Kerry Mataya
AASCG Director and Asperger Consultant
Kerry Mataya holds a Masters Degree in Education with emphasis in Autism and Asperger Syndrome coursework from the University of Kansas in August 2003. There she studied under Dr. Brenda Smith Myles, who was the reason behind her interest in Asperger Syndrome. She also holds a B.A. from the University of South Alabama with a major in psychology. Kerry is the vision and the creator behind Autism Asperger Syndrome Consulting Group, LLC (founded February 2004). As a consultant, Kerry creates and oversees programs in the Birmingham, Huntsville, and surrounding areas. She contracts with school systems and individual families to work directly with clients diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome of all ages for year round services. Some school systems include Shelby County, Mountain Brook, Blount County, and Cullman County. Kerry has presented at numerous conferences and school in-services around the state, and loves any opportunity to educate others about Asperger Syndrome. Kerry also believes in providing support and encouragement not only to her clients, but to the whole family. Kerry is also the Board Director for Asperger Connection, www.aspergerconnection.org.
Publications
Myles, B.S. & Mehaffey, K.H. (2003). IEP
Process, Encyclopedia for School Psychology. 3.
Mehaffey, K.H, (2002, Winter). 20 Ways to Get Into the Mind of Someone Who Has Asperger Syndrome. The Source: A Publication of Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the U.S., Inc.
Mehaffey, K.H. (2002, Winter). Autism-Asperger’s Syndrome & Sexuality: Puberty and Beyond book review. The Source: A Publication of Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the U.S., Inc.
Other Professional Experience Includes:
2004-2011 Asperger Consultant, Mountain Brook County School System, Mountain Brook, AL
2006-2011 Asperger Consultant, Shelby County School System, Birmingham, AL
2003-2011 Perspective Taking Groups, Birmingham, AL
2003-2011 Academic Tutoring, Birmingham, AL
2003-2011 Life Skills Coaching, Birmingham, AL
2003-2011 Social Skills Groups, Birmingham, AL (Kindergarten - Adult)
2003-2011 Behavior Programming, Birmingham, AL
2006-2006 Moderator, Asperger Parent Support Group, Mobile, AL
2005-2006 Moderator, Adult Support Group, Birmingham, AL.
2004-2007 Moderator, Asperger Parent Support Group, Birmingham, AL
2003-2006 Director, IMPACT Young Adult Support Group, Birmingham, AL
2004 Staff, Camp Determination, Olathe, KS
2002-2004 Conference Hostess, Autism Asperger Publishing Company, Overland Park, KS
2003 Cabin Leader for Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome, Camp Determination, Olathe, KS
2003 Student Teacher, West Englewood Elementary School, Kansas City North, MO
2003 Group Leader, Social Skills Group for Students with Asperger Syndrome, Overland Park, KS
2003 Principal Investigator, Conflict Resolution for Students with Asperger Syndrome, Overland Park, KS
2003 Observation and Participation, Louisburg Elementary School, Louisburg, KS
2002 Observation and Participation, Blue Valley School District, Overland Park, KS
2002 Observation and Participation, Sherwood Center, Kansas City, MO
2002 Observation and Participation, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
Related Training
- Academic Modifications
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Behavior Contracts
- Behavior Reduction Methods
- Best Practice Intervention Options
- Boundary Setting
- Bullying
- Characteristics of Autism and Asperger Syndrome
- Choice Making
- Comic Strip Conversations
- Continuous Data Collection to Guide Instruction
- Developmental Therapy
- Direct Instruction
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT)
- DTORF-R Assessment
- Environmental Assessment
- Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)
- Gluten free-Casein free (GFCF) Diets
- Group Teaching
- Hidden Curriculum
- Home to School Reports
- “How Does Your Engine Run?” (Sensory Program Developed in Lee’s Summit School District)
- Inclusion
- Individualized Education Programming (IEP)
- Incidental Teaching
- Integrated Play Groups (IPG)
- Joint Action Routines
- LIFT Programming and Interventions at Elementary and Middle Schools in Blue Valley District (Based in ABA and DTT)
- Methods of Data Collection (i.e. Frequency, Duration, Interval, and Time Sample)
- Musically Adapted Social Stories
- PEP-R Assessment
- Peer-Mediated Social Interaction Procedures
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
- Positive Behavior Supports (PBS)
- Power Card Strategy
- Priming
- Reinforcement
- Role Models
- Self-Help Skills
- Self-Management
- Self-Monitoring
- Sensory Integration Therapy
- Sensory Diet
- Social Autopsy
- Social Skills Training
- Social Supports
- Social Stories
- Staff & Parent Training
- Structured Teaching
- Target Behavior
- TEACCH Strategies
- Toileting
- Work Systems
- Visual Schedules
- Visual Structure
Jason Elmer
Social & Career Development Consultant for North Alabama
Jason Elmer has been working with AASCG for the past 2 years. His areas of focus have been social and career development for the middle school through adult age groups, including serving many clients through the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS). His past experiences have included volunteer work with a number of organizations focusing on youth services, developing and facilitating corporate team-building programs and serving 13 years in the military. Jason comes to us with a background in the arts with a B.A. in Graphic Design and Marketing. Jason received his Master's degree in Special Education with an emphasis in learning and instruction and a focus in Autism from the University of Missouri. Jason looks forward to combining his background in the arts with his teambuilding expertise to come up with creative approaches to meet his clients' needs. Please complete an online evaluation if you are interested in setting up an initial consultation with Jason to pursue getting into a social group or other consultation services. Young adult services through ADRS must be authorized by your ADRS Counselor.
Linda Faulk
Educational Consultant and Social Group Coordinator for North Alabama
Linda Faulk has come to AASCG with 30 years experience as a public school special educator. She spent 23 years as a special education teacher of both self-contained and resource students and has taught all ages ranging from preschool through 21 years of age. She worked three years as Resource Specialist for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities and spent the last 4 years of her public school career as a Coordinator of Special Education. She holds a B.S. in Special Education from the University of Georgia, a Masters in Special Education and certification in Early Childhood Special Education from UAB, and an Educational Specialist degree from UAB. Linda enjoys providing academic, social and behavioral support and coaching to students and teachers. She has provided assessment, professional development and consultation services to school personnel and parents of several systems within the North Alabama area. We are excited to have her wealth of knowledge, reputation, and teaching skills on our team. Beginning January 2012, Linda will be working with our K - 6th grade students for a variety of services including social groups, organization, study skills, and acedemic tutoring. Please complete an online evaluation if you are interested in setting up an initial consultation with Linda to pursue getting into a social group or other consultation services.
Erin Brunson
Consultant for Early Education for Central Alabama
Erin Brunson received her Master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). During her time at UAB, Erin participated in a federally funded grant program designed to enhance communication and collaboration among service providers to provide best practice services in the early intervention natural environment. Erin has held multiple roles before joining AASCG. She has professional experience as a lead special education teacher in a preschool setting for children with ASD as well as providing consultation and training to school systems. She is also is the founder of Autism Integrated Services (AIS) and has worked in home and school programs. We are lucky ot have her as part of our team. Erin's current role with AASCG includes school consultations in Cullman County. Erin intends to pursue interests as they relate to the life-long learning of individuals with ASD.
Josh Dowd
Young Adult Group Leader for Central Alabama
Josh Dowd is currently working toward a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and is expected to graduate in December 2012. He is currently working with AASCG to assist social skills development during our middle and high school social groups. Since April 2011, Josh is leading our largest young adult social skills group, which includes 25-30 young adults, on a weekly basis. His previous work history has included therapy on Applied Behavior Analysis at the Riley Center in Huntsville, AL. He also has done extensive work with individuals on home and community-based programs for students in middle school, high school, as well as young adults. Josh currently serves on the Junior Board of Asperger Connection. There are some social skills that are best taught to our guys from a male perspective.
Penney Patterson
Summer Camp Coordinator for Central Alabama
Penney Patterson received her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Vanderbilt University. She is currently serving as a Special Education Teacher for first grade students at Mount Laurel Elementary. Before attending graduate school, Penney worked with AASCG in after-school social groups and individual consultations with our clients. Penney is a "natural" at goal development and behavior modification. She has worked with our summer camps for several years, including drama and overnight camp. She was camp director for our overnight camp, Camp Takoda, during summer 2010. Although Penney is currently a 1st grade Special Education teacher in Shelby County, Penney still runs occasional after-school social groups as well as summer camps in the Birmingham area.
