Our Staff
Our team is made up of dedicated professionals who share one mission: to provide high-quality, compassionate care that helps children grow through play, connection, and individualized learning. Each staff member brings unique strengths, specialized training, and a passion for helping early learners thrive.
OUR STAFF
TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS
Our team completes extensive training before working 1:1 with clients, including ABA fundamentals, safe intervention strategies, data collection, communication training, and ongoing supervision from our BCBAs. We believe well-trained, supported staff provide the best quality therapy.
All Staff Trained in:
-
Assent-based ABA
-
NET (Natural Environment Teaching)
-
Behavior skills training (BST)
-
Crisis prevention / safety training (QBS)
-
CPR/First Aid
-
Background checks completed
-
Ongoing 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.
