Philosophy

We believe quality care and education of a child is a privilege and provides a foundation for a successful life. We are committed to the expansion of knowledge and developing skills to stay current on the best clinical and educational practices.

The relationship between the school and parents is vital to the success of the program. We embrace the fact that parents are children’s first teachers and strive to work with parents to provide a warm, caring and consistent environment.

The Emerge School believes in the inherent value of all individuals; a principle which resonates in all that we do. The Emerge School affords equal opportunity to all employees, families and students and prospective employees, families and students without regard to color, race, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, veteran status, age, marital status, disability or other criteria protected by law.

Mission Statement

Through an exceptional inclusive opportunity, The Emerge School strives to have typical children as well as children with autism excel in all areas of their social, emotional and cognitive development. The Emerge School works to set an exemplary standard of respect and integration of individuals with mental disorders, including autism, throughout the community.

Walden Early Childhood Center

The Emerge School is Colorado’s first preschool offering an integrated classroom environment modeled after the esteemed Walden Early Childhood Center located within Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. The Walden Early Childhood Center has over 15 years of successful education for children with and without autism within a researched-based program. It was established using a curriculum developed for pre-school students that were typically developing, which was then adapted to meet the needs of all their students. Gail McGee, PhD, Executive Director of The Emory Autism Center, thought children with autism could benefit from that model of education and from attending school with a majority of children that were typically developing. Data collected confirmed the social, emotional and academic growth of all children and enormous strides in the cognitive and social development for children with autism. In 2008, The Emerge School was granted the honor of replicating the Walden Model.

Walden Preschool outcomes for children diagnosed early with Autism:

  • 96% acquire functional verbal language skills
  • 92% succeed in kindergarten and beyond
  • 48% have normal or higher IQs at exit
  • 45% who begin treatment by age three develop normal peer interaction skills and friendships
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Our Values

  • Caring for children is a privilege and working with families is an honor.
  • We accept each child for who they are and recognize the individual potential in all.
  • Education is a key to accomplishment.
  • Each individual’s needs are a priority.
  • A cooperative relationship between school, family, and community is critical for our collective success.

Founding of The Emerge School

Opening a school that teaches children with autism alongside typically-developing children has been a long time goal of Dr. Helena Huckabee. She worked for years to formulate a vision for such a school, predicated on research that early childhood is the best time to treat autism and to teach young children language, emotional, and social skills. Through her passion and expertise, The Emerge School opened in 2009 to the actualization of her dreams.

Directors

Helena Huckabee, PhD, BCBA-D
Executive Director, Founder

Dr. Huckabee, a Pediatric Neuropsychologist, Clinical Psychologist, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, brings extensive clinical experience and education to The Emerge School. Her education background includes a Bachelors degree in Geological Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and a Master's degree and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Houston. Dr. Huckabee completed her Internship at Baylor College of Medicine with Post Doctoral Fellowships at DePelchin Children's Center and JFK Partners at the University of Colorado. Her clinical experience and research studies include many topics related to autism as well as a variety of other areas of psychology. With compassion and competence she provides counseling for individuals and couples as well as leading parent groups in the community. She is the founder of Emerge, PC. Dr. Huckabee is uniquely qualified to direct clinical services for the Emerge School and is passionate about offering such a unique and innovative learning environment for the Denver community.

Scott Olivett, B.S.
Educational Director

Scott began fostering a love for teaching children as he was being taught in Denver Public Schools. Instructors, who cared, sincerely and consistently, inspired him to pursue a career in education. Scott earned his degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Colorado State University and his elementary teaching certificate from Metropolitan State College. Scott has directed preschools and taught in both the public and private sectors. In 1995 Scott created and opened what became the largest preschool in the state of Colorado. Scott is passionate about children and is excited to serve the families of The Emerge School!

At home in Centennial, Colorado, Scott and his wife, Julie, lovingly teach and guide their own two teen-age boys, Edward and Andrew.

Meghan Norman, M.S.
Clinical Director

Meghan Norman holds a Master of Science degree in Research Methods in Psychology from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee. While studying at the University of Reading, Meghan's core research focused on the use of language by children with autism. Previous to her work at The Emerge School, Meghan worked for Developmental Pathways, a non-profit organization serving people with developmental disabilities, as a case manager for the Children's Extensive Support Medicaid Waiver program. Having worked with children with autism since 2005, Meghan is delighted to be able to utilize her skills and experiences with each student at The Emerge School.

Rosalie Bryd, M.S., BCaBA
Director of Training

Rosalie became interested in working with children with disabilities at the age of 12 when she volunteered for Boot Straps, a therapeutic riding program in Wellesley, Massachusetts and that passion continues today. In Colorado, she volunteered at Hearts and Horses, a therapeutic riding program in Loveland. She graduated in 2004 from the University of Northern Colorado with an emphasis in Art Therapy. Her experiences include working with adults with developmental disabilities and working as a behavior coach with the St. Vrain Valley School District. Rosalie began working with Dr. Huckabee in 2005 and currently working toward completion of her master's degree in counseling.

Tasha Aper, M.A.
Director of Family Services

Tasha offers treatment, consultation, and training services to children and families affected by autism. She obtained her Bachelors degree in Psychology at Saint Louis University in Missouri and earned her master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colorado HSC. She has enjoyed specializing in treatment and assessment of Autistic Spectrum Disorders since 2004. Currently, Tasha is completing graduate coursework through the University of North Texas, a Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)-approved program. Having started working with Dr. Huckabee at JFK Partners, Tasha brings a wealth of skills and understanding to her work with families.

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Staff

The Emerge School seeks to have staff of the highest quality. Staff members are college-educated and have exemplary character values in honesty, integrity and work ethic. All staff members go through extensive interviews and background checks and meet the state-required educational and experience levels. The Emerge School is an member of Denver University’s work-study program and strives to hire professionals from related fields of study such as Early Childhood Education and Psychology. The dedication that each staff member has to the development of your child is exemplary. The teachers and clinicians get to know the likes and dislikes of the children and how they learn best. The Emerge School’s high professional to child ratios ensures individualized attention.

Board of Directors

Chair:

R. Craig Ewing has been practicing law in Colorado for 28 years. He was adopted by the autism community after winning a landmark arbitration case in 2007 against Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield which established coverage for ABA autism therapy. Craig brings to The Emerge School his energy and commitment to helping children with autism. Craig has been selected by his peers as one of Colorado’s Super Lawyers, one of the top 100 trial lawyers by the American Trial Lawyers Association and was named to the Best Lawyers in America, 2009 Edition.

Vice Chair:

Helena Huckabee, PhD, BCBA-D has specialized in serving children with autism and their families for over 12 years. Her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialty in Pediatric Neuropsychology from the University of Houston provides her with a wealth of information in understanding how children can best be happy with themselves and learn to their highest potential. Helena has founded many clinics and treatment programs for children with autism in Texas and Colorado. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Helena is an expert in managing any behavior problems that may arise as children grow. She is excited to offer such a comprehensive learning opportunity at The Emerge School for preschool children with autism as well as those without disabilities.

Treasurer:

Derald Lyons, MT, CPA, CVA brings a wealth of financial experience to The Emerge School. In addition to his Board membership, he is also Treasurer for the school. He began his career in the tax department of an international CPA firm before founding two CPA firms. His present firm, Lyons and Seacrest, PC, is also owned by his wife Barbara Seacrest. The firm specializes in tax services, asset management, and litigation support services. He is a past Chair of the Colorado Society of CPAs and He obtained a Masters in Taxation from the University of Denver after completing his BS in Accounting at Case Western Reserve University. His son Palmer has autism. Dr. Huckabee and everyone at Emerge have been instrumental in Palmer’s outstanding progress and love of life.

Secretary:

Lauren Park has a legal background as both a victim’s advocate and a criminal appellate attorney, working for the Colorado Attorney General’s Office for over 11 years. She is the parent of an autistic son, who has thrived for the past three years under the treatment care of Dr. Helena Huckabee and Emerge. She is a firm believer in an integrated classroom model, as she witnessed the tremendous affect such a pre-school environment had on her own son, and feels honored to be part of this exciting addition to the autism community.

Member at Large:

Jodi Dooling-Litfin is a psychologist with 13 years of experience working with people with autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental and mental health diagnoses. She is a graduate of Macalester College, received her Ph.D. from Colorado State University, completed her internship in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities at the Kennedy Krieger Institute at Johns Hopkins, and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Clinical Child Psychology at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. She is a strong proponent of evidence-based treatment for children with autism and is enthusiastic about lending her clinical and administrative expertise to The Emerge School, viewing it as an opportunity to help expand the range of developmentally appropriate treatments for children with autism in the Denver area.

Member at Large:

Ward Polzin contributes over 20 years of financial and operating experience to The Emerge School. His career has focused on the energy industry, including managing the US division of an international energy company, and currently, as a partner at a private energy investment bank. He has an MBA from Rice University and a BS from Colorado School of Mines. Ward believes strongly in enhancing educational opportunities for children and believes The Emerge School provides a unique learning environment.

Member at Large:

Barbara Ritchie has been an Administrator in Special Education for fifteen years. With experience in a variety of classroom settings with students of all ages and abilities, Barbara provides support to many programs throughout the district. She has facilitated numerous trainings with emphasis in the area of autism. Barbara welcomes families to Special Education services as they enter early-intervention programs, and enjoys inter-agency connections as they transition through the school system and community. She is excited that her educational and administrative experience can support the great work that Emerge is doing.

Member at Large:

Hillary Schubach contributes over 15 years of marketing experience to The Emerge School. Her career began in the sports industry, where she marketed professional athletes and sports teams. After graduate school, she took a classical brand management path, working at premier consumer products companies such as Kraft Foods and Unilever. She also brings ad agency and brand consulting experience to the table, as well as an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from Duke University. An active community volunteer, Hillary was touched and inspired by Helena's vision, and she is thrilled to be helping to make it a reality.

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The Emerge School • (303) 282-5244 • info@emergeschool.org