Lauren Thornhill

About Lauren

Lauren Thornhill is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at Joy Therapy and Learning Center. Lauren has worked with children since 2018. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Applied Behavior Analysis and a Master of Arts in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis) from Arizona State University. Her clinical focus is autism spectrum disorders. What she loves most is helping children reach meaningful milestones at their own pace, teaching them new ways to communicate, and helping them understand how their actions can get their needs and wants met. Behavior is communication, and she finds it rewarding to help each child discover a safer and more functional way to express themselves.

Lauren’s daughter experienced a speech delay and challenging behaviors, which inspired her to support other children and their families by teaching strategies that make everyday life easier. She chose Joy because it supports the whole child through ABA, speech, OT, and PT, and because of its supportive team and its commitment to bringing light to families through acceptance and compassion without judgment. Lauren is a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the State of Georgia, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, QBS Safety-Care trained, and CPR and First Aid certified. Outside of work, she enjoys quality time with her husband and their two children, and you can usually find her at the ballpark cheering on her kids at their baseball and softball games. She is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and loves shopping, LSU sports, sharing Jesus with others, and spending time with the family dog, Jazz. A fun fact: she has a college softball national championship ring.

• Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), State of Georgia
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst
• QBS Safety-Care trained
• CPR / First Aid certified
• Barbers License, State of Louisiana

About ABA therapy at Joy Therapy

ABA at our practice begins with an assessment of what a behavior is accomplishing for a child, because a behavior that looks disruptive is usually solving a problem the child has no better way to solve. Programs are written around communication, autonomy and skills that serve the child, and they are revised against session data rather than repeated. Parent training runs alongside every program.

Parents are partners in every service we provide. You are welcome in sessions, and you should expect to leave with something specific to continue at home rather than a general instruction to practice more.

What this discipline covers

• Functional behavior assessment
• Program design and supervision
• Communication and requesting
• Play and peer interaction
• Daily living skills and independence
• Parent training

Credentials

• BCBA
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst at Joy Therapy and Learning Center
• Holds a current license to practice in the state of Georgia