Fort Collins, Colorado | (970) 281-5565
What is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?
Quick Facts:
-
Applied Behavior Analysis is the positive use of human behavioral science in real-world settings to build meaningful skills.
-
Scientifically-validated through hundreds of peer-reviewed studies, ABA is the leading evidence-based treatment for ASD.
-
Endorsed by authorities including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the National Institute of Mental Health, the American Psychological Association, and the U.S. Surgeon General.
-
Learn more about ABA from Autism Speaks.
Skills that open doors
Some skills do more than just help in the moment: they open doors to new experiences, relationships, and learning. That’s why we’re called Passport. We help your child build skills that become a passport to exploring the world and shaping their own life.
Communication
Communication is at the heart of every child’s plan. We help your child express themselves clearly and effectively to advocate for their needs and build connections that open new possibilities.
Flexibility and problem solving
Everyday life is full of surprises. We help your child navigate changes, disappointments, and uncertainty with growing confidence. By actively involving them in their goals and progress, we help them discover options, work through challenges, and feel proud of what they can do.
Play and connection
Good friends bring joy, belonging, and support. We help your child discover what matters to them in friendship, connect through shared interests, and build healthy relationships where they can be themselves and be a good friend to others.
Everyday independence
Independence gives your child confidence to shape their own life. Starting with everyday choices and skills, we help them take initiative, set expectations that grow with their abilities, and gradually step back as they put what they learn into practice at home, at school, and in the community.
Skill Acquisition
'Safety. Fun. Learning. In that order'. One of our BCBAs picked this phrase up years ago as a snowboarding instructor, and it is an often-repeated credo within our practice. Feeling motivated, supported, and in control are essential to the learning process. This is why we prioritize patient understanding, choice, and assent at every stage of treatment.
By taking a trauma-informed approach and carefully tailoring sessions to each individual’s unique history, preferences, and learning style, we have the best chance of building functional skills that will endure across all areas of their expanding lives.
Areas for Acquisition/Expansion of Essential Life Skills
-
Communication
-
Emotional Regulation
-
Executive Functioning
-
Health and Safety
-
Play and Leisure
-
Social Interaction
-
Flexible Thinking
-
Self-Advocacy
-
Social Referencing
-
Adaptive Skills
-
Self-Awareness and Mindfulness
-
School Readiness
-
Community Integration
Behavior Intervention/Functional Skill Replacement
Everyday life is full of significant challenges. What may seem like minor inconveniences for some can be deeply upsetting for those who have not developed the skills to navigate these barriers. This can result in behavior patterns that interfere with one's ability to pursue personally meaningful experiences.
By designing a behavior intervention plan centered on understanding what is important to the patient, and getting to the root of why interfering behaviors are occurring, we can work together to help the patient build the replacement skills necessary to move toward goals that are valuable to them. These skills might include effective communication, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and coping strategies, each tailored to empower the patient to overcome specific obstacles and engage more fully in their own lives.
Core Values:
-
Choice, Growth, and Independence: These are the values our practice was founded upon. Our mission is to teach the skills needed to navigate a complex world, and to experience the joy that stems from independent choice and personal growth.
-
Individualized Treatment: Therapy achieves success only when it is meticulously tailored to each patient’s unique profile, which encompasses their diverse interests, skills, and learning histories. This personalized approach not only ensures that therapy is relevant and effective for each child but also fosters a safe environment where growth can flourish, paving the way for meaningful progress and development.
-
Collaboration: Individualized treatment hinges on a commitment to teamwork, involving both family and key professionals integral to each patient’s care. Crucial for a trauma-informed approach, this collaboration combines diverse perspectives and expertise, thereby enhancing our understanding of the patient's needs and experiences. By working together with educators, psychologists, counselors, physicians, and other key providers, we establish a supportive network essential for helping each patient achieve their personal goals and increase their engagement with healthy and positive experiences in their daily lives.
-
Integrity and Excellence: Our science is constantly evolving, and our education never stops. By integrating our extensive clinical experience with the latest evidence-based treatments, we not only stay at the forefront of our field but also ensure optimal outcomes for those we serve.
Meet our team
Get to know the people supporting your child
David Hughes, M.S., BCBA
Founder and Executive Director
He/Him
I’ve spent more than 15 years supporting neurodiverse children, adolescents, and adults. I earned my master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State University and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2016.
In 2018, I founded Passport to bring individualized, home- and community-based care to Northern Colorado. Today, I provide direct care and mentor our clinical team to keep services individualized and responsive to each family.
As a former snowboard instructor, I’ve carried three priorities into my work: safety, fun, and learning. I believe meaningful progress starts with trust, an understanding of each child’s interests, and respect for their choices. My goal is to help children build skills that make everyday life more rewarding for them and their families.
Outside work, I enjoy exploring Colorado with my wife and young son.
Learn about our approach →
McCaili Giauque M.S., BCBA
Lead BCBA
She/Her
I joined Passport as a Registered Behavior Technician in 2020 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in January 2024. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Colorado State University and my master’s degree in psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University.
As Lead BCBA, I work closely with children and families, support our clinical team, and help guide the day-to-day delivery of care. My interest in this work began while volunteering as a peer counselor and teaching assistant for students with disabilities, where I discovered how rewarding it is to help someone gain new skills and independence.
I value open communication, creativity, and getting to know each child as an individual. I want children to feel supported and heard, with their interests and choices helping shape our work together.
Outside work, I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my dog. I love being outdoors, especially on a lake, and going to concerts.
Victoria Kammerer, B.S., RBT
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
She/Her
I’ve spent three years at Passport helping children build skills and independence in their everyday lives. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University and am pursuing a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with a focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder at Capella University.
What I enjoy most about my work is connecting with each child and discovering the interests and personality they bring to our time together. I want children to feel comfortable being themselves, making choices, and trying something new. Building trust and making learning enjoyable are central to how I support their progress.
I was drawn to this field by the opportunity to help people gain independence and take part in experiences that matter to them. I love working alongside a team that shares that commitment.
Outside work, you’ll usually find me curled up with a cozy blanket and a good book or playing video games with friends.
Maria Harris, B.S., RBT
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
She/Her
I joined Passport while earning my undergraduate degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology at Colorado State University. My brother’s autism diagnosis in adulthood made this work deeply personal to me and strengthened my commitment to supporting individuals and families.
What I love most about my work is creating a joyful, playful environment where children can feel comfortable being themselves. I want each child to know that they can be themselves and still grow, learn, and try new things. I enjoy discovering their interests, respecting their choices, and helping them build independence through activities that matter to them.
Being part of the Passport team has inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in Behavior Analysis with the goal of becoming a BCBA.
Outside work, I love getting creative with painting, felt projects, and homemade decor. I also enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring the beauty of Fort Collins and Colorado.