The Full Story
The Autism Center
They say the bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly, given the size of its wings with respect to its body. But in reality, this isn't true. Bumblebees can and do fly all the time. You may have heard someone tell you your child will never be able to do something, but we're here to tell you that isn't necessarily so. We're here to support you and your family in empowering your child to reach new heights.
Diagnosis
When parents learn their child has autism, this often leaves unanswered questions. Will my child ever be independent? Can they have a good and happy life?
Support
While it presents unique circumstances for families, autism is not a death sentence. The Autism Center is here to equip you and your family with the tools you need to improve your child's quality of life.
Treatment
We focus on functional skills such as communication, emotional regulation, independence in school, and more. Our services also target maladaptive behavior for decrease and replace these behaviors with appropriate, pro-social behaviors that meet the same wants and needs.
Collaboration
The Autism Center is unique in its emphasis on well-rounded healthcare. Collaboration with outside professionals can look different depending on the individual and provider, but this can look like adapting sessions to support other therapies or providing behavioral data of the symptoms treated by psychotropic medications.
Meet our Clinicians
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Sarah Lewis, M.Ed., BCBA
With over a decade of working with children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, Sarah received her Masters in Education from Western Governors University and completed her Applied Behavior Analysis coursework at the Florida Institute of Technology at the age of 20. Now, she is a Ph.D. candidate at Capella University with a major in Psychology and a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. Beyond autism, Sarah works with individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, fragile X, down syndrome, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, and more. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys playing board games, visiting museums, and hanging out with her three children. As a Sauk Valley native, Sarah enjoys giving back to her community in impactful ways such as supporting local families impacted by autism spectrum disorder.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Erica Kaufman, M.S., BCBA
Erica is a Sauk Valley native, but has spent much of her teenage years and young adulthood moving around the states. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. While living in Montana, she fell so in love with all things ABA that she decided to pursue her master's in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. Erica has been a BCBA since early 2024, but started out as an RBT in 2018. She's excited to be back in the Sauk Valley area servicing families, as partaking in the success of clients is just as amazing for her as it is the families. Erica spends her free time curled up reading a book or at the gym. Erica has a diabetic cat named Pig (go figure), loves Chai lattes and bacon!
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Kristina Asen, M.S., BCBA
Kristy has been working with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder for over 10 years. She graduated from the University of Southern Maine with her Masters in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has experience with children on the spectrum, as well as children diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, Fragile X syndrome, PANDAS, and more. Kristy is passionate about teaching and employing empathy, and helping children increase their functional communication. Outside of work, Kristy loves making memories with her loving husband and three daughters. Having fun family time, one game of Hungry Hungry Hippos at a time.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Jenny Pan, M.S., BCBA, LBA
Jenny is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in applied behavior analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Western Michigan University and is a licensed/practicing Behavior Analyst in the state of Michigan. Her professional interest is delivering high-quality, culturally-competent ABA services to children and their families. When she is not at work, you can find her spending time with her family, traveling and trying new foods.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Rachel Grenier, M.Ed., BCBA, LABA
Rachel discovered ABA back in 2014 while working as a developmental specialist for an Early Intervention agency, and was immediately drawn to the science behind behavior. Rachel obtained her Masters in Education from the University of Massachusetts in Boston along with her BCBA credential in 2019. Rachel is a respectful, compassionate clinician who strives to incorporate assent-based learning strategies for all of her clients, which includes teaching how to protest appropriately. Rachel has a passion for teaching caregivers and mentoring future BCBAs. When she is not working, Rachel enjoys playing with her dogs and exploring new restaurants.
Clinic Manager
Samantha Vancil-Dailey, RBT
Samantha Vancil-Dailey has been actively working in mental health for 10 years, providing support for individuals with physical and neurodevelopmental delays. She is passionate, experienced, and thoroughly understands how important early intervention is for children on the autism spectrum. Outside of working, Samantha loves being creative. Her work is often showcased in various DIY home projects, woodworking, and event decorating. Beyond that, Samantha says her favorite way to fill her cup is by getting outside with her dogs, spending time with her family, and having weekly game nights with her life-long friends.
RBT Operations Specialist
Katherine Williams-Willis, RBT
Katie began working as an RBT for the Autism Center in January of 2024. Prior to that, she was a Preschool Teacher for five years, for which she earned her Child Development Associate certification. Katie enjoys being a part of a workplace that helps children to learn and grow. Outside of work, Katie is the mother to two daughters that keep her on her toes. She enjoys playing video games, card games, Dungeons & Dragons and reading. She spends her free time with her friends and family.
Insurance Specialist
Cassandra Appelquist
Cassi Appelquist is the insurance specialist at the Autism Center of Sauk Valley. She has worked in the hospital setting for 20 years with 5 years as an insurance specialist. She works diligently behind the scenes to keep services for our clients running smoothly on the insurance side of things. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and cooking.
Get in Touch
Autism Center of Sauk Valley, LLC
Dixon, Illinois 61021
(815) 440-6134