Vickie Messick

Vickie is a Behaviorist, specializing in early intervention, behavior management, social skills acquisition, and parent coaching. As part of a child’s team of caregivers, she develops behavior intervention plans with consideration for every family’s specific needs, to create a healthier, happier child and family. In 2018, Vickie received her Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Ball State University. Prior to moving to the Bay Area, Vickie lived in Los Angeles, where she received her BA in Anthropology from U.C.L.A.

Vickie has delivered educational and behavioral services for young children, in an inclusive, naturalistic environment since 2009. She uses naturalistic behavior therapies in clinic, home, community, and in educational settings.

As part of a child’s team, she collaborates with caregivers, to implement behavioral interventions that support social skills development, problem-solving skills, academic growth, and behavioral regulation. Vickie’s behavior intervention plans are implemented using a combination of evidence-based practices including, but not limited to Pivotal Response Training, Functional Communication Training, and Incidental Teaching. She believes that quality teaching opportunities and skills acquisition happen in-vivo. The ability to adapt and modify each learning opportunity is what makes a therapy session worthwhile and it is what motivates Vickie to create and teach positive reinforcement opportunities as often as possible. Using a child’s intrinsic motivation as the mechanism for skills acquisition and behavior change is the hallmark of Vickie’s therapy.

As an early childhood educator her passion for working with young learners with developmental challenges emerged during her 9.5 years with Creative Learning Center, where she was lead teacher and director of Foothill Preschool. At CLC, Vickie also worked as a behaviorist in the ABA division of the company. Prior to working as a behavior analyst, Vickie spent many years as a chef and restaurant owner. In addition to her career as a both chef and behaviorist, Vickie’s true love has always been her family. Vickie finds great fulfillment in spending time with her husband, three grown children, and two Goldendoodles. With her family, Vickie enjoys cooking, traveling and yoga.