My son’s progress has been amazing and I am so proud of him I could burst. There are so many there who have worked with my son and they’ve all been great. I love them. I wanted to recognize my son’s regular team – Taylor, Amber, Melissa and Emily. They’re fantastic and I’m so happy he has them! We are gaining words, he’s singing songs, waving properly, actively coming out to acknowledge guests, he isn’t screaming during bathtime, shampoos, toothbrushing, etc. He’s gaining functional skills with objects and toys and so many other things. He’s happy to go, comes home happy, we’re all learning here at home and I am so thankful to them!”
Catherine, mom to Hopebridge kiddo

“I absolutely love Hopebridge in Terre Haute. My son has thrived on levels I never thought possible. Everyone goes above and beyond to make sure his needs are met. A few people I’d like to thank are Jackie, Brittany, Tanna and Andy. They’ve been working with my son from the very beginning. They have all been truly amazing. Thank you Hopebridge!!!”
Stephanie, mom to Hopebridge kiddo

“Too awesome and cute not to share! After months of goldfish and cereal only, Lucky has resumed Pizza! This time calling it by name! Thank you to our Glendale, AZ Hopebridge team of RBTs, BCBAs, OTs and support staff! You are amazing and appreciated!”
Sarah, mom to Hopebridge kiddo

“Every few weeks we have a conference with Savannah’s therapist. We are so happy with how she is progressing and how much she loves not only going to Hopebridge but also that she adores everyone there!”
Kimberly, mom to Hopebridge kiddo

Every day, our heroes put on their capes to make a difference in the lives of children with autism. Whether they’re a behavior analyst, speech pathologist, clinic manager, psychologist or work in another capacity out of the home office, our Hopebridge Heroes ensure that our kiddos have the ability to become their best selves.

Are you interested in making a life-changing impact throughout your career while collaborating with others who are also driven to make the world a better, more inclusive place? Check out the Hopebridge job page to review available positions across the nation and learn how you can get your own invisible superhero “cape” working with kids with special needs.

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