The Learning Spectrum: Empowering Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Central Ohio
The Learning Spectrum (TLS) is an organization dedicated to providing individualized services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related disabilities. Founded in 2005 by two special education teachers and a parent in Canal Winchester, OH, TLS has expanded significantly to serve over 300 students across multiple locations and private schools in Central Ohio. With a commitment to naturalistic programming and a focus on each child's unique needs, The Learning Spectrum offers a comprehensive range of therapies and educational services designed to help individuals reach their full potential.
History and Overview
Established in 2005, The Learning Spectrum emerged from a recognized need for specialized services for children with autism spectrum disorder. Located at 6355 Winchester Blvd in Canal Winchester, OH 43110, the organization was founded by two special education teachers and a parent. Over the past 15 years, The Learning Spectrum has experienced substantial growth, now serving children in multiple locations and private schools throughout the city.
The overall vision of The Learning Spectrum is to provide families with services designed to meet the individualized needs of children with autism and related services in and out of the school setting. The Learning Spectrum provides exceptional customized educational services tailored to the needs of each individual student. When working with individuals living with autism, practitioners need to think outside-of-the box-through their creativity and innovation, providers at The Learning Spectrum have this mastered! Instead of adhering blindly to cookie cutter approaches of what “works for autism,” TLS figures out what each individual needs, and then does it.
Services Offered
The Learning Spectrum offers a variety of services designed to meet the individualized needs of children with autism and related services in and out of the school setting. These services include:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): 1:1-Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. ABA helps increase useful behaviors and decrease behaviors that may be harmful or affect learning.
- Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy helps individuals develop the skills needed for everyday living.
- Speech Therapy: Speech therapy focuses on improving communication skills. Liz has been practicing speech-language therapy for 14 years. She is a licensed speech-language pathologist with the Ohio Board of Speech Language Pathology and maintains her Certificate of Clinical Competence with the American Speech and Hearing Association. Liz received her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences from Ohio University and her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Cincinnati.
- Music Therapy: Music therapy uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Caroline Smith is a graduate of the University of Dayton where she received a bachelor of music degree in music therapy in 2012. She is also a 2008 graduate of Spelman College, where she received a bachelor of science degree in psychology with a concentration in pre-medical studies. Caroline completed her internship at Helping Hands Center for Special Needs in Columbus. She joined the therapy team in August of 2014 and services all 4 TLS locations. In addition to providing individual and group music therapy services, she also gives adapted lessons in voice, piano, and guitar.
- Educational Services: The Learning Spectrum provides exceptional customized educational services tailored to the needs of each individual student.
- Support Groups: Support groups provide a supportive community for families and individuals affected by autism.
- Inclusion Therapy Services: TLS has reached even more through our inclusion therapy services in local private schools throughout the community.
Naturalistic Programming
TLS provides naturalistic programming for children with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities based on the premise that behavioral intervention and immersion in the natural environment are the keys to establishing learning behaviors in students. TLS bases programs on each child’s unique needs. Some children demonstrate a need for a lot of structure and smaller ratios, while some are able to thrive in a larger group with their peers.
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The TLS Approach
At The Learning Spectrum (TLS), we understand that every child learns differently, feels differently, and reacts differently. We adapt our curriculum, intervention, therapies and teaching styles to meet the needs of each individual child, no matter where they are on the autism spectrum. Instead of adhering blindly to cookie cutter approaches of what “works for autism,” TLS figures out what each individual needs, and then does it.
Key Staff Members and Their Expertise
The Learning Spectrum is fortunate to have a group of talented, caring, and dedicated individuals providing exceptional service to the students at The Learning Spectrum.
- Samantha: Samantha has worked with the Autism community for over 10 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Behavior Psychology and a Master’s degree in School Counseling. Samantha has served as an independent provider for families using her skills in ABA to work on educational as well as community based skills. In addition, she worked in the local school district serving students in an inclusion classroom, and used counseling strategies with both students on the spectrum as well as typical, and parents in a situations that arise throughout life. She also has worked with behavior plans to assess and modify any situation to help benefit the child and the classroom. She has been actively participating in Positive Behavior Support System, and continuously implementing these ideas into practice. Samantha regularly attends ABA, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and counseling conferences to incorporate a variety of ideas into the students and staff as a whole. She has worked with several small teams to tackle specific targeted behaviors, as well as, assessed what needs are to be met to better the child’s and families experiences.
- Stephanie Crawford: Stephanie Crawford is the Director of Inclusion Services at The Learning Spectrum. She was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and is a graduate from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science. She is currently working towards obtaining her Intervention License and has worked in special education for 14 years, having joined The Learning Spectrum in 2016.
- Tera McNutt: Tera McNutt is the Senior Director of Therapies overseeing social work, as well as ABA, speech, occupational, and music therapy. She graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor’s degree in speech pathology & audiology, and obtained her Master’s degree in applied behavior analysis from Ball State University. She is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst (COBA). Tera began working at The Learning Spectrum in 2015 and has held a variety of positions within the ABA department before becoming a Director.
- Stacie McConnell: Stacie McConnell, M.A. has worked in the early childhood field for almost 20 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a Master’s degree in special education (ABA) both from The Ohio State University. She has worked with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorders and other special needs at various inclusive sites for the past 13 years. She holds a teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education and Early Education of the Handicapped. Her experience includes classroom teaching in public and private inclusive settings, home-based naturalistic ABA, supervision of staff and student teachers, assisting in team evaluations and working with staff to help children when they transition to school age programs.
- Mary Berkey: Mary Berkey is the Director of Staff and Family Development at The Learning Spectrum - North East. She graduated from Bethel University with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, and obtained her Master’s degree in applied behavior analysis from Ball State University. She is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst (COBA). Mary began working at The Learning Spectrum in 2018 and has held a variety of positions within the ABA department before becoming a Director.
- Trevor: Trevor holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Franklin University. Since 2015, he has worked at The Learning Spectrum, first in the inclusion department then as a behavior float at the Central location. As of 2023, Trevor assumed the role of Director of Staff and Family Development. In addition to being a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), he is also a Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) instructor. As part of his leadership development, Trevor also completed the TLS Leader Development Program in 2022-2023.
- Sarah: Sarah is a board certified and state licensed occupational therapist. Sarah graduated from the Ohio State University with a bachelors of science in biology and went on to attend Chatham University, receiving her master of occupational therapy degree. Before joining the TLS therapy team in 2015, she gained experience working as an ABA therapist with children of various ages. Sarah has received training in the Handwriting Without Tears program and has attended state and national occupational therapy conferences, specifically the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Specialty Conference regarding OT’s distinct value in autism research and practice.
- Brad: Brad has worked with adults and children with disabilities in a myriad of roles over the past decade. He has experience in clinical, educational, and home-based settings. He has a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. Brad completed his undergraduate work in Sociology/Anthropology with a Classics minor at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. He has also spent the last few years coaching high school ice hockey and lacrosse.
- Elizabeth Fonzi: Elizabeth Fonzi, M.A. Liz has been practicing speech-language therapy for 14 years. She is a licensed speech-language pathologist with the Ohio Board of Speech Language Pathology and maintains her Certificate of Clinical Competence with the American Speech and Hearing Association. Liz received her undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences from Ohio University and her Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Cincinnati. Liz has been working at TLS Central since April 2018. Prior to working at TLS, Liz worked as a speech therapist in an outpatient and acute care hospital setting where she worked with both adults and pediatrics for a variety of communication deficits. She has also had experience working in home health and in a school resource classroom for children with disabilities. Liz has received training and certification in LAMP (Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning), PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), and Beckman Oral Motor. Casey Tenney M.A. is a new graduate in her clinical fellowship year being supervised by Liz Fonzi! Casey received her masters degree in speech language pathology from Emerson College in May 2022 and her bachelors degree in speech language pathology from The University of Akron in May 2020. This is Casey’s first year at TLS and she is so excited to grow and connect with all of these amazing kiddos. She is currently working at both the Canal and Central location.
- Ken Field: Ken Field joined The Learning Spectrum’s team in 2021 as the Facilities Maintenance Manager and transitioned to Senior Director of Facilities in 2024. Prior to joining TLS, Ken was a Logistics and Safety Analyst for an international retailer for 16 years. He has been a practicing Tradesman on both commercial and residential buildings since graduating from New Miami High School nearly 20 years ago.
- Katie: Katie has been a part of The Learning Spectrum (TLS) since 2021, beginning her journey as a paraprofessional and is currently serving as office manager for TLS Canal. In addition to her role at TLS, she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology. This academic path complements her professional experience and deepens her understanding of human behavior, enhancing her ability to support the students effectively. She find great fulfillment in making a positive difference in the lives of the students at TLS. Witnessing their growth and progress is incredibly rewarding to her and reinforces her commitment to TLS’s mission.
- Kelly: Kelly joined TLS in 2022 and serves as the Office Manager of the Central - Worthington location. Kelly graduated from Columbus College of Art & Design with a Bachelor’s Degree in Cinematic Arts and minor in Photography. Prior to working at TLS, Kelly worked at The Ohio State University as the Clerical Manager for the Intensive Care Unit. Here at TLS, Kelly is able to use not only her administrative background, but also her passion for creativity! She is excited to use both passions to infuse creativity and organization into The Learning Spectrum.
- Theresa Ann: Theresa Ann is a proud new Buckeye, moving here from Nashville, TN. Her studies of Psychology and Nonprofit Leadership took her all around the world to 8 different countries, her fondest memories being of the time she spent in Nicaragua. She has over 7 years of experience in administration and is very excited to hit the ground running at TLS, helping make a difference in our kid’s lives and keeping everything organized.
- Stephanie: Stephanie graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Prior to coming to TLS, she worked in the medical field for over 20 years with experience in the Emergency room and Plastic Surgery offices (with a focus on breast cancer and skin cancer patients), where she assisted in surgery to running the office and everything in between. She has an amazing daughter named Kennady whom she loves spending time with along with her three dogs - a German Shepard, a Pitbull and a Doberman. Outside of work she enjoys attending Buckeye football games, taking weekend adventures to new cities, finding new projects to do in her house, and on the rare occasion, just relax.
- Yumi: Yumi is a board-certified and state-licensed occupational therapist at The Learning Spectrum. She holds a master’s degree in Dance and a degree in Occupational Therapy from The Ohio State University. Before joining TLS, Yumi worked as an occupational therapist at an international school in Thailand, homeschooled her children, and provided care for an individual with quadriplegia. At TLS, Yumi is dedicated to supporting students on the autism spectrum by helping them build practical, functional skills. She enjoys getting to know each student and encouraging their individual strengths and potential.
- Sam: Sam received his Occupational Therapy License from Marion Technical College in June 2015. Sam has worked in a variety of settings with a wide range of clients in home health, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school settings. He is starting his 6th year at TLS. He is passionate about working in the special education field and building meaningful connections with staff and students.
- Matt Swaine: Matt Swaine is a graduate of Delta State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Education in 2016 and a Master of Science in Sport and Human Performance in 2019. He was a member of the Delta State Swimming and Diving Team where he was a four-time NCAA National Qualifier and an All American. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and playing a lot of volleyball.
- Laura: Laura has been in the education field for 13 years. She is a licensed Intervention Specialist and also holds a license in Early Childhood Education. She received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Penn State University and her Master’s degree in Special Education from Slippery Rock University. Laura has been working at TLS Central since August 2014 and goes to our Johnstown location once a week. She started at TLS as our Pre-Kindergarten teacher and became our Teacher Mentor at our Central and Johnstown locations in August of 2020. Prior to coming to TLS Laura worked as a Preschool teacher and also as a one-on-one therapist for children on the Autism spectrum. She is married to her college sweetheart and they have a two-year-old son named Camden and two golden retrievers.
- Natalie: Natalie has worked in the education field for fifteen years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Child and Family Studies from Ohio University. Natalie’s passion is working with families and students with disabilities as well as at-risk youth. Prior to working at TLS, Natalie has provided home-based intervention as an independent provider, assisted children and families in private as well as public schools and has taught students from preschool through high school in the classroom. As a Family and Student Coordinator, she worked closely with administration and school counselors to assist families while serving on intervention teams. During her time at TLS, Natalie has taught kindergarten at our Johnstown location and now serves as the Education and Behavior Advisor.
- Becky: Becky has 15 years of experience working with children ranging from infancy to high school. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. Becky is credentialed as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and is a Certified Ohio Behavior Analyst.
- Ally: Ally is from Reynoldsburg, Ohio and earned her Master’s in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University in 2021. She was credentialed a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has worked in the field for 7 years. Ally has experience working in homes, clinics and schools with kiddos from 3-22. She loves being able to engage with her clients and help them gain new skills and independence.
- Courtney: Courtney has worked in the Applied Behavior Analysis and special education fields for a decade and has loved every minute of it. For a few years of that work history, she was at TLS as a paraprofessional and an RBT! The knowledge and experience she gained during that time are invaluable to her. In fall of 2019 she married her wonderful husband and moved with him to Alabama. Shortly after, she graduated from Ball State University with her Masters in ABA and became a BCBA in February of 2020. Since then, she has worked in the roles of a behavior analyst consultant for a school district and as a clinical supervisor for early intervention services in the clinic setting. Her focus has been on helping clients develop communication skills and academic readiness skills while simultaneously reducing negative behaviors.
- Brandon: Brandon is a United States Air Force Veteran who, prior to working for TLS, worked for the small village of Cedarville as a Maintenance Specialist. He's very excited for the opportunity in his new role with TLS and hopes to become "a valuable member of this already incredible team of people." In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters.
A Rewarding Workplace
The Learning Spectrum prides itself on providing a supportive and appreciative work environment. According to employee testimonials, TLS offers:
- Great management
- Caring and understanding administration
- Excellent pay and benefits
- A rewarding career working with students on the Autism Spectrum.
- Teachers and para’s are supported with extra help with lesson plans, progress reports, IEPs, and behavior management. TLS offers a mentoring program for the Resident Educator Program.
Celebrating Individuality
The Learning Spectrum celebrates the unique qualities and talents of its students. The Learning Spectrum understands that every child learns differently, feels differently, and reacts differently. The Learning Spectrum adapts its curriculum, intervention, therapies and teaching styles to meet the needs of each individual child, no matter where they are on the autism spectrum.
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