Stimming: verb
“self stimulatory behavior”; repetitive physical movements or vocalizations such as humming to oneself, chewing gum, or flapping ones hands; associated with calming and expression of feelings in neurodivergent and autistic people.
About us
Jeff and Éowyn first met in 2017 while completing their coursework to become BCBAs. After years of 1:1 therapy, we wondered how to help our clients find other people who are just as excited about their special interests as they are. In 2019, we began to coordinate small groups and client pairings across homes, schools, our clinic (even telehealth during lockdown!), and once it was safe, the community at large.
STIM caters to autistic tweens and teens who no longer need intensive 1:1 support, but are still looking to hone their social skills, communication, and autonomy. We feel the best way to generalize friendship skills is to practice with potential friends rather than with an adult in the home.
We aim to collaborate with ABA providers, schools, SLPs, OT, SpEd teachers, and community organizations to provide social groups that complement our client’s additional services.
Jeffrey Jergens, LABA, MSP (he/him)
Jeff has been working in the Greater Seattle Area for over a decade in a wide variety of locations, from public and private schools, clinics, in-home, and in the community. Jeff has worked with pre-kindergarten - 24 year olds and he excels at working with teens and young adults. Jeff strives to make every session entertaining and individualized for his clients, and has a history of embedding trials into improvised games and letting clients show their creativity. Jeff has a passion for making learning fun for his clients and building lasting relationships with his clients and parents! Jeff is a Seattle native and loves watching Husky football and the Mariners with family and loves drinking coffee. He enjoys living an active lifestyle and enjoys running, hiking, golf and walking his cat outdoors.
Éowyn Sinclair, LBA, BCBA, MEd (they/them)
Éowyn (a-o-win) began their ABA career in California in 2012 before moving to Seattle in 2013. With a focus on Natural Environment Teaching and client led programming, Éowyn has worked with public schools, private schools, clinics, preschools, in homes, and in the community with age ranges from 3-22. As an autistic adult, Éowyn strives to find ways to build a client’s special interests into the learning goals and advocates that clients should be included in their treatment and goal setting. Éowyn is a public advocate for ABA Reform and has collaborated with the ARC of King County, Ryther, and University of Washington to discuss ABA’s history within the disability and queer community and how to instead use the principles of Behavior Analysis in ways that affirm and uphold the dignity of clients. Éowyn’s special interest is Dungeons and Dragons, cooking with local ingredients, and getting into the great outdoors.
Stephanie Kuruc, CBT, MSP, (she/her)
Stephanie has been working in the ABA field since 2019, while also obtaining her Masters in Psychology and working as a mental health counselor. Stephanie has a passion for the mental health and well-being of her clients, putting this at the forefront of her therapy style. Stephanie believes clients' success comes from their willingness to participate in therapy and understanding the diversity in pathways to achievement. Stephanie has a passion for creating fun and affirming learning environments for clients, while watching them strive to reach their goals. Stephanie has worked with clients pre-kindergarten to late adulthood, but excels at working with teens and young adults. Stephanie has lived on both coasts of the U.S. and has settled in the Seattle area because of the food, views, and moderate weather. Outside of work, you are most likely to find Stephanie walking around a Seattle park, volunteering at local farm sanctuaries, or snuggled up with one of her cats reading a book.