Amber Hockensmith
Director/President
MEET THE TEAM
Hello! I'm the Founder and Board President of Curious Cubs Learning Tree. I'm also a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) with a strong background in healthcare administration, surgery scheduling, insurance authorization, referrals, and medical operations management across specialties including General Surgery, Advanced Gastroenterology, Breast Care, Bariatrics, Vascular, Cardiology, and Interventional Radiology.
My passion for Curious Cubs is deeply personal. My son is autistic and struggled in the public school system, so I made the decision to take him out and homeschool him myself. But as I walked that journey, I saw so many other parents facing the exact same struggle — without the luxury of being able to homeschool their own child. Not every family has that flexibility, and I couldn't stop thinking about the children who needed a different kind of learning environment but didn't have another option.
That's what led me to help found Curious Cubs Learning Tree — a place where children are supported, understood, and given the opportunity to learn in a way that works for them, not against them. My goal is to build a faith-based learning environment where children can grow academically, socially, and emotionally, while also building confidence, independence, and a love for learning.
I'm passionate about creating a program that not only supports children, but also supports families who are walking the journey of raising and educating children with autism, ADHD, and diverse learning needs.
Hi! I'm also a Founder of Curious Cubs Learning Tree and a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with experience working with children with autism and other developmental and learning differences. Through my work in the behavioral health field, I've developed strong skills in behavior support, patience, structure, and individualized learning strategies that help children succeed both academically and socially.
Before becoming an RBT, I worked as a pharmacy technician, where I developed strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the importance of helping and serving others. My transition into working with children allowed me to follow my passion for helping children grow, learn, and gain confidence in themselves.
My passion for Curious Cubs Learning Tree is also personal. I have ADHD myself, and I'm the mother of two children who also have ADHD. Through my personal and professional experiences, I understand firsthand that children who learn differently often need a different environment to be successful. This perspective helps me connect with students and families in a meaningful way and advocate for learning environments that support each child's individual needs.
I helped found Curious Cubs Learning Tree after seeing a need in the community for a smaller, more supportive learning environment for children who may struggle in traditional school settings. I'm passionate about creating a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where children feel supported, understood, and encouraged to grow at their own pace.
At Curious Cubs Learning Tree, I help oversee daily operations, student support, behavior support strategies, and communication with families. My goal is to help each child build confidence, independence, and a love for learning in a positive and faith-based environment.
Mackinzie Gaskins
Director/Vice President
Therapy Partners
Gold Standard Behavior Change Services provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children with autism and other developmental and behavioral needs. Their mission is to help children build meaningful skills that improve communication, behavior, social interaction, and daily living skills, allowing each child to become more independent and successful in their everyday life.
Gold Standard Behavior Change Services uses evidence-based ABA therapy and individualized treatment plans tailored to each child's specific needs. Therapy focuses on skill-building in areas such as communication, behavior regulation, social skills, school readiness, and daily living skills.
The team at Gold Standard works closely with families, caregivers, and other professionals to ensure that each child receives consistent support across all environments. Their goal is not only to support the child, but also to support the family by providing guidance, education, and encouragement throughout the child's developmental journey.
Bonnie also serves as Treasurer on the Curious Cubs Learning Tree Board of Directors, bringing her clinical expertise as a BCBA directly into the organization's leadership.
Gold Standard Behavior Change Services and Curious Cubs Learning Tree work collaboratively, when appropriate and with parent permission, to help support the whole child by combining educational support and behavioral support in one coordinated approach.
Play on Words Therapy Services provides speech and language therapy for children who need support with communication, language development, articulation, social communication, and feeding skills when applicable. Their goal is to help children communicate effectively, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to succeed at home, in learning environments, and in everyday life.
Play on Words Therapy Services uses individualized, evidence-based therapy plans tailored to each child's specific communication needs. Therapy may focus on expressive language, receptive language, speech clarity, social communication, and functional communication skills.
Play on Words Therapy Services collaborates with families and other professionals to ensure children receive consistent support across all environments. When appropriate and with parent permission, Play on Words Therapy Services works collaboratively with Curious Cubs Learning Tree and other providers to support the whole child through a team-based approach.
