GET STARTED
Creating Bright Futures for Developmental and Learning Needs
Our Mission
Our Vision
Our Approach
We believe in a holistic approach to support, focusing on personalized care for each child. Our unique team lead by dedicated Speech-Language and Hearing Therapists, Occupational Therapist, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Registered Behavioral Technicans (RBTs), and Developmental Psychologist services with the utmost care and consideration. We aim to deepen the understanding of developmental issues and adapt to our ever-changing environment.
Personalized Care
Tailored treatment programs and consultations for children with developmental delays and needs in English, Japanese, and French.
Enhanced Social Engagement
Focused on improving self-reliance, quality of life, and inclusion of children with developmental delays and needs.
Collaboration with Schools and Community
We have developed solid and collaborative partnership with many international schools for comprehensive support and networking
Our Broader Goals
- Counseling and Parental Support: Our BCBAs and Senior Therapists provide effective Parental Guidance
- Consulting Services: for families, educators, and institutions.
- Research and Surveys
- Education and Advocacy: Promoting education and advocacy efforts to foster a more inclusive society.
- Professional Training: for therapists, teachers, and other professionals
- Lectures and Study Groups: Organizing lectures and study groups to share knowledge and best practices.
- Publishing and Goods: ABLLS-R(R), Getting Started, Step Oh! Ekaki
- Collaboration: with other professionals and organizations to enhance our support network.
- International Exchange: Engaging in international exchanges to share insights and practices globally.
- Comprehensive Business Activities: Undertaking all business activities related to our mission.
Our ABA Treatment Approach
Our BCBA’s approach aligns seamlessly with LUCREA’s mission and principles, focusing on practical functional analysis to understand the underlying reasons for behaviors. This method incorporates skill-based treatment and progressive establishing operations to build flexibility and foster meaningful relationships with clients.
Key components of our BCBA’s approach include:
- Functional Communication Training and Verbal Behavior Training: Facilitating effective communication skills.
- Discrete Trial Training, Natural Environment Training, and Errorless Learning: Teaching new skills that require shaping.
- Relational Frame Theory: Testing understanding of concepts.
- Generalization: Ensuring skills are applied in various environments and with different people.
Our BCBA’s approach is ultimately practical and adaptive. Even with evidence-backed ideas, flexibility is maintained to ensure client progress. The primary motivation is progress, and if a client is not advancing, the approach is reevaluated and adjusted. This dynamic method considers multiple perspectives, not just a favorite curriculum or ABA principle, leading to innovative program execution that stands out among peers.
Our Team of Clinical and
Educational Specialists
Listed in order of their tenure with the company, from longest-serving to newest
Mai Funahira
Board Certified Speech and Language Hearing Therapist
Licensed Hoikushi (Childcare Worker)
Certified Japanese Teacher
Mai Funahira is a highly valued member of the LUCREA team, having been with the company since 2016. As the longest-serving staff member, her dedication and expertise have been instrumental in shaping LUCREA’s journey and success.
Mai has been a licensed therapist for 10 years, primarily offering therapy in Japanese. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in the Japanese language from Musashi University and a Master’s degree from Shukutoku University. Initially working in an office after graduation, Mai’s passion for speech therapy led her to change careers after having a child. She attended a specialized school for Speech Therapy and subsequently worked as a Japanese language teacher and Speech Therapist in various clinics.
Mai is deeply interested in how children learn and is committed to helping those in need. Her ambition to see children progress, regardless of their level, drives her dedication to providing diligent and effective guidance.
“I am always thrilled to see children learning and improving in all areas of their lives, and for this reason, I strive to provide diligent, effective guidance,” says Mai.
Mai’s long-term commitment and significant contributions to LUCREA underscore her vital role within the company. She embodies the company’s mission of providing exceptional care and support to children, making a meaningful impact on their development and well-being.
Michael Lara
Board Certified Occupational Therapist
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Michael Lara, fluent in English and Tagalog, has been an esteemed member of LUCREA since 2017, bringing nearly 25 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist (OT). He primarily offers therapy in English and is known for his wide range of clinical expertise and his natural ability to connect with children.
Michael’s journey began in the Philippines, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. For 15 years, he practiced as a Board Certified OT, focusing on center-based therapy and specializing in early intervention. During this time, Michael handled children with various developmental and learning disabilities and trained in specialized programs such as ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children), and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System).
In 2015, Michael moved to Tokyo to explore opportunities abroad and worked as a learning support teacher at an international school. It was here that he met Yoko Sato and subsequently joined LUCREA. With LUCREA, Michael provides therapy in center-based, home-based, and school-based settings. His commitment to early intervention reflects his belief that guiding children from an early age is crucial for healthy learning and development.
Michael’s strongest philosophy is that patience and perseverance are the essential foundations of a good therapist. He enjoys witnessing the growth and progression of children, finding fulfillment in their achievements.
“Everyone is capable of learning…in their own unique way, at their own unique pace…Nurture this with patience, understanding, and perseverance, and wondrous things are bound to happen,” says Michael.
Michael’s extensive experience and heartfelt dedication to his work have made a significant impact on the lives of many young children at LUCREA, continuing his legacy of compassionate and effective therapy.
Rikke Jencel
BCBA
Rikke Jencel, fluent in French, English, and Norwegian, has been a valuable member of LUCREA since February 2019. With over 20 years of experience in various multidisciplinary settings, Rikke brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. She primarily supervises LUCREA’s therapists in English and provides therapy for clients in French.
Rikke’s educational journey began in Norway and continued in Sydney, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She then pursued her Master’s degree in Child & Adolescent Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis in France. Following her Master’s, Rikke worked at a Parent’s Association for Kids with Autism and played a pivotal role in opening a new center in France, where she specialized in early intervention as a center-based ABA therapist.
After several years of working as a behavioral analyst and obtaining her BCBA certification, Rikke established her own practice as a BCBA. Her career then took her to Tokyo, where she joined LUCREA as a consultant, supervisor, and therapist. At LUCREA, Rikke oversees staff supervision and training, conducts intake meetings and consultations, and occasionally engages in one-on-one sessions with clients.
Rikke’s therapy philosophy is grounded in the belief that any behavior can be changed. She emphasizes the importance of selecting behaviors that are most meaningful to clients and ensuring that these changes are applicable in daily life, beyond just the therapeutic setting.
“Being part of LUCREA allows me to help clients transform their behavior one step at a time, guiding them to reach their fullest potential,” says Rikke.
Ryan Furuya
BCBA
Ryan Furuya, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since 2014, has been a dedicated practitioner of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. He joined LUCREA in 2017, bringing a wealth of experience from a diverse range of settings, including schools, research facilities, clinics, homes, group homes, and community environments.
Ryan, a native English speaker, was born and raised in America. His academic journey began at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2010. Following his undergraduate studies, Ryan worked as a job skills trainer with adults with developmental disabilities. This early experience sparked his passion for ABA therapy, and he transitioned to a role as a skills trainer before the creation of RBT certifications.
Encouraged by a supervisor to advance his career, Ryan moved to Seattle, Washington, to pursue a Master’s degree in Special Education at the University of Washington’s intensive ABA program. He graduated in 2014 and immediately began working as a BCBA after passing his board exams. Ryan quickly specialized in managing challenging cases, with a focus on staff training and problem-solving, which became central to his practice.
In 2017, Ryan relocated to Tokyo with his wife and was introduced to LUCREA. His journey with LUCREA was briefly interrupted in 2019 when he moved back to his hometown of Honolulu to care for a sick family member. He returned to Japan in 2022, resuming his valuable work with LUCREA.
Ryan’s interest in ABA therapy was inspired by his younger sibling’s positive experiences with ABA during his childhood. He believes strongly in the adaptability of teaching methods to meet the needs of each learner, encapsulated by the quote from O. Ivar Lovaas: “If they can’t learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn. “I am committed to helping each client reach their potential by adapting our teaching strategies to their unique needs,” says Ryan.
Debbie Enriquez
Lienced Physiotherapist
Registered Behavior Technician
Speical Education Teacher
Debbie Enriquez, fluent in both English and Filipino, is a highly qualified Special Education Teacher with 18 years of experience providing educational, therapeutic, and behavior management services to individuals with various developmental conditions, from early childhood to adulthood. She has been an integral part of LUCREA since 2020, bringing her extensive knowledge and compassionate approach to the team.
Debbie earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of the Philippines Manila in 2002 and has completed her academic units for a Master’s Degree in Special Education at De La Salle University, Manila. Her professional journey includes roles as a Case Manager and Special Education Teacher at Shine Special Education Center in Manila, and as a School Head at Trace College in Los Baños, Laguna.
Passionate about teaching and dedicated to children’s development, Debbie finds immense joy and fulfillment in helping them reach their fullest potential. Her tireless energy and genuine care for her students are evident in every aspect of her work. Debbie believes that teaching is a profound responsibility and takes pride in inspiring children to grow and become the best versions of themselves. She strives to make each learning opportunity motivating and fun, celebrating every milestone with enthusiasm.
Debbie enjoys traveling, reading, and watching movies in her spare time. Her life philosophy is beautifully encapsulated by the quote from Bessie Anderson Stanley:
“To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived — this is to have succeeded.”
Debbie’s unwavering commitment to her students’ development and her boundless compassion make her a cherished member of the LUCREA team, positively impacting countless young lives.
“I aim to inspire children to grow and be the best versions of themselves, to help them realize their capabilities, and to make each learning opportunity motivating and fun. Celebrating a milestone and knowing that you were part of the process in making a child’s life a bit better are the most rewarding aspects of teaching.”
Mike Morita
Academic Support Specialist
Mike Morita has been providing academic support to primary and secondary students, focusing on Reading Comprehension, Writing, Speaking/Oral Presentation, Math, Science, and History. With experience working with students aged 5 to 16 years, he has also closely supported a young learner on the autism spectrum as a therapeutic school aide.
Mike is particularly popular among young boys, who see him as a role model due to their shared background of growing up in a bilingual and bicultural environment. His hobbies include bouldering and climbing Mt. Fuji every summer. Fluent in English and proficient in Japanese, Mike is an assistant therapist who offers therapy exclusively in English. He has been with LUCREA, Inc. since 2020.
Born in Japan, Mike moved to the U.S. during his early years, spent most of his childhood there, and then returned to Japan for high school and university. He graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Before joining LUCREA, Mike had already taught private English lessons and developed lesson plans for six years and has two years of experience as a Teaching Assistant in the Academic English Program at TUJ. He also gives lectures at a university in Tokyo seasonally.
Mike engages with children in an approachable and friendly manner, believing in patience and encouragement. His goal is for children to enjoy learning and gain meaningful lessons that positively impact their social skills and life progress. He takes his role as an educator very seriously and cares for his students like his own younger brothers. Proud to work with LUCREA, Mike believes he can make a significant difference in people’s lives. “Just as much as I want to contribute to their learning and growth, I also want to make sure that they smile and have fun throughout the whole process,” he says, demonstrating his dedication and passion for his work.
Beyond his academic support, Mike plays a crucial role in uniting LUCREA as a community. He leads our seasonal parties, bringing everyone together with his wonderful, inclusive spirit. His efforts have made a significant impact on creating a cohesive, joyful atmosphere within our organization.
Karen Tokeshi
Registered Behavior Technician
Karen was born in Tokyo, Japan, and spent her childhood and early teens in Peru, the Philippines, and Japan. She speaks fluent English and Spanish, and basic Japanese. Karen joined LUCREA, Inc. first as an intern at Temple University in 2021, where she graduated with a B.A. in Psychology as a major and Asian Studies as a minor. She currently works as a behavior therapist and a learning support teacher. She is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).
Before joining LUCREA, Karen had been working with children from ages 7 to 14, including children with special needs, since her senior high school days in Japan as a counselor at Summer Camps organized by the American School in Japan. During her university days, she worked as a tutor and caregiver to children from ages 3 to 10. She brings a good understanding of the effect of culture on collective and individual behavioral patterns, which she applies when working with clients from different countries.
Her main professional focus is on behavior management and academic and social skills, working mostly with foreign children with special needs who face challenges living in Japan. Karen deeply understands and genuinely empathizes with the problems faced by children with special needs living in a new cultural environment. “I believe that no one should be left behind in the pursuit of happiness. My professional and personal aim is to help children with special needs find their own path to happiness and self-achievement. In some ways, it is not a matter of just education or therapy but supporting them with their own self-discovery journey,” says Karen.
Karen’s strong and genuine love for teaching children was apparent during her internship and has been a great asset to LUCREA. She is a well-experienced school assistant/shadow. Her young learners love her lessons because they are “fun and easy to follow”. She has provided academic support such as reading comprehension, writing, and math for young learners in primary and secondary schools. She is resilient and highly dedicated, making her a favorite among senior therapists who appreciate her eagerness to learn and grow in her role.
Alisa Adkins
Junior Therapist
Alisa, a graduate of Temple University with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree in Psychological Studies, brings extensive multicultural experience and high proficiency in English, Japanese, and conversational Korean to her role as a junior therapist at LUCREA.
During her university years, Alisa earned placement on the Dean’s List in Spring 2021 and received scholarship from 2020 to 2022. Since joining LUCREA in 2021, she has demonstrated a natural talent for assessing children’s needs and quickly adapting to effective therapy sessions. Her dedication and skill have significantly contributed to the growth and development of children aged 4 to 16 under her care. Currently, she is studying to become a certified behavior therapist (RBT).
Beyond therapy, Alisa has served as a school aide as well as academic support teacher, specializing in enhancing social skills and providing academic support in writing, reading comprehension, math, history, and social studies. Her supervisors value her abilities and commitment, highlighting her as an essential member of the team.
Outside of work, Alisa enjoys baking, exploring new towns, outdoor activities, and traveling, showcasing her diverse interests and dedication to personal growth.
Anaïs Blanquier
Developmental Psychologist
Anaïs Blanquier, a licensed Developmental Psychologist fluent in both French and English, brings a wealth of international experience to LUCREA, Inc. With a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology emphasizing an Integrative and Systemic approach, Anaïs started her career providing therapies at a multidisciplinary center in France and later as a school psychologist in Japan. Her expertise spans supporting children and adolescents facing cognitive, emotional, and social challenges, including ADHD, behavior disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Joining LUCREA in January 2024, Anaïs specializes in offering tailored therapies to the French community and multicultural families. Her addition to the team has expanded LUCREA’s services to include regular support in English, French, and Japanese, enhancing the organization’s ability to provide comprehensive developmental psychology and clinical counseling. Anaïs is dedicated to holistic care, utilizing evidence-based practices to foster positive emotional and cognitive development in young individuals. Her approach is enriched by her diverse experiences, including conducting parental guidance workshops and ensuring optimal child development practices at daycare centers.
Anaïs is known for her uplifting energy and passionate commitment to supporting children’s well-being. She brings empathy, resilience, and a profound understanding of child development to her role, continuously evolving her practice through meaningful interactions and professional growth. Her integration into the LUCREA team enhances their mission of providing comprehensive and compassionate care to children and families.
Our Center
