Individual Therapist & Lead Group Aide

AOTS Business Operations Manager

Hayden is a compassionate therapist dedicated to empowering those on the Autism Spectrum. With a focus on enhancing social skills, interpersonal relationships, and effective communication, Hayden helps clients navigate the challenges of daily life. Specializing in stress and anger management, anxiety, self-advocacy, and mindfulness, Hayden fosters a supportive environment where individuals can flourish.

Utilizing a diverse array of therapeutic approaches—including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Family Systems. Hayden tailors each session to meet the unique needs of clients. This multifaceted approach not only promotes personal growth but also encourages healthier patterns of interaction and behavior.

Beyond individual therapy, Hayden is actively involved with Amigos on the Spectrum, contributing to a vibrant community of support. In addition to providing client assistance and intervention during group therapy, Hayden plays a key role in facilitating social communication and problem-solving during Social Immersion events like Friday Night Club and Marcus Movie Night. Working closely with Dr. Amigo in managing the practice, Hayden lends expertise in behind-the-scenes operations, offering I.T. support, and managing the Electronic Health Records system.

With a genuine passion for fostering healthy change, Hayden is committed to helping individuals, couples, and families overcome obstacles and cultivate happier, healthier lives. With a warm and approachable demeanor, Hayden is dedicated to guiding clients on their journey toward self-discovery and fulfillment.

Licensed Professional Counselor & Group Aide

Halie Natividad is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) whose life calling is to help others. She is currently working towards her next level of licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and works under the supervision of Sarah Perry (LPCC-S) as well as Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Amigo. Halie loves to be creative and fun with therapy by utilizing things like drawing or board games to promote development of social skills, reciprocal communication, and building a strong therapeutic bond with clients. Halie uses an eclectic approach to therapy, taking several facets from many different therapy styles as they best fit each particular client and situation. She works with clients on a broad spectrum of concerns ranging from difficulty having small talk conversations, to struggling with anxiety or depression, and this range does include working with autistic individuals who may require more intense levels of assistance in their daily functioning and abilities to communicate. Halie is a group therapy aide in Dr. Amigo’s group program throughout the week, and loves being part of the Friday Night Club and Marcus Movie Night programs.

Predoctoral Intern, Clinical Psychology

Group Aide

Jenn has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Certified Special Education Teacher, K-12, for nearly 15 years. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Miami University and a Master of Science in Behavior Analysis and Therapy from Southern Illinois University. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD).

As a clinical psychology intern at Amigos on the Spectrum, Jenn works under the supervision of Dr. Amigo, where she provides individual counseling, assists in social skills groups, and helps with Friday Night Club. In addition to her clinical work, Jenn supports administrative and research efforts as well as provides correspondence and outreach on behalf of Dr. Amigo.

Jenn is also the founder of Jessica's Voice, a nonprofit created in memory of her loved one, Jessica. She is currently authoring a children’s book that encourages conversations about differences and supports suicide awareness. Outside of her professional work, Jenn is passionate about health and fitness, with a particular interest in weightlifting and the positive impact of exercise on mental well-being.

Aaron is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the State of Ohio.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from The Ohio State University and his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Dayton.  Aaron believes that therapy is not about pathology, that it is about healing.

Since 2018 he has been integrating various techniques from CBT, DBT, and Polyvagal Theory to provide individual and group therapy services for people to befriend their nervous system and begin healing from the suffering caused by traumatic experience (including anxiety and depression symptoms), disordered substance use, and lack of ability to control their anger.  Aaron has been trained in and facilitating EMDR therapy for several years now.

He is a son, brother, husband, father, friend, on the mend, practicing what he preaches, happy to be alive, aware that every moment has its messages, honored to be able to provide services at Amigos on the Spectrum, and grateful.

Licensed Social Worker

Tiffany is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the state of Ohio. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and master’s degree in social work (MSW) from The Ohio State University. She is currently working towards her next level of licensure as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and works under the supervision of Tammy Gaser (LISW-S) and Dr. Amigo.

Tiffany provides individual therapy to clients addressing various concerns, including anxiety, depression, and developing social skills. She is available to work with a wide range of clients, including those who are neurodiverse. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process and values meeting clients where they're at to help them achieve their individual therapeutic goals. Her priority is to create a space where all clients feel safe to be themselves and will not be judged. She also enjoys assisting with the Friday Night Club and ‘Migo Movie Night programs.

Helping people overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives motivates Tiffany to be a compassionate and empathetic therapist. She helps clients focus on their strengths to bring about meaningful change in their lives and improve their overall happiness and wellbeing.

Douglas Smith holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work with a minor in Psychology from Concord University. His career path reflects a diverse range of experiences across multiple industries and locations.

After completing his education, Douglas began his professional journey counseling in a hospital setting. He then transitioned to Memphis, where he served as the Administrative Director of a vocational school. Following the closure of that school, he took on the role of Admissions Director at two other vocational institutions in Memphis and Jackson, Tennessee.

Seeking new opportunities, Douglas moved to Nashville and pursued entrepreneurial ventures.  During this period, he had the unique experience of working with country music stars in Nashville. Subsequently, he accepted a managerial position at Lowe’s Home Improvement.

In March 2006, Douglas relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where he has spent nearly two decades managing operations for a large grocery chain. Over 19 years, he has worked in most of the stores in Columbus and vacinity, focusing on reorganizing and developing team members into effective leaders.

Currently, as a part-owner of Amigos On The Spectrum, Douglas applies his creative talents to support this organization. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of enjoying one’s work or finding ways to make it enjoyable, underscoring his commitment to both professional excellence and personal fulfillment.

Hope is an experienced classroom teacher with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early and Middle Childhood Studies from The Ohio State University and 8 years of licensed teaching experience in elementary and middle school classrooms (PreK–8). She is Science of Reading certified and has extensive experience teaching and supporting autistic and neurodivergent learners through trauma-informed and sensory-aware instructional practices.

Her teaching experience includes direct instruction in elementary and middle school settings, with implementation of Reggio Emilia–inspired and Waldorf-based educational frameworks. Hope has provided targeted academic and executive functioning support, including strategies for organization, attention, emotional regulation, and task initiation. She has also integrated Design Thinking methodologies informed by Harvard University into classroom instruction to promote critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and real-world application of learning.

She is currently transitioning from classroom teaching while completing graduate training in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Trauma & Crisis) at Walden University and working under the Clinical supervision of Dr. Amigo. She is halfway through her graduate program with an expected graduation date of May 2027. Her work is informed by ongoing study of trauma, nervous system regulation, and embodied practices, with a focus on bridging educational and clinical systems to support continuity of care.

Hope is honored to support families through Amigos on the Spectrum and approaches her work with professionalism, collaboration, and care.

Hope serves learners and parents of all ages in building confidence, skills, and systems that make learning feel more accessible and sustainable.