Available Services
GGetting To Know Behavior
​Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy grounded in decades of scientific research demonstrating how learning and environment interact to shape behavior. It helps children and adults build skills like communication, emotional regulation, social connection, and everyday life tasks, while also using positive strategies to reduce behaviors that may get in the way.
ABA is considered the gold standard, evidence-based best practice for autism spectrum disorder by major health authorities, including the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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We believe in care that is assent-based, trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, and rooted in respect for each person’s voice and individuality. Families and individuals are partners every step of the way, helping shape goals that feel meaningful and honoring strengths. Our aim is to help each individual gain confidence, independence, and the skills to self-manage in ways that support their life and wellbeing.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Our Dedicated Team
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Our Dedicated Team
Fritz Kruggel, MS BCBA, LBA
Executive Director
Fritz currently serves as the Director of ABA therapy across SCI. He has been a BCBA since 2010 and working with children with autism and other development differences since the early 90’s. He continues to work hands-on with service recipients, staff and families, and is informed by various principles related to normalization, including but not limited to neurodiversity, naturalistic, and trauma-assumed approaches.
Among the many goals Fritz has established for SCI are a focus on developing and providing increasingly efficacious, naturalistic approaches across increasingly inclusive service arenas including home, office, school, and other community settings. While also increasing capacity in under-served communities and for under-served populations.
Julie Chapin, PhD, HSPP,
VP of Clinical Operations
With over 13 years of cumulative experience in the provision of behavior analyst services in a variety of contexts, Julie is a key member of the ABA team. She also manages operational and leadership development in all our ABA locations. Her extensive experience in training and management in behavioral health and hospice services have been invaluable in this role.
Cody Messman, MA, BCBA,
ABA Assistant Director - Bedford/Evansville
After more than a decade as a middle school teacher, Cody felt a strong pull to do more for children and families with special needs. In 2020, he made the decision to pursue a new path as a BCBA, which led him to Supportive Community Innovations (SCI).
Cody was drawn to SCI because their approach to teaching and behavior closely aligned with his own values. While working as an RBT, he gained valuable hands-on experience and completed the hours required to become a BCBA, all while deepening his knowledge through the research of Dr. Greg Hanley and other leaders in the field of progressive ABA.
Since August 2021, Cody has been serving as a BCBA at the Bedford office, and in June 2024, he stepped into the role of Assistant Director of ABA for the Bedford area.
Outside of work, he enjoys camping and riding bikes with his wife and their two boys.
Chelsea Winkles, MA, BCBA,
ABA Manager - Vincennes
Chelsea began her ABA journey in 2017 as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Driven by a commitment to serve her local community, Chelsea began working at Supportive Community Innovations (SCI) in 2019 while attending graduate school. Chelsea gained extensive hands-on experience and completed her supervision hours under the mentorship of seasoned Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). In July 2021, she achieved her own BCBA certification.
Chelsea currently serves as the ABA Manager of our Vincennes office. She is dedicated to ensuring that families in rural areas have access to high-quality, compassionate care. Her team delivers ABA services across various settings, including our local office, clients' homes and schools, and within the community.
Chelsea's clinical philosophy emphasizes naturalistic teaching strategies and client-led sessions, always prioritizing the learner's interests, autonomy, and comfort. She is passionate about keeping clients happy, relaxed, and engaged during the learning process, and consistently upholds assent, ensuring clients are willing and enthusiastic participants in their own progress.
Outside of her professional life, Chelsea enjoys gardening and spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and extended family.
A Strengths Based Approach That Puts The Person First
Positive Reinforcement
We provide a supportive environment for our clients to heal and feel more fulfillment in their daily lives.
Neuroaffirming
We utilize a person-first, trauma-assumed approach, practicing non-coercive methods to both skill acquisition efforts and challenging behavior.
Individualized
Our services maintain a process that combines the individual’s preferences and priorities while incorporating an experiential approach.
