Denny Hong

Digital Growth Strategist

Yan embarked on her journey in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a behavior technician in 2019, where she quickly developed a strong connection to the individualized approach of supporting children and families. Motivated by her passion for helping others, she pursued further education, earning her second master's degree in Special Education with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Washington. In 2022, Yan became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has been deeply committed to her work ever since. 

Yan is devoted to working with children of all ages, particularly those with disabilities. She brings a wealth of experience in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), discrete trial training, naturalistic instruction, behavior management strategies, parent coaching, and precision teaching. 

Originally from China, Dr. Yan relocated to the U.S. in 2016. With a robust background in program management and software development spanning over 25 years, she holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree in Computer Science from the Beijing Institute of Technology. Outside of her professional life, Yan enjoys traveling, photography, and cooking.

Yan (Nicole) Li

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Sharon’s passion for working with children with disabilities was ignited in 2019 when she volunteered at an autism rehabilitation center in China, which was part of the Red Cross. After a year of working closely with individuals with autism and other disabilities, she decided to return to the U.S. to pursue advanced education at the University of Washington. Sharon began her professional career providing early intervention services at Seattle Children’s Autism Center, working with families in a clinical setting. She then transitioned to working with reputable ABA companies, focusing primarily on in-home services. Sharon continued her education by graduating from the University of Washington’s Special Education – Applied Behavior Analysis program. She subsequently earned her BCBA in 2022 and has thoroughly enjoyed her work since. 

Her professional journey has equipped her with extensive experience in both in-home and clinic settings, where she has demonstrated strong expertise in natural environment teaching, discrete trial training, incidental teaching, and other ABA techniques. Her dedication to the field of ABA is reflected in her continuous pursuit of professional development and her active participation in the ABA community. Outside of her professional life, Sharon loves exploring the nature and traveling. In her leisure time, she also enjoys tending to her garden and nurturing the flowers and plants in her yard.

Sharon (Xiahan) Zhang

Autism treatment

For families

About us

Join Lemon Tree Learning Center as a Behavior Technician (BT) and make a difference in the lives of children with autism. Apply now to be part of our compassionate and dedicated team, offering personalized ABA therapy.

Join Our Team at Lemon Tree Learning Center

At Lemon Tree Learning Center, we are dedicated to making a socially meaningful change in the lives of children and families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children and families are at the heart of our work, and we take care of the people who make all the difference - People like You!

We foster a welcoming environment where every team member feels valued, respected, and heard. Our leadership team champions every individual to achieve their potential. We want you to enjoy coming to work, so we commit ourselves to making our teams feel valued, respected, and heard.

As a Behavior Technician at Lemon Tree Learning Center, you will play a vital role in the lives of young children affected by autism. Your responsibilities will include:

Working directly with the child and their family in their natural environment to teach essential skills such as communication, sharing, playing, and waiting.

Conducting home-based treatment sessions that are engaging and fun through play-based activities.

Receiving training to ensure you feel confident in the skills required to instruct children affected by autism.

Working with clients in their natural environments may require you to lift or move approximately 50 lbs. and be able to assume and maintain a variety of postures (kneeling, squatting, sitting, standing) for extended periods of time.

 $22.00 - $30.00 per hour based on experience, education, and certifications in the ABA field.

 Drive-time pay between sessions and paid training.

 Opportunity to grow towards gaining your Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification with guidance and financial assistance.

 A work setting designed to develop staff in a positive employee culture.

Valid driver's license and personal vehicle.

Auto insurance with your name listed as an insured driver.

Web-enabled device (laptop or tablet) for note-taking.

Positive attitude and strong people skills to work with children and families.

A love and passion for working with children.

This is a permanent part-time opportunity to make an impact on a child's life (10-20 hours/week).

Minimum availability of 3 days (M-F) with consistent hours.

Sessions are held between 8 AM - 7 PM (subject to change based on needs).

Lemon Tree Learning Center is committed to enhancing the lives of children and families affected by autism through our family-centric applied behavior analysis (ABA) approach. Our mission is to deliver ABA treatment in partnership with families affected by autism to foster a more joyous life.

If our Mission Resonates with you, Join Us!

For more information, please visit our website or contact info@lemontreelc.com.

Behavior Technician (BT)

Join Lemon Tree Learning Center as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in the Greater Seattle Area. Make a difference in the lives of children with autism. Enjoy competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, professional development, and a supportive work environment. Apply now to enhance your career.

At Lemon Tree Learning Center, we are dedicated to making a socially meaningful change in the lives of children and families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We foster a welcoming environment where every team member feels valued, respected, and heard. Our leadership team is committed to guiding our dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and therapists in providing exceptional care and support.

As a BCBA at Lemon Tree Learning Center, you will play an integral role in ensuring the highest possible treatment outcomes for families affected by ASD. You will be part of our interdisciplinary team, responsible for designing and managing individualized behavior programs, including:

Supervising direct 1:1 treatment services and developing individualized goals and objectives.

Conducting comprehensive behavior assessments.

Creating and individualizing client treatment plans.

Managing Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and Behavior Technicians (BTs).

Conducting monthly caregiver training sessions.

 Strong base salary with performance bonuses.

 Including medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and supplemental insurance programs.

 CEUs and professional development opportunities.

 Company-paid registration, travel, and shared hotel for ABA conferences for full-time BCBAs.

 For newly certified BCBAs to develop your skill set.

 Participation in work groups, research projects, and community awareness activities.

Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis or a related field.

BCBAs needing additional experience will be enrolled in our BCBA mentorship program.

To apply, please visit our website and fill out the application form. For any questions, contact info@lemontreelc.com.

Join us at Lemon Tree Learning Center and be part of a team that enhances the lives of children and families through personalized ABA therapy.

Explore the ABA Library at Lemon Tree Learning Center. Access resources on ABA therapy, dispelling myths, effectiveness, and school transitions. Support your child's development.

ABA library

"While there is no miracle cure for autism, applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is the most frequently recommended treatment for autism spectrum disorder. This therapy is strongly supported by major health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Despite these endorsements, misconceptions about ABA therapy persist. Here, we address some common myths and provide accurate information to help families consider this impactful treatment.

Myth: ABA therapy is only for high-functioning children.

ABA therapy can be highly effective for children at all functioning levels. It extends beyond brief therapy sessions, integrating extensive caregiver education and support throughout the day. Our family-centered approach ensures that every child, regardless of where they fall on the spectrum, has the opportunity to thrive. Individualized treatment plans are created to meet the specific needs of the child and family, with progress closely monitored.

Myth: ABA therapy is only for low-functioning children.

Children with higher functioning levels also benefit greatly from ABA therapy. It can enhance conversation skills, socialization, and address academic delays and behavioral issues. ABA therapy provides valuable learning opportunities and experiences for children across all functioning levels.

Myth: ABA therapy only uses aversive techniques to correct behaviors.

Positive reinforcement is a key component of ABA therapy. Children learn by breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps, building on their progress, and celebrating their achievements. When inappropriate behavior occurs, techniques such as redirection or a response cost system (removing tokens or privileges as consequences) are used. Over time, children learn to replace inappropriate behaviors with appropriate ones, receiving praise and encouragement for positive behavior.

Myth: ABA therapy only teaches one way to respond.

ABA therapy promotes generalization, teaching children to identify stimuli across different contexts and respond to various people and settings. It also encourages flexibility and the use of imagination, helping children learn multiple ways to respond to situations.

Myth: ABA therapy only addresses behavioral issues.

Beyond behavioral concerns, ABA therapy addresses functional communication, social relationships, cognitive skills, and daily living skills such as grooming and hygiene. For teens, job readiness is also a focus. This holistic approach supports the child's overall development.

While ABA therapy is structured, it also adapts to the child's natural environments, making treatment comfortable at home and in other settings. Skills and behaviors learned in therapy can be transferred to various natural environments, enhancing their applicability and effectiveness.

Myth: ABA therapy will “heal” the child.

ABA therapy aims to improve the quality of life for children with autism spectrum disorder and their families, not to "heal" them. It focuses on meeting the child where they are and creating a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs.

Learn more about Lemon Tree Learning Center and ABA therapy

At Lemon Tree Learning Center, we have a long history of helping children and families affected by autism spectrum disorder through successful ABA therapy. Our step-by-step, family-centric approach to treatment is designed to address each child’s individual needs and support their growth and development.

We invite you to schedule a phone interview with our client services team to determine if our ABA therapy services are a good fit for your child."

Dispelling Myths and Presenting Facts about ABA Therapy

"The effectiveness of ABA intervention can be summarized in two simple words: it works.

As a leading provider of ABA therapy, we have a long history of improving the lives of children affected by autism through a family-centric approach to ABA.

Every child is unique, and the strength of ABA intervention lies in its adaptability. Rooted in science and research, ABA therapy can be tailored to meet a child’s specific needs, whether it’s a young child preparing for kindergarten or a teenager striving for independence.

Discover how ABA intervention can benefit children of all ages and help both children and families thrive.

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy is regarded as one of the most effective treatments for enhancing social and communication skills and reducing problematic behaviors. It is strongly endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Surgeon General, American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and many other reputable sources. The aim of ABA therapy is to help children reach their fullest potential, no matter where they fall on the spectrum. With a nearly 90% success rate, ABA therapy is often the preferred approach for families following an autism diagnosis.

ABA therapy's effectiveness is largely attributed to its flexibility. Different techniques within ABA therapy contribute to understanding and changing a child’s behavior. This flexibility allows for:

Creating individualized programs tailored to the child

Teaching a variety of useful everyday skills

Breaking down large skills into smaller, manageable steps, reinforced positively

Providing therapy in various settings, including the child’s home

Family involvement is crucial to the success of ABA therapy. Family members are a child’s most constant and important teachers. ABA therapy is a collaborative effort between the treatment team and the family. Together, they create an environment that fosters meaningful learning opportunities and experiences for the child, both in therapy and at home.

ABA therapy teaches children with autism numerous life-changing skills, including:

: Initiating interactions with peers, understanding friendships, practicing sportsmanship, and learning peer preferences.

: Asking meaningful questions, using language to learn, understanding verbal and non-verbal communication, problem-solving, and decision-making.

: Personal self-care, dental care, choosing appropriate clothing, self-feeding, and fine motor skills.

: Completing tasks independently, listening to instructions, learning school routines, and retaining information.

Children also learn to replace problematic behaviors like tantrums, noncompliance, or aggression with:

Witnessing the Efficacy of ABA Intervention

The sooner a child begins ABA therapy, the better their chances for learning and progress. Our family-centric approach and tailored ABA therapy programs aim to support children and families effectively, helping them lead more fulfilling lives."

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The Effectiveness of ABA Therapy

As summer draws to a close, a new academic year is just around the corner. Transitioning to a different classroom, grade, or school can be a stressful experience for any child. For children with autism, the fear of the unknown and anxiety about changes to their routines can be even more pronounced.

Lemon Tree Learning Center, a leading provider of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, aims to help families navigate this transition smoothly. Every child is unique and handles change differently – particularly children with autism. With careful preparation and planning, parents can significantly ease the start of the new school year.

After a more relaxed summer schedule, the idea of returning to a structured school routine might cause anxiety for your child. Begin discussing school in a positive light to build their excitement. Talk about what a typical school day will look like, who their new teachers will be, and what subjects they are eager to learn. Engaging in these positive conversations frequently in the weeks leading up to the first day of school can help alleviate fears. Encourage your child to ask questions and discuss any concerns they may have. The more familiar they become with the upcoming changes, the less daunting they will seem.

Creating a visual countdown with a calendar can also help. Mark off the days together to give your child a clear understanding of when school will start, reducing the element of surprise and helping them mentally prepare for the transition.

Gradually adjusting your child's wake-up time can help them get used to the school schedule. Start by setting the alarm 30 minutes earlier each week until they are waking up at the desired time. Conduct a few "practice mornings" towards the end of summer to familiarize your child with the morning routine they will follow once school starts.

If your child benefits from visual schedules, create one that outlines their morning routine, from brushing their teeth and getting dressed to eating breakfast and boarding the bus. Practicing carrying their lunchbox or wearing their backpack at home can also make these school routines feel more familiar and less intimidating.

To reduce anxiety about the journey to school, drive the route several times so your child becomes familiar with it. If they will be riding a school bus, arrange for them to meet the bus driver beforehand. Many bus drivers conduct practice runs in the last week of summer, providing a great opportunity for a quick introduction.

If possible, arrange a visit to the school before the first day. Meeting their teachers and touring the school can make the environment feel more familiar and less intimidating. Visit important areas such as the main office, cafeteria, gym, library, and bathrooms. Take photos during the visit to review and discuss at home, reinforcing their familiarity with the new surroundings.

Having photos of their teachers, classroom, and potential classmates can further ease the transition. The more information and visuals you can provide in advance, the more comfortable your child will feel.

If your child is starting at a new school, schedule an IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting before the school year begins. This meeting allows you and your child's educational team to set goals and discuss strategies to support your child’s success throughout the year.

Teachers may request information about your child's learning style, strengths, weaknesses, and any sensory issues. Sharing detailed information helps teachers and staff understand and meet your child's needs effectively.

If your child has an existing behavior plan, ensure it is implemented from the start of the school year. For children who experience sensory overload, make sure their comfort items are readily available, especially during the initial weeks.

Learn More About Lemon Tree Learning Center

At Lemon Tree Learning Center, we have supported over 10,000 children with autism through our comprehensive, family-focused ABA therapy approach. Recognizing the critical role of family, we strive to provide effective ABA treatment in partnership with families, helping children with autism achieve greater independence and joy.

We encourage you to schedule a phone consultation with our client services team to explore whether our ABA therapy services are suitable for your child."

Welcome to the ABA library

Dispelling Myths and Presenting Facts about ABA Therapy

More articles

The Effectiveness of ABA Therapy

Preparing for School: Easing the Transition for Children with Autism