Cardinal Pediatric Therapies

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3 Benefits of 1-on-1 ABA Therapy for Children with Autism

1-on-1 ABA therapy offers children with autism the personalized attention they need to thrive. At Cardinal Pediatric Therapies, individualized sessions focus on communication, social interaction, and behavior growth through evidence-based strategies. With locations in Phoenix, Cary, Wilmington, and Clayton, our compassionate therapists create flexible, goal-driven programs tailored to each child’s unique strengths. Discover how personalized ABA therapy builds confidence, independence, and lasting progress for children and families.

Information Exchange Techniques: Social Stories in ABA Therapy

Social Stories are one of the most effective tools in ABA therapy for helping children with autism understand and navigate social situations. At Cardinal Pediatric Therapies, our therapists use personalized Social Stories to teach communication, emotional awareness, and positive behavior in supportive, real-world contexts. Whether used in the clinic, at home, or in school, these narrative techniques build confidence and connection for children with ASD across Phoenix, Cary, Wilmington, and Clayton.

Parent Guide to ABA Therapy: How to Measure Your Child’s Progress

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a highly effective form of therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities.

Visual Supports and Autism

What Type of Therapy Is Best for Autism?

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Chaining used in ABA

What is Chaining in ABA?

September 4, 2023

In the realm of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), various techniques are employed to help individuals learn and develop new skills, behaviors, and routines.

Parents in ABA Therapy

Exploring the Role of Parents in ABA Therapy

July 26, 2023

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a powerful and evidence-based intervention that has proven to be highly effective in supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

ABA therapy in school for students with autism

The Use of ABA Therapy in School Settings

July 26, 2023

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a well-established and evidence-based approach that has proven to be highly effective in supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

A Child Doing ABA Therapy

What is ABA Therapy and What Can Your Family Expect?

April 13, 2023

Applied Behavior Analysis, also known as ABA Therapy is a type of behavioral therapy that focuses on the principles of learning and behavior to help individuals develop appropriate behaviors and skills, and reduce challenging behaviors.

Dr. Mike Henderson, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA

Regional Operations Director

North Carolina

Mike Henderson, PhD, LBA, BCBA-D, is the Regional Operations Director at Cardinal Pediatric Therapies. With over two decades of experience in behavior analysis and organizational leadership, he focuses on mentoring teams and fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and excellence in client care. Mike believes strong leadership and supportive systems are essential for helping clients, families, and providers succeed together.

Felicia Freeman

Clinic Manager

I am Felicia Freeman, the Clinic Manager for Cardinal Pediatric Therapies. I have been in ABA for several years now and am passionate about the community that we serve. I started out as an RBT, decided to go the administrative route, and worked my way up to managing clinics. I choose this field every day because I enjoy making a meaningful impact in the lives of our clients and building strong teams that change lives.

Amanda Dean, MA, BCBA, LBA

Johnston County, NC

Amanda graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2018 with her Masters in Psychology. She proceeded to complete her graduate certificate in ABA and became a BCBA in November 2020. Amanda has a passion for behavior reduction, tolerance training and functional communication training. She enjoys spending as much time as she can with her 3 children and husband. When she’s not working, Amanda is very involved in her local Pop Warner Cheerleading program where she is the Assistant Cheer Director and a head coach.

Becky Fronheiser

Operations Director

Arizona

Becky has worked in behavioral health for 7 years. She joined Cardinal in the spring of 2024.  Becky is grateful for the opportunity to work with such a passionate group of people and looks forward to supporting families with their specific ABA needs.  In her personal time, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, 6 kids and 4 grandkids and loves to travel and relax on the beach.

Matthew Wilkinson

Operations Director

Cary, NC

Matthew holds a bachelors degree from the University of Utah, Medical Degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara and an MBA from Western Governors University. He has worked in the pediatric field for the majority of his professional life and has a passion for helping bring the best care to children in need. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and day trips to the coast.

 

Trisha Iannotta Bieszczad, PsyD., BCBA

Triad, NC

Trisha is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with extensive expertise since 2016 in applying behavior analytic principles to improve the lives of children and adolescents. Her professional journey began with a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, emphasizing child and adolescent development. This foundation has equipped her with a deep understanding of psychological theories and practices, which she seamlessly integrates into her work as a BCBA. Outside of her professional endeavors, Trisha enjoys reading, spending time outdoors with her family & trying out new restaurants. Trisha’s dedication to both her career and personal interests reflects her commitment to continual growth and enrichment, both professionally and personally. Her multifaceted background allows her to approach each aspect of her life with a blend of expertise, enthusiasm, and a genuine appreciation for learning and exploration.

Tina Lee

Director of Finance

Tina Lee is the Finance Director for Cardinal with a variety of experience in the Healthcare Industry for over 13 years. She is compassionate and always eager to assist where she can. In the ever-changing Healthcare environment, Tina has played a vital role in putting processes in place to obtain high efficiency outcomes to help our clients get the care they need. Tina enjoys the outdoors and loves spending time with her family.

William Evans

Director of Outreach and Recruitment

William is a UNCW Graduate who started his professional career working in Marketing and Recruiting for a local technology company before looking for an opportunity to take those skills and help others. In his spare time he plays hockey, including annually for the North Carolina Autism Hockey Tournament, which is dedicated to the raising money and awareness for organizations helping local families with children diagnosed with autism.

Alice Okamoto, MA, BCBA, LBA

Chief of Staff

Alice has been with Cardinal for over 4 years and has worn many hats along the way!  Alice has a passion for working with clients and families as a unit, supervising behavior analyst trainees, and collaborating on strategic initiatives to ensure clinical efficiencies.  Alice‘s professional experience began with ABA in a school setting, and has worked in schools, homes, and clinics throughout the years while enjoying collaboration with related providers.  In her free time, Alice enjoys traveling, exploring parks with her dog, Oliver, and trying new restaurants. 

Darrin Miller

CEO

Darrin has dedicated his education and career to the field of behavioral health. As a licensed therapist and master’s in clinical counseling he works to create solutions that improve the lives of those impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder at a local, state, and national level. He strives to create a culture of caring and empathy while innovating solutions for improving families’ access to quality care as quickly as possible.