We realize the importance of using a multi-modal approach to solving behavior problems. This means we need to address the individual as a whole – and look at all the issues impacting the person’s behavior. This could mean addressing medical problems, medication issues, neurological issues, peer interactions and confronting any other pertinent issues. 

It requires us to work hands-on with all team members, which may include family members, medical providers, school staff, day program staff, in-home care providers, and foster care staff. By using a multi-modal approach it enables us to be the most effective to treat all areas contributing to the individuals problems.

We like to begin providing our service by getting all team members together and discuss the problem behaviors they are confronting. This initial meeting usually lasts around 90 minutes and allows us to ask many questions, and begin to develop a hypothesis as to why the behavior(s) are occurring, and what may work to treat them. We then set up observation times to watch the individual during their day-to-day lives.

We like to work with the individuals in the settings they frequent on a day-to-day basis. We set up a minimum of three observations, where we just watch the individual engage in their normal day-to-day routines. This allows us to see the individual’s behavior problems as they occur, and work alongside the team members confronting the behavior problems to see how they handle them. 

This is crucial for our success because it allows us to obtain accurate information, and promote the development of consistent behavioral strategies.

We like to begin with 50 hours of time to really do a thorough job. This amount of time allows for:

• Initial meeting
• Observation
• Writing of recommendations and Behavior Management Plan
• Team meeting review
• Training

We provide various training opportunities to individuals, small and large groups. We will provide specialized training in the areas including:

• Team building
• Crisis management
• Behavior interventions
• All aspects of behavioral training

We believe in using person-centered approaches whenever possible. We are able to design, facilitate, and implement Essential Lifestyle Plans (ELP) for the individual we serve. The ELP process is an excellent person centered approach. 

The ELP allows team members to understand their role, and how to best support the individual to minimize problem behaviors from occurring. The ELP process also allows the individuals strengths and interests to be encompassed into an effective behavior strategy that work on building the system around the individual.

We provide services within a 60 mile radius of Brainerd to the Metropolitan area.

We currently bill our services through various waiver funds (i.e. MR/RC, CADI, CAC, TBI, CDCS) through the State of Minnesota. We also obtain funding through Family Support Grants and Private Pay Contracts. Most referrals work through a county case manager who sets up the funding for our services.

Jon Freer
 B.A.

Program Director, Behavior Analyst, QDDP, MHP

Jon received his education from St. Cloud State University in the field of psychology and gerontology. He has 30 years of experience providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health issues. He has worked as a behavior analyst over the past 18 years providing behavior consultation within hospital, school, foster home and family home settings.

jon.freer@behaviorwizards.com 

(218) 839-9135

Anita Ward

M.S. Behavior Analyst, QDDP, MHP

Anita received a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology in 1995. She received a master’s degree in behavior analysis from St. Cloud State University in 2001. For over 20 years she has provided a combination of psychotherapy and behavior therapy for children and adults with severe mental health issues and /or behavioral difficulties.

anita.ward@behaviorwizards.com

(218) 839-9138

Negin Emami

Behavior Analyst – QDDP, MHP

Negin graduated from St. Cloud State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology, and a minor in psychology. She has over 10 years of experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health issues. She has experience working in conjunction with schools, residential facilities, in home family support teams and day program settings to successfully formulate and implement behavior programs.  Negin has worked primarily with individuals with complex intellectual, biological, and behavioral issues. Negin is dedicated to enhancing her knowledge and providing behavioral support to improve the quality of life among the clients she serves.

negin.emami@behaviorwizards.com 

(320) 980-4824

Stan Hammell M.S.

Behavior Analyst, MHP, QDDP

Stan received his education from St. Cloud State University. He earned his bachelor of arts in the field of psychology and masters of science in field of rtehabilitation counseling; emphasis in vocational. 

Stan has received Autism Certification and Seizure Recognition & Response Certification.　 Stan has 15 years of experience providing series to individuals with disabilities with mental health barriers, developmental, physical and emotional disabilities. He has worked with adults and children on developing behavior programs and plans to learns skills to enable them to better handle challenging situations.

stan.hammell@behaviorwizards.com