About us
Axis Therapy Centers is a multi-disciplinary clinic for children and adolescents. We provide services to families living with autism, developmental disabilities, and special needs. Our services include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Feeding Therapy, Social Skills Groups, Preschool Prep Groups, and Training to schools and outside organizations.
Our mission is to be an extension of your family on your journey by providing compassionate and personalized treatment. We strive to support our families, our community, and our service partners and we believe in the highest quality of care to help our clients grow into the best version of themselves.
Our core values—Integrity, Collaboration, Empathy, and Quality—are at the forefront of everything we do, driving us to achieve excellence in every aspect of our services.
Our vision is to continuously benefit the broader community in numerous ways, such as, improving access to high-quality autism support services, raising public awareness about the significance of a multi-disciplinary team approach, and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with behavioral and developmental needs. These initiatives contribute to building a healthier, more resilient, and thriving community, reflecting our vision of compassionate and personalized care.
“We wanted to create a place where children and families could come for support for everything they needed along their journey – whatever that may look like.”
-Kristin Hanson,
Founder/Owner
Our Core Values
Everything we do is anchored by the values our team and community share.
Integrity
Collaboration
Empathy
Quality
At Axis Therapy Centers, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our mission is to provide exceptional therapeutic services while promoting a culture that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve.
Diversity
We embrace the diversity of our clients, employees, and partners. We recognize that every individual brings a unique perspective shaped by their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, socioeconomic status, and other aspects of identity. This diversity enhances our ability to understand and meet the varied needs of those we serve.
Equity
We are dedicated to ensuring that all individuals have access to the resources and opportunities necessary for their success. We strive to eliminate barriers that may prevent anyone from fully participating in or benefiting from our services and employment opportunities. Our approach to equity involves identifying and addressing systemic imbalances and providing support tailored to individual needs.
Inclusion
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and respected. Inclusion means actively working to ensure that all voices are heard and that diverse perspectives are valued. We promote a culture of collaboration and mutual respect, where differences are celebrated, and everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
Our Commitment
1. To Our Clients: We will deliver culturally competent and accessible therapeutic services, recognizing and respecting the diverse backgrounds of those we serve. We are dedicated to creating a safe space where clients can feel comfortable and supported in their therapeutic journey.
2. To Our Employees: We are committed to creating a work environment that supports diversity and fosters professional growth. We will provide ongoing training and resources to ensure that our staff is equipped to contribute to an inclusive workplace.
3. To Our Community: We will engage with and support initiatives that promote equity and inclusion in the broader community. We seek to be a positive force for change and advocate for social justice and equality.
Actions and Accountability
We will regularly assess our practices and policies to ensure they align with our DEI values. We will hold ourselves accountable for making meaningful progress and addressing any gaps. Feedback from our clients, employees, and community partners is vital to our continuous improvement.
Axis Therapy Centers is committed to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all. We believe that through our collective efforts, we can make a positive impact and create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Our Founders
Kristin Hanson
M.A., BCBA, LBA
Owner & CEO
Eric Plunkett
Owner & CFO
Sonja Plunkett
Owner & Director of Human Resources
Rachael Plunkett
Owner
Kristin Hanson MA, BCBA, LBA
Owner & CEO
Kristin Hanson is an accomplished Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), and the Founder, CEO, Owner, and Clinical Director of Axis Therapy Centers. With over 15 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Kristin is a visionary leader known for driving organizational growth, fostering a culture of excellence, and championing client-centered, evidence-based care.
Kristin holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Grand View University and a master’s degree in child and adolescent psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her clinical expertise is rooted in the early detection and intervention of autism spectrum disorder, with advanced training in administering the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and evaluating young children for autism.
Since founding Axis Therapy Centers in 2017, Kristin has built a thriving, multi-location organization committed to serving children and families with autism and special needs. Under her leadership, Axis has grown into a dynamic and supportive clinical environment focused on continuous learning and meaningful outcomes. She is especially passionate about mentoring and training the next generation of ABA professionals, emphasizing clinical integrity, ethical practice, and skillful implementation of behavior-analytic principles.
Kristin actively collaborates with schools, educators, and families to create individualized, inclusive support plans, and strongly values parent and caregiver involvement as a cornerstone of successful treatment. Her empowering leadership style has contributed to high staff retention and a culture rooted in purpose, compassion, and impact.
In addition to her clinical and executive work, Kristin serves on several statewide and national committees. She is a Board Member of the Autism Society of Iowa, a member of the Autism Expert Panel for the Iowa Regional Autism Assistance Program, and Co-Chair of the Council of Autism Providers Special Advocacy Group for Iowa. She also contributes to the Council of Autism Providers Marketing and Recruitment Committee and is actively involved with the Iowa Association for Behavior Analysis and Autism Speaks Iowa.
Kristin is committed to lifelong learning and personal growth, continually engaging in advanced leadership training, mentorship, and self-development. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, reading, listening to podcasts, attending concerts, and golfing.
Eric Plunkett
Owner & CFO
Eric Plunkett brings over two decades of entrepreneurial and business leadership experience to Axis Therapy Centers, where his passion for business and commitment to excellence continue to make a lasting impact. Throughout his career, Eric has founded, developed, and sold multiple companies across diverse industries, bringing strong communication, organizational expertise, and a talent for enhancing daily operations to each venture. His leadership has consistently driven growth, expanded capabilities, and strengthened businesses across the United States.
Eric is deeply committed to building a lasting family legacy, establishing solid businesses designed to support future generations.
Outside his professional life, Eric has been happily married for over 20 years and is the proud father of a 1-year-old. Known as the “Fun Uncle” to his nieces and nephew, Eric values family connections and enjoys spending time with loved ones. In his free time, he also enjoys traveling, staying active, and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys at their games.
Sonja Plunkett
Owner & Director Of Human Services
Sonja is an owner and the one of the Directors at Axis. Her role in the company is HR, compliance and accounts payable. With 35+ years with experience in leadership and operations as a multiple business owner, joining the day to day operations was very natural to Sonja. Her experience includes; entrepreneurship, founding franchisor, EVP of Franchise Operations, multi-unit owner, site director and board member.
Although her other businesses are not in the therapy field, starting businesses from scratch, growing people and helping them reach their potential has been an asset to Axis. Getting to know the kiddo’s and to see the progress as well as the bond built between practitioner and client is beyond heartwarming. It has affected her so much that she sold her other businesses to devote more time to be a part of Axis.
Sonja has been blessed with many opportunities and experience, however working side by side with her adult children to start Axis and continue impacting the lives of so many families is one of her greatest achievements. There is nothing better than being available to guide the next generation and create a legacy for the next generation.
Sonja has a passion to help others achieve their personal and financial goals whether it is in the work place or as a mentor in life. Her rags to riches story is an inspiration to young woman who may think they aren’t good enough, or don’t deserve to have a fulfilled life, a career they love and raise a family.
When Sonja is not working on Axis operational items you will find her with one or all of her grandchildren. She enjoys gardening, canning and traveling with her husband / high school sweetheart, Gary. Taking care of her physical and mental well-being is a priority and finds working out while listening to leadership podcast a must. She also loves to cook and bake. Often you can find her spontaneous drop in homemade goodies in back for the Axis team.
Rachael Plunkett
Owner
Rachael has always had an extreme passion for helping others and loves building relationships with people. Her belief is the people, and the culture are what makes companies great.
Over the last 14 years she has worked in recruiting and HR where she has helped hundreds of people find employment. Along with her dedication and commitment to excellence, she quickly understands the needs of her clients and candidates. She prides herself on her in-depth interview process which enables her to fill the needs of her clients carefully and meticulously.
When she found Axis, she knew this was a place that could help her continue her passion for helping others.
In her free time, you will usually find her in the gym, hanging out with her husband Eric, cooking, finding great dive restaurants, or hanging out with her friends.