Akoya Behavioral Health:
A Hidden Gem in the Metro Detroit Area
Akoya Behavioral Health:
A Hidden Gem in the Metro Detroit Area
Akoya Behavioral Health:
A Hidden Gem in the Metro Detroit Area
A New Approach to Behavioral Therapy
Founded by Ian Santus, M.S., BCBA, LBA, COBA, and Yitz Miller, Akoya Behavioral Health brings a new approach to behavioral therapy to Michigan. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Ian is deeply familiar with what a typical ABA experience looks like. Unhappy with the status quo, Ian partnered with Yitz, a relationship-driven visionary who thrives on developing processes that work successfully for all involved.
Together, Ian and Yitz opened Akoya Behavioral Health. Akoya’s sole focus is on ensuring children, their families and their providers are served in a way that is optimized for them. That means timelines and goals for children based on their own needs and strengths, support for families tailored to their needs, and an environment where staff are valued and given growth opportunities.
Our Approach
01
Skilled, Supportive Staff
Our clinician-owned-and-operated company attracts the highest caliber of Registered Behavioral Technicians and Board Certified Behavior Analysts, allowing us to carefully choose the best provider for each child. Together, we are a strong team dedicated to helping children and families thrive.
Measurable Results
We work with parents and staff to set goals, track progress, and celebrate wins. For your child, that means results and skills they can confidently own for life. For parents, that means ongoing communication and support from our staff.
02
High-quality Approach
We’re built on over 20 years of hands-on behavioral health experience. We know what works, and we’re constantly learning and evolving to better serve our kids, our families, and our staff.
03
01
Skilled, Supportive Staff
Our clinician-owned-and-operated company attracts the highest caliber of Registered Behavioral Technicians and Board Certified Behavior Analysts, allowing us to carefully choose the best provider for each child. Together, we are a strong team dedicated to helping children and families thrive.
Measurable Results
We work with parents and staff to set goals, track progress, and celebrate wins. For your child, that means results and skills they can confidently own for life. For parents, that means ongoing communication and support from our staff.
02
High-quality Approach
We’re built on over 20 years of hands-on behavioral health experience. We know what works, and we’re constantly learning and evolving to better serve our kids, our families, and our staff.
03
01
Skilled, Supportive Staff
Our clinician-owned-and-operated company attracts the highest caliber of Registered Behavioral Technicians and Board Certified Behavior Analysts, allowing us to carefully choose the best provider for each child. Together, we are a strong team dedicated to helping children and families thrive.
Measurable Results
We work with parents and staff to set goals, track progress, and celebrate wins. For your child, that means results and skills they can confidently own for life. For parents, that means ongoing communication and support from our staff.
02
High-quality Approach
We’re built on over 20 years of hands-on behavioral health experience. We know what works, and we’re constantly learning and evolving to better serve our kids, our families, and our staff.
03
01
Skilled, Supportive Staff
Our clinician-owned-and-operated company attracts the highest caliber of Registered Behavioral Technicians and Board Certified Behavior Analysts, allowing us to carefully choose the best provider for each child. Together, we are a strong team dedicated to helping children and families thrive.
Measurable Results
We work with parents and staff to set goals, track progress, and celebrate wins. For your child, that means results and skills they can confidently own for life. For parents, that means ongoing communication and support from our staff.
02
High-quality Approach
We’re built on over 20 years of hands-on behavioral health experience. We know what works, and we’re constantly learning and evolving to better serve our kids, our families, and our staff.
03
Our Approach
01
Skilled, Supportive Staff
Our clinician-owned-and-operated company attracts the highest caliber of Registered Behavioral Technicians and Board Certified Behavior Analysts, allowing us to carefully choose the best provider for each child. Together, we are a strong team dedicated to helping children and families thrive.
High-quality Approach
We’re built on over 20 years of hands-on behavioral health experience. We know what works, and we’re constantly learning and evolving to better serve our kids, our families, and our staff.
03
Measurable Results
We work with parents and staff to set goals, track progress, and celebrate wins. For your child, that means results and skills they can confidently own for life. For parents, that means ongoing communication and support from our staff.
02
Our Approach
01
Skilled, Supportive Staff
Our clinician-owned-and-operated company attracts the highest caliber of Registered Behavioral Technicians and Board Certified Behavior Analysts, allowing us to carefully choose the best provider for each child. Together, we are a strong team dedicated to helping children and families thrive.
Measurable Results
We work with parents and staff to set goals, track progress, and celebrate wins. For your child, that means results and skills they can confidently own for life. For parents, that means ongoing communication and support from our staff.
02
High-quality Approach
We’re built on over 20 years of hands-on behavioral health experience. We know what works, and we’re constantly learning and evolving to better serve our kids, our families, and our staff.
03
01
Skilled, Supportive Staff
Our clinician-owned-and-operated company attracts the highest caliber of Registered Behavioral Technicians and Board Certified Behavior Analysts, allowing us to carefully choose the best provider for each child. Together, we are a strong team dedicated to helping children and families thrive.
Measurable Results
We work with parents and staff to set goals, track progress, and celebrate wins. For your child, that means results and skills they can confidently own for life. For parents, that means ongoing communication and support from our staff.
02
High-quality Approach
We’re built on over 20 years of hands-on behavioral health experience. We know what works, and we’re constantly learning and evolving to better serve our kids, our families, and our staff.
03
01
Skilled, Supportive Staff
Our clinician-owned-and-operated company attracts the highest caliber of Registered Behavioral Technicians and Board Certified Behavior Analysts, allowing us to carefully choose the best provider for each child. Together, we are a strong team dedicated to helping children and families thrive.
Measurable Results
We work with parents and staff to set goals, track progress, and celebrate wins. For your child, that means results and skills they can confidently own for life. For parents, that means ongoing communication and support from our staff.
02
High-quality Approach
We’re built on over 20 years of hands-on behavioral health experience. We know what works, and we’re constantly learning and evolving to better serve our kids, our families, and our staff.
03
01
Skilled, Supportive Staff
Our clinician-owned-and-operated company attracts the highest caliber of Registered Behavioral Technicians and Board Certified Behavior Analysts, allowing us to carefully choose the best provider for each child. Together, we are a strong team dedicated to helping children and families thrive.
Measurable Results
We work with parents and staff to set goals, track progress, and celebrate wins. For your child, that means results and skills they can confidently own for life. For parents, that means ongoing communication and support from our staff.
02
High-quality Approach
We’re built on over 20 years of hands-on behavioral health experience. We know what works, and we’re constantly learning and evolving to better serve our kids, our families, and our staff.
03
Like a rare pearl hidden away,
every child has worlds of potential just waiting.
Like a rare pearl hidden away, every child has worlds of potential just waiting.
Our name, Akoya, which is a rare pearl variety, reflects our core mission.
Pearls are unique treasures, influenced, shaped and refined into shining beauties by their environment. Your child deserves no less. We believe that the right environment and support can help every child shine.
No two pearls are alike, and neither are kids.
That’s why we develop a personalized, unique plan for every child. This is followed by ongoing support, making adjustments to the plan as needed.
Our strength-based approach hones in on each child’s inherent strengths,
Our strength-based approach hones in on each child’s inherent strengths,
and builds on those to help support many other skills. This helps each child actualize their innate potential through the inborn skills they already own and are proud of.
and builds on those to help support many other skills. This helps each child actualize their innate potential through the inborn skills they already own and are proud of.
The ABCs of your ABA Experience
What is ABA? Is it right for my child and my family?
Approach
ABA, which stands for Applied Behavior Analysis, is a results-focused method of behavioral therapy. It’s used to help children with autism spectrum disorder over the age of 2 increase wanted behaviors and decrease unwanted behaviors through focused understanding of each behavior.
ABA is based on behavior analysis, which seeks to understand:
• Why your child’s behavior takes place
• How it is affected by his or her environment
• How your child learns best.
A
Benefits
Since ABA is results-focused, children reach their goals and graduate the therapy program sooner, with skills that are retained for life. ABA works by meeting your child at their level, right where they are, instead of pushing a one-size-fits-all approach. Additionally, ABA is done by trained and highly skilled Registered Behavioral Technicians(RBTs) and Borad Certified Behavioral Analysis (BCBAs), so you can feel confident with every session.
ABA takes your entire family into account:
• Empowering you as a parent by involving you in the process
• Seeking your input for your child’s goals
• Supporting you in guiding the entire family towards helping your child succeed
B
Course of Action
ABA is done at home, in our center, or in your child’s school. First, we meet with you and your child at initial evaluation session. We discuss insurance options, goals, and the unique methods that may work for your child. Then, as an RBT works with your child on a weekly or biweekly basis, a BCBA continuously checks in with you and your child’s team. Adjustments are made, wins are celebrated, and progress is tracked.
ABA is a short-term investment for life-long gains for your child:
• Your child will gain skills that include social, learning, communication, and self-care skills for life.
• Our staff is trained to make each session a positive, fun experience for your child, one they will look forward to!
• On average, many children reach their goals and are able to phase out ABA therapy after just 18-24 months.
C
The ABCs of your ABA Experience
What is ABA? Is it right for my child and my family?
Approach
ABA, which stands for Applied Behavior Analysis, is a results-focused method of behavioral therapy. It’s used to help children with autism spectrum disorder over the age of 2 increase wanted behaviors and decrease unwanted behaviors through focused understanding of each behavior.
ABA is based on behavior analysis, which seeks to understand:
• Why your child’s behavior takes place
• How it is affected by his or her environment
• How your child learns best.
A
Benefits
Since ABA is results-focused, children reach their goals and graduate the therapy program sooner, with skills that are retained for life. ABA works by meeting your child at their level, right where they are, instead of pushing a one-size-fits-all approach. Additionally, ABA is done by trained and highly skilled Registered Behavioral Technicians(RBTs) and Borad Certified Behavioral Analysis (BCBAs), so you can feel confident with every session.
ABA takes your entire family into account:
• Empowering you as a parent by involving you in the process
• Seeking your input for your child’s goals
• Supporting you in guiding the entire family towards helping your child succeed
B
Course of Action
ABA is done at home, in our center, or in your child’s school. First, we meet with you and your child at initial evaluation session. We discuss insurance options, goals, and the unique methods that may work for your child. Then, as an RBT works with your child on a weekly or biweekly basis, a BCBA continuously checks in with you and your child’s team. Adjustments are made, wins are celebrated, and progress is tracked.
ABA is a short-term investment for life-long gains for your child:
• Your child will gain skills that include social, learning, communication, and self-care skills for life.
• Our staff is trained to make each session a positive, fun experience for your child, one they will look forward to!
• On average, many children reach their goals and are able to phase out ABA therapy after just 18-24 months.
C
The ABCs of your ABA Experience
What is ABA? Is it right for my child and my family?
Approach
ABA, which stands for Applied Behavior Analysis, is a results-focused method of behavioral therapy. It’s used to help children with autism spectrum disorder over the age of 2 increase wanted behaviors and decrease unwanted behaviors through focused understanding of each behavior.
ABA is based on behavior analysis, which seeks to understand:
• Why your child’s behavior takes place
• How it is affected by his or her environment
• How your child learns best.
A
Benefits
Since ABA is results-focused, children reach their goals and graduate the therapy program sooner, with skills that are retained for life. ABA works by meeting your child at their level, right where they are, instead of pushing a one-size-fits-all approach. Additionally, ABA is done by trained and highly skilled Registered Behavioral Technicians(RBTs) and Borad Certified Behavioral Analysis (BCBAs), so you can feel confident with every session.
ABA takes your entire family into account:
• Empowering you as a parent by involving you in the process
• Seeking your input for your child’s goals
• Supporting you in guiding the entire family towards helping your child succeed
B
Course of Action
ABA is done at home, in our center, or in your child’s school. First, we meet with you and your child at initial evaluation session. We discuss insurance options, goals, and the unique methods that may work for your child. Then, as an RBT works with your child on a weekly or biweekly basis, a BCBA continuously checks in with you and your child’s team. Adjustments are made, wins are celebrated, and progress is tracked.
ABA is a short-term investment for life-long gains for your child:
• Your child will gain skills that include social, learning, communication, and self-care skills for life.
• Our staff is trained to make each session a positive, fun experience for your child, one they will look forward to!
• On average, many children reach their goals and are able to phase out ABA therapy after just 18-24 months.
C
Frequently asked questions
What is ABA?
How do I know if ABA is right for my child?
Are your services covered by insurance?
