Jigsaw Junction

Monica Chen
M.A., BCBA
Senior Program Manager

Monica obtained a Master's degree in Special Education with specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from Columbia University Teachers College. She also maintains her credentials as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Monica spent most of her adult life in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. While attending the University of Washington, she volunteered at the Experimental Education Unit (EEU). This was where Monica began learning the basics of classroom management. Inspired by the knowledgeable staff and mentors, Monica applied to become a home therapy tutor. With some luck, Monica landed her first job working with several families on the Eastside. It was love at first sight: The relationships with families were irreplaceable, and the science of behavior analysis fascinated Monica, leaving her eager to learn more about this field. Monica inevitably continued her post-graduate studies in the field of Behavior Analysis.

Upon gaining acceptance to one of the nation's leading Behavior Analysis programs, Monica studied under the tutelage of R. Douglas Greer in New York City. While at Columbia University, Monica taught at the renowned Fred S. Keller School in Westchester County. It was at the Keller School that theory met application. The analysis and application of verbal behavior became an everyday phenomenon. Never content to rest, Monica also worked on the weekends providing one-on-one home therapy services to children in Manhattan through YAI, a local non-profit agency.

Following graduation, Monica worked abroad in Hong Kong. Here, she helped start the first ABA school in Asia. In addition to managing the classroom, Monica hired, trained, and supervised all school staff. She also assessed all incoming students and created individualized intervention programs. The work was challenging, and the hours were long. Nevertheless, the experience she gained in Hong Kong proved to be invaluable foundation for what she is trying to build today. She took the steps that would bring her closer to Jigsaw Junction.

Monica returned to the States in 2005 and honed her skills as a Program Manager at Northwest Behavioral Associates (NBA). At NBA, Monica coordinated home therapy programs, directed monthly team meetings, trained tutors, wrote treatment plans, proposed IEP goals, attended IEP meetings, and conducted workshops. Her time at NBA provided experience for navigating the educational system in Washington State.

With ideas on hand and much enthusiasm, Monica is excited to guide and direct the vision of Jigsaw Junction.

View Monica's resume.

Amy Hatten
Lead Therapy Assistant

Jigsaw Junction is very lucky to have Amy Hatten as its Lead Therapy Assistant. Amy began working at Jigsaw in February of 2009, and she continues to impress the team with her enthusiasm and acute attention to detail. Amy graduated from the University of Washington with a Liberal Studies degree with an emphasis in Society, Ethics, and Human Behavior. After graduating from the University of Washington, she was going to complete a Master’s in Teaching program, but decided to put that on hold to become a mom. She is now the mother of a beautiful five year-old daughter.

Amy began working with children on the Autism spectrum when she worked for the Northshore School District. She worked as a one-on-one paraeducator in a self contained classroom. In the classroom, her responsibilities included recording data, implementing IEP goals, and developing individualized work materials. She supported the positive social, behavioral, and physical development of each student in the classroom.

While researching the different ways to become involved with children on the Autism spectrum, Amy came across Jigsaw Junction. She fell in love with the principles of the program and its vision for the future. It was a perfect fit for what she was looking for. Amy is excited to support the children and families of Jigsaw Junction.

Kara Ortbal
Therapy Assistant

Kara Ortbal is a junior at Bellevue High School. She discovered her love for working with children on the spectrum during her freshman year while mentoring at summer camp. Since then, she has searched for any opportunity to work with children with special needs. Kara loves to spend her time outside of school volunteering, babysitting and working at Jigsaw Junction. She is also active in the special needs community, volunteering her time at FEAT Super Saturday as well as at the Teens for Teens program. Kara also plays cello in her school orchestra and serves as Activities Coordinator in the leadership program at her school.

Tami Michels
Therapy Assistant

Tami had her first encounter with ABA Therapy in 2004 working as an Applied Behavioral Analysis home tutor. She structured a home learning environment that was tailored to the student’s everyday needs and started learning how to implement ABA Therapy. She continued to learn ABA Therapy and work with this student for the next 4 years.

While attending Seattle Pacific University, Tami completed an internship in a classroom with children who had special needs. This confirmed her love for teaching and watching children grown and learn. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Individual and Family Development from Seattle Pacific University, Tami sought a job in ABA Therapy and is now happy to be a part of the Jigsaw Junction team.

Kelly Chaney
Therapy Assistant

Kelly Chaney is a former competitive swimmer who discovered a talent for working with children on the spectrum while teaching swimming lessons over many summers and in working with youth programs at the Ballard Boys and Girls Club.

Kelly grew up in Issaquah and attended Issaquah High School but now lives in Seattle. She is a 2006 graduate of Seattle Pacific University in Visual Communication and has worked for several companies since graduation as a graphic designer. Her interests and experiences are wide-ranging with a special love of music and art; but in everything, she loves to be active and creative.

When she isn’t busy at Jigsaw Junction, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family and friends – and she has a special love for her racing wiener dog named “Wizard.”