The PLAY (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters) Project is a nationally recognized home-based, parent training program that teaches play-based, intensive intervention techniques.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our home consultants, please call our office (734) 997-9088.
To learn more about the PLAY Project:
Ashley Case is an Occupational Therapist and the Training Director at The PLAY Project (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters). Ashley joined The P.L.A.Y. Project staff as a Home Consultant in May of 2007. Ashley holds a B.S. in Kinesiology from Michigan State University and a M.S. in Occupational Therapy from The University of Findlay. Ashley has worked with children with autism spectrum disorders and other special needs since 2005 in both clinical and home settings with areas of interest in Sensory Integration and Floortime. Ashley served as a supervisor in The P.L.A.Y. Project’s NIMH-funded research grant from 2009 through 2012 and continues to supervisor newly trained Home Consultants. Ashley is currently a trainer at P.L.A.Y. Project workshops and conferences and has traveled abroad to present on The P.L.A.Y. Project Model. Ashley continues to serve as a Home Consultant on a part-time basis while managing her role as Training Director.
Sara has always had a passion for working with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Prior to joining the PLAY Project as a Home Consultant, she taught in the public school system for over a decade as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher. Sara received her BS in Special Education with a specialization in Early Intervention at Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She received her Master’s of Education with a major in Special Education and a focus on autism from Wayne State University in Michigan. Sara also is a certified teacher with three special education endorsements: Learning Disabilities, Cognitive Impairments and Autism Spectrum Disorders. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, going to movies, and spending time with her family.
Laurie is an Early Childhood/Infant Mental Health Specialist and is the PLAY Project Home Consultant in the Detroit Metropolitan area. Laurie was thrilled to join The P.L.A.Y. Project team in 2011. Laurie has 25 years of experience working with, and on behalf of, young children and their families. Laurie has worked in both home and school settings as a Parent Educator, Home Visitor, Administrator, Parent/Child Group Facilitator and Life Skills coach. She is passionate about supporting parents during their early years of parenting, and believes that all children deserve to be supported and nurtured in their early years of life so they may grow and develop to their fullest potential. The P.L.A.Y. Project is a perfect fit tying together Laurie’s professional experiences and personal values. A true win-win!Laurie has a Post Master’s Certificate in Infant Mental Health from Wayne State University, a M.S. in Child Development and Nutrition from California State University, Northridge, and a B.S.in Human Ecology from Michigan State University. She is also a Registered Dietitian.
Amber is a social worker and has been a PLAY Project Home Consultant and PLAY tutor since January, 2005. She graduated from Michigan State University with a Master’s degree in Social Work. Her undergraduate degree is in Family Community Services. She has experience working with children on the autism spectrum in several settings including schools, group homes, a therapeutic horseback riding program and respite care. Amber became a supervisor in July 2006 and has co-presented at many P.L.A.Y. Project Agency Trainings. Amber lives near Brighton with her husband, two kids and Golden Retriever.
Onna, PLAY Project Executive Director and Home Consultant, began working for The PLAY Project in 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 a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan.