our philosophy
Exceptional Expectations was created by a former special education teacher with a passionate interest in language development and children with autism spectrum disorder. After a year and a half of providing services, a certified Speech Language Pathologist joined the Exceptional Expectations team. Together, they believe it is language that creates the largest barrier between children with autism and the world. By strengthening language, all areas of learning will also be strengthened.
Because Exceptional Expectations knows no two children learn and progress in the same manner, we are open to all options and techniques/methods. Listed below are some of the methods we use and train providers.
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The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a unique augmentative/alternative method that allows children with autism and other communication deficits to initiate communication.
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The Greenspan "floortime" method is one in which the adult enters the child's activities and follows the child's lead. By sharing engagement in this manner, the adult can draw the child into increasingly more complex interactions.
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Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) is a method that focuses on the five core social deficits of autism: emotional referencing, social co-regulation, declarative/experience sharing communication, episodic memory and dynamic thinking.
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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) uses the child's interests and reinforcers and motivation to increase verbal and social skills. Each skill is begun with prompts, then prompts are faded as the child succeeds and gains independence.
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Read what a family has to say about the benefits Exceptional Expectations provided to them:
"Exceptional Expectations dedication, kindness and expertise have really made a difference in our son's life and ours. Since your agency started working with him, he is less anxious, more willing to try new things, verbally able to express his basic wants and needs, academically at or above peer level, more confident, able to follow simple directions, continuously making improvements with concentration, attention, and task completion, tremendously better at making transitions with a classroom routine. Thank you so much for the remarkable work you have done." The Wilbur Family
About Us
Kami Cothrun, M. Ed.
Founder/Administrative Director
Kami has been working in the field of special education, habilitation and particularly autism for 10 years. Kami graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences. Kami was awarded a Master of Arts degree in Special Education from Northern Arizona University. Areas of professional focus include autism and language delays in children.
Kami has worked as a special education teacher in the public schools. She taught kindergarten for mildly and moderately disabled children for Mesa Public Schools for 5 years. For the past ten years during her college and teaching career Kami was a habilitation provider. Soon after having her daughter, Kami left the schools and started Exceptional Expectations with the goal of using her degrees and experiences to create an agency with personal relationships and support for all.
Kami is in charge of administration, including client authorizations, billing, payroll, new clients and providers.
Kami currently lives in the East Valley with her husband, daughter, two dogs and cat. She enjoys spending time with her family and going shopping.
Amanda Murphy, M.S., CCC-SLP
Director of Programming and Client Services
Amanda is a Speech-Language Pathologist with 10 years clinical experience working with children with communication disorders. Amanda graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences, with a minor in Psychology. Amanda was awarded a Master of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Arizona State University. Areas of professional interest include language and literacy, and phonological disorders.
Amanda has worked in the public school, early intervention, and home-health environments. She joined Exceptional Expectations in March 2006 and currently is the Director of Programming and Client Services. Amanda is responsible for planning and scheduling educational and special programs for parents and providers and contributes to the Continuing Education Trainings and New Provider Orientations. Her efforts uphold the agency’s dedication to supporting personal relationships, furthering education, and promoting family and community involvement for the EE family.
Amanda currently lives in the East Valley with her husband, son, and two dogs. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and spending time in the mountains.
