Spectrum Autism Center has been a dream of owner, Leasa Androl for a long time. Her son was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. Upon receiving her son’s diagnosis, Leasa and her husband Dave tried many different approaches to help their child. When the treatments failed to produce favorable results, they tried Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy which they feel helped their son achieve many goals that improved his quality of life and theirs.
Leasa, who had a Bachelor’s of Business degree, found the study of autism very intriguing and decided to go back to school and receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU).
At the time her son was diagnosed with autism, there were very few services available for children with autism in Saginaw County. Leasa decided to go to Western Michigan University to obtain her Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with the dream of someday opening a center in Saginaw County to help other parents and their children with autism.
While studying at Western in Kalamazoo, MI, Leasa had the opportunity to study under one of the foremost experts in behavioral psychology, Dr. Richard Malott. Additionally, she completed her practicum at the Kalamazoo Autism Center which gave her extensive knowledge in the delivery of ABA procedures.
Leasa knows first-hand how autism can affect families and has a strong desire to help others who are seeking to provide ABA therapy to their children.
Leasa has worked with children with autism since 2009. She has worked with toddlers, children, and adolescents at different levels across the autism spectrum. Her first training in ABA came from a program at Beaumont Hospital that was designed for parents and caregivers. She was inspired to become a BCBA after working with her autistic son. Leasa Androl, MA, BCBA, LBA
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Clinical Director – Freeland/Saginaw
Kris graduated from Western Michigan University in 2015 with a MA in Applied Behavior Analysis. She is has been the Clinical Director at our Paw Paw location since 2017. Kris lives with her husband Jim and 2 sons, Sam and Jack in the Portage, MI area.
Kris Bodine, MA, BCBA, LBA
Regional Clinical Director
Jenny graduated from Western Michigan University (WMU) in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences and chemistry. When looking to transition out of pharmaceutical research she stumbled upon behavior analysis and has been dedicated to learning as much as possible about the science ever since. She graduated from WMU with a Master’s Degree in Behavior Analysis in 2014. She loves applying the tools of ABA to help others achieve their goals and aspirations. She has experience working with children with autism from 2-19 years of age in a variety of environments including in-home, center, and in the community. She does her best to apply the principles of ABA to her personal life and to help team members succeed. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and handsome dog. She strives to make the most of every moment and help others along the way. This is why you can find her regularly volunteering at a local food pantry and adventuring in the great outdoors.Jennifer (Jenny) Ward-Kolka, MA, BCBA, LBA
Executive Director
Emily recently graduated from Wayne State University with a Masters in Educational Psychology and received a graduate certificate in Behavior Analysis. She started at Spectrum in 2016 and has returned as a program supervisor for many of the clients she got to work with as a technician! Emily enjoys working with children and wouldn’t want to do anything else. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and tap dancing.Emily Johnson, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA
Program Supervisor
Deshire Surles, MA, BCBA, LBA
Program Supervisor
Sarah Rousseau, MA, BCBA, LBA
Program Supervisor
Meghan Best, MA, QBHP
Program Supervisor
May has always been passionate about helping others and knew early on that that passion would direct her to working with children. After graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Saginaw Valley State University in 2017, she took some time to raise her daughter before looking for a position that would allow her to help others. In 2019 she found Spectrum Autism Center and her passion grew. She worked as a behavior technician for 2 years and decided to go back to school to get her Masters in ABA. May graduated in 2023 and passed her board exam the same year. Over the last 5 years, May has gained knowledge with feeding programs, Acceptance and Committment Therapy, and Early Intervention. May Ahrens, MA, BCBA, LBA
Program Supervisor
Rae can’t believe she has found a passion in life that includes playing with kids and toys all day! As a behavior tech, she understands the need to help kids be their best selves, but believes we all can have fun doing it!Rae Hall, MA, BCBA, LBA
Credentialing / Program Supervisor
Lisa Anthony
Administrative Assistant
I’ve been a Registered Behavior Technician for 3 years. I enjoy working with kids who are on the spectrum. It is so rewarding seeing the positive strides these children make to live a fulfilling and functional life. I have to pleasure to work with some great staff and parents in order to make a positive impact on these kiddos lives!
Mike Humphrey
Registered Behavior Technician
Director of Training
Tara has been with Spectrum Autism Center since September 2016. She has worked in the medical office setting for the past 10 years, most recently focusing on ABA client intake, billing and insurance. The best part of Tara’s day is getting to see the children’s growth and contagious smiles! Outside of work, Tara enjoys baking and can usually be found in the bleachers at her daughter’s volleyball and softball games.Tara Lundstrom
Director of Administration
The cost may vary depending on your insurance provider. Call our office with your insurance information and we will be able to assist you in determining a cost.
- Aetna
- BCBSM
- BCN
- HealthPlus
- Optum
- Tri-Care
- UBH
We only provide in home services after the client has had center based services and additional support is needed in the home
Although we are teaching new skills, we are not a school. We do not work on academic goals.
The entire process, from initial call to first day, generally takes 1-3 months.
We do not offer transportation to and from the center. We do provide transportation when a child is working on goals that require going into the community (shopping, haircuts, dentist, etc.).
Yes, we accept children up to age 18.