Our Staff
Our team is made up of dedicated ABA therapy professionals who share one mission: to provide high-quality, compassionate, play-based ABA therapy for children in Argyle and the North DFW area.
Our BCBAs and behavior therapists deliver individualized, child-led care focused on communication, social skills, emotional regulation, and early learner development. Each staff member brings specialized training, evidence-based practices, and a passion for helping young children thrive through play and connection.
Our Staff Training & Qualifications
Our team completes comprehensive training before working 1:1 with children. This includes foundational ABA therapy principles, safe and ethical intervention strategies, data collection, and communication support. All services are supervised by experienced BCBAs, with ongoing training and support to ensure high-quality, compassionate care.
We believe that well-trained, supported staff create the best outcomes for children and families.
All staff are trained in:
-
Assent-based, child-led ABA therapy
-
Natural Environment Teaching (NET)
-
Behavior Skills Training (BST)
-
Crisis prevention and safety strategies (QBS)
-
CPR & First Aid
-
Background checks and ongoing supervision
-
Continued professional development
Meet Our Staff:
Heather Gotcher, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Founder & Clinical Director - DFW
Heather has over 11 years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis and a strong passion for early intervention. She specializes in play-based learning, Natural Environment Teaching (NET), and assent-based practices that prioritize joy, safety, and meaningful skill development. Heather's vision for Autism Optimism is to create a clinic where quality, compassion, and ethics are at the forefront of every child’s treatment. Her goal is to empower families, support therapists, and help children build lifelong skills through connection and play.
Saleem Zaher M.A, LBA, BCBA
Founder & Clinical Director - Houston
Throughout his career, Saleem has worked with children, adolescents, and young adults with autism and complex behavioral needs across clinic-based, in-home, and school settings. He brings extensive experience in clinical leadership and supervision, with a strong focus on high-intensity cases, behavior reduction, functional communication, tolerance skills, caregiver training, and staff development. Saleem is highly data-driven and is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate, dignified, and individualized ABA services.
