Laurie Schneider

Laurie is a licensed and board-certified behavior analyst with 8 years of experience using ABA strategies to support children with diverse needs. She grew up in Berlin, Germany and in 2015 received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Hamburg. She moved on to getting her master’s from Ball State University in Applied Behavior in 2017, while working as a registered behavior technician (RBT) in a clinical setting in Texas. She loved working 1-on-1 with autistic children and using child-centered, play-based strategies to help them achieve their social, emotional and adaptive goals. Laurie earned her BCBA certification in February 2018 and went on to be a Case Supervisor, where her roles shifted to completing assessments, developing individualized, comprehensive treatment plans, training technicians and providing guidance to caregivers. Laurie also has multiple years of experience working as Behavior Specialist in Texas public schools. In that role, she has trained administrators and teachers on how to use least-restrictive and evidence-based strategies to support student behavior in a variety of classroom models. As a Behavior Specialist, Laurie was a trainer for the district in non-violent crisis intervention, behavioral interventions, classroom management and trauma-informed practices. Before relocating to Maryland, Laurie worked as Assistant Clinical Director for an ABA clinic and worked to gain more experience with assent-based and neuro-divergent affirming practices in ABA. Laurie whole-heartedly believes in Ivar Lovaas’ quote: “If they can’t learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn”. She is excited to join the Diener team this year that works hard to ensure that every student gets what they need to succeed.