Lindsay Strausbaugh M.A., BCBA and Dr. Amy Michaelis Ed.D., BCBA-D
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Lindsay Strausbaugh, M.A., BCBA, and Dr. Amy Michaelis, Ed.D., BCBA-D, are the co-founders of Upward Trend Academy, a private school and ABA organization created to bridge the gap between education and Applied Behavior Analysis. Lindsay is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Certified Special Education Teacher, entrepreneur, and advocate with more than fourteen years of experience in education and behavioral health. She has served children and families across public and private organizations, from early childhood education and exceptional student education to private services and ABA, giving her a unique perspective on the gaps that can exist between education, behavioral health, and the real-world needs of children and their families.
Dr. Amy Michaelis is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D) and a Certified K–12 Special Education Teacher with more than twenty years of experience. She earned her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Administration and Leadership, and her dissertation focused on using ABA to improve reading abilities in children with dyslexia. Amy has developed individualized programs for students with disabilities, taught in PK–5th grade classrooms, and implemented ABA services across educational and clinical settings. Together, Lindsay and Amy have grown Upward Trend Academy from an idea into a thriving community that individualizes education, behavioral support, communication, social development, independence, and preparation for adulthood, believing the system should adapt to the child rather than force the child to adapt to the system.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
- That a diagnosis should guide support and understanding, not determine what a child is capable of achieving.
- How individualized education and Applied Behavior Analysis can work together to support the whole child's growth and independence.
- Why traditional one-size-fits-all education systems often fail children with unique learning and behavioral needs and what to do instead.
- How Upward Trend Academy grew from an idea into a thriving private school and ABA program over six years.
- That children can find their voice, build friendships, and develop independence when the environment adapts to them.
- How to recognize gaps in education and behavioral health and advocate for better systems for families and communities.
- Why bridging the gap between education, ABA, families, and communities changes the trajectory of children's lives.
- That different does not mean less, and children should not have to change who they are to fit an environment.
- How parents can move from feeling overwhelmed and unsure to feeling understood, supported, and hopeful about the future.
- Why having the courage to question how things have always been done can create meaningful impact for children with disabilities.
about the show
Women In Power is an entrepreneur TV series featuring female entrepreneurs, CEOs, founders, and industry leaders who are building companies, leading teams, and creating impact in their industries.
Each episode gives viewers a closer look at the real stories behind these women’s success, including the challenges they faced, the decisions that shaped them, and the leadership lessons they learned along the way. The series highlights women who have built businesses, broken barriers, grown brands, and created opportunities for others through their work.
Women In Power was created to spotlight female business leaders whose stories deserve to be seen and heard. From early setbacks to major breakthroughs, each episode shows the journey behind the title, the business, and the public success.
For viewers, the show offers inspiration, practical insight, and a deeper look at what it takes for women to lead, grow, and succeed in today’s business world. For featured guests, it provides a platform to share their story, build authority, and inspire the next generation of female entrepreneurs and leaders.
