Autism Therapy (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based, individualized approach to helping children and young adults with autism build communication, social, and life skills. Our team designs each program around the person receiving therapy — not a one-size-fits-all plan -and delivers it wherever works best: in our center or in your home.
The Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Center
Our ABA program provides Early Intensive Behavior Intervention (EIBI) and other Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to youth who have a diagnosis of autism. Evidence-based and individualized interventions and teaching techniques are provided in your home or in our center, depending on the needs of the individual receiving therapy. We serve children and young adults ages 18 months to 21 years of age.
Eligibility for ABA
Eligibility for the ABA program is determined by testing and diagnosis. Medicaid recipients must be referred through HealthWest.
What Therapy Includes
Therapy provided may include but are not limited to the following areas:
Communication & Social Skills
Communication & Social Skills
- Vocalization and Communication Skills
- Social Skills
- Imitation Skills
- Play and Leisure Skills
Behavior & Self-Regulation
Behavior & Self-Regulation
- Self-Management Skills
- Challenging Behavior Reduction
- Safety Skills
Daily Living & Self-Care
Daily Living & Self-Care
- Toileting Skills
- Grooming Skills
- Independent Living Skills
Life & Community Readiness
Life & Community Readiness
- Classroom Skills
- Money Management Skills
- Community Skills
- Vocational Skills
- Parent Training
How our program works
Our team will work with individuals and their families to design an individualized therapy plan to best support growth and success.
Referral & intake
The process begins with a physician screening, followed by autism diagnostic testing through HealthWest if appropriate. When therapy services are recommended, families may be referred to Pioneer Resources or another provider.
BCBA assessment
At Pioneer Resources, our BCaBA will conduct a skills assessment, observe the individual, and speak with their family to identify each person's strengths, needs, and goals.
Individualized treatment plan
After an assessment and evaluation is complete, an individualized therapy plan will be created to support that individual's growth and success.
Ongoing therapy + family coaching
Regular family meetings are provided to support the individual's progress and help families apply therapy strategies at home and in the community.
Who qualifies
- Individuals between 18 months and 21 years of age
- Residents of Muskegon County
- Individuals with a diagnosis of autism, established through testing provided by HealthWest
- Individuals working with Healthwest, with services funded through Medicaid. We are currently unable to provide services funded through health insurance.
How to get a referral
- Ask your physician to conduct an initial autism screening. If appropriate, you will be referred to Healthwest.
- Healthwest will conduct diagnostic testing and and based on those results, may refer your child for ABA therapy services.
- Your provider will do an assessment, observation, and family meeting to determine the best ABA therapy plan.
Meet Your ABA Team
Every child in our ABA program is supported by a Behavior Analyst Technician (BAT) — a team member who has completed intensive training in Applied Behavior Analysis and receives ongoing weekly supervision to ensure every treatment plan is delivered with skill and consistency. But technical training is only part of what makes our team effective. They’re also deeply passionate about the work — showing up each session ready to build real, meaningful relationships with the children and young adults they serve.
Samantha Trenter
(BS, BCaBA, LABA)
ABA Program Manager
Samantha brings both strong clinical credentials and years of hands-on experience to her role as Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst at The ABA Center of Pioneer Resources. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Grand Valley State University in 2015, then pursued specialized graduate coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis at Florida Institute of Technology. Samantha passed her Board exam in February 2019 and is a Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst in the state of Michigan.
Before stepping into her current role, Samantha spent over three and a half years working directly as a Behavior Technician — experience that gives her a grounded, practical understanding of what families and children go through day to day. She’s excited to continue that work as part of our clinical team, serving children throughout our community.
Our Behavior Analysis Technicians (BATs) complete an intensive Registered Behavior Technician training before providing services independently. This includes 40 hours of online ABA training, additional coursework through Lakeshore Learning, and at least three supervised shadowing sessions with experienced staff. All BATs have at least 10% of their therapy hours supervised by our Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) to ensure high-quality, effective services.
Testimonials
Frequently asked questions
Where does ABA therapy take place?
Some individuals have sessions in their home, while others come to our location on Wesley Avenue for sessions. Our entire east wing is dedicated to our ABA program for fewer distractions and interruptions.
How often would my child or young adult have ABA therapy?
Every person’s schedule is tailored to their individual needs, goals, and availability. Sessions can be scheduled around school and work schedules, with some evening options available. Some participants come 5 days a week while others might attend a couple of days per week.
Do you provide transportation?
No, we do not provide transportation to or from ABA therapy sessions. Families may be able to arrange transportation through their school district for after-school sessions. To support a smooth transition, an ABA team member will meet your child at your vehicle or greet them when they arrive by school bus.
Do I need to be present for my child's ABA sessions?
No, you do not need to be present. However, family participation is an important part of the ABA process and we ask that parents / caregivers attend family meetings to help reinforce skills and strategies at home. If therapy sessions take place in your home, a responsible adult must be present for the duration of the session.
How Do I Get Started?
For more information, please contact Samantha Trenter at [email protected] or call 231.260.2671.
Print Materials / Rack Cards:
Ready to take the next step?
Request a referral for our Autism therapy program today!
Our Related Programs
Community Living Support
Pioneer Resources’ Group Community Living Supports (CLS) program offers engaging, community‑based experiences where individuals can learn, grow, and connect.
Skill Building
Pioneer Resources’ Skill Building program focuses on preparing individuals for success through meaningful, community‑based activities that build foundational employability and independence skills.
Vocational Services
Pioneer Resources supports individuals on their path to employment and greater independence. We believe every person has the potential to work and succeed, and we are committed to helping individuals develop skills that lead to meaningful employment outcomes.
Residential Services
Pioneer Resources believes everyone deserves a sense of home and a place in the community. We offer a range of living options, from specialized group homes and supported independent living to income-based housing. So every individual can find the setting that fits their needs, goals, and sense of self.
Community Living Support
Our Group Community Living Supports program is a welcoming space for individuals to learn, grow, and socialize while building the confidence and skills needed for greater inclusion in everyday community life. Participants develop knowledge through a combination of real-world experience and structured learning, with an increasing ability to access and enjoy public settings independently.
Vocational Services
Pioneer Resources believes every person has the potential for employment. We provide a clear path to work and greater independence — collaborating closely with participants, families, natural supports, and employers to develop successful outcomes, from first job exploration all the way through ongoing career development.
Autism Services
Our Autism Program offers evidence-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy delivered by trained professionals and tailored to each individual’s unique needs. We support individuals and families at every stage, helping build meaningful skills, improve daily functioning, and navigate community life with greater confidence.
Transportation
Pioneer Resources offers accessible transportation for individuals with mobility impairments, developmental disabilities, and others facing transportation barriers across the western Michigan lakeshore. We connect people to the programs, appointments, jobs, and community activities that matter most to them.
LARC and Seniors
There’s something for everyone in our recreation programs! LARC provides adults with engaging activities, social opportunities, and community experiences, while our senior programs offer welcoming spaces to stay active, connected, and inspired. It’s all about building friendships, exploring interests, and enjoying life together.
Pioneer Trails & Day Camp
Adventure awaits! Pioneer Trails welcomes our own programs for recreation and connection opportunities, as well as serving as a host site for various school camps, corporate retreats, family reunions, and more. Pioneer Trails is where summer memories are made.