Julia Linden

Co-Founder 

M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

David Garder

Co-Founder

M.S., CCC-SLP, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

Speech Language Pathologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst

David's love of language inspired him to earn a B.A. in linguistics from SUNY, Albany in 2003. During his undergraduate studies, he became familiar with different theoretical frameworks that examine the universal structure of language. He wanted to apply this knowledge in a practical and meaningful way, so he gravitated to the field of Speech Language Pathology. In 2009 he earned an M.S. in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from California State University East Bay and has been treating children with speech and language disorders since. In 2018, David earned an M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University.

David specializes in helping young children with autism who have Apraxia of Speech learn to start making sounds and use words to get their wants and needs met. David combines principles of Linguistics, Speech Therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis to help address speech needs in young children with autism.

When David is not working with kids, he enjoys fly fishing, white water kayaking and hiking.

Jennifer Sanche

Clinical Supervisor 

M.S., BCBA, LBA  

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

After finding herself constantly fascinated by human behavior especially in child development, Jenny obtained her Bachelor's degree from the University of Alberta with a major in psychology. She began her academic journey researching and applying evidence-based interventions for children with developmental disabilities within the classroom environment. Jenny has honed her skills working in a variety of inclusive and special education classrooms for 2 years, discovering her passion in supporting children’s functional learning, life skills and communication needs. Jenny joined the team at Lindegard in 2020 and passed her BCBA exam in early 2024.

In her spare time Jenny loves art, training and hiking with her Australian Shepard, Finley, and continuously exploring the pacific northwest in all its natural beauty.

Amanda Hammer

M.S., RBAI

Clinical Fellow

After graduating from Penn State Altoona with her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Psychology, Amanda worked as a substitute teacher for two years. She taught grades pre-K through 12 in general ed, ASD, and emotional support classrooms. Although she was passionate about teaching, she knew there was more to learn if she really wanted to maximize her students’ potential. This led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Penn State Harrisburg. After finishing her coursework, she decided to move out west and continue her internship hours. Her goal is to graduate and pass the BCBA exam by February 2025.

ABA has redefined Amanda’s skillset and is what guides her practice today. Her passion for changing behavior of social significance is rooted in learning as much as possible about her clients. She strives to foster an environment where her kiddos feel comfortable and excited to learn. 

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling in her camper van, hiking, yoga, live music, and spending time with her lab, Abram. Amanda also serves as a Staff Sergeant in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. She has served in the Army for almost nine years as a motor transport operator. Her plan is to retire from the service in eleven years and become a traveling BCBA consultant.

Jessica Davies

B.S., RBAI   

Behavior Interventionist 

After attending college in Santa Barbara, California, Jessie graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological & Brain Sciences and a Minor degree in Professional Editing. Working with children who have Autism and setting them up for success was something Jessie was extremely interested in. Inspired by the efficacy of Behavioral Intervention, Jessie ultimately decided to pursue a career in the field. She has over 5 years of experience working interpersonally in both private and public companies. Here at Lindegard Therapy, Jessie works as a RBAI and hopes to grow her abilities to teach individuals how to communicate and behave in accordance with their best interests. 

In her free time, Jessie is an avid artist and writer. She enjoys working on projects at the park or at a cafe!

Marie Andreé Gabriel

RBAI   

Behavior Interventionist 

After being born and raised in Guatemala, Marie moved to the U.S to attend university. Marie’s studies are multifaceted, ranging from medicine, biology, and chemistry. Now Marie is working toward her Bachelors degree in communications and speech disorders. She aims to get her Masters in speech and language pathology. Marie has over four years of experience in the medical field starting as a medical assistant and then working as a licensed practical nurse. Furthermore, Marie has experience in internal medicine and adult/pediatric oncology. Her abundant experience in medicine has sparked a new passion, which is working as a children’s speech pathologist. Here at Lindegard Therapy, Marie works as a RBAI, which she hopes will supplement her current knowledge.

In her free time, Marie enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors. She is an avid mountain biker, skier, and swimmer, but she loves to knit just as often!

Delanieves Gil Barrios  

A.A., RBAI   

Behavior Interventionist 

Nieves is currently finishing up a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from Oregon State University-Cascades, focusing on Human Services. She is passionate about fostering positive change in her community by improving resource accessibility. Her educational journey includes an Associate of Arts in Psychology from Central Oregon Community College and a certification from the CITI Program in Human Research. In her professional experience, she has interned at Friends of the Children-Central Oregon, where she supported the intake processes and organized engaging activities for children. Nieves also interned at Cascade Behavioral Intervention ABA, working with children with developmental disabilities to facilitate interventions and group activities. Additionally, her volunteer work with After School Buddies allowed her to mentor young girls using a trauma-informed approach, emphasizing emotional regulation and family communication.

Yessenia Sarmienta-Wright

RBAI

Behavior Interventionist

Yessenia’s worked as a private nanny for 6 years, where she honed her skills in creating nurturing environments and implementing effective behavioral strategies. Additionally, she has 1.5 years as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) which has equipped her with hands-on experience in assisting individuals with diverse needs, fostering their growth and independence. She is passionate about applying evidence-based practices to promote positive behavioral change and enhance the quality of life for her clients.

Yessenia is an avid concert participant with a passion for Holistic Health and the outdoors. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking and hiking at nearby lakes, and capturing stunning landscapes. These activities not only provide her with inspiration but also help her recharge and foster creativity in her professional work

Cooper Sherfield

RBAI

Behavior Interventionist

Cooper is originally from a small town in rural Wisconsin. In her struggle to determine what she wanted to do as an adult, Cooper started working as a paraprofessional in a middle school in Moorhead, MN. Here she was also approached about working after school and during the summer as a direct support professional, this is were her love for working with children on the spectrum blossomed. Cooper desired to see a little more country and decided to move to the Pacific Northwest in August of 2023. Her desire to work with higher needs children is what drove her to the field of ABA. She finds true joy in seeing the positive differences she can give to children and their families.

In her free time Cooper enjoys spending time with her family and friend. She also enjoys camping, going on hikes and paddle boarding.

Bernadette Stehly

B.S., RBAI, RBT

Behavior Interventionist

Bernadette holds a Bachelor’s degree in child development from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. With five years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), she is dedicated to supporting individuals with diverse needs.

Outside of her professional work, Bernadette enjoys reading and spending time outdoors. She values her faith, family, and friends, which play a vital role in her life and inspire her commitment to making a positive impact in her community.

Sarah Stewart

B.S., RBAI

Behavior Interventionist

Sarah graduated from Western Oregon University in 2024 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Public Health. She has always been passionate about empowering youth to enhance their self-efficacy, voice, and social skills. During her time in college, Sarah was introduced to ABA, which sparked her interest in the field. Her experience as a youth mentor in her community deepened her interest in ABA, as she witnessed firsthand the significant impact that small changes can have on an individual’s life. Sarah is eager to expand her knowledge and skills in ABA during her time at Lindegard.

In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, hiking, creating lasting memories with friends, and cuddling with her dog.

June Van De Graaffe

BS, RBAI

Behavior Interventionist

June grew up in Nebraska and graduated from New York University. At NYU, she studied psychology with the goal to become a clinical therapist for adults. June enjoys the outdoors and worked as a hiking specialist for a neurodivergent camp in Vermont. This is where she learned how rewarding and fun it is work with kids. 

In her free time, June enjoys hiking, weight lifting, watching movies, and petting dogs.