Meet the Team

Rebecca R. Timmins, M.S. – Founder, Director & Child Care Teacher

Rebecca R. Timmins, M.S. is founder and director of Celebrate Neurodiversity! Autism Respite and Resource Center. She holds a Master of Science in cognitive and affective psychology from University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. After working a year as an ABA line technician, Rebecca felt inspired to open a child care center specifically for kids on the autism spectrum. Rebecca’s graduate thesis used EEG to examine the relationship between autistic traits in a neurotypical population and mirror neuron integrity. She holds the following certifications:

CPR & AED (Infant and Adult)

Shaken Baby Training

Mandated Reporter Training

Teaching Early Education to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Wisconsin Lifespan Respite Training

About Rebecca:

“As an undergrad, I was fortunate enough to take a capstone course called “The Neuropsychology of Autism”, and it inspired me to become a behavioral line technician with kids on the spectrum. It also helped me realize that I myself am above average in autistic traits, and therefore I really relate to children on the spectrum. I understand what it’s like to have food preferences from texture, sensory overload, or things being too loud. Having my cognitive and neuroscience background along with behavioral experience, I am excited to be able to incorporate cognitive natural stress reduction activities such as mindfulness training, yoga, biofeedback, music and the arts as a complimentary approach to child care for kids on the spectrum. This approach is aimed to put tools in the children’s hands for a lifetime that can be used to help shield against the psychological and physiological harm of stress and anxiety.

“My goal in creating this center is to provide a revolutionary, holistic approach to child care for kids with autism and to encourage each individual’s strengths while minimizing weaknesses. I wanted to create a place where children on the spectrum are safe to be themselves, and treated with the dignity and respect I would want to be treated with. Here at Celebrate Neurodiversity!, we understand that autism itself is a neurological difference, not a behavioral problem.” 

 

Nicole Nikodem – Lead Child Care Teacher

About Nicole:

“I am currently a student at UWGB. I am going for social work. In my free time, I like to be outside. I love kayaking, fishing, swimming, and just watching nature. I like to be close to my family and always enjoy a good cookout and yard games. I have a dog named Lily and I enjoy her time with her. I love working at Celebrate Neurodiversity and playing with all the kiddos. It really makes me smile when I see all the kids in the morning.”

Jaymee Snyder – Child Care Teacher

Jaymee Snyder works as both an in-home and center-based caretaker at Celebrate Neurodiversity! Jaymee has her own cleaning business and is extremely warm, bubbly and patient. She has been on the team for over a year now!

Amora Dolan – Child Care Teacher

Amora works as both an in-home and center-based caregiver. She has worked as a paraprofessional with the school district, an ABA line technician and with daily living skills. She has been with the company since summer 2021.

Erin Plamann – Child Care Teacher

Erin is a new hire for CN! this summer and has been an excellent addition to the team. She is a center-based employee. Erin owns her own beauty business and is an excellent mom to two boys!