Heidi Hughes brings over two decades of administrative and clinic management experience to her role overseeing operations at our Delta and Gunnison offices. A longtime Western Slope resident, Heidi is passionate about creating welcoming, inclusive spaces for families and staff. With a background in pediatric healthcare and a deep appreciation for neurodiversity, she blends operational expertise with a heartfelt commitment to the children we serve.
A Western Colorado native, Troy earned his master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Northern Colorado in 2019. After five years in the school setting, he joined Exploration Kids Therapy full time in 2024, bringing experience in both clinical and educational environments. Passionate about supporting communication development in children, Troy is committed to serving families in his hometown community. He lives in Montrose with his fiancé and two dogs.
Jessica Burkle is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a master’s in psychology and a focus in behavior analysis. She has led the Rifle clinic since 2021 and brings extensive experience supporting children with developmental disabilities through both clinical and community-based services. Passionate about applied behavior analysis, Jessica is dedicated to helping learners thrive through individualized, strengths-based programming. She lives in the Roaring Fork Valley and enjoys hiking, camping, and cooking.
Kelli, a Colorado native, has 18 years of experience supporting children and families across residential care, foster care, in-home, and clinical settings. She earned her master’s in special education from ASU and is passionate about helping children of all ages and abilities achieve meaningful growth. Known for her compassionate and fun approach, Kelli focuses on building independence. Beyond her work, she enjoys family time, hiking, and exploring Colorado’s great outdoors.
Jennifer is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and director of the Clifton Clinic. Passionate about supporting children with neurodiversities, she often says she truly loves her work. Since 2014, Jennifer has dedicated her career to ABA and Special Education, earning her master’s in 2018 and completing advanced training in behavior analysis. Outside the clinic, she enjoys life as a wife and mom of almost three, and loves skiing, hiking, and camping with her family.
Martha brings over 40 years of Human Resources experience, including a rewarding career with Home Depot where she discovered her passion for supporting people and fostering growth. After retiring, she became an entrepreneur, owning and operating a UPS Store for 16 years. Dedicated to service, she is also involved with an autism support organization close to her heart. Outside of work, Martha enjoys traveling, time with her grandchildren, and relaxing at the beach.
Exploration Kids Therapy doesn’t just help kids—they support the whole family. They’ve given us tools, encouragement, and a community we can lean on. We are forever grateful for the difference they’ve made in our lives."
Katie B.
We love that Exploration Kids Therapy has clinics all over western Colorado. No matter where life takes us, we know there’s a caring, consistent team nearby to support our child.
Joshua R.
When we first came to Exploration Kids Therapy, we were overwhelmed and unsure where to start. Their ABA team guided us with patience and hope. Today, our son is communicating, building friendships, and surprising us every day with new skills.
Lara Z.
As a teacher, I’ve seen several of my students work with Exploration Kids Therapy, and the difference is undeniable. Kids are happier, more engaged, and gaining skills that carry over into the classroom. They are a true partner for families and schools alike.
Juan A.
What makes Exploration Kids Therapy so special is how much they care. From the techs to the therapists, everyone treats us with kindness and respect. We never feel like ‘just another patient—we feel like family.
Thomas L.
The evaluation process was thorough, professional, and—most importantly—gentle and supportive for our child. The team explained everything clearly, gave us practical next steps, and helped us finally understand what our child needed to thrive.
Nicole M.
We started ABA with Exploration Kids Therapy a year ago, and the progress our son has made is beyond what we imagined. The team is patient, compassionate, and truly celebrates every little milestone with us. It feels like they’re walking this journey right alongside our family
Sarah G.
Our daughter has been in speech and occupational therapy at Exploration Kids, and the growth we’ve seen is remarkable. She’s more confident, expressive, and independent than ever before. The therapists are warm and creative, and they make each session something our daughter looks forward to.
Julie K.