Bend Clinic Location
Bend Clinic Staff
At Lindegard Therapy, our technicians are extremely dedicated. Our supervision to technician ratio goes above and beyond board standards and all of our technicians are RBAI certified and go through extensive training prior to working with children.
Julia Linden (she/her)
Co-Founder
M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
While working for a small therapy company in Washington, DC Julia discovered an untapped interest in working with children with Autism. Witnessing the results of robust research-based therapies like ABA motivated Julia to pursue a career in the field and in 2013 she went on to earn her M.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Education, from The George Washington University. In 2014, Julia became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has over 10 years of experience working with children with Autism, Developmental Delays, and related Speech and Language Disorders across settings – schools, homes and the community.
Applied Behavior Analysis continues to guide and inform Julia’s commitment to providing comprehensive, research-based therapy programs to children with ASD. At Lindegard Therapy, Julia focuses on helping children who have behavioral difficulties, learn to be more independent through becoming toilet trained, eating a larger variety of foods and sleeping through the night.
In her spare time, Julia enjoys spending time with her 2 Labradors – Gunner & Lady Bird exploring the Pacific NW!
David Garder (he/him)
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 (she/her)
M.S., BCBA, LBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Jenny has been a dedicated member of the Lindegard Therapy team for over six years. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis, and in 2024 earned both her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) credentials — bringing a strong academic foundation in child psychology and evidence-based interventions to everything she does.
Jenny’s approach to therapy is rooted in patience, honesty, and genuine collaboration. She is passionate about celebrating neurodiversity and practicing compassionate ABA, always keeping the whole child and family at the center of her work.
The moments that mean the most to her are when a child finds their voice — learning to communicate their wants and needs and growing into their own independence to navigate their world with confidence. Additionally, she has a special love for mentoring and supporting supervisees through their academic programs.
In her spare time she enjoys creating pottery, exploring the Pacific Northwest, hiking with her dog Finley, paddle-boarding in the summer and skiing in the winter, DIY art projects, yoga, aerial arts and reading.
Joseph Reames (he/him)
B.S., BCaBA
Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst
Joseph Reames grew up in Dallas, TX. His passion for the development of young minds started by teaching sports skills classes to toddlers while in high school. After obtaining his BA in sociology with a minor in ABA from the University of Kansas in 2015, Joseph moved back to Dallas and began teaching in classrooms as a lead, for children ages 2-6. In 2020, Joseph began working in the field of ABA. After gaining a year of experience providing ABA Therapy in both clinic and home settings, Joseph decided to pack up and move to Oregon in 2021.
Joseph feels honored to be working with and advocating for those within the ASD community. When Joseph isn’t working, he loves to go hiking, take beach trips and enjoy all the wonderful activities the pacific northwest has to offer.
Sean Sullivan (he/him)
B.S., RBAI
Clinical Fellow
Sean graduated from Colorado State University in 2020 with a B.S. in forestry. He originally pursued a career in natural resources but felt like something was missing. When Sean started working as a Registered Behavior Analysis interventionist he quickly realized this is a career he wishes to pursue further. Sean has known he’s always liked working with children since being a camp counselor at a zoo, and he’s wanted to be a dad as long as he can remember. Sean is originally from California and went to college in Colorado before moving to Bend in 2023.
In his free time, Sean enjoys hiking, skiing, watching sports and playing video games.
Mekena Boone (she/her)
RBAI
Behavior Interventionist
Mekena grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and lived all around the state of Utah. She recently moved to Bend. Mekena has always had a goal in life of helping people and took many paths to find the best way to do just that. Along the way she found ABA. She has 2 years of experience in the field of ABA and absolutely loves it. She thoroughly enjoys seeing all progress in the children she works with whether that is something as big as language skills to something as small as shaping a behavior slowly.
Mekena is very much a homebody and enjoys spending time with her family. She loves to cook and especially experiment with new recipes.
Natalie Brown (she/her)
B.A., RBAI
Behavior Interventionist
Natalie graduated from George Fox University with a BA in Psychology. She previously worked as a special education assistant at an elementary school in Newberg, Oregon. Natalie supported K–5 students and truly loved working with the younger children. She moved to Eugene recently and is excited to join the team at Lindegard Therapy. Natalie looks forward to helping support the growth and development of young children in an ABA setting.
Outside of work, she enjoys making iced latte and mochas, time at the beach, going to movie theaters, and visiting the local cat café with her partner.
Jessica Davies (she/her)
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!
Eric Bryan (he/him)
RBAI
Behavior Interventionist
Born and raised in Southern California, Eric made his move to Bend in early 2024. After settling in and making Bend home, the next question became what to do for work. Ultimately it was his time as a preschool teacher, and his parents’ careers in special education, that drew him to Lindegard.
Though there have been several paths Eric has taken professionally, ranging from sustainability and waste management to professional writer and touring musician, none were as fulfilling as his work with children. Additionally, with his mother’s passing in late 2023, and her love for her work with special needs high school students, it has become a professional and personal passion to be a part of the Lindegard Therapy team.
Outside of work, Eric plays guitar, cooks, gardens, and cares for far too many animals.
Sawyer Gawlowski (he/they)
RBAI
Behavior Interventionist
Sawyer grew up here in Bend, and returned after graduating from Western Washington University in 2025 with a B.S. in Psychology. He has always been interested in neurodivergent minds, and his studies sparked a passion for human behavior that drove him to search for careers involving the subject. After three years behind the counter at the movie theater, Sawyer learned about ABA. He immediately knew that it was the perfect opportunity to learn and make a difference in children’s lives. Sawyer joined the Lindegard Therapy team in 2025, and is excited to grow his skills in the therapeutic field.
In his free time, Sawyer enjoys reading, writing science fiction, going on adventures, and working on various creative projects.
Frances Kukor (she/her)
B.S., RBAI
Behavior Interventionist
Frances is an educator with a strong foundation in science and a passion for hands-on learning. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences/Science Education and an associate degree in Behavioral Science. Her experience includes working as a teacher assistant, leading ecology hikes in nature preserves, and teaching science through educational nonprofits.
Outside of work, Frances enjoys gardening, hiking, writing, and reading.
Savanah Phillips (she/her)
B.S., RBAI
Behavior Interventionist
Savannah is originally from Oceanside, California, and recently made the move to Oregon in early June. She’s a proud graduate of Boise State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She also holds an Associate’s degree in Social and Behavioral Science—a reflection of her long-standing curiosity about human behavior and her passion for helping others build independent life skills.
Savannah feels incredibly fortunate to be part of the Lindegard Therapy team, where she gets to work with amazing kiddos every day.
In her free time, you’ll likely find Savannah out hiking, going for a run, thrifting, diving into a good book, or spending quality time with friends and family. She also loves snuggling up with her family’s beloved mini dachshund, Stetson—who definitely thinks he runs the household.
Rubi Prado (she/her)
RBAI
Behavior Interventionist
Rubi is currently pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a pre-medical focus at Oregon State University–Cascades. She has several years of experience working with children in both educational and healthcare settings, including as a bilingual preschool teacher and clinical office assistant. Rubi’s passion for child development and communication led her to the field of ABA, where she values the power of positive reinforcement and individualized support.
At Lindegard Therapy, Rubi is excited to help children build confidence, communication skills, and independence through evidence-based strategies. She looks forward to deepening her understanding of behavioral intervention and making meaningful connections with the families she works with.
In her free time, Rubi enjoys running, surfing, skiing, and reading.
Haley Schmidt (she/her)
BS., RBAI
Behavior Interventionist
Haley Schmidt graduated from Oregon State University–Cascades with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a concentration in conservation, resources, and sustainability. Her academic focus on the human dimensions of ecological systems sparked a deep interest in how individuals interact with and are shaped by the environments around them. This perspective, combined with a lifelong passion for supporting young children, led her to the field of ABA. Haley brings a bright, energetic presence to her work, along with a deep sense of empathy and curiosity about each child’s unique experience. She is committed to building supportive, trusting relationships with the children and families she serves. She is also excited to grow her skills as a member of the Lindegard Therapy team.
As a long-time resident of Bend, Haley feels grateful to serve the community she calls home. In her free time, she enjoys wake surfing in the summer, spending time with friends and family, and relaxing with her two cats, Simon and Amara.
Cooper Sherfield (she/her)
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.
Sarah Stewart (she/her)
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.
