ABOUT
Get to Know EVOLVE
and Our Philosophy
OUR MISSION
“The only way out of a lifestyle dictated by problem behaviors is to teach skills.”
-Gregory Hanley Ph.D., BCBA-D
We want to reduce your stress, fear, and worry for the future. By using ABA therapy in the naturalistic setting, our mission is to teach skills and reduce severe problem behaviors to improve social interactions and quality of life for the client and the family. By applying the principles of ABA into day to day living and interactions, we teach emotional regulation, social skills, communication, and ways to reduce those challenging behaviors.
Hello.
CHANTAL STEELE
M. Ed.
BCBA
Chantal is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and licensed Special Education teacher. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Spanish from Colorado Mesa University in 2010. She received her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Regis University in 2019 and her certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis in 2020. She loves traveling to far away places and enjoys meeting new people and experiencing different cultures! Chantal is fluent in Spanish and enjoys conversing with people from Spanish speaking countries all over the world! Chantal's passion is helping children reach their full potential through Applied Behavior Analysis. She has a special interest in functional communication training and using reinforcement of successive approximations to shape new behaviors and skills.
RACHEL FRANKE
MS
BCBA
Rachel is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Colorado Mesa University in 2018. She earned her Master's Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Capella University in 2020. She has worked as a Special Education teacher at a middle school in Mesa County. Rachel loves the experience she was able to get on the school side of behaviors. She loves being able to meet new people and bring the passion she has towards making a difference in a family's life. Rachel's friendliness, knowledge, and patience shines through while working with each client through Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy. She has a special interest in working through major problem behavior reduction by teaching communication skills and being able to give parents the tools they need to create a positive future and environment.
Rachel is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Colorado Mesa University in 2018. She earned her Master's Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Capella University in 2020. She has worked as a Special Education teacher at a middle school in Mesa County. Rachel loves the experience she was able to get on the school side of behaviors. She loves being able to meet new people and bring the passion she has towards making a difference in a family's life. Rachel's friendliness, knowledge, and patience shines through while working with each client through Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy. She has a special interest in working through major problem behavior reduction by teaching communication skills and being able to give parents the tools they need to create a positive future and environment.
HANNAH SEARCY
BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN
​
Hannah Searcy is a Behavior Technician at Evolve! Hannah’s goal is to become a Registered Behavior Technician. Hannah is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology at Colorado Mesa University. Hannah loves working with children and watching them grow and learn! Hannah’s hobbies include puzzles, painting, and enjoying time with her cats. Hannah enjoys spending time with family and friends and loves being an aunt! Hannah is fun and creative! Hannah helps children access their calm when frustrations run high. Hannah is great at making sure children feel heard and valued.
ASHLEY PREUSS
BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN
B.S.
​
Ashley is a Behavioral Technician and is currently working towards her RBT certification. She graduated from the University of the Southwest in 2018 with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. She has always been passionate about mentoring youth and helping them work towards their goals. Ashley also works for her brother’s business, Colorado, which she loves to see continuously succeed. Ashley was born and raised in Grand Junction, Colorado. She loves spending time with family, friends and playing volleyball.
Rachel is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Colorado Mesa University in 2018. She earned her Master's Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Capella University in 2020. She has worked as a Special Education teacher at a middle school in Mesa County. Rachel loves the experience she was able to get on the school side of behaviors. She loves being able to meet new people and bring the passion she has towards making a difference in a family's life. Rachel's friendliness, knowledge, and patience shines through while working with each client through Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy. She has a special interest in working through major problem behavior reduction by teaching communication skills and being able to give parents the tools they need to create a positive future and environment.
SAM IRISH
REGISTERED BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN
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Sam is a Registered Behavior Technician. She is currently taking classes at CMU to pursue her bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy and specializing in the NICU. Sam grew up on the front range in a big family and has 7 brothers and 2 sisters. She has worked as a CNA for 6 years and enjoys helping others achieve their full potential. Sam enjoys fishing, hiking and going to the gym. She loves hanging out with her family and spending time outside. Sam loves working with children and seeing them grow and succeed.
CORTNIE WACHS
BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN
​
Cortnie is currently a Behavior Technician here at Evolve. She grew up in a small town in Eastern Colorado and moved to Grand Junction in 2019 to pursue a degree in Sociology at Colorado Mesa University. After graduating, Cortnie’s goals are to become an RBT and to further her career in ABA practices. In her free time, she enjoys, hiking, paddleboarding, camping, playing video games, expanding her knowledge, and spending time with loved ones. She also loves working with children, watching them learn, and helping them gain the
tools to excel and work through problems.
TATIANA THUMIM
BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN
​
Tatiana is a behavior technician from Morrison, Colorado. She is majoring in Social Work and minoring in Sociology at Colorado Mesa University. After she graduates, she wants to get her Masters degree in Social Work and become an adoption specialist. She is on the club soccer team and loves being outdoors. She likes to spend time with her family and friends and she loves to help people.
ISABEL WALTHERS
BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN
​
Isabel is a friendly and passionate Behavior Technician dedicated to helping individuals with special needs reach their full potential. With a strong work ethic and a natural ability to connect with others, she is a valuable member of her team. In her free time, Isabel loves to kayak and travel to new places, bringing positivity and adventure to every aspect of her life.
Rachel is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Colorado Mesa University in 2018. She earned her Master's Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Capella University in 2020. She has worked as a Special Education teacher at a middle school in Mesa County. Rachel loves the experience she was able to get on the school side of behaviors. She loves being able to meet new people and bring the passion she has towards making a difference in a family's life. Rachel's friendliness, knowledge, and patience shines through while working with each client through Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy. She has a special interest in working through major problem behavior reduction by teaching communication skills and being able to give parents the tools they need to create a positive future and environment.
EVELYN RATH
BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN
​
Evelyn is a Behavior Technician. She is currently studying Counseling Psychology at Colorado Mesa University. Evelyn is local to Colorado and has been in the Grand Valley for over 15 years. She has always been a passionate advocate for children and enjoys being able to watch them grow. Her first language is Spanish, and she enjoys working with bilingual students. Evelyn’s favorite activities are crocheting, puzzles, and taking her pug on walks.
CHLOE RAISCH
BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN
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Chloe Raisch is a Behavior Technician with Evolve. Chloe was born and raised in the Grand Valley. She plans to go to college to pursue her degree in psychology. Chloe loves being able to help the kids she works with and enjoys the relationships she builds with them. Hobbies that she enjoys are swimming, bowling and spending time with my friends!
MARISA AMICO
BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN
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Marisa is a behavior technician at Evolve. She is currently a sophomore at CMU pursuing a degree in elementary education/special education. She is able to apply her skills in the ABA clinic as well as learning skills for when she becomes a teacher. Some hobbies that she enjoys doing are paddle boarding and hanging out with friends!
DEANNE LARSEN
BA, M.ED, BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN
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DeAnne Larsen has her bachelor's in special education and recently received her master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University. She has worked in the Special Education field for over 10 years and is currently pursuing her BCBA from CU Denver. DeAnne loves working with children and has gotten multiple experiences over the years working with behaviors. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, kayaking, camping, hiking, playing sports, and spending time with her family. She has a passion for working with children and getting to experience their growth along their experiences. Being able to help guide children to understand and express their voices and interests is the highlight of getting to work with them. DeAnne aims to show patience, compassion and understanding towards all she works with, so they feel safe and heard.
EMERALD OWENS
BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN
​
Emerald Owens is a behavior technician at Evolve. She is also studying to become a Registered Behavior Technician. She graduated from Colorado Mesa University with a Bachelors in Psychology and a minor in communication Studies. After college, she plans to attend graduate school for psychology. Her hobbies include reading, painting, and watching her fish. She loves working with kids and seeing the growth each one has.
OSSIRIS AVILA
BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN
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Ossiris is a Behavior technician working toward her RBT certification. She is a Student at Purdue University Global working towards her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. She graduated from Colorado Mesa University with a bachelor’s in biological sciences. Ossiris’s goals after graduating include becoming a Board Certified Analyst, becoming a homeowner and starting a family. She enjoys working with kids and is passionate about having a positive influence on the future of youth in our community. Ossiris grew up in a big traditional Mexican household in the San Fernando Valley and later moved to Grand Junction. She is bilingual in English and Spanish. Her hobbies include health and fitness, cooking, and dancing.
KENZIE DOWNING
BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN
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Kenzie is a Behavior Technician. She is currently a student at Colorado Mesa University pursuing a degree in Counseling Psychology, and plans to work towards her Registered Behavior Technician certification. Her hobbies include painting, swing dancing, reading, and going on adventures with her friends! She was born and raised in a small town on the front range with a blended family. Kenzie is passionate about teaching children to acknowledge and express their needs while having fun. She is positive, accepting, and creative!
KAMRYN ALLEN
BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN
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Kamryn is a Behavior Technician at Evolve! She is also a student, finishing her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in Counseling this Fall 2023 at Colorado Mesa University. Kamryn was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, but moved to Grand Junction in 2019 to pursue her dream of becoming a developmental therapist. In her free time, you will find Kamryn: curled up with a book, taking photos, or cooking her favorite Chamorro meals for her friends as she loves sharing her cultural background with others! Kamryn is also passionate about working with children as her top core values are providing a safe space for self-growth and self-exploration of our world and those around us!
