Jillian D, MA, BCBA

Department Head of Behavior Therapy, Behavior Analyst
Blue Bird Day Employee Since 2017

Credentials and Certifications

  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst 
  • Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention Certified 
  • CPR/First Aid Certified
  • Organization Behavior Management

Clinical Expertise

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder 
  • Pediatrics
  • ABA Department Leadership
  • ABA Masters Level Student Practicum Student Supervisor  
  • Challenging Behavior Reduction across environments  
  • Behavior Intervention Plan Training with providers and families  
  • Increase of Skill Acquisition and Socially Significant behavior 
  • Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP Assessment) 
  • Caregiver Training and Family Sessions 
  • Provider Collaboration 
  • Small and Large Group ABA Based Learning Sessions 
  • Using AAC devices and PECS in ABA sessions 
  • Transition planning  

My Story

After being an only child for 6 years, my younger sister was born with Down Syndrome. This changed my world! I was exposed to the world of therapists being in our homes, observing, and being a part of therapy sessions from a young age. Therapists became my idols, and interacting with my sister in a therapeutic way came naturally for me at a young age. My first jobs were babysitting special needs children, working as a camp counselor with special needs children, and working in daycares and preschools. At the end of college, I became a behavior technician on the weekends while working at a preschool. I felt I finally found the job I was looking for that applied my previous and personal experience. I began to pursue my master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis soon after, and became a BCBA in February 2017! 

My Education

Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis,
Ball State University

Bachelors Degree Women and Gender Studies with a minor in Applied Health,
Michigan State University

My Blue Bird Day

I enjoy working at Blue Bird for the collaboration that is easily accessible between disciplines and providers. Additionally, pediatrics is my favorite age group to work with. I enjoy participating and planning various types of sessions: individual, small/large group sessions, peer interactions, sibling sessions, and caregiver training sessions that are all available for me to provide at Blue Bird. 

Blue Bird Day

Blue Bird Day fosters socialization, sensory regulation, and pre-academic learning in children ages 2–7 years in therapeutic rotations that simulate  preschool and kindergarten settings. Our compassionate therapists practice a relationship-based and family-centered approach, provide parent training, and collaborate on goals and individualized intensive treatment plans for your child.

We believe in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary team approach to therapy.  A team of occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, developmental therapists, behavioral therapists, physical therapists, and therapeutic assistants are created for each child to ensure child and family are fully supported and the best possible results are achieved.  

Options for individualized, group and virtual therapy sessions are available as well. 

Want to learn more or you have a specific question? Feel free to connect with us here!