Meet The Oliver Behavioral Consultants Team

Experienced. Caring. Empowering.

Our team uses a collaborative model where our multiple services (Speech and Language, Mental Health, Behavior, and Occupational Therapy) are provided at a single location, allowing for a more holistic approach. Trained and experienced, each of our team members works from a place of empathy and compassion to develop individualized treatment plans and achieve successful outcomes that can change lives for the better.

Leadership Team

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Dr. Patricia Oliver

Founder & Executive Director

Dr. David Hatfield

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Dr. Sarah Jenkins

DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL QUALITY AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT

Sam Smalley

Director of Behavioral Services

Waleshka Melo

Director of Administrative Services

Senior Team

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Jess

Director of Human Resources

Jillian

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Erin

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TEAM

Jessica

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Annie

BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Debbie

BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Grace

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Becca

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Brendan

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST REGISTERED

Dr. Patricia Oliver

FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dr. Patricia Oliver is the founder of Oliver Behavioral Consultants. For more than 20 years she has worked with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and communities. She has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since 2003. Before starting OBC, Dr. Oliver ran the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities chapter at Florida Atlantic University. From there she joined the University of Colorado Denver where she developed the online Behavior Certification Program. Since founding OBC in 2010, she has led an interdisciplinary team of Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, and mental health therapists, always with the goal of providing a strong team approach to comprehensive intervention for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

In her own words: “I’ve always believed in immersing oneself in the community. We design our supports around the needs of our families in Adams County and surrounding areas. Our community is our family away from home.”

If you were to describe OBC in ONE WORD, what would it be? Collaboration.

Favorite outside of work activity. “My favorite activity outside of work is to cook for my family and friends. It helps me relax after busy days.”

Dr. David Hatfield

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Dr. David Hatfield is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst-D who specializes in child, adult, and family practice issues, including Autism Spectrum Disorders, intellectual disabilities, disruptive behavior disorders (e.g., ADHD, oppositional, and conduct issues), anxiety disorders (e.g., trauma, social anxiety, panic, and school refusal), mood disorders (e.g., depression and bipolar issues), and pediatric psychology (e.g., medical complications, adjustment to diagnosis, medical adherence and compliance, and traumatic brain injury). Dr. Hatfield was appointed the only service provider on the Autism Commission for the State of Colorado in 2008, received the Autism Society of Colorado Outstanding Autism Service Provider Award in 2011, and was an invited content expert for the BACB in 2013-2014, 2019-current. He obtained his master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from the Florida State University, and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder.  

In his own words: “I don’t want to be doing anything else. I think the best way to change the world is to help people change the world. I love OBC because it’s dedicated to folks that deserve love and support but don’t always get it. When the kids get it and they do something for the first time, and they’re so proud of themselves, that’s when it hits you.”  

If you were to describe OBC in ONE WORD, what would it be? Family.

Favorite outside of work activity: Dr. Hatfield has three sons. He enjoys hiking, landscaping, and spending time with his family. He actively supports the Sierra Club.

Dr. Sarah Jenkins

DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL QUALITY AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT

Sarah Jenkins, is director of clinical quality and staff development. Her responsibilities include managing senior staff caseloads and productivity, developing training and onboarding experiences for clinical staff, and creating clinical tools to enhance service delivery. Sarah is a BCBA-D and graduated from the University of Kansas with a Ph.D. in applied behavioral science. Before coming to Oliver Behavior Consultants, Sarah worked as a senior training manager for an agency serving individuals with autism.

In her own words: “What I love about Oliver is the opportunity to work with providers who are not only good at what they do, but who also care very deeply for their clients. I love being able to collaborate with providers from multiple disciplines, with the common goal of improving the quality of life for our clients.”

If you were to describe OBC in ONE WORD, what would it be? Inclusive.

Favorite outside of work activity: “I LOVE pancakes! And in my free time, you can find me making muffins and going for walks with my family.”

Sam Smalley

Director of Behavioral Services

Sam Smalley is OBC’s Director of Behavioral Services and is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). As a BCBA Sam works with RBTs and BT to teach them how to run various programs she has created based on assessments to create meaningful behavior change in clients’ lives. As the assistant director, she works closely with senior leadership to ensure that the staff is supported, given opportunities to grow their skill sets, problem solve various concerns, and is able to work toward establishing an enjoyable work environment for all. For Sam, the favorite part of her job is watching a client learn, grow, and be better able to interact with the beautiful world around them.

In her own words: “As a lead member for the behavior department, ABA is the core of what we do and how we can bring all of our disciplines together. We are able to be the catalyst between all of our departments to enact the most benefit to our kiddos by bringing all of our teams together and using science and data to change our kiddos lives.”

If you were to describe OBC in ONE WORD, what would it be? Family.

Favorite outside of work activity: “I enjoy camping on the weekends with my dog! My favorite place in the world is Door County, WI. Not only because it’s beautiful and remote, but because I get to see my immediate family and a part of my family I would not have had the privilege to know otherwise.”

Waleshka Melo

DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Waleshka Melo heads up Oliver Behavior Consultants’ billing department. This important, behind-the-scenes role is instrumental in facilitating the administrative duties that keep each of the OBC service areas functioning and equipped to continue their critical role in helping the community. As a native Spanish speaker, Waleshka helps interpreting for Latino families. She

enjoys advocating, and helping families, and enjoys being involved with clients and her coworkers as much as she can.

In her own words: “We are an inclusive practice, eager to help our community no matter the obstacles.”

If you were to describe OBC in ONE WORD, what would it be? Family.

Favorite outside of work activity: “I like being outside with my family, camping, skiing, and hiking. I love to try new restaurants, and I love the beach, food, travel, and animals.”

Jessica Blatter

DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Jessica Blatter is OBC’s director of human resources. Among her many responsibilities, she makes sure OBC hires the right people to ensure our clients get the best care possible. She is passionate about ensuring that our team members love where they work so that they can be the best they can be for our clients.

In her own words: “I love ensuring we are hiring the right people and enjoy making sure all of our team members enjoy their job and have the tools they need to be successful love the family feel environment. At Oliver, everyone truly cares about our clients and each other. It is an amazing work environment.”


If you were to describe OBC in ONE WORD, what would it be? Rewarding.


Favorite outside of work activity. “I have four amazing kiddos, ages 15,13, 10, and 8. We love being outdoors! My 13-year-old races motocross so on my off-time you can find me at the track watching and sometimes even riding alongside him!!”

Jillian Diamond

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Jillian Diamond is a CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST specializing in the assessment and diagnostic evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder. She provides mental health therapy and comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for children, adolescents, young adults, and parents, supervises doctorate-level students, and supports administrative tasks for the mental health department. Jillian excels at synthesizing data to answer clients’ questions and outline a path forward.

In her own words: “OBC lives up to the heart in their logo. OBC truly cares about their community.”

If you were to describe OBC in ONE WORD, what would it be? Heart.

Favorite outside of work activity: “I enjoy spending time outdoors hiking, camping, skiing, and gardening with my husband.”

Erin Dooley

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TEAM

Erin Dooley, a key member of OBC’s mental health services team, works with clients of all ages. Providing tools for progress and building self-esteem are the pillars of Erin’s approach toward moving her clients toward self-actualization. Erin sees her role as a facilitator, helping her clients improve their quality of life through compassionate mental health care.

In her own words: “I love being a part of each client’s journey, and feel honored to be able to hold space for clients when they need it most.”

If you were to describe OBC in ONE WORD, what would it be? Community.

Favorite outside of work activity: “I love exploring the world with my two-year-old, spending time outdoors, and eating sushi.”

Jessica Robb Mazzant

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Jessica Robb Mazzant, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist specializing in the evidence-based assessment and treatment of childhood, adolescent, family and adult mental health disorders. As part of the mental health team, Jessica designs, implements, and supervises the implementation of evidence-based mental health and behavioral interventions.

In her own words: “OBC has a clear commitment to serving all kids and families, using the best treatments available, while also welcoming creativity in making the best choices for each individual. Behavior, emotions and thoughts are connected and influence one another. By providing services in all three areas, we help a person to reach their best functioning.”

If you were to describe OBC in ONE WORD, what would it be? Amazing!

Favorite outside of work activity: “I love hiking, food, taking trips, dogs, and my family.”

Annie Choate

BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Annie M. Choate is a board certified behavior analyst and a member of OBC’s Behavior services team. Every day that she comes into work, Annie makes a difference in the lives of her clients and their families. She supervises, trains staff, and provides Applied Behavior Analysis services to all of OBC’s clients, all of whom rely on her for her keen insights and compassionate heart.

In her own words: “OBC is about creating positive change in the lives of the young people we work with and their families.” 

If you were to describe OBC in ONE WORD, what would it be? Nice.

Favorite outside of work activity: “Having family time is the best. I also like being active outdoors.”

Debbie Wald

BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYST

Debbie Wald is a key member of OBC’s BEHAVIOR TEAM as a BCBA. Her specialty is working with children and adolescents with special needs to deliver functional and evidence-based scientific approaches. For Debbie, the joy of working at OBC is grounded in the opportunity to empower her clients with skills and confidence and providing support to families. Her strategies are collaboration and consistency.

In her own words: “I am sometimes amazed at how much fun we can have while also making such a big impact in the lives of many.”

If you were to describe OBC in ONE WORD, what would it be? Supportive.

Favorite outside of work activity: “I enjoy spending time outdoors with my two cattle dogs. I love Italian food, good music, and sports.”

Grace Lorette

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Grace Lorette, MA, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist. She works with a variety of different clients to improve communication in the areas of speech articulation, Apraxia, expressive and receptive language, voice, fluency, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), feeding and swallowing therapy, and social pragmatic skills. As part of the Speech & Language department, Grace implements evidence-based intervention approaches that tie to personalized, measurable goals aimed to empower clients to better regulate and communicate their needs to those around them.

In her own words: “I love seeing our kids make progress and express themselves more easily with their families and other staff. Our co-workers are great about co-treating. Everyone’s priority is the children’s welfare.”

If you were to describe OBC in ONE WORD, what would it be? Caring.

Favorite outside of work activity: “When not at work, I enjoy rock climbing, soccer, and eating every type of cookie I can find.”

Rebecca (Becca) Halpin

SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Rebecca (Becca) Halpin, MS, CCC-SLP, is a speech language pathologist with a specialty in pediatric communication, including speech/language delays, speech sound disorders, language disorders, and social pragmatic disorders. Her role at OBC is to provide evaluation and treatment of communication delays and disorders to clients aged birth to 21 years. She often provides early intervention within the home environment, as well as individual and small group therapy at the clinic or via telehealth. In whatever capacity, Becca approaches her work first and foremost by connecting and creating relationships with her clients and by always focusing on helping them achieve their maximum potential so that they can form and maintain meaningful relationships throughout their life. Her treatments — deployed in collaboration with parents, schools, and other providers — are evidence-based, individualized, and designed to improve quality of life as related to communication development.

In her own words: “I love seeing my clients’ growth and sharing the experiences with dedicated and passionate coworkers and teammates.”

If you were to describe OBC in ONE WORD, what would it be? Rewarding.

Favorite outside of work activity: I love rock climbing, camping, and hiking!

Brendan Wall

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST REGISTERED

Brendan Wall is part of OBC’s occupational therapy team. His specialty is building rapport with families and kids and working with sensory processing difficulties. His focus is taking a holistic approach to working with children with developmental delays and disabilities in order to improve their independence and overall quality of life. At OBC, he generally works on skill building around Activities of Daily Living (e.g., dressing, hygiene, picky eating), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (e.g., cleaning, cooking), hand function and fine and visual motor skills, gross motor coordination, sensory processing, attention, regulation, academic performance, executive functioning, and social interaction.

In his own words: “I love working as part of a team, creating relationships with the children, and seeing the children grow and acquire new skills.”

If you were to describe OBC in ONE WORD, what would it be? Fun!

Favorite outside of work activity: “I enjoy playing with my son, climbing mountains, and rooting for the Nuggets, Broncos, and Avalanche.”