The United School
for Autism
Scottsdale, Arizona
TEAM UNITED
Administrative Team
Our ABA Team
About Me
Hello, my name is Elaine Helton. I was born and raised in Arizona and completed both my bachelor’s degree and master’s degree at Arizona State University. I have been working in the field of autism and special needs for 7 years, with 4 years of ABA experience. I have worked in a variety of areas including in-home individual support, therapeutic horseback riding, and severe and complex behavioral support. Before finding the United School I completed a year-long internship at an ABA-based school in the valley. I realized the importance of supporting students in school so they can reach their full academic and social potential. I have been with The United School since its opening, and have enjoyed seeing the success of the program and its students!
Ms Helton BCBA
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My Education
I have a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology as well as bachelor of science in Psychology from ASU. I graduated with my master of science in Applied Behavior Analysis from ASU. During my time in my master’s program I was involved with the research lab researching topics including language variability and oral stereotypic behaviors.
My Favorites
In my free time, I enjoy going up north with my boyfriend and my 3 dogs to hike or swim. I also enjoy going to country music concerts. I occasionally give horseback riding lessons with my own horse on the weekends as well as volunteer with my Church’s special ministries.
Lower Elementary Teachers
About Me
I am mother of twin girls named Abigail and Charlotte. I have been happily married for 10 years to my husband Chris who was my high school sweetheart. I have lived in many states such as California, Utah, Oklahoma and Arizona, traveling with my husband who served in the military. I have worked in education for over 10 years and ABA therapies for over 3 years. I have a passion for teaching children and I look forward to a great year
Mrs Feenstra
My Education
I have a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education and a Masters degree in Education specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis.
My Favorites
I love to go see new movies in the theaters and watch movies with my family at home. I enjoy reading and can spend hours lost in a good book. While I don't enjoy cooking myself I am fascinated by cooking shows and competitions. I am diet Dr pepper fanatic and love to snack on fresh fruit and veggies!
About Me
Hello! My name is Christine Fisk! I recently just got married (June 2018) to my wonderful husband with whom I have been together with for going on 12 years. I am a New Jersey transplant making my move to Scottsdale, Arizona 7 years ago. I am a proud puppy mom to a rambunctious 9-month-old goldendoodle pupp.
Mrs Fisk
My Education
I have been working in the field of ABA and autism education for 11 years. I began my ABA journey in the Ridgewood Public School District (Ridgewood, NJ) and have been learning and growing within the field ever since.
My Favorites
I love to spend my time outside of the classroom: Reading, watching movies, travellings, painting and coloring.
Upper Elementary Teachers
About Me
Hi! My name is Melissa DiMambro, I was born and raised right outside of Boston. I became a teacher in hopes of affecting students the way I was affected when I was young. Providing them with more than just knowledge but a basis and a respect for learning, growth and curiosity that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. I hope to do so, and I can't wait to work with each and every one of you!
Ms Dimambro
My Education
I graduated from Plymouth State University in May 2015 with my BA in Education K-8 and a minor in Mathematics. Most of my teaching experience is with 4th and 5th grades students.
My Favorites
My favorite things to do are: Hiking, Camping/Backpacking, Being Outdoors
Crafting, Cooking & Baking, Coffee and Math
About Me
My name is Amber Ramos, I was born and raised in Colorado and relocated to Arizona in 2012 to attend Grand Canyon University. I graduated from GCU in 2016 with a BS in Psychology and a BA in Christian Studies. In addition, I am pursuing additional education from Arizona State University in the Spring!
Ms Ramos
My Education
Attended GCU and will attend Arizona State University in the Spring! I am pursuing the Master’s Degree in Special Education with the Applied Behavioral Analysis component.
My Favorites
My favorite things to do are: Cycling, Traveling, Thrift Shopping, Yoga, Reading, Anything artsy, Spending time with Family, Spending time with my dog, Watching Netflix, Hanging out with Friends and Coffee Shops.
About Me
Raised in Milwaukee, WI where I worked at my parent’s Montessori school. I learned to sail in Jr. Yacht club and trained in classical ballet for eight years. Served as a Civil Engineer /Sergeant in the Army Reserves. Taught Special Education in Bellevue, WA for 4 years before moving to Scottsdale, AZ. My husband, Ian, and I have two teenage girls in High School and my adult son attending ASU. #forksup
Mrs Carlson
My Education
BA in Education from City University, Seattle. Special Education certified in K-12. Middle School Math Endorsement. Trained in Yale RULER Approach to Social Emotional Learning
My Favorites
Activities: Hike, run and do yoga with my friends. Also love to listen to podcasts and audiobooks in the car. I love Venti Iced Americano with 2 shots of vanilla, Kombucha and Harry & David’s Chocolate covered cherries. My favorite store are Madewell and World Market.
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About Me
I am the youngest of 5 siblings. I was born and raised in Wisconsin and moved to Arizona 2 years ago! I am very passionate about staying active in the community. I volunteer in the special needs Sunday school and worship team at my church. I have two daughters, Brayleigh (6) and Evangeline (4). We have a kitty named Nova and a guinea pig named Biscuit.
Ms Lord
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My Education
I competed training as an LPN in nursing, as well as Early Childhood Education and as a Behavior Therapist/RBT.
My Favorites
In my free time I love to stay active with my family: hiking, trampoline park and water parks! Personally, I love sports, hiking and coffee! My favorite color is Teal, I love; sushi and cherry tomatoes. My number is 8, my favorite vacation place is Dominica Republic and my Sport team are the Green Bay Packers
About Me
I am completing my final semester at Arizona State University as a communication major and as an honors student. I am happily married and we have a dog named Lola. I have 5 years experience working with individuals with autism and treasure their minds. I also have a brother affected and care about my students success just as much as his. I recently defended my thesis study, Increasing Academic and Social Accessibility at Arizona State University for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Program Evaluation.
Mrs Volmering
My Education
I attend Hugh Downs School for Communication at Arizona State University and am a student of Barrett, The Honors College.
My Favorites
Anything from Natural Life & Life is Good, flowers, coffee (Mocha please!), Chocolate with nuts, Jasmine scented lotion, Puppies! Sunshine art, Homemade treasures, Salad and Go!
Extracurricular Teachers
Music
Mr Croft
My name is Brandon Croft, I am a proud father of 2, Cooper and KJ, married to the love of my life, Katie. I am one of the founder/owner of McDowell Mountain Music Lessons. I am an Arizona native and have taught private music lessons for the last 13 years. I play guitar, drums, piano, ukulele, mandolin, bass and harmonica. I received an Associate in Liberal Arts. I studied Jazz and Classical Theory.
Health - PE
Mr Floyd
My name is Clint Floyd, I grew up in Los Angeles, California and moved to Arizona in 2008 on a football scholarship. I attended ASU and received a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (Family Child Development & Sociology. I have played professional football in 3 different continents and I used to be in gymnastics. I greatly enjoy teaching PE because of my love for sports but the most rewarding think for me is to be able to pass on my knowledge and experience to my students!
Art
Ms Waddell-Porter
I am so passionate about art and have been from a very young age. Art most excited me when I started to learn about the Artist themselves and learned how their lives impacted their masterpieces. I received a Bachelors of Arts in Art History at ASU.
I have a 15 years old daughter, she's a sophomore in high school and a very fat kitty named Fiona. For me, being able to share my knowledge and passion with my students is a dream come true!
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