About
Live Oak Behavioral Services is a small, independently owned Autism Treatment Center.
Based on scientific principles that are evidence-based, we work with our families to determine what their socially- significant needs are for their child. We pride ourselves on our service to local families as committed to positive outcomes as us. Our staff is highly-trained and closely supervised throughout each day.
Us
Meet the
Team
Christine Harris, MAT, BCBA
Christine has been a dedicated professional in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) since 2010 and achieved Board Certification in 2014. Her career has encompassed a wide range of roles and settings, including in-home services, schools, community programs, adult crisis intervention, transitional services, and specialized training environments. Beyond direct therapeutic work, she collaborates with community organizations to enhance their ability to serve individuals with autism spectrum disorder, promoting greater understanding, accessibility, and inclusion.
A graduate of Park University (2004) and Western Governors University (2010), Christine completed advanced ABA training at the Florida Institute of Technology in 2014 under the mentorship of the late Dr. Jose Martinez-Diaz. His influence instilled in her a commitment to integrating scientific rigor with compassionate care in every aspect of her practice.
Christine is a strong advocate for a child-centered, play-based approach to ABA, believing that meaningful progress is best achieved when learning is engaging, joyful, and tailored to each child’s unique strengths and needs.
Outside of her professional work, Christine enjoys spending time with her family, caring for her dogs, and pursuing her passion for paper crafting.
K. Michaela Jay-Ruvare, BCBA
Michaela began working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in 2019 as an RBT and earned her Behavior Analyst certification in 2023. She is a graduate of Augusta University (2019), as well as Ball State University (2022). Throughout her career, she has provided home-based and in-clinic therapy.
At Live Oak Behavioral Services, Michaela conducts intake assessments, parent training sessions, and provides weekly case supervision for each child she oversees. In her practice, she emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed, compassionate care. She believes in play-based therapy and a fun-filled environment that encourages learning every step of the way!
When Michaela is not working, she enjoys being with her family and engaging in various hobbies, including reading, exercising, and playing video games.
Laura Beth Herren, SHRM-CP
Laura is the Office Manager for Live Oak Behavioral Services; she handles a wide variety of behind-the-scenes responsibilities for the clinic. Laura earned her SHRM-CP credential in February 2024 (Society for Human Resources Management Certified Professional). Throughout her varied career she has owned and operated two successful businesses and has been dedicated to helping others. She has volunteered in many capacities, with most of those activities serving children.
Laura and her family relocated to Augusta in July of 2021 from a small town in western Colorado. She and her husband, Roy, have been married for over 25 years and have raised four children. Outside of the office, Laura loves spending time with her family, listening to music, gardening, and puttering around her house enjoying her mortgage.