About us
I’m Silke Johnson
Owner and CEO of the Melody Learning Center
I help children with autism learn new skills and discover the beautiful melody of life. I love my profession. And I love to observe the positive development that children and their families make through my assistance. I am happy to support you with my expertise, my ability to recognize the underlaying needs of behavior and to find practical alternatives, and with my structured but loving manner.
As an EFT International accredited EFT Master Trainer, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Certified Telemental Health Provider-Associate (CTMH‑A), Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider (CMHIMP) and Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP) I support individual clients with my unique and individual HEMRY ® Coaching to get in touch with their younger selves, to dissolve traumatically processed events and to be (again) in heart connection with themselves and others through a balance of body, mind and spirit.
Additionally, I am offering EFT International accredited EFT workshops and EFT mentoring for (re-) certifications.
Please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to your interest.
The philosophy of my Melody Learning Center
My professional career
My professional career began in 1994 as a nurse in a behavioral and behavioral therapy clinic.
And just four years later, I started my apprenticeship in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) in Los Angeles. After a few years as ABA consultant in different institutes, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the workshops of Dr. Vincent Carbone, BCBA‑D. This was an experience that strengthened me in my attitude, approach and methodology to this day. And I knew after that time: Yes, that’s my mission. I would like to work with children with autism.
In 2004, I came back to Germany and devoted myself to a three-month intensive training period as an ABA consultant. And right after that, I worked as an ABA/VB consultant for the Knospe-ABA institute under the direction and supervision of Robert Schramm (MA, BCBA).
And at some point I had the courage to go into my own business with the Melody Learning Center. Across Germany and in Switzerland, I look after families with children with autism.
And I never get tired of continuing to educate myself, and to immerse myself further in exciting topics such as psychology, trauma, neurobiology, and trauma-informed ABA/VB.
I work as RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) with the registration number RBT-15–04887,BACB (Board) under supervision of Silja Wirth, BCBA.
If you would like to learn more about my professional career and my many further training courses, you find more information in my CV.
How to work with me
After getting to know your child, I create an individual behavioral and learning program in collaboration with you and your child.
My main focus is to build and strengthen the connection between parents (caregivers) and child, as well as the connection between child and siblings and peers. Together with parents and child, through motivation and reinforcement, we create a way to make everyday life with all its different challenges with more ease and joy.
Depending on language development, the learning program focuses primarily on building language and communication in the beginning. The principles of ABA/VB are explained and also demonstrated to the parents and all other people involved (e.g. educators, teachers, grandparents, older siblings, etc.). There is plenty of time for practice. This is very important and there is plenty of time for this.
Usually in monthly follow-up consultations, which typically last one to two days, a basic skills assessment is made. Based on this assessment, I create a detailed, individualized learning program. If needed, I am also happy to formulate an individual behavior plan. This can be very helpful as a guide.
You are very welcome to contact me between counseling appointments — in fact, I recommend that you check in with me weekly by phone or email. In conversation, possibly supported by videos and online consulting, I can answer questions that are currently arising and discuss possible difficulties with you at a time of calm.
Costs
Our cooperation and what you are giving me back to interhumanity for my support is, of course, actually priceless. Nevertheless, I, too, have to make a living and serve ongoing costs. That is why I would like to set the following fee for my individually tailored work:
The initial consultation as well as the follow-up consultations cost €450.00 plus the first consultation per day. Vat.
The cost per 15 minutes of video, email or telephone consultation is €11.50 plus. Vat.
For live skype consultations, the cost is €16.00 plus. VAT per 15 Minutes.
Creating extensions and tutorials by e‑mail, as well as writing reports, costs of €55.00 plus. VAT per hour. Reports are charged a time of 3 hours.
It is my goal that all persons in direct contact with the child can change the environment through the use of trauma-informed ABA/VB so that the child feels comfortable and safe. The goal is to strengthen their efficacy and independence so that they are able to make decisions regarding their behavior and skill learning.
The key to my approach is to ignite the child’s motivation. Additionally, it is about strengthening the relationship of child and parent. New behaviors and skills are built, challenging behaviors are reduced, and socially acceptable behavior is supported.
Acceptance of diversity and creative learning variations are an important foundation. And, of course, every session includes a good dose of fun. Because positive relationships with appreciative, trusting experiences are important for every child.
The goal of my Melody Learning Center is to ensure that children’s safe and healthy development can take place in a comfortable, secure and respectful environment. My highest priority is the development of self-esteem, confidence, and an enthusiasm for learning.
Melody Learning Center was founded in January 2008 by Nikola Trajanov, in Zug, Switzerland.
Silja Wirth
Silja graduated from the University of Bern in 2016 with a master’s degree in clinical and developmental psychology. Subsequently, she completed a postgraduate diploma in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Queens, Belfast and became certified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) in 2018.
She has been working with children with autism since 2010 and has been part of the autism therapy center in Zurich for six years, since April 2020 in the role of supervisor.
Since 2019 Silja is part-time self-employed in Bern and offers counselling for families with children with autism. She supports schools in the integration of children with autism, she offers training and workshops in ABA and autism and consults for families and caregivers of children with autism about how to educate, support and teach their children with autism spectrum disorder.
Since September 2020 Silja is a supervisor of Melody Learning Center.