Ascent Behavioral Analysis

We wanted to respond to some recent negative statements on social media. These statements were made anonymously by a disgruntled ex-employee. Please know that we take these claims seriously and have looked into the incident she claimed. We welcome anyone with concerns to come and see what happens here. We have a very open-door policy for our families and community professionals are invited to come and observe.
We work with an intense population of children. Most of our clients have limited communication skills and initially use screaming while we are teaching them how to communicate. We use ABA to teach them how to meet their needs in a more appropriate way. Our clinic is a noisy place!
ABA is a science using Positive Behavior Support. Our role is not to always keep children happy. Sometimes teaching stretches our clients. We are comfortable with the teaching process that allows for some frustration to help the child need to learn a better way. We have high expectations for our clients. We work closely with parents to develop a treatment plan that reflects the family values and are socially valid in the context of the child’s community.
We see the value in each child, and we treat them as we would all people. We do not see disability as a limitation. We also are not trying to take away or mask their Autism. We are building independence and the skills they need to be successful. We make accommodations to support individual needs. We know that they will have challenges in many settings and we teach them to regulate themselves so they will continue to have access to their communities.

We have opened a childcare!
Many of our clients have expressed the need for an inclusive childcare using positive behavior support. It is difficult to find good care for children that struggle with developmental disabilities and/or behaviors. These are the kids that we love and we see their potential. We will join with you in celebrating the triumphs and small wins while working with you to create a positive behavior support plan when they have a tough time.
See our website for more information at

ABA | Ascent Behavioral Analysis | United States Ascent Behavioral Analysis provides ABA therapy to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. Our services include comprehensive and targeted therapy to address the skill deficits and behavior issues associated with these disorders.

It’s official!
Riley Berry BCBA

Meet our management team!

Shelley Burbank
Shelley is the owner and main BCBA for Ascent. Shelley has been in the field for 25 years as a teacher, parent, BCBA, and supervisor. Shelley is also a member of the MTABA board, which advocates for ABA and people with disabilities in Montana.

Brenton Burbank
Brenton is the company accountant and our softball captain and coach for Ascent.

Meg Wilcock
Meg is originally from Alaska and lived in Brazil for a year and a half. Meg has been an RBT for 6 years and most recently has been our RBT trainer and scheduler. She is pursuing a degree in marriage and family studies in hopes to become a BCBA with an emphasis in organizational behavior management.

Riley Berry
Riley graduated from University of Montana with her bachelors in elementary education with an endorsement in special education. Riley has been with the company for almost 5 years as an RBT but most recently a BCBA intern. Riley is in her last semester of her masters classes to become a BCBA.