WHO WE ARE
Stacie Rulison, M.S., M.Ed, BCBA, LBA
Business Partner and Practitioner
Skills Group Facilitator and Individual Services
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA)
UCLA PEERS Curriculum Certified (an evidence-based social skills intervention)
Stacie has facilitated numerous teen and adult, school, university, and disability-based workshops and group classes since 2016. The Balance MI-Skills curriculum was adapted from the the UCLA PEERS curriculum, and modified to expand content and data collection based on clinical assessment. The social communication training is an evidence-based framework integrating behavioral and cognitive methodologies with didactic and Socratic instruction, live and video modeling, rehearsal, coaching and feedback in the moment, and pre- and post-data collection. Individual sessions are also facilitated to enhance social, communication, and adaptive skill knowledge in a more intensive setting. Ongoing research in credible, peer-reviewed journals and sources is conducted to assure current best and proven practices for offerings at Balance MI-Skills.
Lisa Espinoza, M.Ed., Behavior Therapist
Business Partner and Practitioner
Skills Group Facilitator, Employment Specialist, and Individual Services
Practicum completed to test for BCBA credential
UCLA PEERS Curriculum Instructor (an evidence-based social skills intervention)
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Lisa Espinoza has been an advocate for children and families effected by autism for over 10 years. She was a catalyst to initiating the Michigan autism insurance legislation initiative, partnering with other families to start the grassroots movement Autism Insurance for Michigan (AIM). Through this process she developed relationships with legislators, universities, lobbyists, and autism support organizations. Since that time, Lisa has pursued a career in behavior analysis, completing her coursework and practicum hours to test for the BCBA credential. She is working toward the ACRE certification to support customized employment and has led employment coordination for individuals with disabilities overseeing employer development, site development, job coaching, and work experiences. Lisa has provided intervention services to children, teens, and adults implementing applied behavior analysis (ABA) methodology and implementing group and individualized social and communication skills interventions since 2016.
Balance MI-Skills Staff
We are so fortunate to have such a capable and dedicated team of individuals to support the offerings we provide! We love our work and have been blessed to find individuals who are as passionate as we are in offering quality services to individuals participating in our programming and services. We KNOW we can only continue growing and prospering through their amazing efforts and commitment!
Full-Time Staff
Becky Swender, Business Support Associate
Business Support Specialist
Becky works for Balance MI-Skills full-time. Becky provides business and clinical support including assisting in classes as a social coach and job coach. She also provides administrative and business support to the operation of Balance MI-Skills and has made contributions in streamlining processes and practices. Becky previously was a Media Center Specialist for St. Johns Public Schools. Becky has over 10 years working with individuals with disabilities in a classroom setting, which she did before becoming a Media Center Specialist. When she worked in the CI classroom, she worked with students with autism and other developmental and intellectual disabilities, and learned about and used behavioral strategies and procedures. She also knew it was an amazing opportunity to help others! Becky enjoys working with teens and adults in learning to better their lives by obtaining better social and relationship skills. Becky is married to Jeremy and has three children. In her free time she loves to read, go camping, and be with her family.
Part-Time Staff
Jacob Corey, BS, MSU Graduate, Major: Psychology
Communication & Employment Support Associate
Jacob earned his Bachelors degree in Psychology from Michigan State University, focusing on intellectual disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Currently Jacob is a student at Lansing Community College furthering his academic career to prepare for the MKAT test where he plans on continuing into Psychiatry. In his spare time Jacob enjoys traveling as much as possible, as well as spending quality time with friends and family and staying active through sports like soccer, basketball and disc golf.
Ruby Dush, Student at Ferris State University (FSU)
Communication & Employment Support Associate
Ruby is a student at Ferris State University/Lansing Community College working toward a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (PK-6 Band). After graduating, Ruby foresees herself being a teacher in the town she was born and raised in, St. Johns. Growing up with three siblings and MANY cousins sparked an interest in her at a young age to pursue teaching and/or anything involving children. In her spare time Ruby likes to travel, most recently to Italy, spend time with close friends/family, and walk or run around St. Johns.
Jacob Kast, Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
Communications & Employment Support Specialist
Jacob is an undergraduate student at Grand Valley State University pursuing a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences. Following graduation, he plans to attend medical school to further his education and pursue a career in the healthcare field, specializing in radiology. In his free time, Jacob enjoys playing video games, swimming, and reading.
Ryder Rulison, Student at Western Michigan University (WMU)
Peer Support Coach
Ryder is a student at WMU where he is in an exploratory curriculum and will identify a major, but has declared a minor in Japanese. Ryder plans to do a study abroad in Japan and obtain a bachelor's degree in the future. He is a former student in the Balance MI-Skills program, and a self-advocate. He assists with social coaching in the social communication groups and the Keys program, and plans to job coach in the future. Ryder also worked as a clerk at Kroger's in St. Johns for a year (2022-2023), and graduated in 2023 from Ovid Elsie High School. He enjoys being at college, anime, gaming, sports, and the Japanese club.
Katelyn Swender, Student at Grand Valley State University (GVSU)
Communication & Employment Support Associate
Katelyn Swender is a communication and job coach who is currently studying Early Childhood Education at Grand Valley State University in hopes of becoming a Kindergarten teacher. In her free time she enjoys hiking waterfalls, reading, and painting. One of her favorite quotes is from Cinderella (2015): "You have more kindness in your little finger than most people possess in their whole body, and it has power." This quote is a great reminder of how powerful kindness can be.
Trisha Washburn, MSW
Coaching and Administrative Support
Trisha obtained her MSW from Michigan State University. She assists participants with in-class practice and modeling. Trisha also provides support with data collection, marketing activities, and social media.
