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Meet Our Team

Dr Anton James

Founder and Director

MEd, M.Sc., BCBA, PhD, FBPsS, MCIEA

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  • Chartered Educational Assessor: UK

  • Fellow (FBPsS.):  The British Psychological Society: UK 

  • Chartered Psychologist: UK 

  • Chartered Behavioural Psychologist: Republic of Ireland

  • Licensed Psychologist: Maldives

  •  International Behaviour Analyst (IBA)

  • Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA): USA​

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Dr Anton James is a visionary leader and pioneer in the field of special needs education. He is the Founder and Director of The Tree House International, Sri Lanka’s first and only international school dedicated exclusively to children with special needs. Dr Anton's extensive international qualifications span a range of influential fields, uniquely positioning him within the realm of special education. He is the sole Chartered Behavioural Psychologist in South Asia and the only Chartered Educational Assessor in Sri Lanka. In 2024, Dr Anton received the highest accolades from the British Psychological Society for his pioneering evidence-based treatment methodologies. Additionally, he serves as a Subject Matter Expert in behaviour therapy for the International Behaviour Analysis Organisation. These credentials exemplify his unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of children with special needs while providing invaluable support to their families. Dr Anton's academic journey commenced at the University of Toronto, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology. His passion for special needs education propelled him to pursue postgraduate training in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) at Penn State University in the USA, where he became the world’s first Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) of Sri Lankan origin 15 years ago, specialising in children with special needs. His quest for knowledge further led to attaining two master’s degrees: one in Inclusive Education from the UK and another in educational research from the University of Manchester, culminating in a Doctorate in Psychology from the same institution. Dr Anton is renowned for his expertise in ABA, behavioural psychology, and the development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs), as well as in treating picky eating and managing challenging behaviours. He provides cognitive behavioural therapy for children with special needs, employing a holistic approach to facilitate transformation and change. With two decades of experience, he is skilled in diagnosing and treating conditions such as ASD, ADHD, Sensory Processing Difficulties, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, and other developmental disorders. Additionally, he is a member of the Hanen Centre for Speech in Canada, specialising in psychosocial approaches and trained in psycholinguistic and behavioural models of speech. Dr Anton employs teaching methods grounded in the latest scientific research. Under his leadership, The Tree House International is the only school in Sri Lanka operated by a Chartered Educational Assessor and a Chartered Behavioural Psychologist, and it is the sole institution authorised to offer the International Behaviour Therapist Training, highlighting his commitment to excellence. Additionally, he serves as a training provider for the Ministry of Education and Social Services in the Maldives. At The Tree House, every child is regarded as unique and deserving of a personalised approach, benefiting from one-to-one teaching by internationally qualified therapists. Dr Anton’s world-class qualifications and extensive knowledge, coupled with his deep passion for special needs education, inspire those around him to pursue similar levels of commitment and excellence.

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Chrystal Honsaker

Assistant Director
Clinical Coordinator

BCBA, LBA, IBA

•  Board Certified Behaviour Analyst

•  Licensed Behaviour Analyst (Hawaii)

•  International Behaviour Analyst

Chrystal (CJ) Honsaker has worked in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) since 2003. She began her career as Therapeutic Staff Support for several Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services providers in Pennsylvania, USA, providing direct service to children with a wide range of mental health diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, down syndrome, oppositional defiant disorder, disruptive behavior disorder, conduct disorder, reactive attachment disorder, mood disorder, schizophrenia, and others. Chrystal has extensive experience providing ABA direct service, training, and consultation in the home, school, and community settings. Upon completion of her master's degree in Youth and Family Education from The Pennsylvania State University, USA, she continued to work in the field of ABA as a Behavioural Specialist Consultant and Mobile Therapist. She eventually obtained a position as a County Coordinator, in which she was responsible for the oversight and direction of ABA services for an entire region. Prior to relocating to Hawaii, USA, Chrystal completed her BCBA coursework and specialization in Autism Intervention from the University of Massachusetts, USA. She worked as a BCBA Clinical Coordinator for several companies in Hawaii until 2015, when she decided to pursue her interests abroad. Chrystal has provided ABA services globally and continues to work closely with local communities in Uganda. In 2016, she co-founded a transition and educational center in Uganda, with the long-term goal of establishing an autism educational classroom. She is currently completing her PhD in International Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, USA, with a specialization in Organizations and Systems, as well as a certification in Organizational Behaviour from Harvard University, USA. Chrystal continues to provide ABA supervision, parent training, and mentorship for newly certified BCBAs through Kuhn Behavioral Consulting Services, USA.

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Sharon Hermon

Office Administrator

Bio will follow. 

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Desiree Bloemhard

RBT, IBT

• Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) (USA) • International Behaviour Therapist (IBT) • Dip in Special Needs Education • Dip Executive Secretarial Studies • Dip Office Management • Dip  Entrepreneurial skills (Netherlands) • Cert Handle Level 2 (Australia) Desiree's role at The Tree House International benefits from her multifaceted expertise and professional experience as a Management Assistant, Office Manager, and a successful business proprietor in the Netherlands. Having honed her competencies in these roles, including serving as a trusted assistant to a board of directors, Desiree deploys an impactful skill set in service of her vocation. Her dedication to the cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder stems from a deeply personal experience. Just before moving from the Netherlands to Sri Lanka, her son got his autism diagnosis. She became passionate to create more autism awareness and acceptance in Sri Lanka. Since 2008, Desiree has pioneered multiple advocacy efforts in Sri Lanka with relentless dedication and provided invaluable support to parents of children on the spectrum while promoting awareness and acceptance within the community. As a testament to her commitment, Desiree completed a Behaviour Therapist course under the expert guidance of Dr. Anton James and earned the credentials of a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and International Behavior Therapist (IBT). Driven by her thirst for knowledge, Desiree also devoted herself to exploring diverse educational and biomedical therapies and is adept at numerous interventions. Desiree is currently focused on a mission to establish a supported living project for young adults with autism as she envisions a future where they can reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. Her motivation resonates with the words of Jenny McCarthy, "HOPE is the greatest thing for moms of autism, HOPE is what gets us out of bed in the morning and I'm on a mission to tell parents that there is a way." Desiree brings this indomitable spirit to her role at The Tree House International, along with her passion, professionalism, and heartfelt dedication.

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