Clinical Team
Its a beautiful day to change behaviors....
And that is truly what our clinical team does as Board Certified Behavior Analysts. They understand the training that goes into evidence-based ABA therapy and what it can do for our clients, families and our community.
"If a child can't learn in the way we teach
we should teach them in a way they can learn"
- Ignacio Estrada
Michelle, MA, LLP, BCBA, LBA
Director, Clinical Operations
Clinton Township & Novi
Michelle Fuhr received her bachelors (2007) and masters (2010) degrees from Western Michigan University in Behavior Analysis. Most recently, Michelle received her PhD in Behavior Analysis from Capella University (2024). As a PhD, Michelle's goal is to pursue research and contribute to evidence-based practices.
Ensuring staff of all levels have high quality education and training is essential to Michelle’s belief that this will lead to high quality services and therefore enhanced client progress. Furthermore, Michelle's background in Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) has guided her implementation of reinforcement-based strategies for staff, so staff are supported and encouraged to make progress on their own goals.
Michelle has a history of developing curriculum for bachelors and master's level ABA programs, such as Wayne State University, Macomb Community College and other local universities. She is currently an adjunct professor in the graduate and undergraduate ABA programs at Wayne State University, Capella University and Macomb Community College. Michelle brings her education and passion for quality ABA services to the frontlines of UPAC to integrate knowledgeable staff with quality and ethical ABA treatment.
Michelle has been in the field of autism since 2005 and her primary interests include teaching early learning skills, teaching communication skills, parent involvement, and reducing problematic behavior. She has worked directly with Dr. Gregory Hanley on learning his Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) methods for behavior assessment and Skills Based Treatment (SBT) methods for behavior reduction. She has collaborated with Dr. Bondy on learning the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). She has also received formal training in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and as well as Functional Analysis (FA) implementation. She has presented at local and national conferences such as Behavior Analysis Association of Michigan (BAAM), Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAi) and Women in Behavior Analysis (WIBA).
Andrea, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Behavioral Consultant
Clinton Township
Andrea Engel has been working as a BCBA at the Clinton Township location since 2019. She started in the field in 2015 as a behavior technician. Andrea earned a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from Wayne State University. In her free time, Andrea loves to travel and spend time with her family.
Alisha Fowler, MS, BCBA, LBA
Behavioral Consultant
Clinton Township
Alisha Fowler received her bachelors in allied health sciences in 2019. Since she always found enjoyment working with children, she took a job in a specialized pediatric unit within a mental health treatment center after graduating with her bachelor's degree. There she quickly realized she had a special type of fulfillment working with children with special needs. Searching for a better connection with this population, she began working as an autism spectrum disorder paraprofessional in a high school setting. Finding this work rewarding and eager to learn more, she began her master's program in applied behavior analysis to strength her knowledge in reaching this population. In 2022, Alisha began her practicum experience at University Pediatricians Autism Center (UPAC) and after receiving her master's degree in 2024, she was able to transition successfully into a Behavior Consultant position. When Alisha is not working, she enjoys spending time with friends/family, going to the movies, reading, and trying out new restaurants
Mada, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Behavioral Consultant
Novi
Mada started in the field of ABA in 2013 as a behavior technician. Within this role her passion for ABA grew into her pursuing her Master’s degree in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in ABA from Wayne State University, in which she graduated in 2016. Mada worked as a Behavioral Consultant and BCBA within the school system in Alberta, Canada. In order to grow her knowledge and experience Mada returned to her practicum site at University Pediatricians Autism Center, in a BCBA role in 2018. Mada’s favorite part of working at UPAC is engaging with the children and making lasting difference in the skills that are being targeted.
Nicole Runkle, MS, BCBA, LBA
Behavioral Consultant
Novi
Nicole Runkle graduated from Madonna University in 2014 with a B.S. in Food and Nutrition and started in the ABA field at the Novi location in 2016 as a Registered Behavior Technician. With a growing passion for the field, she decided to start her master's program at Wayne State University. She graduated with a M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2021 and passed the board exam a couple months after graduation. Nicole is very passionate about seeing her clients and families succeed by encouraging high levels of parent involvement in their child's treatment.
Her primary interests include reducing problematic behaviors, teaching early learning skills, and teaching communication. She has worked indirectly with Dr. Gregory Hanley on learning his Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skills Based Treatment (SBT) methods for behavior reduction as well as continuing her passion for behavior reduction with becoming level 2 certified in Hanley’s treatment. When Nicole is not at work, she enjoys being with her family and friends, her cats Dexter and Harley, or going to Northern Michigan to relax by the water.