Stacey Hotter-Knight, MS, BCBA, LBA
Executive Director
Special Education Teaching Credential
Agency Affiliated Counselor
Ethics & Safety Committee Member
Stacey Hotter-Knight is the founder and executive director L.E.A.P.S. and Beyond, Inc. (LEAPS) is a behavioral health agency providing applied behavior analysis services (ABA) services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder. She founded leaps in in 2013 with a dedication, passion, and belief that children with autism can reach their fullest potential if treated early and comprehensively. Ms. Hotter-Knight holds a dual Master’s in Psychology and Special Education and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. In addition, Stacey has a Mild to Moderate Teaching Credential and is an Agency Affiliated Counselor. She is presently completing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She has been providing ABA services to children, adolescents and adults for over nineteen years She is at the forefront in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and she has trained and supervised multiple treatment teams in various settings for individuals of all ages. Ms. Hotter-Knight has extensive training in the principles of behavior, discrete trial training (DTT), Verbal Behavior (VB), Safety Care, Picture Exchange Communication Training (PECS), Natural Environment Training (NET), Pivotal Response Training (PRT), Reciprocal Imitation Training (RIT), and the Early Start Denver Model. She has been trained in conducting a variety of assessments, designing and implementing curriculum and reducing severe maladaptive and self-injurious behaviors. At LEAPS, Ms. Hotter-Knight is dedicated to providing the highest quality of ABA services, using research-based strategies supported by empirically proven methods ensuring client’s reach their maximum potential.
Melissa Anderson, MA, BCBA, LBA
Assistant Clinical Director of Mentorship
Ethics & Safety Committee Member
Melissa began her career in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis 10 years ago as a behavior technician, during this time she fell in love with the ABA field. Melissa holds a Bachelors in Elementary Education and a Masters in Education with emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. Melissa is now a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, her expertise includes early intervention, functional communication interventions, severe problem behavior, staff training and development, and clinical management. Melissa currently provides clinical oversight to all L.E.A.P.S Intensive Day Treatment Centers, working in collaboration with each center supervisor to ensure quality of care and best practice. Melissa’s background in education combined with her years of experience in clinical treatment and executive leadership in ABA have led to her passion for working with individuals with developmental delays / disorders and behavioral challenges. Melissa received training and certification from the University of Washington in the administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule ADOS-2 and participates in diagnostic assessments in conjunction with local medical and behavioral health care teams. Melissa strives to ensure ethical and meaningful change for clients, increase collaboration among treatment teams, and to increase access to services for our most at risk children and families in need.