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Navigating special education services can be complex and overwhelming. Creative Solutions Behavioral Consulting provides individualized advocacy services to help families understand their rights, effectively participate in the educational process, and secure appropriate supports for their child.
Services may include:
IEP and 504 Plan review and recommendations
Attendance and support during IEP, SST, manifestation determination, and disciplinary meetings
Educational record review and interpretation
Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) consultation and support
Assistance preparing parent concerns and requests
Review of assessments and eligibility determinations
Guidance regarding special education timelines, procedural safeguards, and parent rights
Collaboration with schools and multidisciplinary teams
Conflict resolution and problem-solving support between families and school districts
Recommendations for educational programming, accommodations, modifications, and services
Assistance identifying areas of concern that may warrant further assessment
Our goal is to empower families with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to advocate effectively while promoting collaborative, student-centered solutions whenever possible.
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Direct therapy services are designed to support the development of communication, social, emotional regulation, adaptive living, executive functioning, and behavioral skills. Using evidence-based and individualized strategies, sessions focus on building practical skills that increase independence, confidence, and success across home, school, and community settings. Treatment plans are tailored to each individual's unique strengths, needs, and goals.
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Parents and caregivers play a critical role in a child's success. Parent coaching provides practical, hands-on support to help caregivers better understand behavior, implement effective strategies, improve communication, and build confidence in managing everyday challenges. Coaching sessions are collaborative, individualized, and focused on creating meaningful and sustainable changes within the family environment.
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Professional consultation services are available to schools, clinics, healthcare providers, community organizations, and private practices seeking behavioral expertise. Consultation may include behavioral assessments, program development, staff training, systems analysis, treatment recommendations, case collaboration, and support with complex behavioral or developmental concerns. Services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each organization or professional team.
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Creative Solutions Behavioral Consulting partners with businesses, organizations, event planners, and community agencies to create more inclusive, accessible, and sensory-friendly environments for individuals of all abilities. Whether supporting employees, customers, families, or event attendees, we help organizations develop practical solutions that promote belonging, engagement, and positive experiences.
Services may include:
Sensory room design and consultation
Sensory-friendly event planning and implementation
Quiet spaces and sensory regulation areas for corporate events, conferences, and community gatherings
Workplace accessibility and inclusion recommendations
Neurodiversity and disability awareness training
Autism acceptance and inclusion education
Employee training on supporting neurodiverse individuals
Inclusive customer service training
Family-friendly and sensory-friendly event consultation
Development of sensory toolkits and regulation stations
Environmental assessments and recommendations
Support for employee wellness and sensory accommodations
Consultation for recreation programs, community events, schools, healthcare facilities, and corporate settings
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Our training programs provide employees, managers, and leadership teams with practical strategies for understanding and supporting neurodiverse individuals in the workplace and community. Topics may include:
Understanding Autism, ADHD, and neurodiversity
Creating inclusive workplace cultures
Communication strategies that support diverse needs
Reasonable accommodations and environmental supports
Reducing barriers to participation
Supporting employees with sensory differences
Building psychological safety and belonging
Inclusive leadership practices
Building Environments Where Everyone Belongs
Inclusion is more than compliance—it is a commitment to creating spaces where individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to participate. Through consultation, training, and sensory-friendly design, we help organizations foster environments that support diverse needs while strengthening employee engagement, customer experiences, and community connections.
Creating spaces where everyone can participate, connect, and thrive.
Michelle is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), educational consultant, and advocate with more than 16 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, families, schools, and community organizations. Since 2009, she has worked across clinical, educational, and community settings, helping individuals overcome barriers to learning, communication, emotional regulation, and meaningful participation in everyday life.
Michelle earned her Bachelor's degree in Developmental Psychology from California State University, Stanislaus, and her Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University, with an emphasis in education. She also holds specialized certifications in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Special Education.
Throughout her career, Michelle has developed and overseen behavioral programs for individuals with complex developmental, emotional, and behavioral needs. Her experience includes supporting children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional Disturbance, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Fragile X Syndrome, PANS/PANDAS, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), ADHD, and other neurological and developmental conditions. She has extensive experience consulting on high-risk cases involving severe aggression, significant self-injurious behavior, emotional dysregulation, school refusal, and complex mental health concerns.
Michelle's approach is rooted in trauma-informed, relationship-centered practices that prioritize dignity, autonomy, and long-term quality of life. She believes effective intervention requires more than behavior change—it requires understanding the whole person, their environment, and the experiences that shape their interactions with the world.
Having worked extensively in both public education and clinical settings, Michelle brings a unique perspective that bridges the gap between behavioral science, special education, and real-world implementation. She helps families navigate special education systems, understand their rights, resolve conflicts with school districts, interpret assessments, prepare for IEP meetings, and advocate effectively for meaningful educational supports and services.
Beyond her work with families and schools, Michelle partners with businesses, community organizations, and event planners to promote inclusion and accessibility. She has collaborated with organizations such as E. & J. Gallo Winery and enABLE Disability Network to develop sensory-friendly environments, inclusive community experiences, and educational opportunities that support neurodiverse individuals and their families. Her work includes sensory room consultation, sensory-friendly event planning, neurodiversity and inclusion training, workplace accessibility recommendations, and community engagement initiatives designed to create spaces where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and supported.
Michelle is passionate about empowering families, educating professionals, and helping organizations build environments where individuals of all abilities can thrive. Whether providing behavioral consultation, educational advocacy, direct therapeutic services, professional training, or inclusion-focused programming, her goal remains the same: to create practical, compassionate, and evidence-based solutions that lead to meaningful and lasting outcomes.
At the heart of Michelle's work is the belief that progress happens when people feel understood, supported, and empowered. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, she helps families, professionals, and organizations move forward with confidence and purpose.
“Michelle understands the behavior my son has is from his anxiety and works on reducing the anxiety not just reacting to the behavior he may be having because of it. She truly understands and has this beautiful mama heart that she pours into her students. I could see my son always felt at ease with her.”
“We didn’t want to go into our first IEP meeting full throttle but we also did not want to go in uninformed. Michelle guided us through the process and gave step-by-step support on what to expect and what questions to ask. She is incredibly knowledgeable and very easy to work with. Our first IEP was a breeze, and we will continue to use Creative Solutions for future meetings.”
If you have received support from Creative Solutions or Michelle in the past, please leave your feedback below!
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQs or reach out anytime. If you’re interested in learning more about what types of services Creative Solutions may be able to offer you, reach out below for a free 15-minute consultation.
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A behavior IEP or Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is a document that outlines strategies to support a student whose behavior is impacting learning the learning of themselves or their peers. It focuses on understanding why behaviors occur and identifying proactive supports, teaching strategies, and responses that help the individual succeed.
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An FBA is recommended when behaviors interfere with learning, safety, or participation and have not improved with general supports. In some situations a FBA may be a requirement of the IEP process.
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Behavior plans are proactive and instructional, not punitive. They focus on teaching skills, adjusting environments, and responding consistently rather than relying on punishment or exclusion.
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Families have the right to ask questions, request revisions, or seek an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). Outside professionals can help review plans, clarify recommendations, and support collaborative problem-solving.
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Trauma-informed behavior support considers how stress, past experiences, and emotional regulation impact behavior. Strategies prioritize safety, predictability, relationship-building, and skill development rather than control or punishment.
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We are located in Northern California and offer various local workshops and community networking opportunities. Regardless of location, Creative Solutions is committed to providing families and professionals access to quality and compassionate behavioral support by offering virtual consultations within the United States.
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Payment for services is private pay only. Insurance billing and third-party reimbursement are not accepted at this time.
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Behavior usually serves a purpose, such as getting attention, avoiding something, or meeting sensory or emotional needs. Focusing only on consequences rarely works. Effective support explores the “why” behind the behavior and teaches practical replacement skills to encourage lasting change.
Our Resource Library includes both free and premium downloadable tools, such as token boards, behavior plan templates, data collection forms, and visual supports. Resources are designed to be practical, customizable, and easy to implement across home, school, and community settings.
Visual motivation made simple. Reward cards help reinforce positive behaviors, build consistency, and keep kids engaged across daily routines. They can be used for an individual student or as a whole class incentive! This download includes SIX (6) unique reward cards that are ready to use in your classroom!
For the days when “First paperwork, then Starbucks” is the only plan that makes sense. These First–Then visuals are designed for staff, families, and professionals who need structure and a good laugh. Featuring relatable motivators like Starbucks, Target, and other real-life rewards, they’re perfect for boosting morale, surviving long days, and adding a little humor to behavior support.
Tracking behavior doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This free, parent-friendly ABC Behavior Tracking Sheet helps you notice what happens before, during, and after behaviors—without having to write out long narratives. Our checkbox-style data sheet takes the guess work out of what information you should collect.
Designed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, this simple tool supports families in spotting patterns, sharing meaningful information with providers, and feeling more confident when advocating for their child.
Based in California’s Central Valley, we offer both in-person and virtual workshops to support families and professionals. In addition to our own events, we share relevant community events and resources taking place throughout the state of California.