Meet Michelle Eaton, a standout BCBA at our N. 43rd Ave. clinic in Glendale, Arizona, and our dedicated Professional Development Manager!

Michelle’s path to ABA was anything but ordinary. “I grew up a Navy brat,” she recalls. Her family moved frequently due to her father’s military service, eventually settling in Pennsylvania. Later, she headed west to California for college, where she attended Cal State Fullerton and discovered a passion for linguistics and communication disorders.

In an effort to strengthen her resume, Michelle took a job with an ABA provider—and that’s when everything changed. “I fell in love with the science behind it,” she says. That discovery inspired her to pursue a master’s degree at Cal State Los Angeles.

In 2019, Michelle relocated to Arizona. “California had just become too expensive,” she explains. She transferred to an Arizona branch of her former company but found the experience lacking in support. “I honestly thought about quitting ABA entirely and becoming a Zumba instructor,” she laughs.

Thankfully, she reconnected with Kayla Ziolko, Clinical Director of Autism ETC’s West region. “I knew Kayla and what she stood for, so I applied to Autism ETC—and the rest is history.”

Today, as a BCBA and the Glendale Professional Development Manager, Michelle plays a vital role in mentoring fellow therapists. “It’s a great way to take on more responsibility without managing a whole clinic,” she says. “I love guiding others. I remember how much I needed that early on, and now I get to offer guidance to someone else.”

What does Michelle love most about Autism ETC? “The support here is unlike anything I’ve experienced. It makes me a better clinician, which benefits our kids and families. Also—spirit weeks! They really bring us together and make work so much fun.”

When asked what advice she’d offer families new to an autism diagnosis, Michelle offers heartfelt wisdom: “It’s scary. Your vision of your child’s future changes. But you’re not alone. It’s about discovering new dreams and goals—ones that are still full of hope and joy.”

Outside of work, Michelle is the youngest of six sisters. She lives in Arizona with her husband Brandon and their lovable dog, Jay. “We bought a fixer-upper when we moved here and have been working on it ever since. We love a good DIY challenge.”

We’re so lucky to have Michelle on the team—her story, spirit, and leadership continue to inspire us all!