About
Thrive’s Story:
We’re a team of people who care deeply about kids and families.
Our goal is simple: to support your child in a way that feels natural, positive, and tailored to them.
We believe in celebrating the little wins, working through challenges together, and keeping things real.
No cookie-cutter plans—just genuine care, backed by expertise and heart.
We’re a team of people who care deeply about kids and families.
Our goal is simple: to support your child in a way that feels natural, positive, and tailored to them.
We believe in celebrating the little wins, working through challenges together, and keeping things real.
No cookie-cutter plans—just genuine care, backed by expertise and heart.
Why Thrive?
Choosing the right support for your child is a big decision, and we get that. At Thrive, it’s not just about therapy—it’s about connection, understanding, and celebrating every big or small step along the way. We focus on each child’s unique strengths, tailoring our approach so they can grow, learn, and feel confident.
What truly sets Thrive apart is our heart. We celebrate the victories, cheer through the challenges, and stand alongside you every step of the journey. Seeing a child try something new, succeed, or gain independence is what makes all of our work worth it.
Thrive isn’t just a place to get therapy—it’s a place where children are empowered, families are supported, and every success is celebrated. That’s why families choose Thrive, and why we do what we do every single day.
Choosing the right support for your child is a big decision, and we get that. At Thrive, it’s not just about therapy—it’s about connection, understanding, and celebrating every big or small step along the way. We focus on each child’s unique strengths, tailoring our approach so they can grow, learn, and feel confident.
What truly sets Thrive apart is our heart. We celebrate the victories, cheer through the challenges, and stand alongside you every step of the journey. Seeing a child try something new, succeed, or gain independence is what makes all of our work worth it.
Thrive isn’t just a place to get therapy—it’s a place where children are empowered, families are supported, and every success is celebrated. That’s why families choose Thrive, and why we do what we do every single day.
Skills We Help Build
Skills We Help Build
Language & Communication Skills
Social and Play Skills
Imitation Skills
Feeding Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Motor Skills (Fine & Gross)
Daily Living & Self-Care Skills
Safety Skills
Flexibility & Coping Skills
School Readiness Skills
Joint Attention
Emotional Regulation
Executive Functioning Skills
Visual Schedules & Task Completion
Community Participation Skills
Tolerance for Transitions & Changes
Following Group Instructions
Functional Communication (e.g., AAC use)
Choice Making & Independence
Waiting & Turn Taking
And more...
Expanding Skills
Self-Injurious Behavior
Aggressive Behavior
Self-Stimulatory Behavior (when interfering with learning)
Tantrum & Disruptive Behavior
Elopement (Running Away)
Noncompliance
Task Avoidance
Barriers to Learning
Rigidity or Inflexible Routines
Food Refusal or Mealtime Challenges
Sensory-Related Disruptions (when behaviorally maintained)
And more...
Reducing Barriers
We’ve fallen in love with the families we serve—their dedication, patience, and unwavering love inspires us every day.
Being part of their journey is an honor we never take for granted.
Each child’s growth reminds us why we do this work: to create a place where learning is celebrated, where families feel supported, and where every small step forward is a victory.
The Heart
of Thrive
The Heart of Thrive
Founder, Thrive Pediatric Behavior Solutions
Jessi is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2011 and certified as a BCBA since 2017.
She earned her master’s degree from Western Michigan University and completed an additional post-graduate year at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where she specialized in pediatric feeding disorders. Her clinical journey began at the Marcus Autism Center’s Feeding Department, where she discovered not only her passion for ABA, but also the joy of working closely with children and families.
With over a decade of hands-on experience, Jessi brings a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to her work — always grounded in compassion and collaboration. She has a special interest in pediatric feeding, early intervention, and helping families build meaningful, sustainable routines.
Known for her warm presence, patient style, and just the right amount of silliness, Jessi brings energy and playfulness into every session — helping kids feel safe, seen, and supported as they grow.
When it comes to teaching ABA, colleagues and students often describe her excitement and delivery as “an explosion of information” — a mix of deep knowledge, contagious enthusiasm, and a knack for making complex concepts stick.
Jessi is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2011 and certified as a BCBA since 2017.
She earned her master’s degree from Western Michigan University and completed an additional post-graduate year at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where she specialized in pediatric feeding disorders. Her clinical journey began at the Marcus Autism Center’s Feeding Department, where she discovered not only her passion for ABA, but also the joy of working closely with children and families.
With over a decade of hands-on experience, Jessi brings a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to her work — always grounded in compassion and collaboration. She has a special interest in pediatric feeding, early intervention, and helping families build meaningful, sustainable routines.
Known for her warm presence, patient style, and just the right amount of silliness, Jessi brings energy and playfulness into every session — helping kids feel safe, seen, and supported as they grow.
When it comes to teaching ABA, colleagues and students often describe her excitement and delivery as “an explosion of information” — a mix of deep knowledge, contagious enthusiasm, and a knack for making complex concepts stick.
Founder, Thrive Pediatric Behavior Solutions
Kennedy combines her degree in psychology with clinical expertise, organizational leadership, and creative innovation to enhance the client and staff experience.
She brings exceptional warmth, organization, compassion, and vision to every aspect of her work—excelling in brand development, marketing, client relations, and creative strategy.
Her ability to merge business insight with people-centered care has shaped her into a leader who understands both structure and heart, making her an essential part of Thrive’s mission that “Growth Happens When Care Meets Consistency.”
Kennedy combines her degree in psychology with clinical expertise, organizational leadership, and creative innovation to enhance the client and staff experience.
She brings exceptional warmth, organization, compassion, and vision to every aspect of her work—excelling in brand development, marketing, client relations, and creative strategy.
Her ability to merge business insight with people-centered care has shaped her into a leader who understands both structure and heart, making her an essential part of Thrive’s mission that “Growth Happens When Care Meets Consistency.”
Care Coordinator
Care Coordinator
Lead RBT Trainer
Maria’s passion for Applied Behavior Analysis began while tutoring middle school students with autism. Seeing how small, thoughtful behavioral strategies could spark learning and confidence inspired her to dive deeper into the field.
She went on to become a Registered Behavior Technician, where she gained meaningful, hands-on experience supporting children and families. Over time, her curiosity and love for the science of behavior grew, leading her to pursue a graduate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Maria continues to work closely with children with autism and is dedicated to sharing her knowledge, compassion, and enthusiasm with those around her.
Maria’s passion for Applied Behavior Analysis began while tutoring middle school students with autism. Seeing how small, thoughtful behavioral strategies could spark learning and confidence inspired her to dive deeper into the field.
She went on to become a Registered Behavior Technician, where she gained meaningful, hands-on experience supporting children and families. Over time, her curiosity and love for the science of behavior grew, leading her to pursue a graduate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Maria continues to work closely with children with autism and is dedicated to sharing her knowledge, compassion, and enthusiasm with those around her.
Lead RBT Trainer
At Thrive, we believe every child’s journey is unique — and so are the milestones that matter most. Through individualized, evidence-based ABA services, we help children build the skills they need to reach meaningful goals at their own pace.
We focus on teaching real-life, functional skills like communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, daily routines, and school readiness — all while supporting families every step of the way. We also work to reduce behaviors that may create barriers to learning and independence by understanding their purpose and teaching more helpful alternatives.
From small steps to big breakthroughs, we celebrate progress that truly makes a difference in everyday life.
Meaningful Milestones
At Thrive, we believe every child’s journey is unique — and so are the milestones that matter most. Through individualized, evidence-based ABA services, we help children build the skills they need to reach meaningful goals at their own pace.
We focus on teaching real-life, functional skills like communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, daily routines, and school readiness — all while supporting families every step of the way. We also work to reduce behaviors that may create barriers to learning and independence by understanding their purpose and teaching more helpful alternatives.
From small steps to big breakthroughs, we celebrate progress that truly makes a difference in everyday life.