Leaf and Lake Behavior Consulting

Meet Abby Amacher, MA, BCBA, LBA
Founder of Leaf and Lake Behavior Consulting

Abby has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) since 2008. She began her journey as a Behavior Technician, providing one-on-one support in home settings, and later earned her degree in Social Work. This led to leadership roles where she oversaw treatment and staff training, blending clinical insight with a deep commitment to ethical, individualized care.

In 2011, Abby found a long-term clinical home, where she spent the next 14 years growing both professionally and personally—serving in both clinical and operational leadership roles. After five years in operations management, she returned to her roots: working directly with children and families, and sharing her passion for the science of behavior.

In June 2025, Abby founded Leaf and Lake Behavior Consulting to serve Oshkosh and the surrounding communities. Her vision is simple but powerful: to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals with autism, behavior challenges, and related conditions. She believes that learning and growth are possible at any age—and that support should be tailored, respectful, and inclusive.

Abby has called Oshkosh home since 2005, when she first arrived to attend college—and she never left. Deeply rooted in the Oshkosh community, she proudly serves the city and its surrounding areas. In addition to providing direct behavioral support, Abby is passionate about fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment for neurodivergent individuals. Her mission extends beyond individual treatment: she aims to partner with local businesses and community organizations to promote neurodiversity and encourage meaningful inclusion through thoughtful environmental adaptations, rather than expecting individuals to change who they are.

abby amacher

What is Applied Behavior Analysis? 

At Leaf & Lake Behavior Consulting, we use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a compassionate, evidence-based approach to understanding and improving meaningful behaviors. Rooted in decades of research, ABA focuses on how behavior is influenced by the environment and how positive changes can be supported through consistent, individualized strategies.

ABA is used to:

• Increase skills such as communication, daily living, and social interaction

• Reduce behaviors that interfere with safety, learning, or relationships

• Support long-term growth across the lifespan
  
  

Our Trauma-Informed Approach

We recognize that every individual comes with a unique history—and for some, that history includes trauma. Our trauma-informed ABA model prioritizes emotional safety, trust, and collaboration in every interaction. We believe in meeting each person where they are, honoring their experiences, and using strategies that build connection rather than control.

We are committed to:

• Promoting safety, dignity, and choice in all services

• Collaborating with caregivers and other providers

• Focusing on relationship-building and emotional regulation

• Avoiding coercive practices and respecting individual autonomy

• Providing consistent caregiver training and support
  
  

Our goal is not only skill-building, but healing and empowerment—for both the individual and their support system.

what is focused aba?

Focused ABA therapy is a personalized approach that targets a few specific goals that are most important for your child or loved one. Instead of working on many areas at once, focused therapy zeroes in on key skills or behaviors—such as communication, safety, daily routines, or reducing challenging behaviors.

This type of therapy is ideal for individuals who may not need a full-time treatment program, or for families who are looking for support with a particular concern. Focused ABA can be provided in your home, at school, in the community, or at our clinic—wherever it makes the most sense for your goals. Focused ABA is also appropriate if your child is on a waitlist for comprehensive in-home or center based treatment. 

Whether it’s helping your child learn to express their needs, building independence in daily tasks, or working through behavior challenges, focused ABA is flexible, effective, and designed to meet you where you are.