With a combination of more than three decades of experience working with children and youth with special needs, Emily, Karen, and Tessa decided to join forces and create Patchwork Umbrella Therapies. As a team, we are dedicated to creating an environment that is positive and enriching for all individuals. We serve a diverse population and understand that each person and family is unique. As a company, we strive to embrace these individual qualities and cultivate them into a collaborative and inclusive community. 

Karen's Story

Karen graduated from Washington State University in May of 2008 with her masters in Communication Science Disorders. Following graduation she worked with pediatrics, specializing in Autism Spectrum services, and feeding/swallowing. Karen has worked in multiple states, as well as with the United States military, serving families stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and Mainland Japan. Karen discovered her passion through her experience growing up with a brother diagnosed with Down Syndrome. This has lead her to not only pursue a career in helping all individuals reach their potential, but has also lead her to volunteer with multiple organizations that focus on specialized areas for individuals with disabilities. This has included volunteer work in Vietnam and Japan, as well as helping tutor children through music, sports and recreational activities. Karen believes that everyone is special and deserves to live the life that brings them joy and fulfillment.  Starting Patchwork Umbrella is a major step in helping to foster this belief in her community. 

Emily's Story

Emily Pabon-Cruz was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She graduated from Ponce School of Medicine and Health Sciences with a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology and obtained her Permanent Psychologist license in Puerto Rico in 2012. During her internship, Emily gained experience conducting diagnostic and neuropsychological evaluations and providing therapy in an Autism Center. In 2015, she moved to Texas and began working in an Autism Center while completing the ABA Certification. She also gained experience working for the state, providing behavioral services to adults with Intellectual Disabilities. In 2018, Emily decided to further her education in ABA and become a licensed BCBA. She is currently working towards becoming a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Texas. Working with children diagnosed with Autism and other developmental disorders is one of her passions and her professional goal is to provide a variety of services to help improve their quality of life.  Emily attributes her inspiration and passion to her brother, diagnosed with ADHD and Learning disabilities at a young age and her mother’s battles, support, and strength to help him be successful in life.  Emily enjoys spending time outdoors with her kids Valentina and Alejandro, and has a cat named Luna and a dog named Nicolas. She also enjoys coffee, art, live music, paddle boarding, bike riding, traveling and visiting her family in Puerto Rico.

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Tessa's Story

Tessa Olivares is a Registered Behavioral Therapist and a guest speaker at different symposiums. Tessa started speaking in a professional capacity in Austin, Texas in 2001. She spoke to Fortune 500 companies as well as legislators in the state capital on making positive changes for individuals with special needs. She was also in education for over 13 years, which allowed her to implement some of the effective techniques and tools that make students successful.  Now, as a behavioral therapist, she focuses more on specific, learned behaviors and how the environment influences those behaviors. She looks for treatment outcomes that are objectively measurable. 
​Tessa graduated from Dallas Baptist University with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology. She is in the process of obtaining a Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis at the Chicago School of Psychology. Upon completion, she will further her education by pursuing a PhD in the same field.  Tessa is the very proud mother of her beautiful 19 year old daughter, Katia.  Katia is non-verbal and has Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Turner's Syndrome. Tessa's vision has always been to create a facility for individuals  with different abilities.  Katia is her driving force and has taught her to appreciate the small things in life. Tessa always says that she would never change Katia for the world, but she will change the world for Katia and other individuals with special needs.