OUR ORIGINS
Our service capabilities range from minimally involved behaviors to those with severe autistic behavioral and learning issues.
Threshold was founded because Teena Willard recognized that her son had problems. Ben was less than a year old. When she asked what was available she was told to put him away and nothing could be done for him. Every parent wants to know what is available to help their autistic child. When behaviors become completely disabling, as is the case with Ben, parents want to know what's going to happen to their child when they are gone.
Threshold was founded to answer those questions and while we offer a broad spectrum of behavioral, medical, dental, educational and legal services for special needs treatment, we will continue to follow the direction of our original Board of Trustees and Founder and "take the children that no one else wants". Today our "children" range in age from three to fully adult. Our service capabilities range minimally involved behaviors to those severe autistic behavioral and learning issues.
If you wonder whether Threshold is the right place for your child or "adult child", please contact us. If you need a medical or behavioral assessment because of concerns about your child please call us. Early intervention has proven to be key for a person on the autism spectrum to lead an optimal lifestyle. Behavioral intervention causes no harm. Waiting to see if your child will "catch up" has consistently proven harmful.
MISSION/VISION
Threshold Center for Autism has been the place to turn for families with autistic children and adults nearly 40 years. Threshold continues to be a leading autism service provider that meets the unique challenges for the entire family. Our vision is to be a place for families with children and adults with autism and related developmental disabilities to find answers to their questions and discover how they can have hope and achieve life-long health and happiness.
Our mission at Threshold Center for Autism is to be your medical, dental and behavioral home that guides and provides family-centered care for children and adults with autism and related developmental disabilities. Our goal is to meet or exceed the expectations of those we serve and to collaborate with members of the community to improve the behavioral and physical health status of these children and adults with autism throughout their lifetime.
Board of Trustees
Threshold's Board of Trustees is charged with providing the fiduciary oversight required by law and generally accepted business practice. Our Board consists of medical, behavioral, administrative, communications and legal experts to assist the the organization's leadership.
- Mark Terry – Chairman
- Teena Willard – Founder, President Emeritus
- Dick Haury – Immediate Past Chairman
- Jim Dennis, Esq. – Executive Director
Bob Wright, Ph.D., RN, FACHE- Richard Hart
- Sarah Willard, MD, FACS
- Frank H. Wright, Ph.D.
- Rick Haury, Esq.
- Phil Edwards
- Tammy Elmore
- Niki Bryan
- Dr. Kin Yee
- Scott Thomas
- Jim Kriss
- Jason Eichler
LEADERSHIP
- Corporate Services
- Jim Dennis, Esq., Executive Director (extension #101)
- Kylene Beard, BA/BS, Director of Operations (extension #102)
- Josh Clayton, Director of Finance (extension #108)
- Rodrigo Mendes, Director of Human Resources (extension #106)
- Finance Department (extention #113)
- Behavior Analysis Division (extension #0)
- Martisa Register, MS, BCBA, Clinical Director
- Stanley Register, MS, BCBA, Behavior Analyst
- David Wilder, Ph.D., BCBA, Consultant, Florida Institute of Technology
- Education and Training Division
- Julio Vannatia, BS, BCABA, Director of Education (extension #105)
- Amanda Vanattia, Train Manager (extension #107)
- Medical and Dental Services
- Scott Simpson, DMD, Dental Director (extension #131)
- Larry Duffy, DMD, Dentist (extension #131)
- Sarah Willard, MD, Medical Director (extension #124)
- Caroline Gertz, RN, Nurse Practitioner (extension #124)
Careers
Studies show the leading aspiration for nearly every one of us is to make a lasting contribution to society. Often, the most rewarding pursuit you can accomplish in your life is to enhance the lives of others in need.
Working with autistic children and adults can be extremely rewarding. Each skill attained, whether it takes hours or months, is celebrated. However it is an intense and personally challenging workplace and it is not for everyone. We welcome all who are seeking work to contact us. You will be offered an opportunity to meet with our program managers to discuss job elements. You will be required to spend several hours observing our staff at work. Should you then want to complete an application, we will complete a mandatory background screening and drug test. Upon successful completion of this phase you will be offered a job and placed in our training program.
Find your key to a fulfilling career at Threshold, where you can make a significant difference in the life of single child, a family, and a community.
Career Paths
Many of today's behavior analysts began with a simple job application for a trainer position. People with a desire to spend a career working with persons with disabilities can start as trainers and then advance, with education and experience, to associate behavior analyst and then on to fully credentialed behavior analysts. Graduates with psychology, speech and hearing disorders, education and sociology majors often find that their undergraduate training has prepared them to start as a Threshold trainer.
Entry into the associate behavior analysts program requires an undergraduate degree.
Threshold offers scholarships for this program and can provide the required field work following training. Scholarships require a signed contract to work at Threshold for one year following completion of the certification process.
Benefits
Threshold offers an array of benefits related to employment. Time away from work is important in any job. Threshold's paid time off program meets or exceeds the time off programs of similar agencies in Central Florida.
The cost of health care continues to rise and health insurance is essential to ensure that families do not find themselves crippled with high health related expenses. Threshold offers health insurance. Primary care and dental care are also available on campus at the Dr. Ben C. Willard, Jr. Memorial Clinic.
Contact Information
We invite you to act, to get involved, and to make a difference. With your help, Threshold can make a difference. Please contact us in whichever manner you feel most comfortable. Don't hesitate; contact us now.
Threshold Center for Autism
3550 N. Goldenrod Rd.
Winter Park, FL 32792
tel: (407) 671-7060
fax: (407) 671-6005
careers@Threshold-center.org
Directions
Threshold is located in one of the fastest growing areas of metropolitan Orlando. Within a few minutes are the University of Central Florida, Keiser University, Florida Hospital East, Winter Park Memorial Hospital, hotels, restaurants and shopping areas.
Threshold's main campus has been located on Goldenrod Road for more than 30 years. We are North of Highway 50 (Colonial Drive) and South of University Boulevard.
A high-speed avenue of approach from the North and East is Highway 417 (toll). Use the University Exit west to Goldenrod. Turn Left (South) onto Goldenrod and Threshold is 1/2 mile down on the right.
A second high-speed avenue of approach is Highway 408 (toll). The Goldenrod Road exit is South of our campus. Exiting the 408, turn north. After crossing Highway 50 (Colonial Drive) Threshold is located 2 miles north on the left side of the road. Drivers will need to make a U-turn to enter the campus.