About Us
Guided by Compassion. Grounded in Growth.
IRIS Behavioral Health Services provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children and families across Litchfield, Hartford, and New Haven Counties. We specialize in home-based, daycare, and community-centered care that puts the child and family at the center of every decision.
We believe families deserve more than services—they deserve a team that listens, collaborates, and truly cares.
Our Approach
IRIS was founded on the belief that children thrive when they are supported, celebrated, and given space to grow. Born from years of experience and a mission we stand by, IRIS is built on the understanding that every child is unique—and our care reflects that.
We prepare neurodiverse children and youth for life by nurturing growth through play, connection, and purpose. Our approach is rooted in compassion, inclusion, and joy, helping every child feel seen, supported, and inspired to become their best self. Using a structured, play-based curriculum and strong family partnerships, we build meaningful, functional skills in natural settings, where children feel most confident. Therapy plans are designed with caregiver collaboration and delivered through an assent-based, data-informed model that makes therapy feel like a natural part of life.
At IRIS, we blend expertise with empathy to provide care that’s both impactful and deeply human.
Inspire
children to grow and thrive in their daily lives.
Respect
the voice of every child and caregiver.
Impact
families through clinically sound and emotionally safe care.
Support
our staff and clients through consistency, trust, and communication
Hello I'm Ashley
Founder and Executive Director of IRIS Behavioral Health Services, wife to the most amazing husband, and proud mother to two kind, fun, and curious little girls. They’re my best reminders of what really matters and my favorite people to learn from. They’ve taught me more about love, resilience, and how to have fun more than any textbook ever could, and they make me a better, kinder, and more empathetic clinician every single day.
Outside of my family (and my reality TV binges), I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst‑Doctoral (BCBA‑D) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in Connecticut, holding a master’s in education from Arizona State University and a Ph.D. from Endicott College. My research focuses on social skills training and evidence‑based ABA practices, and I’ve had the privilege to lead esteemed ABA organizations and teach as an adjunct professor in Endicott College’s M.S. ABA program. I’m also actively involved in the ABA community, advocating for compassionate, evidence‑based services, and have been dedicated to advancing the field through seven years of service with the Connecticut Association for Behavior Analysis (CTABA). With many years of experience in ABA, working alongside children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with Autism, as well as families and incredible providers, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the terribly ugly.
These experiences have touched me deeply and inspired me to do better for the population I serve and care about. I realized the gaps in care weren’t due to a lack of effort from those supporting these individuals, but rather the training, resources, and methodologies they were given. It became my mission to change that by offering a better way. A way that’s kind, compassionate, and understanding. An approach that prioritizes play and joy, making therapy not only more fun and effective for the child but more rewarding for everyone involved. I am committed to improving the services provided to neurodiverse individuals and their families.
That commitment led me to found IRIS, a place built to fill those gaps with quality, compassionate care that prioritizes parent and child involvement, consent, and assent, to make a meaningful difference. At IRIS, it’s important to me that every family and staff member feels welcome, heard, and supported from day one. I believe teaching should be fun, therapy family‑centered, and goals should be developed based on each child and family’s unique wants and needs. Our days are structured but always leave space for wiggle breaks, feelings, and lots of fun.
My staff aren’t just employees, they’re family. The children and families we serve aren’t just clients, they’re the heart of our mission. IRIS isn’t just a business to me; it’s a passion.
If you’re ready to join a community where every child is seen, supported, and celebrated, and where families are partners every step of the way, I invite you to connect with us at IRIS. Let’s work together to help your child thrive, because every child deserves to grow with compassion, confidence, and joy.
With love and understanding,
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Ashley Creem, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA
Founder/ Executive Director
IRIS Behavioral Health Services
Meet Our Amazing Clinical Team
Kara Hansen
M.A., BCBA, LBA
Clinical Director
Kara Hansen, M.A., BCBA, LBA
Kara currently serves as a Clinical Director for IRIS, coordinating quality service provisions to children and families throughout the greater Waterbury area. In addition to supporting clinical services and growth, Kara provides supervision and mentorship to BCBAs, RBTs, BTs, and fieldwork candidates. She is passionate about disseminating the science of behavior change through practical and accessible approaches that are sustainable and unanimously valued.
Kara completed her undergraduate degree in Research Psychology at Southern CT State University with concentrations in communication disorders and linguistics and then went on to obtain a graduate degree in Professional Behavior Analysis. Kara has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since 2016 and holds additional certifications in Integrative Nutrition (HCC) and Yoga (RYT-200).
Since discovering the field of ABA in 2012, Kara has pursued professional roles across insurance-funded services, special education outplacement programs, public school districts, and community outreach initiatives. She has worked as an Instructional Assistant, RBT, Assistant Behavior Analyst, Clinical Supervisor, and Programs Coordinator, wearing many hats over the last 13 years. Fostering collaborative relationships, advocating for compassionate care in the field, and authentically integrating the dimensions of ABA remain at the forefront of how she approaches her scope of practice.
What does Kara enjoy doing on her free time?
Outside of professional endeavors, Kara spends her free time outdoors with her husband, daughter, and dog. She enjoys cooking, gardening, board games, camping, live music, and experimenting with the latest health and wellness trends.
Megan Sherman-Baumann
M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Clinical Supervisor
Medgan Sherman-Baumann, M.E.d., BCBA, LBA
Clinical Supervisor
Megan Sherman-Baumann is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in the state of Connecticut. She holds a Master’s of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Megan began her career providing ABA services to the birth-to-three population and has since supported individuals ranging from 15 months to 19 years across various developmental stages.
Megan specializes in Natural Environment Teaching (NET) and is passionate about helping families, caregivers, and providers implement ABA strategies in meaningful, everyday settings. A central focus of her clinical work is improving functional communication skills, enabling learners to effectively express needs, make choices, and engage with others across environments. Her experience spans in-home, daycare, and clinic-based services, with an emphasis on individualized, real-world skill development.
She has worked within interdisciplinary teams including speech pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, and educators to ensure coordinated, whole-child support through integrated treatment planning and collaboration.
In addition to her clinical work, Megan is committed to advancing the field of ABA through training and continuing education. She currently serves as the Authorized Continuing Education (ACE) Coordinator at IRIS Behavioral Health Services, where she oversees the planning, approval, and delivery of high-quality continuing education opportunities for behavior analysts. In this role, she ensures that trainings meet the standards set forth by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) to maintain the professional competence of certificants.
What’s one hobby or interest Megan picked up recently?
My latest hobby is interior design—specifically updating and decorating spaces using thrifted, found, or free furniture and decor. I love the creativity involved in giving new life to old pieces and making a space feel unique and personal. It’s a hobby that not only allows me to be creative, but also serves a functional purpose by improving how my space is used and enjoyed day to day.
Christina Calzadilla
M.S., BCBA, LBA-CT
Clinical Supervisor
Christina Calzadilla, M.S., BCBA, LBA-CT
Clinical Supervisor
Christina Calzadilla is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over a decade of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Since 2013, she has worked with individuals ranging from early childhood through adulthood, delivering high-quality services across a variety of settings, including schools, homes, clinics, vocational programs, and community environments.
Christina earned her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with a concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia in 2024, obtaining the credential of Board Certified Behavior Analyst shortly thereafter. Her professional passions include functional communication training (FCT) and promoting meaningful, community-based learning experiences that foster independence and engagement.
Christina is dedicated to delivering person-centered, evidence-based interventions that support long-term success for individuals and their families.
What’s a random talent or party trick Christina has?:
I am a ‘Name That Tune’ champion across several decades/genres of music and always the first to encourage karaoke!”
Frankie Sanchez
M.S., BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
Frankie Sanchez, M.s., BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
Frankie Sanchez, MS, BCBA, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Sacred Heart University and a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Mercyhurst University. She has four years of experience in the field of ABA, working across school, home, and community settings. Before joining IRIS BHS, she supported students in an autism support classroom and worked for three years as an in-home behavior technician, collaborating closely with families to implement individualized treatment plans. Frankie has extensive experience with children ages 2 to 16 and specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Frankie brings a strengths-based, compassionate approach to ABA, grounded in integrity, empathy, and data-driven decision making. Her philosophy centers on the belief that behavior is communication and that all individuals can thrive when supported with patience, consistency, and respect. She emphasizes rapport building, functional skill development, and generalization to promote autonomy and meaningful progress across settings. Frankie is deeply committed to providing socially significant, evidence-based services that empower individuals and families through lasting positive change.
What’s one hobby or interest Frankie has picked up recently?
I’ve recently developed a hobby of reading in the evenings as a way to unwind and recharge. This practice has helped spark my creativity and allows me to reset, enabling me to show up as my best self each day.
Ashley Carbone
M.S.
Case Manager
Ashley Carbne, M.S., Case Manager
Case Manager
Ashley Carbone holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and has approximately five years of experience in the field. She has served in both direct and supervisory roles as a Behavior Technician and Case Manager, working with children with developmental disabilities across school, home, and clinical settings. Ashley is currently preparing to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.
Ashley has always been passionate about supporting children with developmental disabilities and has dedicated her career to making a meaningful impact in their lives. Her diverse experience allows her to tailor interventions to meet each client’s unique needs while fostering growth and promoting independence. She is committed to providing individualized, evidence-based services in collaborative and engaging environments. Ashley’s core values include respect, adaptability, continuous learning, and open communication—working closely with clients and families to ensure consistency and lasting progress across all settings.
What’s one hobby or interest Ashley has picked up recently?
I recently picked up golfing! It’s been a fun new challenge and a great way to spend time outdoors.