About Us

H.O.P.E. Behavioral Consulting, LLC was founded in 2014 with the intent to bring client-focused ABA services to the NH seacoast. Born and raised in Portsmouth, NH, Kelly Allinson Couturier, sought to bridge the gap between school services and home services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related disorders.

Meet Our Team

Kelly Allinson Couturier, M.S., BCBA

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Kelly is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and co-founder of H.O.P.E. Kelly graduated from the Simmons College with a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Kelly became certified as a BCBA in September of 2010. She has been working in the field of ABA directly supporting individuals diagnosed with autism and their families for over 15 years and has been supervising and training behavior technicians and BCBA’s for over 10 years.

At H.O.P.E., Kelly effectively oversees a team of Behavior Technicians and Behavior Analysts in a variety of settings, including home, clinic, and community settings throughout the NH Seacoast area. Kelly’s passions in the field are creative interventions for maladaptive behavior, family quality of life, organizational behavior management, staff training and parent training.

Kelly is committed to supporting families as they navigate a new diagnosis, school meetings and any challenge that arises.

Mike Couturier

Co-Founder & Chief Information Officer

Laura Kazmierczak, M.Ed., RBT

Clinic Site Director

Laura joined the H.O.P.E. team in February of 2021. She comes to HOPE with a variety of experience in the early childhood field working in daycare, Early Intervention, pre-school settings, and autism clinics. Laura graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2015 where she studied Human Development and Family Studies with a focus in Child Advocacy and Family Policy and later achieved her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a focus in Special Education and Assistive Technology in 2017. While her studies were broad, she knew she wanted her work and career to be both person-centered and intentional.

In pursuing her path professionally, Laura was introduced to the field of ABA where she learned the importance of personalized programming for intentional results, working 1:1 with children on the autism spectrum. There was no question that working in the field of ABA was meant to be. Laura quickly pursued her RBT as she transitioned away from the field of education and began working full-time at an autism clinic in 2017. While there she was committed to forming strong relationships with supervisors, fellow staff, and families— working as an RBT, Case Manager, and Site Director. As a therapist, Laura enjoyed working creatively to disguise each child’s goals in play as she delivered skill acquisition services, to keep them engaged in their learning. As Case Manager, Laura worked closely with families to introduce new skills and goals for their child’s best interest and build their trust in the principles of ABA therapy.

As Clinic Site Director, Laura is responsible for overseeing the clinic’s daily operations, supporting staff in their development, and guiding families through the start of their journey in ABA therapy. Laura is passionate in supporting families to make connections between the hopes they have for their child with how those wishes are transformed into skill acquisition opportunities at H.O.P.E., benefitting them and their child in all settings of their life. Laura possesses a dynamic ability to remain calm, be thoughtful, and provide compassion; qualities which support her success in navigating through her day-to-day responsibilities and building relationships with both current and new prospective families.

In her free time, you can find her with her puppy Bogaerts, a great big Bernese Mountain Dog!

Brenda Tebbe-Conley, M.S.Ed., BCBA

Brenda is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has been with H.O.P.E. Behavioral Consulting since July 2024.

Shannon Hatch, Lead RBT

Shannon has been a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) for H.O.P.E. since 2018, and the Lead RBT of H.O.P.E. since 2020. When Shannon first discovered the field of ABA, she knew it would be the perfect way to express her love for children while accomplishing her goal of helping others in her community. In addition to providing clinic-based services, Shannon also has experience in providing home and school-based services. She is committed to fostering an environment of trust as well as establishing a strong rapport with each client to help them succeed in every facet of life.

As the Lead RBT, Shannon is the liaison between her fellow RBTs and the team of Directors to ensure overall staff success. Within the clinic, Shannon enjoys applying her organizational and task-oriented skills to help create an environment that is conducive to productive therapy. Additionally, Shannon implements her leadership qualities to support the clinic’s overall productivity and encourage continued progress throughout each day. Shannon’s passions in the field include teaching the clients independence and self-advocacy, as well as empowering clients to embrace their individuality. She works tirelessly at crafting her skill and evolving as she continues to learn from her clients and coworkers.

Bridget Forcino, BCBA

Bridget is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has been with H.O.P.E since the Summer of 2021. Bridget graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies. Bridget’s secondary degree was in Elementary Education, and after graduation, Bridget went on to work in schools as a substitute teacher and then later a Lead Preschool Teacher. Bridget then transitioned from the Preschool setting to her role as a Registered Behavior Technician in a school for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, aging from childhood to adulthood. It was here that Bridget discovered her love for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the powerful effects that it can have on the lives of individuals and their families.

Bridget now finds herself at H.O.P.E where she is utilizing both her love for ABA and her background in working with Preschool-aged children.

Outside of her roles at HOPE, Bridget is also a certified Holistic Health and Wellness coach. It is Bridget’s biggest passion to help those around her to feel successful, happy, and nourished in all aspects of life.

Elise Lawry, BCBA

Elise is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who came to H.O.P.E in the spring of 2022. Elise graduated from the University of New Hampshire and earned her B.S. in Neuroscience & Behavior in 2020. Soon after graduating she began her career in Applied Behavior Analysis and discovered her passion for working in the field. In her sessions, Elise strives to provide a fun and nurturing environment for her clients. In the fall of 2022 Elise began working towards her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Ball State University, with the goal of becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. Elise is excited to progress her journey in ABA, while continuing to learn and grow alongside her clients.

Rachel A, RBT

Rachel is a Registered Behavioral Technician who has worked for H.O.P.E. Behavioral Consulting since August 2023.

Summer J, RBT

Summer is a Registered Behavioral Technician who has worked for H.O.P.E. Behavioral Consulting since September 2023.

Margaret M, RBT

Margaret is a Registered Behavioral Technician who has worked for H.O.P.E. Behavioral Consulting since August 2023.

Savanna D, BT

Savanna is a Registered Behavior Technician who has worked for H.O.P.E. Behavioral consulting since April 2024.

Taryn G, RBT

Taryn is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) who has worked for H.O.P.E. Behavioral Consulting since December 2021. Taryn graduated from Rivier University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She has always dreamed of working with kids. When Taryn first started at H.O.P.E. she fell in love with the ABA field. She loves connecting with the children, getting to know each of their different personalities, and exploring their hidden talents. She looks forward to supporting the children at H.O.P.E. during pivotal developmental changes.

Emma G, RBT

Emma is a Registered Behavior Technician and has been with H.O.P.E. Behavioral Consulting since the summer of 2022. Emma graduated from Keene State College in May of 2022 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. From a young age, Emma always connected with many individuals of all walks of life, which she uses as a strength today. While taking a seminar in autism class in college, Emma developed a further passion for the autism community. Upon discovering Applied Behavior Analysis, Emma knew there was no better match out there. Emma plans on furthering her education and pursuing a career where she can support children with autism and advocate that no two individuals are the same.

In her free time, Emma enjoys practicing yoga to prioritize relaxation. Emma is looking to pursue a yoga instructing license in her future to educate others about the benefits yoga has to alleviate stress and apprehensions.

Lynn P, BT

Lynn is a Behavior Technician who has worked for H.O.P.E. Behavioral consulting since September 2024.

Helga E, BT

Helga is a Registered Behavior Technician who has worked for H.O.P.E. Behavioral consulting since August 2024.

Let’s Get Started

We are committed to improving the quality of life of each child and their families.
E-mail us today!