Who we support Children & Families We provide individualized support for neurodiverse children and their families through direct services, education, coaching, consultation, and collaborative problem-solving. Professionals We partner with educators, paraprofessionals, related service providers, therapists, early intervention providers, behavioral health professionals, and other professionals who support neurodiverse children. Through education, coaching, consultation, and professional learning, we help adults build the understanding, confidence, and practical skills to create more responsive, engaging, and supportive environments for children. Schools & Organizations We partner with schools, early intervention programs, healthcare organizations, behavioral health agencies, and community-based organizations to strengthen their capacity to support neurodiverse children and families through professional learning, coaching, consultation, leadership development, and systems-level capacity building.

ABA Our Commitment to Families At Little Green Tugboat, we believe every child deserves to be understood, respected, and supported with compassion. We recognize that families come to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with a wide range of experiences, questions, and perspectives, and we are committed to providing care that reflects both the science of learning and the dignity of every child. Our work begins with understanding. Before determining how best to support a child, we seek to understand their strengths, interests, communication style, sensory experiences, relationships, motivations, and unique way of engaging with the world. We believe children learn best within responsive relationships where they feel safe, valued, understood, and empowered to participate. Our goal is not to change who children are, but to help them build meaningful skills, strengthen communication, increase independence, navigate challenges, and participate more fully in the relationships, activities, and environments that matter most to them and their families. Above all, we strive to create experiences in which children feel safe, capable, and understood. We believe the most meaningful learning happens through responsive relationships built on trust, curiosity, respect, and meaningful participation. This includes respecting, understanding and responding to children’s communication, including protest, refusal, requests for a break, and other expressions of discomfort, uncertainty, or overwhelm. That belief is the foundation of every relationship we build, every decision we make, and every service we provide. As the field of Applied Behavior Analysis continues to evolve, we recognize that many autistic individuals and families have shared experiences that have challenged our profession to reflect, learn, and grow. We believe those voices deserve to be heard with openness, humility, and respect, and we remain committed to ongoing reflection, learning, and ethical practice. We believe the best way to move our field forward is not by denying its history, but by learning from it. Our Approach to ABA Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the science of understanding how learning occurs and how interactions between individuals and their environments influence behavior and development. It is one of the most well-established evidence-based approaches for supporting many neurodiverse children and is frequently funded through health insurance for individuals with autism. ABA is not a single therapy or teaching method. Rather, it is a broad scientific discipline encompassing a wide variety of approaches that differ significantly in philosophy and practice. As research in child development, neuroscience, communication, and neurodiversity has advanced, ABA has continued to evolve. At Little Green Tugboat, we practice naturalistic, strengths-based, relationship-centered ABA grounded in meaningful engagement, child development, and everyday learning. More specifically, we strive to build responsive relationships – relationships in which adults learn to notice children's communication, understand what it means, and respond in ways that strengthen trust, participation, learning, and development. Our approach integrates contemporary behavioral science with developmental principles, Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs), family-centered practice, strengths-based coaching, nervous system-informed practice, and current research in communication, regulation, learning, and inclusive education. Rather than focusing on changing behavior, we seek to understand what behavior is communicating and the many factors that shape it while helping children build meaningful skills that support communication, emotional regulation, social participation, independence, confidence, and overall quality of life. We believe lasting progress occurs when learning is meaningful, individualized, responsive, and embedded within children's everyday relationships, routines, interests, and environments. What Makes Our ABA Different Our approach is individualized, collaborative, and built around each child's unique strengths, interests, motivations, communication, and developmental profile. We believe meaningful learning happens through connection, curiosity, responsive relationships, and shared engagement—not through one-size-fits-all programs. Whenever possible, we embed learning opportunities within play, daily routines, and naturally occurring interactions so that new skills are functional, engaging, and relevant to children's everyday lives. We follow children's interests and motivation, creating learning experiences that encourage active participation while respecting each child's communication style, sensory needs, autonomy, and individuality. Parents, caregivers, educators, and other professionals are essential partners throughout the process because meaningful progress extends far beyond therapy sessions. By building the confidence, understanding, and capacity of the adults who support children every day, we help create lasting change across home, school, and community environments. Our approach emphasizes: -Responsive, relationship-centered interactions that foster trust, communication, engagement, and meaningful learning -Child-led, naturalistic learning embedded within play, daily routines, and everyday experiences -Individualized goals based on each child's strengths, interests, communication style, developmental needs, and family priorities -Respect for neurodiversity, autonomy, communication differences, sensory experiences, and each child's unique way of engaging with the world -Collaboration with parents, caregivers, educators, and interdisciplinary professionals to promote consistency across environments -Practical, functional skills that increase participation, confidence, independence, relationships, and overall quality of life -Ongoing reflection, ethical practice, and evidence-informed decision-making as research and our understanding of child development continue to evolve Ultimately, our goal is not simply to teach skills. It is to strengthen relationships. Build confidence. Support meaningful participation. Create responsive environments. Help families feel empowered. And help children thrive as their authentic selves. Evidence-Based Practice We believe evidence-based practice means more than following a single intervention model. It means thoughtfully integrating the best available research with clinical expertise, collaboration, and each child's unique strengths, needs, interests, communication, and family priorities. Our work draws from a range of evidence-based and evidence-informed approaches, selecting and integrating strategies that are individualized, developmentally appropriate, and meaningful for each child and family we support. Our work is informed by approaches including: -Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) -Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) -Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) -Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) -TEACCH® -The Hanen Centre® programs -Natural Environment Teaching (NET) -Incidental Teaching -Child development -Family-centered practice -Strengths-based coaching -Responsive, relationship-centered practice -Nervous system-informed practice -Current research in communication, emotional regulation, learning, and inclusive education Our services Parent Training & Coaching Empowering parents and caregivers through individualized education, collaborative coaching, and strengths-based support. Together, we build confidence, strengthen everyday interactions, and help families create meaningful opportunities for learning, communication, and connection. Direct ABA Services Individualized, naturalistic ABA services designed around each child's strengths, interests, and everyday environments. Through engaging, relationship-centered support, we help children build meaningful skills that promote communication, regulation, independence, social participation, and quality of life. Small, supportive groups that foster meaningful peer relationships through play, shared interests, and collaborative experiences. Children build communication, social understanding, emotional regulation, self-advocacy, and confidence in engaging, naturalistic environments where every child is valued for who they are. Social Learning Groups Interactive, evidence-informed training designed to strengthen the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills of educators, therapists, paraprofessionals, and other professionals supporting neurodiverse children. Our trainings are engaging, collaborative, and immediately applicable to everyday practice. Staff Training Supervision High-quality clinical supervision, mentorship, and professional development for behavior analysts and behavior technicians. Our supervision emphasizes ethical practice, compassionate care, critical thinking, and the integration of evidence-based, relationship-centered approaches. CEU Opportunities Continuing education designed for behavior analysts and other professionals seeking practical, evidence-informed learning. Our CEU offerings emphasize ethical practice, contemporary behavioral science, relationship-centered care, and real-world application. Insurance & Reimbursement Little Green Tugboat is an out-of-network (OON) ABA provider working with most major insurance companies. Families pay LGT directly and receive paid superbills to submit for potential reimbursement based on their individual benefits. Our team is happy to help guide families through the insurance process and answer questions along the way. Our Executive Functioning (EF) Coaching provides individualized, practical support to help children, adolescents, and young adults build the skills needed to navigate everyday demands with greater confidence and independence. Personalized coaching focuses on organization, planning, time management, task initiation, prioritization, flexible thinking, and self-monitoring—helping each individual develop strategies that work at school, home, and in daily life. Executive Functioning Coaching

Reviews “When we first met Stephanie, our son was newly diagnosed with ASD and we felt the impact of that diagnosis deeply. She immediately connected with our son and found a way to communicate with him. Stephanie showed us there is a light on the other side of therapy. She has an incredible gift with children and her work as a therapist is best described as a true calling. She can handle EVERYTHING and isn’t scared of the most complex situations. Stephanie is our guru on this journey and the progress she has made with our son is nothing short of incredible. It is my hope that one day I am able to convey to Stephanie just how much she means to us; I’m still finding the words.” - Mother of a 4-year old boy with ASD

At Little Green Tugboat we are developmental behavior analysts who support and empower children with communicative, behavioral and social challenges, and their families in achieving independence and an improved quality of life through a naturalistic, sustainable, evidence-based, whole child approach. Our Mission To support neurodiverse children in reaching their fullest potential by strengthening the relationships and environments that support their growth, learning, and well-being. Through direct services, education, coaching, consultation, and professional learning, we partner with families, educators, professionals, and organizations to create meaningful, sustainable change in the lives of children. Our Philosophy & Approach We believe children grow, learn, and thrive within positive, responsive relationships. Meaningful change occurs not only through direct work with children, but also by strengthening the understanding, confidence, skills, and responsiveness of the adults who support them every day. For this reason, we work closely with parents, caregivers, educators, therapists, and other professionals as essential partners in supporting children's development. Our approach is strengths-based, relationship-centered, culturally responsive, individualized, and collaborative. We recognize that every child, family, classroom, and community brings unique strengths, values, experiences, and ways of understanding the world. We strive to understand and honor these differences while partnering with families and professionals to create support that is meaningful, respectful, and relevant to their lives. We seek to understand each child's unique strengths, interests, communication style, sensory needs, and ways of engaging with the world. By building upon these strengths and creating supportive environments, we help children develop confidence, communication, regulation, learning, social participation, and independence. We believe lasting change is most likely to occur when support is embedded within everyday relationships, routines, and environments. Whether working directly with a child, coaching a parent, supporting a classroom team, or providing professional education, our goal is to strengthen the people and environments that help children succeed. Our Core Values Strengths First We seek to understand and build upon the strengths, interests, abilities, and potential of every child, family, and professional we support. Relationships Matter Strong, responsive relationships provide the foundation for learning, development, confidence, and well-being. Families Are Essential Partners Parents and caregivers know their children, families, cultures, and communities best. We seek to understand and honor each family's values, priorities, experiences, and goals while partnering together to support children's growth and well-being. Collaboration Creates Better Outcomes Children thrive when families, educators, clinicians, and community partners work together in ways that are respectful, culturally responsive, and grounded in shared understanding and goals. Cultural Humility & Responsiveness We recognize that families, educators, and communities bring diverse experiences, values, cultures, languages, and perspectives. We approach our work with curiosity, humility, and respect, seeking to understand before we advise and to collaborate rather than assume. Growth Happens in Everyday Life Meaningful learning and development occur within the routines, relationships, and experiences that make up daily life. Continuous Learning We are committed to ongoing reflection, professional growth, and the use of evidence-informed practices as our field continues to evolve.

Meet the Team LGT LEADERSHIP Stephanie Koh, MA, BCBA, LBA Founder & CEO Stephanie is a New York State licensed and board-certified behavior analyst. She has been treating children with autism spectrum disorders since 1999. Stephanie firmly believes that the treatment and support of the whole family system is integral to the developmental success of each child. She employs a naturalistic, play-based, family-/child-centered model of treatment that looks to improve the quality of life for the entire family. As a behavioral therapist, autism consultant, parent coach and special educator, Stephanie practices naturalistic applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. She began her studies with leading ABA researcher, Dr. Ivar Lovaas (1927-2010) at UCLA, and has since ensured meaningful learning, generalization of skills and continuation of building skills transactionally through naturalistic ABA therapy. Jen Muhlbach, MA, MEd Director of Operations Jen oversees the systems and processes that support families and clinicians throughout every stage of service. Her role includes coordinating intake, insurance authorizations, scheduling, billing, staff onboarding, and day-to-day operations. She works closely with LGT’s clinical team to strengthen communication, maintain continuity of care, and create an organized, responsive, and welcoming experience for families and staff alike. Jen holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and two master’s degrees—one in Human Services Counseling and another in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Applied Behavior Analysis. Her educational background and operational expertise allow her to bridge the many moving parts of LGT while making complex processes feel more manageable for the families the organization serves. Originally from Tennessee, Jen is the proud wife of a military veteran and mother of three. She also holds a special place in her heart for Hawaii, where she and her family spent six memorable years. Outside of work, Jen enjoys spending time with her husband of 22 years, their children, and their two beloved dogs, Mauka and Makai. Andrew Shahan, MA Director of Strengths-Based Practice & Coaching Child Development & Family Coaching Specialist Special Education Consultant Andrew has spent the past 35 years working with and learning from autistic and developmentally disabled children and their families in early intervention programs, healthcare organizations, public schools, and universities. He holds a BA in Psychology and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education. Andrew believes that the voices of autistic and neurodiverse individuals and their families must guide all efforts to improve support and care. His work is grounded in the belief that meaningful progress happens through responsive relationships, authentic connection, cultural humility, and strengths-based support. He currently coaches parents, educators, and professionals to recognize and build on the strengths, communication, and individuality of autistic children. Based in New York, Andrew provides training, consultation, and strengths-based coaching to families, professionals, schools, and organizations. Maren Jacobson, MA, BCBA, LBA Senior Behavior Analyst - Clinical Training & Development Lead Maren is a dedicated board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) who is passionate about working with children and young adults with autism spectrum disorders. Originally from Wisconsin, Maren received her bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2019. In 2022, she received her master’s degree in Teaching as Applied Behavior Analysis from Teachers College at Columbia University. Throughout her undergraduate and graduate school and work experiences, Maren provided support to individuals with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities, in home, school and community settings. Maren strives to help individuals reach their maximum potential across all environments, with a special focus on increasing psychological flexibility and improving social skills and socio-emotional regulation. Kalie Chan, MA, BCBA, LBA Senior Behavior Analyst - Clinical Supervision Lead Kalie is a New York State licensed board-certified behavior analyst who has been providing services to individuals from ages 2-10 since 2017. She has always loved watching her learners continue to grow and achieve new things! She received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of San Francisco. She received her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Teachers College, Columbia University.

COMPASS Coaching & Education by Little Green Tugboat COMPASS™, is a relationship-centered coaching framework that helps educators better understand, connect with, and engage neurodiverse children through everyday classroom interactions and activities. Rather than simply introducing new strategies, COMPASS helps educators develop a new way of seeing children—one that builds on their strengths, communication, interests, and everyday interactions. What makes us different? Most professional development focuses on new strategies professionals must learn and try to implement. By making successful practice visible and building on what's already working, COMPASS helps turn professional learning into meaningful, sustainable change in everyday practice. What you can expect As professionals become more responsive, relationships grow stronger, children become more engaged and participatory, professionals become more confident and intentional, and learning environments become more positive, responsive, and connected. See more. Understand more. Respond more intentionally.

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