Aggieland Autism Center
Behavior Therapy - Texas Style
AAC Core Values!!
Passionate Commitment
Integrity
Grit
Selfless Service
We have P.I.G.S.!!
Each of our employees, volunteers and other members of our team share these values and will be challenged to grow every day while keeping true to the AAC Core Values. We love all of our employees, volunteers and other members of the team and look forward to a long and wonderful future!!
Applied Behavior Analysis
What is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis is the science devoted to determining how our environment affects socially significant behaviors and how we can manipulate the environment to change or create new behaviors.
How does AAC use ABA?
Through daily interactions with multiple trained therapists, Aggieland Autism Center, LLC creates a unique environment to build your child’s skills.
AAC helps reduce problem behaviors by providing reinforcement and implementing researched based interventions with highly skilled therapists.
What makes us different?
We combine fun with challenging work to increase socialization, communication, and self-help skills!
We increase motivation using a unique environment, atmosphere, and awesome rewards!
We want to help clients build the necessary skills needed to achieve their full potential and independence in life through socialization, communication, and self-help skills.
We implement the highest standards of behavioral therapy that meet insurance and parents' high standards in a faith, family, and community friendly atmosphere.
How to get started?
Call, Text, Email or the Website Contact Form are great ways to communicate to AAC management that you are interested in services. Once we know you are interested we can begin the process:
- ABA insurance eligibility check is done
- A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will conduct a functional behavior assessment and provide an individualized treatment plan for your child
- AAC will establish a start-date according to the parents and insurance timeline, based on approval from your insurance company
Full-time ABA therapy with AAC can be a core component of your child’s life to help build skills and reduce problem behavior.
About Behavioral Therapy
Assessment of Skills and Barriers
Assessment of Skills and Barriers
Assessment of Skills and Barriers
As a BCBA with years of experience assessing children with autism, Lynn Hawkins, MA, BCBA uses the VB-MAPP or the ABLLS to identify skills and possible barriers to learning. These assessments are research driven and time tested. They show what your child can and cannot do. These assessments also reveal how your child is learning from th
As a BCBA with years of experience assessing children with autism, Lynn Hawkins, MA, BCBA uses the VB-MAPP or the ABLLS to identify skills and possible barriers to learning. These assessments are research driven and time tested. They show what your child can and cannot do. These assessments also reveal how your child is learning from the environment: they show not just what they know but how they know it.
Also, a full comprehensive evaluation or a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is completed with every client so that goals, objectives, and targets are based on parent, insurance, and developmental needs.
These evaluations or assessments are part of the Aggieland Autism Center, LLC intake process. There is no charge to the families for the intake process (outside of insurance co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles due for billable services). These assessments along with interviews with the parents / caregivers are crucial to setting goals for treatment. We collect data and establish a baseline of your child's skills in order to meet your child they’re at. AAC is dedicated to helping you and your child reach your full potential using research driven assessments and evaluations.
ABA therapy at its Best
Assessment of Skills and Barriers
Assessment of Skills and Barriers
Using 1:1 Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for 30-40 hours a week, we combine super fun with super hard work to increase socialization, communication, and self-help skills. We increase motivation for hard work using the horses, power jeeps, flying kites, cool science experiments as awesome rewards.
Also, using the results of the Functi
Using 1:1 Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for 30-40 hours a week, we combine super fun with super hard work to increase socialization, communication, and self-help skills. We increase motivation for hard work using the horses, power jeeps, flying kites, cool science experiments as awesome rewards.
Also, using the results of the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), we form a comprehensive intervention plan that will not only focus on decreasing barriers to learning or problem behaviors but will also increase skills for independence and more socializing. Goals for the research driven interventions are set by the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and the parents. Your child's progress is monitored by the on-site BCBA, and weekly updates are made to individual programs. We have weekly meetings to discuss progress and concerns, as well as, diligently provide training for the families.
Most importantly, AAC submits insurance reports and gains approval for ABA therapy. With this model of service, AAC wants to be a core component to improving your daily life for you and your child. We want to be a part of preparing your child for school, independence and success!
Analyzing Amazing Results
Assessment of Skills and Barriers
Analyzing Amazing Results
Here at Aggieland Autism Center, LLC (AAC) we will analyze data to show improvements and change treatments accordingly to support effective results. We prepare progress reports for periodic parent meetings and reports for insurance to ensure continued coverage of ABA therapy services at AAC.
Lynn Hawkins, MA, BCBA, LBA is thrilled to sho
Here at Aggieland Autism Center, LLC (AAC) we will analyze data to show improvements and change treatments accordingly to support effective results. We prepare progress reports for periodic parent meetings and reports for insurance to ensure continued coverage of ABA therapy services at AAC.
Lynn Hawkins, MA, BCBA, LBA is thrilled to show you the above graph results (1 month). The problem behaviors (each color represents a different maladaptive behavior) decreased like never before! Previously, these behaviors were out of control with no end in sight. After 4-5 months of ABA therapy on the ranch setting the client began engaging in social skills that rewarded him with cool stuff and sharply decreased the problem behaviors that interfered with driving the power jeep or riding the horse. Mom saw a tremendous difference as did the hair dresser (the client’s first hair cut!!!), the grocer, the life guard, and the dentist. He became more social, began pretending with peers, and wanted others to play with him!
Join us at the ranch in College Station, Texas, we want to analyze amazing results with you!
About Results
Super Big Fun Stuff!
Social skills, activities, and crazy fun!
Social skills, activities, and crazy fun!
Kids are willing to do things they have never done before because we offer giant treats and jackpot rewards!! Using the ranch setting and some amazing motivation we can see the most change possible with the buckaroos gaining skills and reducing problem behaviors. The more opportunities that we contrive to find that motivation on a Monda
Kids are willing to do things they have never done before because we offer giant treats and jackpot rewards!! Using the ranch setting and some amazing motivation we can see the most change possible with the buckaroos gaining skills and reducing problem behaviors. The more opportunities that we contrive to find that motivation on a Monday will be different than the opportunity we need to create on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Each day is different here at AAC. We intentionally change each aspect of the environment to provide for the most opportunities to generalize skills. By gaining motivation with bounce houses, waterslides and more, we can see amazing results while the buckaroos stay engaged all day long.
Going outside of the classroom or clinic and increasing motivation with amazing rewards may get some surprising results. Be the mom that is seeing her son get on a horse for the first time! Watch him face all his fears and walk in the rain to feed the horse a treat. Hear the first words from your daughter on the back of a horse saying, "Go!"
Social skills, activities, and crazy fun!
Social skills, activities, and crazy fun!
Social skills, activities, and crazy fun!
Here at AAC you can watch your child dress up and pretend play (increase self-help skills: change clothes, wear weird clothes due to sensory issues) imagination is key to learning abstract lessons, and we have fun learning skills on the ranch setting. We have festivals (waiting in line, engage in games), parades (waving and smiling at oth
Here at AAC you can watch your child dress up and pretend play (increase self-help skills: change clothes, wear weird clothes due to sensory issues) imagination is key to learning abstract lessons, and we have fun learning skills on the ranch setting. We have festivals (waiting in line, engage in games), parades (waving and smiling at others), sports days (run to the 1st base first--not 3rd!), kite flying (training cause and effect), birthday parties (social skills 101--sing, blow, say thank you), water play (social skills and self-help skills), and photo booths (look and smile on cue). These are a few of the fun-filled activities to experience for the whole family.
Innovative ABA therapy
Innovative ABA therapy
Innovative ABA therapy
Research shows the greatest results with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are gained through intense behavioral therapy, 35-40 hours a week. We offer this at Aggieland Autism Center, where we have behavioral therapy--Texas style. We assess, set goals, find rewards worth working for (reinforcers), write, train, and implement the highest q
Research shows the greatest results with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) are gained through intense behavioral therapy, 35-40 hours a week. We offer this at Aggieland Autism Center, where we have behavioral therapy--Texas style. We assess, set goals, find rewards worth working for (reinforcers), write, train, and implement the highest quality ABA for each child seven years of age and younger. Data is taken daily and analyzed weekly to ensure great success. Everyone is trained to implement the treatment that works best for the child: therapists, parents, caregivers, and teachers are welcomed as well.
Quality Therapy
Innovative ABA therapy
Innovative ABA therapy
At AAC we pride ourselves in offering the highest quality of ABA Therapy. Highly trained therapists, unique value, and rock-solid core values add to our unique and strong culture that attract some of the best employees that work with passionate commitment, integrity, grit, and selfless service. We maintain strict training standards and
At AAC we pride ourselves in offering the highest quality of ABA Therapy. Highly trained therapists, unique value, and rock-solid core values add to our unique and strong culture that attract some of the best employees that work with passionate commitment, integrity, grit, and selfless service. We maintain strict training standards and place high expectations on all our employees to maintain our core values. Employees prove that they have what it takes to provide your buckaroo with the therapy that they need while we maintain the highest level of trust with every family. Having a team orientation focused on the same end goal – our mission – drives our team forward to accomplishing amazing results for each of the buckaroos. Every client is different, and every treatment plan is individualized, and we train all our therapists to work as a wholistic unit while maintaining the high standards set by the BACB, Insurance companies, and families. Every member of our team is committed to pouring their passion of changing lives into their work. Check out our amazing team members in the Team section.
Our Team
Manager & Program Director
Howdy, I’m Lynn Hawkins, MA, BCBA. In addition to over 17 years of experience with those with development disabilities, as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) I am directly responsible for providing effective changes in behaviors using the best of Applied Behavior Analysis, which includes giving and receiving super cool rewards! One way I receive cool rewards is by using ABA therapy with everyone at the ranch! Another fun part of my day here at the ranch is to ensure that our BCaBAs or Registered Behavioral Technicians (therapists) maintain high standards working with your child. I address problem behaviors, skill acquisition, track progress and set parent and insurance approved goals, as well as train families in a more natural environment.
Marketing and Human Resources Director
Sharon Faries has made a career out of helping others. She is currently Marketing HR Director in her latest role with Aggieland Autism Center, LLC where she has developed a strong passion for helping those with Autism along with her desire for growing a high quality and meaningful business. Expanding on a successful career of 16 years in sales, she decided to join her husband in starting their own business- website, database, graphic design, & commercial printing. After graduating from Texas A&M in 1994 (B.S. Biochemistry), her most challenging & professional role was Manager of International Sales. She was tasked with training colleagues around the world on US technologies, educating their customers, and giving presentations and seminars with her largest audience of 200 people in China. However, her most rewarding experience involved helping to socialize a middle school autistic boy. As a Teacher’s Aide, providing behavioral therapy, she helped this special boy to attend public school for the first time as a 9th grader! When she is not glued to the computer (or Movie!) screen, she spends time with her family and friends. She loves the outdoors, rafting, photography, scuba diving, soccer, volleyball, animals (her dog Daisy) & especially camping.
Lead RBT
Kelly grew up knowing that she would devote her life to working and caring for children. She began this journey by going to school with her mom and working with kids with exceptionalities and LOVING it. Before working at AAC, Kelly gained experience by teaching swim lessons, nannying, and student teaching. She received her Bachelor’s in Special Education from Texas A&M University (2019) and became a Registered Behavior Therapist (RBT) shortly after. She has decided to continue her education at TAMU to obtain a Master’s in Special Education and a certificate as a BCBA. Kelly is fulfilling all the requirements needed through AAC and is building a foundation and education through this company. When Kelly is not rocking it at AAC, she is building a life with her fiance/husband, making memories with friends, and pushing through CrossFit workouts.
Lead RBT and Marketing Assistant
Paige has had a passion for working with children since a very young age from nannying, to coaching gymnastics, to being a Sunday school teacher. But more importantly, Paige’s passion for helping children with autism grew when her younger brother was diagnosed at six years old. Paige graduated from Texas A&M University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in sociology. Not knowing what her future held, she began her Masters in Social Work (MSW) at the University of Texas-Arlington with hopes to work at a children’s hospital. Shortly after starting her masters, she began working at AAC and nonetheless, felt a calling to continue helping children with autism succeed through ABA therapy. Paige is certified as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and within the next year, she will begin pursuing her graduate certificate in ABA to become a BCBA. Upon completion, she will be certified as a licensed MSW and BCBA. When she is not at AAC or working on school work, you can find her cuddling with her pup, Rosie, cheering on her boyfriend at Texas A&M hockey games or having dinner with friends and family.
RBT
Taylor has over ten years of experience working with children, and four years working with children with autism. After high school, Taylor began teaching preschool at a private Christian school in Idaho. Shortly after moving to Iowa, she began working as a paraprofessional at a public preschool. Her passion for children with autism began while working there in Iowa. Upon moving to College Station, Taylor knew she wanted to continue helping those with autism and immediately found an opening at AAC. She is now a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) and leads crafts. Taylor is married to her husband, Ben, who is a graduate student at Texas A&M, and they have two dachshund puppies Elliott and Macy. She enjoys spending time with Ben, attending Aggie football games, walking her dogs, and catching up on her favorite TV shows.
RBT and Volunteer Coordinator
Rebecca has had a passion for working with kids since she was very young. As the oldest of four, Rebecca’s passion started at home taking care of her siblings. This passion grew as she began coaching gymnastics, tutoring elementary kids in Spanish, and coaching fitness boot camp for teens with Down Syndrome. Rebecca graduated from St. Edward’s in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience. During college, Rebecca was a caretaker for a young man with Angelman’s Syndrome. She knew she wanted to continue serving individuals of this community, so she began working at AAC. She is certified as a Registered Behavior Technician, and she intends to pursue a Master’s Degree in Cognitive and Developmental Neuroscience. When she is not at AAC, you can find her coaching gymnastics, dancing, spending time with family and friends or making trips to Austin to see her best friends.
RBT
Brittney is a sophomore sociology major from Leander Texas and a part of the fightin' Texas Aggie class of '22. Brittney developed a passion for helping others in high school and volunteered in equine therapy for 3 years before going to college. At the beginning of her sophomore year at A&M she began working at AAC and was quickly reminded how much she enjoyed helping others reach their goals! Brittney is currently working towards become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and plans on finishing school with a Bachelor of Science in sociology and a minor in psychology. Outside of AAC and class, Brittney spends her time hanging out with friends and playing with her dog!
RBT and Safety Officer
Peytyn has always had a passion for working with children, whether it be at the local after school program, nannying, or at her church. She also volunteered at the Boys & Girls Club of the Brazos Valley while she worked on her degree. Peytyn recently graduated from Texas A&M University in December of 2019. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She plans on pursuing a Master's Degree in counseling. When Peytyn is not at AAC, she can be found hanging out with friends and family or her Shih tzu Winston. She also enjoys exercising and attending Texas A&M sporting events.
RBT
Kaylee has always known that working with children is what she wants to do with her future. Before coming to AAC, she had previously worked in a children’s mental health center and was a para-educator in two preschools. Kaylee graduated from Emporia State University in 2019 with her Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling. Following graduation, she moved from Kansas to Texas to pursue her Master’s of Education in Developmental Science at Texas A&M University. After joining the team at AAC, Kaylee realized this is what she wanted to focus her life's work on. Following graduation from her Master’s program, Kaylee will begin her graduate certificate in ABA to become a BCBA. When not in school or at AAC, you can find Kaylee cuddling with her dog Piper, making memories with her friends, or at the closest coffee shop.
RBT
Hannah has always wanted to help people. She got her degree in Math and Science Education at Texas A&M with the hope of making a positive impact on kids in the classroom. After completing student teaching, she realized that being a typical classroom teacher would not fulfill her desire to make a big difference to kids who need it the most. She was drawn to the students with behavioral problems, and those who seemed to need a little extra attention and push to be their best self. After babysitting several children with autism, Hannah got interested in ABA and different ways to help atypical kids get the resources they need. Hannah is anticipating getting started on a masters in ABA or social work to further her knowledge and help people lead the lives they want to. Outside of working at AAC, Hannah enjoys spending time with her fiance Jacob and their two dogs Frankie and Titus, enjoying the outdoors, playing board games, or spending time with family.
RBT
Grace’s passion has always been to work with children. She feels most in her element when surrounded by children, and plans to establish a long-lasting career working with them. Grace is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Texas A&M University and hopes to begin her Master’s program shortly thereafter. Upon completion of her undergraduate degree in August 2021, Grace plans to continue her education within the Developmental Psychology or Special Education field. Grace’s passion for helping children succeed stems from a younger brother of hers having an Intellectual Disability and her help in raising another younger sibling. When she is not at AAC you can find her working on school work, chasing her dog around the dog park, spending time with friends, or baking a new recipe!
RBT
Elise has always loved working with children of all ages. For her, this passion grew when she worked as a summer camp counselor at the YMCA, and as a peer mentor for elementary-aged children when she was in high school. Elise is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Texas A&M University. She plans to graduate in 2023 and continue with graduate school in hopes of working in the field of mental health/neuropsychology. Elise was originally inspired to help children with autism from her mother’s work as a school psychologist. This is where she first heard about ABA therapy and the amazing impact it has on these children’s lives. She is very enthusiastic to continue pursuing her passion of helping children succeed through ABA therapy here at AAC! In her free time, she loves to watch Marvel movies, bake/eat delicious foods, go on runs, and spend time with friends and family!
RBT
Shelby, from Houston, TX, has always enjoyed being around children because of their creativity and pureness. Working with children gives her joy watching how they grow and evolve into their own person. Shelby gained experience working with children through babysitting and enjoys the structured setting at AAC that teaches the children skills they can use in their lives. She is excited to learn applied behavioral analysis therapy as she has been interested in the benefits of behavior therapy for a while. Shelby is a graduate from Texas A&M in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and she will be starting her second year of graduate school at Sam Houston State University in the fall to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, hanging out with her friends and watching Netflix! Her ultimate goal is to have her own counseling practice where she can help those affected by trauma. Shelby was drawn to AAC because she saw similarities with her future career, and that is to help someone find a better, more productive way to being.
RBT
Marissa has a giving heart and has always wanted to help low income communities and give back to those living in such places. She spent much of her time volunteering at local hospitals motivating cancer patients, mentoring kids in high school from ages 14-19 with academics, future aspirations, personal image and much more. Marissa’s passion for helping children with autism started from a conversation she had with her sister. Her sister gave her a different outlook on how to put her passion and degree to use in a different area of her field. Shortly after this conversation with her sister, Marissa started working at AAC and immediately fell in love with helping autistic children through ABA Therapy. Marissa graduates from Texas A&M University with her Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning and minor in Psychology in December 2021. When she is not at school or at AAC you can catch Marissa playing volleyball, hanging out with her friends and family or volunteering to help children in her local area or hometown.
Maintenance
Andrew Dillon Beshears has always preferred to go by Dillon. He grew up in the small town called Buffalo, in what some would consider East Texas. One thing that was instilled in him was the value of family. He is a big family man and always had the “help thy neighbor” mentality. Dillon always enjoys helping others and making people happy. He loves being outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Currently, Dillon is taking classes towards an Associates in General Studies from Blinn College. Dillon and his wife Caitlin love to go each weekend to Buffalo. They enjoy being with family while helping finish projects and spending time together. He has two dogs that are lab mixes, Brody and Baker, that they love to hang out with and take on walks.
RBT
Matt graduated from the University of Texas Arlington with a Bachelors in Social Work. After working several years in mental health care, Matt realized he had a passion working with and helping children. Outside of AAC, Matt enjoys spending time with two mischievous pups, his wife and his rambunctious son. Matt plans to return to school to get a Masters in Social Work and become a Certified Social Worker.
About Us
History
Aggieland Autism Center, LLC (AAC), and the innovative model of a ranch setting has been Lynn's dream for 20 years. Lynn, as an in-home therapist, saw parents struggling to get services for their children that made a lasting impact. She saw the results of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and was motivated to bring her passion of ABA to kids in a unique way. She set out to learn everything she could about ABA and develop all the skills she needed to offer services to children with autism and/or developmental disorders. Lynn received her master’s degree in ABA from University of Houston-Clear Lake and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification with the BACB. With the help of faith, family and friends she was able to accomplish her dream of becoming a BCBA!
Aggieland Autism Center, LLC offers unique opportunities for Bryan / College Station area. After years of working in clinical settings, schools, as well as home environments, Lynn combined ABA therapy in a home environment with a ranch setting providing super-cool rewards (like horses and bounce houses). When ABA is used in this unique environment skills are learned faster than ever and problem behaviors decrease like never before.
Come and see Lynn's dream come true and make history together using behavioral therapy, Texas-style!
Mission
We strive to implement the highest standards of behavioral therapy in a faith, family, and community friendly atmosphere. We maintain constant contact with families, as well as, utilize monthly meetings to address concerns or implement new goals. Our main goal is to teach clients the necessary skills needed to achieve their full potential and independence in life through socialization, communication, and self-help skills. We want to be a part of preparing your child for school and independence!
Our greatest desire is to see children and families apply ABA therapy (research-driven interventions) to their daily lives. Children transitioning out of our program will be spontaneous, independent and self-initiating individuals effectively engaging in the community. Come experience the thrill of attending an entire birthday party for the first time (no screaming/coping skill) or having your child say "I love you" for the first time (using language) or answer WH questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) or respond to others without hitting or kicking (decrease in isolation and increase in socialization).
AAC Volunteer 2020
Everyone can join in the fun at AAC by volunteering. Adults and teens (16+) can work with horses, chickens, dogs, crafts, and more... children can volunteer with their families to create some golden opportunities for all the buckaroos! Anyone can learn how to approach and feel comfortable, even play with children with disabilities! Those with autism can always benefit from more opportunities to interact with peers!
Thanks, Lynn
visit our Volunteer Page to Sign up.
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