Thrive Collaborative

04/17/2026

We had such a meaningful time at the Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference this week!

A huge thank you to the conference organizers for inviting Thrive Collaborative to present. It was an honor to connect with educators, parents, and service providers who are all deeply committed to supporting children’s growth and development.

We loved sharing ideas from our sessions on:
• Intention in Play and Communication
• Motivation and Assent in Teaching Neurodiverse Learners

Across both sessions, the conversations, questions, and shared experiences reminded us just how powerful it is when we come together with a shared goal: supporting children in ways that are respectful, intentional, and relationship-centered.

We’re especially grateful for the opportunity to collaborate, reflect, and learn alongside such a thoughtful and engaged community.

Thank you again for having us — we’re already looking forward to next year!

04/07/2026

Insider Tip Tuesday 💡

All behavior serves a function.

When a child engages in challenging behavior, it’s often to gain attention, avoid or escape a demand, access a desired item, or meet a sensory need. Rather than focusing only on reducing the behavior, it’s important to identify its function and explicitly teach a more appropriate, effective replacement skill.

When the new skill consistently meets the child’s need, it becomes a more efficient and sustainable way for them to communicate.

Have questions or want support applying this approach? We’re always here to help—feel free to reach out.

04/01/2026

Meet Molly 👋

Molly is a Senior Consultant with a master’s degree in Special Education. She is trained as a direct delivery therapist in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) and supports children from early childhood through school age. She blends the Early Start Denver Model and applied behavior analysis within a naturalistic, developmental, and assent-based approach. Her work focuses on school consultation and working closely with families, teachers, and providers to build individualized supports across settings. Her areas of focus include developing school-based strategies in collaboration with families and teams, and implementing naturalistic therapy within play and language, with an approach grounded in compassionate care, connection, flexibility, and supporting each child’s autonomy.

03/30/2026

🌟 Session Spotlight

How do play, communication, and thinking grow together in young learners?

In our session “Intention in Play and Communication,” on Thursday April 16th, at the Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference, we’ll explore how educators can better observe children’s intentions during play and recognize the learning happening beneath the surface.

Participants will learn to:
• Identify different types of play
• Recognize the goals and intentions within play
• Distinguish true play from behaviors that only appear playful
• Use child-led and guided play to support development

Grounded in research from Piaget and play-based learning frameworks, this session focuses on helping educators create purposeful, joyful learning experiences.

📍 Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference
Room: Evergreen A
Time: Thursday, April 16th 12:45-2:00PM

We hope to see you there!

03/24/2026

Meet Paige 👋

Paige brings a strong background in Child and Adolescent Development along with over four years of hands-on experience in the ABA field as a Registered Behavior Technician. She is passionate about supporting neurodivergent individuals as they navigate everyday environments and experiences with confidence.

Currently pursuing her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification, Paige is excited to expand her impact through play-based, naturalistic approaches. She loves helping children, teens, and adults overcome challenges, discover their strengths, and reach meaningful goals—so they can truly thrive.

We’re so lucky to have Paige on our team! 💛

03/23/2026

🧠 Session Spotlight

What happens when we prioritize relationships, motivation, and learner comfort in teaching?

In “Motivation and Assent in Teaching Neurodiverse Learners,” we explore how respectful relationships unlock meaningful learning opportunities.

Together we’ll discuss:
• What assent really means in teaching
• Why learners cannot engage when they feel defensive or overwhelmed
• How motivation drives participation and deeper learning
• Practical strategies to support comfort, respect, and engagement

When learners feel safe, respected, and motivated, teaching becomes more effective — and learning becomes more joyful.

📍 Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference
Room: Evergreen B
Time: Thursday, April 16th 9:45-11:00AM

03/19/2026

Meet Tanessa 👋

Tanessa is a Registered Behavior Technician with a Bachelor of Science in Lifestyle Medicine and a minor in Wellness Coaching from Metropolitan State University. She brings a unique blend of education, heart, and dedication to every session, helping children build the skills they need to thrive.

With a passion for supporting young learners and making a lasting impact, Tanessa focuses on guiding each child toward healthy, fulfilling, and successful futures. Her warmth, commitment, and expertise make her an invaluable member of the Thrive team!

03/16/2026

We’re excited to share that our Thrive Collaborative team will be presenting two sessions at the Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference next month in Denver on April 16th!

At Thrive Collaborative, we’re passionate about supporting educators and families in creating meaningful learning experiences for children of all abilities. This year we’ll be sharing research-informed strategies on:
✨ Intention in Play and Communication
✨ Motivation and Assent in Teaching Neurodiverse Learners

Both sessions focus on practical, respectful approaches that help children feel engaged, motivated, and ready to learn.

If you’re attending the conference, we’d love to see you there! Stay tuned over the next few weeks as we share more about each presentation.

Registration: https://www.rmecconference.com/

03/10/2026

☀️ This sunny day has us thinking… summer will be here before we know it!

At Thrive Aspen, our summer supports are designed to meet children where they are—helping them build skills, confidence, and independence while still enjoying everything summer has to offer.

We provide individualized support across a variety of settings, including:
🏕️ Full-day & Half Day summer camps
🏡 In-home sessions
🏢 Thrive Aspen office 
🌿 Community-based activities

Our team incorporates best practices from speech-language pathology, applied behavior analysis, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, and academic instruction to create a plan tailored to each child’s unique needs.

Because summer schedules and camp placements fill quickly, we encourage families to reach out sooner rather than later to ensure availability and allow time for thoughtful planning.

📍 Aspen – Glenwood Springs

Learn more or connect with us: www.seeksowshare.com

03/06/2026

Thrive ASPEN 2 Hour Delayed Start – Inclement Weather

Good morning, Families,

Due to the expected weather and school delays this morning, Thrive ASPEN will be delaying all session start times for today until 10:00am. Our priority is keeping everyone safe!

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Thank you for your understanding, and stay safe,

Thrive Aspen

2-Hour Delayed Start Friday, March 6, 2026 , the Aspen School District will have a two-hour morning delay due to forecasted weather and the road conditions. All schools, except the Cottage, will start at 10 a.m., the Cottage will start at 9:30 a.m.. Bus stop times will be pushed back by two hours from the normally scheduled time. If your student would be picked up at 7:20 a.m., they would now be picked up at 9:20 a.m.. There will be NO breakfast, but lunch is served. Further communication will be sent out by 7:30 a.m. should the decision be made to cancel school. Be safe out there!

03/04/2026

Insider Tip Tuesday 💡

Access is a right — not a favor.

If you need an ASL interpreter for an event, you’re allowed to ask for one (and even request someone by name). Don’t hesitate to advocate for what you need. ✨

(Yes, we know it’s Wednesday! Oops)

02/23/2026

Meet Amanda 👋

Amanda is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 20 years of experience working with children and has been specializing in ABA since 2021. She holds a Master’s in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis and brings her expertise and passion to every session.

Amanda is dedicated to helping each individual reach their fullest potential and works to make traditionally non-inclusive spaces more accessible to neurodiverse populations through positive behavior supports and environmental modifications. Her knowledge, compassion, and advocacy make her an invaluable part of the Thrive team!