Cardinal Pediatric Therapies

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What Is Parent Training for Autism

What Is Parent Training for Autism and How Can It Help Your Child?

Parent training helps caregivers learn evidence-based strategies that support a child with autism across real-life routines, not just in therapy sessions. This guide explains what parent training means in ABA therapy, how it helps skills generalize to home, school, and community settings, and why consistency can reduce frustration for both kids and parents. You will also learn common focus areas like communication supports, daily routines, social learning, and behavior strategies, plus simple ways to start practicing at home in a realistic, repeatable way.

how to improve expressive language in autism

How to Improve Expressive Language in Autism With ABA Based Strategies That Fit Real Life

If you are wondering how to improve expressive language in autism, start with small, repeatable steps that fit real life. This guide explains expressive language in autism in simple terms and normalizes many forms of communication, from gestures and pictures to words and short sentences. You will find ABA based ways to set expressive language goals, plus everyday strategies for meals, bath time, and play. It also explains how in-clinic ABA therapy and social skills training support language growth through routine and peer interaction.

applied behavior analysis in the classroom

Applied Behavior Analysis in the Classroom: Practical ABA Supports for School Routines

School can feel overwhelming when a child struggles with transitions, attention, or group rules. This guide explains applied behavior analysis in the classroom in clear, parent-friendly language, with examples from circle time, independent work, and recess. You will learn how ABA classroom strategies build communication, teach replacement skills, and strengthen academic readiness. We also explain how in-clinic ABA therapy can support classroom readiness goals and why collaboration between families, providers, and schools helps plans work consistently for ages 3 to 12 in Arizona and Carolina.

social-skills-training-autism

Social Skills Training Autism Families Can Feel Hopeful About

Many children with autism want friends but feel unsure how to join play, share, or keep a conversation going. This article explains how structured social skills training in ABA uses play, modeling, and guided practice to build real world connection, confidence, and peer interaction for autistic kids and their families.

Communication-strategies-autism

Autism Communication Strategies Families And Schools Can Use Together

Many autistic students struggle to share their needs and ideas at school. This article explains practical communication strategies autism families and teachers can use together, from visual supports and AAC to functional communication training, and shows how Cardinal Pediatric Therapies partners with schools to support confident classroom communication.

augmentative-communication-support-for-autism

Augmentative Communication for Autism: A Parent Focused Guide

Augmentative communication for autism gives children extra ways to share their needs, feelings, and ideas when speech feels hard. Learn how AAC tools like picture boards, signs, and speech devices work alongside ABA and speech therapy to reduce frustration, build confidence, and support meaningful connection at home and school.

1 on 1 ABA Therapy Benefits

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.

Social-stories-in-ABA

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.

Visual Supports and Autism

For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), communication, routines, and transitions can sometimes present unique challenges. While many therapeutic approaches exist to help children navigate daily life, visual supports stand out as a highly effective, research-backed strategy that aligns with the strengths of visual learners and those who thrive in

what-type-of-therapy-is-best-for-autism

What Type of Therapy Is Best for Autism?

Every child on the autism spectrum is unique, which means their path to growth, learning, and independence should be just as personalized. When it comes to helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), one of the most common questions parents ask is: What type of therapy is best for autism?

life-skills-for-autism

Life Skills for Autism

Helping children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) build essential life skills is a core part of promoting independence and long-term well-being. These skills enable individuals to take care of themselves, interact with others, and navigate the world with greater confidence. At Cardinal Pediatric Therapies, we believe that developing life skills

autism-friendly-vacations

Autism Friendly Vacations

Family vacations are an opportunity to create lifelong memories, explore new places, and enjoy quality time together. For families with children on the autism spectrum, however, travel can also bring added layers of planning, stress, and uncertainty. The good news is that with proper preparation and the right destination, autism-friendly

home-adaptations-for-autism

Home Adaptations for Autism

For children with autism, the home environment plays a critical role in their development, comfort, and ability to navigate everyday life. Home adaptations for autism are more than just convenience upgrades; they are thoughtful, evidence-based modifications that support a child’s sensory, communication, behavioral, and emotional needs. Whether your child receives

what-to-look-for-in-an-aba-therapist

What to Look for in an ABA Therapist

Finding the right ABA therapist can make a lasting difference in your child’s development. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is one of the most effective, evidence-based approaches to helping children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) improve communication, behavior, and daily living skills. But not all ABA therapists are the same.

sensory-activities-for-preschoolers-with-autism

Sensory Activities for Autism

Preschoolers on the autism spectrum often experience the world through a unique sensory lens. Some individuals may be susceptible to certain sounds, textures, or lights. In contrast, others may actively seek sensory input through actions like jumping, spinning, or repeatedly touching objects. These sensory processing differences are common in autism.

therapeutic-activities-for-autism

Therapeutic Activities for Autism

Children on the autism spectrum experience the world in unique ways. For many families, finding meaningful ways to support communication, sensory regulation, behavior, and independence can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, therapeutic activities provide a structured, engaging, and developmentally appropriate way to help children with autism grow and thrive. At Cardinal Pediatric

how-to-explain-autism-to-siblings

How to Explain Autism to Siblings

When one child in a family is diagnosed with autism, it can affect the entire household, especially siblings. Brothers and sisters may have questions, frustrations, or even feelings of confusion about what autism means and how it impacts their daily lives. Parents often find themselves wondering how to explain autism

what-is-the-best-age-to-start-aba-therapy

What is the Best Age to Start ABA Therapy?

For parents of children showing signs of autism or developmental delays, early questions can feel overwhelming. One of the most common and important questions is this: What is the best age to start ABA therapy? Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is considered the gold standard for helping children on the

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.