Meet the Team

Meet the Team

About the Founder

As Michigan’s only practicing Certified Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) Therapist, our founder brings a uniquely specialized approach to early intervention for children ages 0–5. With nearly a decade of experience as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), and over eight years as a Michigan Certified Special Education Teacher, she has dedicated her career to helping young learners thrive across home, school, and therapy settings. Her passion lies in combining evidence-based ABA principles with the play-based, relationship-focused methods of the ESDM to support every child’s growth and potential.

Meet Our Team

All of our staff have completed a 40-hour course on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). In addition to this coursework, staff receive face-to-face training on core behavior principles and the ESDM approach. Before working independently, they also shadow experienced team members with current clients to ensure a smooth and well-supported transition into their role. 

Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) take the additional step of passing both a competency assessment and a written examination to become officially registered with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

Kenjoshua Jones

Kenjoshua Jones

New Hire Trainer

Layla

Layla

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

Emary

Emary

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

Sierra

Sierra

Behavior Technician

Sierra

Sierra

Behavior Technician

Sierra

Sierra

Behavior Technician

Carla

Carla

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with nearly 20 years of experience supporting individuals with autism and their families across clinic, home, school, and community settings. Since beginning my career as a Behavioral Technician in 2006, I have developed expertise in assessment, treatment planning, parent training, staff supervision, and clinical leadership.

I am passionate about providing individualized, evidence-based services that help clients build meaningful skills and achieve lasting success. My approach emphasizes naturalistic teaching strategies, family collaboration, and creating positive outcomes that improve everyday life.

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is partnering with families and watching clients grow, gain independence, and reach their full potential.

Kenjoshua Jones

Kenjoshua

Graduate Clinician

Hello! My name is Kenjoshua. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and completed the required coursework toward my Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification.

I began my journey with Rooted Therapy in 2023 as a part-time Behavior Technician, where I developed a passion for supporting children and families. In 2024, I completed my clinical internship at Children’s Hospital, providing psychotherapy services to children with diverse emotional and behavioral needs. After graduation, I continued my training at a psychiatric hospital on a specialized autism unit while completing my supervised fieldwork hours toward BCBA certification.

I am excited to return to Rooted Therapy and continue growing as a clinician while helping children build communication, independence, confidence, and essential life skills. I believe every child has unique strengths, and I strive to create a supportive environment where they can learn and thrive at their own pace.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing soccer, staying active, spending time with family, watching anime, and traveling. I look forward to partnering with your family to help your child reach their goals!

Sierra

Sierra

Graduate Clinician

Hi! I’m Sierra, and I’m so glad you’re here! I know how important it is to find someone you trust to work with your child, and I feel incredibly grateful to be part of each family’s journey.

I earned my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Certificate from the Michigan School of Psychology. I am currently working toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and am passionate about helping children build meaningful skills through individualized, evidence-based, play-based therapy tailored to each child’s unique strengths, interests, and needs.

I have experience providing ABA therapy in both clinic and community settings, and one of my favorite parts of this work is finding creative ways to make learning fun and motivating. Whether we’re playing with toys, singing songs, or celebrating a new milestone, I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where children feel excited to learn. I also value partnering with families because I believe the greatest progress happens when we work together.

In addition to my work in ABA, I have clinical experience providing psychotherapy to adolescents and adults. This has strengthened my understanding of behavior, emotional well-being, and the importance of meeting people where they are. I am committed to continuing my education, growing as a clinician, and providing compassionate, high-quality care to every client and family I serve.

When I’m not at work, you can usually find me spending time with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors, attending concerts, or cheering on Michigan sports. I look forward to getting to know you and your family!

Layla

Layla

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

My name is Layla, and I am a Registered Behavior Technician with a strong commitment to supporting children’s growth and development. I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in behavior, with the goal of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Over the past several years in this field, I have developed a strong passion for this work. I am motivated by the opportunity to support meaningful progress and take pride in making a positive impact on each child. Seeing the progress children make over time is incredibly rewarding, and I value being part of their journey. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially visiting lakes and exploring new places.

Emary

Emary

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

My name is Emary Hall, and I am a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with four years of experience in the field, including three years as a certified RBT. I am passionate about helping children and families in my community build meaningful skills and live more fulfilling lives.

I discovered Applied Behavior Analysis after college and previously worked as a nanny and camp counselor, which strengthened my love for working with children. I am currently in graduate school to pursue my BCBA certification. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, playing video games, and spending time with my family.

Hope

Hope

Behavior Technician

My name is Hope, and I am a Behavior Technician who is very passionate about helping children learn and grow. I love being able to work in-home with families and support them. I have been doing ABA for four years and have loved every moment of it, from supporting older children to working with younger learners.

I find the most fulfillment in seeing my clients develop new skills and reach important milestones. I chose this field because of my love for working with children and making a meaningful difference in their lives.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis, painting, traveling, and taking my dog on hikes.

Samantha Surowiec

Samantha

Operations Coordinator

Hi, I’m Samantha, the new Operations Coordinator at Rooted Therapy Center. I’m passionate about supporting children and families and being part of something meaningful. Having a brother with autism and Down syndrome has given me a personal connection to this community. My background includes nannying and administrative work, and I enjoy creating organized, welcoming environments. I love spending time with my two boys—exploring new places, building with Legos, and playing games. I also enjoy thrifting, audiobooks, hiking, and a good cup of coffee.

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Help children build confidence and joy — while growing your own career.

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Client Reviews

Gina Iacobelli

We recommend Rooted Therapy Centers to anyone whose child has... Read More

Jessica Fladger

My son benefited greatly from working with Darra. His confidence,... Read More

Lindsey Beras

Darra and her team have been instrumental in helping my... Read More

L C

1323 years ago

Darra is the best! Highly recommend.

Spero Drosis

Highly recommend!

Chris Cassidy

Great place!! Highly recommend

Josh Mrozowsky

Darra is absolutely fantastic!!

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