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Meet our Team

Meet Our Clinical Care Team

At Early Start and Thrive, our entire clinical care team is carefully selected for their knowledge, compassion, integrity, and expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and child development. Each team member undergoes extensive training in naturalistic, developmental-behavioral therapy and receives ongoing training to stay up to date with the latest research on learning and behavior to ensure the highest quality support for your child.

Our Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) receive ongoing supervision from Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and continuous training in evidence-based strategies for working with young children with autism and challenging behaviors.

We also collaborate with highly skilled Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists to provide comprehensive, team-based care tailored to your child’s unique needs.

Your child deserves the best team—and at Early Start and Thrive, that’s exactly what we provide.

Melissa K Burkhardt

M.S. Ed., BCBA

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Georgette Hugger

M.S. Ed., BCaBA

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Tommi Roberts

M.S., BCBA

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Carli Legambi

M.Ed., BCBA

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Jeannineda Saint Hurbert

M.Ed., BCBA

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Lauryn Champion

BCBA

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Melissa K Burkhardt, M.S. Ed., BCBA

Melissa K. Burkhardt founded Early Start Autism in 2014 and brings over 25 years of hands-on experience working with young children with autism, behavioral challenges, and their families. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and an Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) certified therapist with a deep commitment to providing the highest quality of developmental, compassionate ABA therapy based on the most recent research.

As of March 2025, Melissa is one of only 10 ESDM therapists in Florida and one of 26 worldwide certified in Parent Coaching in ESDM (P-ESDM). She trained under Dr. Sally Rogers, co-founder of the ESDM, and her colleagues at the UC Davis MIND Institute, further strengthening her expertise in evidence-based interventions.

Melissa has an extensive background in special needs preschool education with a focus on inclusive learning environments. She is a certified reading specialist, an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher, and Montessori-trained, bringing a well-rounded, developmental approach to her work.

Melissa is considered an expert in the field of early intervention and has been invited to share her knowledge through statewide trainings for the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). She has also presented for Cigna Insurance’s Autism Expert Series, as well as other webinars and presentations nationwide, furthering education and advocacy for effective early intervention strategies.

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Lauryn Champion, BCBA

Lauryn Champion is a dedicated Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Early Start Autism who is committed to providing individualized, assent-based ABA services that prioritize each learner’s preferences, autonomy, and unique needs. Her approach reflects Early Start’s core value of collaboration, as she believes that working together as a team is essential to supporting one another and creating the best possible outcomes for learners and their families.

Lauryn began her career in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis in 2020 as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). In 2022, she advanced to the role of Student Analyst and became a BCBA in August 2024. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Central Florida and her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism from Ball State University.

Lauryn is passionate about delivering compassionate, learner-centered care through naturalistic teaching strategies and meaningful skill development. She strives to help learners build the skills needed to increase independence, access new opportunities, and create lasting, positive change for both themselves and their families.

Georgette Hugger, M.S. Ed., BCaBA

Georgette Hugger has been a dedicated educator since 1981, with a diverse career that spans roles such as Teacher Assistant, Teacher, Teacher Mentor, Director, Social Emotional Learning expert, Parent and Child Teacher/Trainer, Registered Behavior Technician, and currently, Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst. A lifelong learner, Georgette is deeply passionate about working with young children and continuously seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills.

Georgette holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College, a Master of Science in Elementary Education with a Specialization in Early Childhood from Long Island University, and an additional 60 graduate credits in Literacy and Computer Technology from institutions such as Adelphi University, NY Institute of Technology, and Hunter College. She also earned a Certificate in ABA from the Florida Institute of Technology.

Over the years, Georgette has taught a range of grades, including PK3, PK4, Kindergarten, and 1st grade, and served as a Resource Room Teacher in private, public, charter, and parochial schools across New York and Palm Beach County, Florida. She also served as the Director of the Sylvan Learning Center in Jupiter for four years and was a Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor for 4.5 years.

Since joining Early Start Autism in February 2018, Georgette has found her work to be both the most challenging and the most rewarding of her career. She is committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of the children she serves. Guided by Early Start Therapy’s founder, Melissa Burkhardt, M.S.Ed., BCBA, Georgette proudly provides the latest research-based ABA therapy, ensuring the highest level of care for her clients.

She works alongside a team of compassionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated therapists who share her commitment to the well-being of the children. For Georgette, Early Start Autism is more than just a workplace—it’s a “second home.”

Georgette looks forward to continuing her service to the families of Early Start Autism for many years to come.

Carli Legambi, M.Ed., BCBA

Carli Legambi, M.Ed., BCBA, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over four years of experience at Early Start and Thrive, where she has served as a Registered Behavior Technician, Student Analyst, and Lead Student Analyst before becoming a BCBA. She holds a Master of Education in Exceptional Student Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida Atlantic University.
Carli has presented at multiple professional conferences, including the Florida Association for Behavior Analysis (FABA) Annual Conference, the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) Conference, and as part of the FAU CARD ASD and Mental Health Task Force. Her presentations have focused on topics such as declarative language, classroom support for RBTs, and best practices for learners with high anxiety and low demand tolerance.
Clinically, Carli specializes in supporting children with high anxiety and low demand tolerance, using compassionate, assent-based, and developmentally appropriate ABA strategies. She is passionate about empowering caregivers and professionals through training, collaboration, and practical tools that promote meaningful progress and long-term success for her learners.

Tommi Roberts, M.S., BCBA

Tommi Roberts is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has been a dedicated member of the Early Start and Thrive team for over five years. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Health Education and Behavior and her Master’s degree in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology from the University of Florida, where she graduated Cum Laude. She completed her coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis through the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT).
Tommi is passionate about providing individualized, evidence-based support to children with autism and their families. Her areas of focus include early intervention, caregiver training, and helping children develop meaningful skills that promote greater independence and success across home, school, and community settings.
One of the most rewarding parts of Tommi’s work is building strong relationships with the children and families she serves and watching their growth over time. She is passionate about recognizing each child’s strengths, celebrating their progress, and helping them continue to grow with confidence.

“I love being part of the Early Start and Thrive team because our collaborative environment allows us to support one another, combine our expertise, and work together to create meaningful progress for the children and families we serve.”

Jeannineda Saint Hurbert, M.Ed., BCBA

Jeannineda Saint Hubert is passionate about advocating for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Integrated General Studies from the University of Central Florida, where she discovered her love for applied behavior analysis (ABA) during her senior year. This revelation led her to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at Early Start Autism, where she has the privilege of making a direct impact on the lives of individuals with autism through ABA interventions. Jeannineda loves being part of the Early Start Autism team because of their commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care to their learners.

Jeannineda recently earned her master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration in applied behavior analysis from Florida Atlantic University. With her advanced education and hands-on experience, she is more committed than ever to becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Her journey is fueled by a deep dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with exceptional needs, and she is excited to continue creating positive, lasting impact through her work.