Our team helps kids be something pretty amazing. Kids.

At Hope Network Center for Autism, we’ve developed a team of experts specialized in treating learners on the autism spectrum as young as 18 months old.

Our team includes behavior analysts, behavior technicians, and social workers who provide support and advocacy, giving those we serve a wrap-around model of care.

Our team is uniquely trained and ready to serve.

"We offer a hands-on, supportive training experience designed to set our team up for success from day one. After onboarding, each team member receives individualized 1:1 training with a qualified trainer, combining live classroom learning and hands-on shadowing for a minimum of 80 hours. Team members begin interacting with learners early on, applying classroom concepts in real time and receiving direct feedback from training staff. Our approach celebrates individuality while honoring each learner’s autonomy, with programming personalized to meet each client’s unique needs. We believe learning should be engaging and supportive. Together, we work to overcome barriers and navigate distress behaviors in a safe, enriched environment—creating meaningful learning opportunities and strong relationships every day." - Maggie Moore, Executive Director of the Hope Network Centers for Autism

Evaluations designed to guide your next steps.

Diagnostic evaluations are led by Dr. Sharon Getz, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 15 years of experience. Dr. Getz provides thoughtful, thorough evaluations that help families better understand next steps and access the right support as early as possible.

Evaluations are compassionate, individualized, and focused on clarity. With short wait times and locations in Kentwood and Holland, we partner with families, pediatricians, schools, and community providers to support early identification and a clear path forward.

01

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

The BACB® requires clinicians to have a master’s degree, complete 270 graduate-level hours of behavior analytic coursework, obtain over 1,000 hours of BACB®-approved clinical work, and pass the BCBA Board Certification exam. In addition, BCBAs must bi-annually obtain 32 Continuing Education credits approved by the BACB®, including specific courses in ethics and supervision.

02

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)

The BACB® requires Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs) to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, complete 180 graduate-level hours of behavior analytic coursework, obtain over 750 hours of BACB®-approved clinical work, and pass the BCaBA Board Certification exam. BCaBAs practice under the supervision of BCBAs. In addition, BCaBAs must bi-annually obtain 20 Continuing Education credits approved by the BACB®, including specific courses in ethics.

03

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

The BACB® requires Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) to have a minimum of a high school diploma, complete 40 hours of coursework, and meet appropriate supervision and experience requirements set by the BACB®. In addition, each RBT must pass the RBT Competency Assessment. At the Center for Autism, RBTs have also completed more than 80 hours of direct ABA training. RBTs consistently pass behaviorally-based checklists scored by BCBAs, BCaBAs, and Assistant Behavior Analysts.

04

Behavior Technician

The BACB® stands for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board®, Inc. (BACB®) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation established in 1998 to meet professional credentialing needs identified by behavior analysts, governments, and consumers of behavior analysis services. The BACB® adheres to international standards for boards that grant professional credentials. Behavioral therapy should always be led by clinicians who are board certified. For more information, please refer to the BACB® website.