401 Groveland Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403 contact@autismrecoveryfoundation.org (612) 925-8364

Fall 2022 BCBA and BCaBA Scholarship Winners

Autism Recovery Foundation (ARF) is pleased to announce the awardees of our Fall of 2022 BCBA and BCaBA Scholarships.

Our scholarship program was launched in 2014 to help individuals seeking Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification.  In 2019, the scholarship program was expanded to include individuals seeking Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) certification.

Professionals who are certified at the BCBA and BCaBA level are independent practitioners who provide behavior-analytic services.  Minnesota has a large shortage of BCBA and BCaBA practitioners serving children with autism. In addition, BCBAs supervise others who implement behavior-analytic interventions. Since 2014, ARF has provided scholarships to more than 80 students totaling more than $100,000.  

These scholarships help build the qualified professional autism workforce in our state.

After careful review of all applications, the ARF board of directors would like to congratulate the following students who were each awarded a scholarship for the Fall 2022 semester:

BCaBA Scholarships

  • Ryan Kisor – Florida Institute of Technology
  • Anne Shelton – Florida Institute of Technology
  • Kelsy Golhoffer – Florida Institute of Technology

BCBA Scholarships

  • Collin Plante – Florida Institute of Technology
  • Monica VanGunst – University of West Florida
  • Joseph Belrose – Florida Institute of Technology
  • Sophia Woods – St. Cloud State University
  • Andrea Zieba – Chicago School of Professional Psychology
  • Danielle Firsch – Ball State University
  • Karly Johnson – Florida Institute of Technology
  • Makaela Chavez – University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
  • Debra Gunderson – Florida Institute of Technology
  • Nicole Bollensen – University of West Florida
  • Alexis Zipkin – Florida Institute of Technology
  • Patrica Harris – Arizona State University
  • Madeline Halbur – Ball State University
  • Jenna Raad – Arizona State University
  • Abubakar Bingi – University of West Florida
  • Monica Lannon – Saint Joseph’s University
  • Michelle Evans – Ball State University

These scholarships are primarily funded through donations by individuals and corporate sponsors.  To find out how you can support our BCBA scholarship fund and build Minnesota’s autism workforce, check out our donations page.

Fundraiser August 27th

Families! ARF’s fundraiser will be nature hikes and sensory friendly activities at Woodlake Nature Center in Richfield with songs from Fox and Branch https://foxandbranch.com
 
Saturday, August 27th from 9:00-12:00 https://richfieldmn.gov/around_town/wood_lake_nature_center/index.php
 
We are asking for a $10 per individual or family donation that will go toward future Canteen Grants for families to support their child’s treatment and scholarships to support students pursuing certification in applied behavior analysis. There will also be an opportunity to donate additional funds at the event.
 
Email questions about sponsorship to contact@autismrecoveryfoundation.org
 
If you are not able to make it, you can donate at:
https://www.givemn.org/donate/Autism-Recovery-Foundation
 
The funds raised during the event are used to help support families through Canteen Grants and to provide scholarships to students pursuing certification in applied behavior analysis.
 
Due to the generosity of donors, over the past six years we have provided more than $34,000 in Canteen Grants to families to help support the treatment of their children. We have also given out more than $100,000 in scholarships to students pursuing certification in behavior analysis.
 
Woodlake Nature Center
6710 Lake Shore Drive
Richfield, MN 55423

Spring 2020 BCBA & BCaBA Scholarships Announced

Autism Recovery Foundation (ARF) is pleased to announce the awardees of our Spring 2020 BCBA and BCaBA Scholarships.

Spring 2020 BCBA BCaBA Scholarships

Our scholarship program was launched in 2014 to help individuals seeking Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification.  In 2019, the scholarship program was expanded to include individuals seeking Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) certification.

Professionals who are certified at the BCBA and BCaBA level are independent practitioners who provide behavior-analytic services.  Minnesota has a large shortage of BCBA and BCaBA practitioners serving children with autism. In addition, BCBAs supervise others who implement behavior-analytic interventions. Since 2014, ARF has provided scholarships to more than 70 students totaling more than $75,000.  

These scholarships help build the qualified professional autism workforce in our state.

After careful review of all applications, the ARF board of directors would like to congratulate the following students who were each awarded a scholarship for the Spring 2020 semester:

BCaBA Scholarships

  • Amanda JohnsonFlorida Institute of Technology
  • McKenzie Loch – St. Cloud State University
  • Maria Ranallo – St. Cloud State University

BCBA Scholarships

  • Krista Alvord – Florida Institute of Technology
  • Kelly Berth – St. Cloud State University
  • Hoi Chu – University of Minnesota
  • Erin Dietz –  Florida Institute of Technology
  • Brynn EkinsFlorida Institute of Technology
  • Jennifer Hagen – St. Cloud State University
  • Wei Li – University of Minnesota
  • Kelsey Loeffler – St. Cloud State University
  • Emilie Olson – St. Cloud State University
  • Alison Stark – St. Cloud State University
  • Amy Weisser – University of Central Missouri

These scholarships are primarily funded through donations by individuals and corporate sponsors.  To find out how you can support our BCBA scholarship fund and build Minnesota’s autism workforce, check out our donations page.

2018 Autism Recovery Foundation Annual Report

Today ARF is pleased to release our 2018 Autism Recovery Foundation Annual Report.

Our annual report contains key information about our many programs and projects that help children with autism in Minnesota. 2018 was a tremendous year of growth for the foundation both in the number of our supporters and in the size of our programs.

You’ll also find feature stories about important and inspiring partners and our financial performance for the year. Be sure to review the listings of our largest sponsors and reach out to say thank you for supporting our mission.

Most importantly, be sure to review the stat we love the most: the growing number of children with autism you helped us serve last year.

2018-ARF-Annual-Report

To receive a printed copy of the 2018 Autism Recovery Foundation annual report, please email us: contact@autismrecoveryfoundation.org

To view previous financial reporting documents visit our “About ARF” page.


Autism Recovery Foundation Welcomes Board Member Brooke Anderson

At our January 16, 2019 board meeting, Autism Recovery Foundation welcomed our newest member of the board of directors, Brooke Anderson..

Brooke_Anderson_Photo

About Brooke Anderson

Brooke Anderson is the Clinical Services Manager for the Applied Behavior Analysis Program at Fraser in Minneapolis, MN. Fraser’s program provides both center-based and in-home intensive services for children under the age of 7.  The program has also incorporated less intensive services for children and their families through the age of 21. 

Brooke is a graduate of Argosy University with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.  She received her license to practice Marriage and Family therapy in 2013 and has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since 2015. 

You can read Brooke’s complete bio in the Meet the Board section of our website.


Are you interested in joining Brooke and the other Autism Recovery Foundation board members in our work?

We are currently seeking nominees for open board positions.  Interested applicants should email contact@autismrecoveryfoundation.org for more information.

Spring 2019 BCBA Scholarships Announced

Autism Recovery Foundation (ARF) is pleased to announce the awardees of our Spring 2019 BCBA Scholarships.

Our scholarship program was launched in 2014 to help individuals seeking the BCBA certification.  Professionals who are certified at the BCBA level are independent practitioners who provide behavior-analytic services.  Minnesota has a large shortage of BCBA practitioners serving children with autism. In addition, BCBAs supervise others who implement behavior-analytic interventions. Since 2014, ARF has provided scholarships to more than 60 students totaling more than $60,000.  These scholarships build the qualified professional autism workforce in our state.

After careful review of all applications for BCBA scholarships, the ARF board of directors would like to congratulate the following students who were each awarded a scholarship for the Spring 2019 semester:

  • Krista Alvord – Florida Institute of Technology
  • Erin Dietz –  Florida Institute of Technology
  • Jennifer Hagen – St. Cloud State University
  • Deeqaifrah Hussein –  Florida Institute of Technology
  • Kelsey Loeffler – St. Cloud State University
  • Alison Stark – St. Cloud State University
  • DeAndre Sully-ColemanFlorida Institute of Technology

These scholarships are primarily funded through donations by individual and corporate sponsors.  To find out how you can support our BCBA scholarship fund and build Minnesota’s autism workforce, check out our donations page.

The next deadline for BCBA scholarships is July 1, 2019.

2018 Autism Heroes Reception

2018 Autism Hero of the Year Anne Henry, pictured with Autism Recovery Foundation board members Eric Larsson, Anna Theisen-Olson, and Jay O’Neill

On November 3, 2018 Autism Recovery Foundation hosted the 2018 Autism Heroes Reception at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs in Minneapolis, MN.

During the evening, the ARF board was pleased to honor Minnesota attorney and disability advocate Anne Henry with the 2018 Autism Hero of the Year Award.  Throughout her career with the Minnesota Disability Law Center, Anne Henry was central to ensuring that children and adults in Minnesota have access to all the necessary services to ensure a full and quality life in their own homes and communities.  

Past recipients of the Autism Hero of the Year award include Governor Mark Dayton, State Senator Jim Abeler, and State Representative Roz Peterson.

The 2018 BCBA Scholarship Recipients

Also honored at the event were the award winners for the 2017-2018 Applied Behavior Analysis scholarship program.   Since 2014 Autism Recovery Foundation has distributed more than $60,000 in scholarships for students who are working in the field of Autism and Behavior Analysis in Minnesota.   

2018 Autism Heroes Program 

United States Senator Amy Klobuchar began the evening with a video greeting.  Minnesota native and Superbowl Champion Ben Utecht provided entertainment throughout the evening.

2018 Autism Heroes Photos

Below are some photos of this year’s event.  A special thanks to all guests who attended our event!

Autism Recovery Foundation Hosts “ARF at the Ballpark” with the Minnesota Twins

On Sunday, August 19, 2018, Autism Recovery Foundation hosted our “ARF at the Ballpark” event.  The event is held in partnership with the Minnesota Twins.   We welcomed 24 of our supporters, board members, and families to watch the Minnesota Twins take on the Detroit Tigers at Target Field. The group enjoyed pizza, popcorn, and a Twins win!

This is the second year ARF partnered with the Minnesota Twins organization for suite-level tickets to a family-friendly game.

Each child in attendance also received a Twins backpack as part of the back-to-school giveaway event with U.S. Bank.

The ARF board wishes to thank the Minnesota Twins for sponsoring the “ARF at the Ballpark” event and for everyone who came out for a fun afternoon of baseball!

If you’d like more information on this year’s “ARF at the Ballpark event” or would like to be contacted about upcoming ARF events, sign up for our mailing list.

Fall 2018 BCBA Scholarships Announced

Autism Recovery Foundation (ARF) is pleased to announce the awardees of our Fall 2018 BCBA Scholarships.

Our scholarship program launched in 2014 to help individuals seeking the BCBA certification.  Professionals who are certified at the BCBA level are independent practitioners who provide behavior-analytic services.  Minnesota has a large shortage of BCBA practitioners serving children with autism. In addition, BCBAs supervise others who implement behavior-analytic interventions. Since 2014, ARF has provided scholarships to more than 50 students totaling more than $45,000.  These scholarships build the qualified professional autism workforce in our state.

After careful review of all applications for BCBA scholarships, the ARF board of directors would like to congratulate the following students who were each awarded a scholarship for the Fall 2018 semester:

  • Jilian Bantau – Southeast Missouri State University
  • Kayleigh Bell – Florida Institute of Technology
  • Stephen Brinsko – Florida Institute of Technology
  • Angela Brown – University of Kansas, Florida Institute of Technology
  • Steffani Falardeaux – St. Cloud State University
  • Jessica Gordon – Arizona State University
  • Jennifer Hagen – St. Cloud State University
  • Kelsey Loeffler – St. Cloud State University
  • Nicole Rogers –  St. Cloud State University
  • Kate Schroeder – St. Cloud State University
  • Alison Stark – St. Cloud State University

These scholarships are primarily funded through donations by individual and corporate sponsors.  To find out how you can support our BCBA scholarship fund and build Minnesota’s autism workforce, check out our donations page.

The next deadline for BCBA scholarships is November 1, 2018.

Autism Recovery Foundation welcomes Board Member Sammy Shand

At our May 16th, 2018 board meeting, Autism Recovery Foundation welcomed our newest member of the board of directors, Sammy Shand.

About Sammy Shand

Sammy Shand is a technology account manager specializing in marketing, networking, event planning and growing relationships. She received her Associate’s degree in business from the Minnesota School of Business and is certified in ShoreTel Cloud Intensive, VMware server virtualization, and HPE Sales.

In her free time, Shand enjoys flexing her creative muscles by up-cycling, making candles and cooking. She loves animals, visiting zoos and traveling, but most of all, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

You can read Sammy’s complete bio in the Meet the Board section of our website.


Are you interested in joining Sammy and the other Autism Recovery Foundation board members in our work?

We are currently seeking nominees for open board positions.  Interested applicants should email contact@autismrecoveryfoundation.org for more information.