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Young Mind Center (YMC) was founded by Dr. Amanda Wood, a clinical psychologist, as a pediatric diagnostic and consultation clinic specializing in ASD. Dr. Wood created YMC with the belief that scientific rigor and human compassion can coexist. Her vision was to provide compassionate, thorough, and accurate diagnostic services utilizing the best-practice assessment measures.
Responding to the demand for exceptional services after diagnosis, YMC expanded its vision and services into the field of autism intervention. With the addition of Emily Mariner, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and a team of highly skilled behavior instructors, YMC grew to include intervention services utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Recognizing the power of working together across disciplines, Sara Mertel, Ph.D., was brought on as a partner. Dr. Mertel established the Community & Collaboration Initiative, which focuses on drawing best-practices from a variety of fields, redefining problems outside normal boundaries, and innovating to reach new solutions and optimize results.
After years of dreaming about it, we decided to create what we wish existed. In the fall of 2018, our inclusive community center and preschool, Young Mind Community Center (YMCC) opened. YMCC is a one-of-a-kind inclusive community center dedicated to connecting people, resources, and ideas in a way that marries innovative solutions with intentional outcomes.