The PLAY Project

The PLAY Project

Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters

About Our Staff

Mark Bowers, Ph.D., Pediatric Psychologist

Mark Bowers

A Licensed Pediatric Psychologist, Dr. Mark joined our staff in September 2008 and brings 10 years experience in the field of autism spectrum. At the Ann Arbor Center, Dr. Mark specializes in psychological assessment, school functioning, parenting the difficult child, and social skills. Prior to relocating to Michigan, Dr. Mark owned and operated a psychology practice in Kansas.

Michelle Dailey

Michelle Dailey

Michelle joined the PLAY Project staff in June, 2009. As the Associate Director of the PLAY Project, Michelle manages trainings and community workshops as well as marketing activities. In 2010, Michelle began working with children on the autism spectrum as a play tutor. She received her BA in Communication Studies from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.

Amber Masterson M.S.W.

Amber Apel

Amber has been working with us as a full-time P.L.A.Y. Project Home Consultant since January, 2005. She graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Community Services and a Master’s degree in Social Work. She has previously worked with children on the autism spectrum in several settings including schools, group homes, a therapeutic horseback riding program and respite care.

Adam Brode M.A., CCC-SLP

Adam Brode

Adam is our speech and language consultant. He joined our staff in the summer of 2005. He has ten years experience in the field of autism, with extensive training in both play-based and behavioral programs. Beside his work with children, Adam is an accomplished musician and songwriter.

Ashley Case, OT

Ashley Cunningham

Ashley joined the P.L.A.Y. Project staff as a Home Consultant in May of 2007. She received a B.S. in Kinesiology from Michigan State University and recently earned a M.S. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Findlay. Ashley has worked with children on the autistic spectrum for the last five years in both clinical and home settings and currently serves as a supervisor to newly trained home consultants.

Sharilyn Keller

Sharilyn Keller

Sharilyn is our Office Manager. She joined our staff in the summer of 2008. She has seven years experience being an organizational guru. Her schooling background includes English, Fine Arts and Culinary arts. Sharilyn's love for children has also led her to be K-8 school volunteer over the past 10 years as well as a volunteer with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America.

Katie Kramer

Katie Kramer

Katie has worked in the field of autism for the last eight years. Her experiences include working as a Play Project home consultant at the University of Michigan; directing Cross Bridge Academy, a private school for children diagnosed with Autism; and counseling families at Judson Center’s Autism Connections. Currently, Katie is working at the Ann Arbor Center for Behavioral Pediatrics providing numerous therapeutic and consultative services. Katie also spends time supervising and training other therapists. She has given professional seminars and workshops at various public schools in Michigan as well as providing discussion and support groups for parents. Ms. Kramer is completing the last year of her doctoral program in psychology and is researching adults with Asperger’s syndrome.

Amy Saalberg

Amy Saalberg

The friendly voice you hear when you call our office, Amy joined our staff in January 2009. Whether you're making an appointment or leaving a message for the Doctor, she's able to help. Amy grew up in the U.P. (Upper Peninsula of Michigan) and came to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan. She is the parent of two children.

Jonathan Schwartz

Jonathan

Jonathan became a Home Consultant in 2009, and he has been working in the field of education since 2002. He received a B.A. from Wesleyan University, an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Emerson College, and an M.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan. In the past, he has taught at public and private elementary schools and tutored children with autism.

Onna Solomon

Onna Solomon

Onna, our Program Director and Home Consultant, began working for The P.L.A.Y. Project in the fall of 2006. Some of Onna’s responsibilities include administration of professional trainings and community workshops; media communication; educational resource development; and The P.L.A.Y. Project community organization. In the past, she has worked with children on the autism spectrum as a play tutor, and now serves families through The Ann Arbor Center. Onna has a Bachelor’s degree from University of Michigan, a Master’s in writing from Boston University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan.