Meet Our Team

Dr Anton James

Founder and Director

PhD, MEd, MSc, CPsychol, BCBA, IBA, UKBA(cert), CSci, FBPsS, MCIEA

Chartered Scientist: UK
Fellow (FBPsS.): The British Psychological Society
Chartered Psychologist: UK
Chartered Behavioural Psychologist: Republic of Ireland
Licensed Psychologist: Maldives
Certified Behaviour Analyst (USA, UK, Canada)
Full member of the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors

Dr Anton James, A Leader in Special Needs Education

Dr Anton James is a distinguished expert in special needs education and the Founder and Director of The Tree House International, Sri Lanka’s first and only international school dedicated exclusively to children with special needs. With two decades of global experience in assessment, treatment, and therapist supervision, Dr Anton has established himself as one of the foremost professionals in evidence-based intervention.

His journey in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) began in Canada, where he worked as a behaviour therapist before expanding his expertise across Europe. His contributions have been instrumental in introducing and regulating ABA practices in Sri Lanka. Recognised for his pioneering work, Dr Anton was elected as a Chartered Scientist by the Science Council in 2025, making him the only Sri Lankan social scientist to receive this prestigious recognition. In 2024, Dr Anton received the highest accolades from the British Psychological Society (BPS) for his groundbreaking evidence-based methodologies at The Tree House International. He holds Chartered Psychologist status in the UK and Republican of Ireland and is a licensed psychologist in the Maldives.

Pioneering Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in South Asia

ABA is widely recognised as the gold standard for the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and related conditions. Dr Anton was the first Sri Lankan to be certified as a Behaviour Analyst in the United States and remains the only Chartered Behavioural Psychologist in South Asia. He is also certified as a Behaviour Analyst in both the UK and Ontario, Canada. A pioneer in integrating sensory integration with ABA, Dr Anton advocates for a comprehensive approach that addresses both behavioural and sensory challenges in individuals with special needs. As a Subject Matter Expert in ABA for the International Behaviour Analysis Organisation (IBAO), Dr Anton plays a key role in developing pre-approved ABA curricula for institutions worldwide.

Academic Excellence and Holistic Educational Approach

Dr Anton’s academic journey began at the University of Toronto, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology. His commitment to advancing special needs education led him to pursue postgraduate training in Applied Behaviour Analysis at Penn State University (USA), making him the first Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) of Sri Lankan origin 15 years ago. He further expanded his expertise by earning two master’s degrees—one in Inclusive Education from the UK and another in Educational Research from the University of Manchester, before completing a Doctorate in Psychology at the same institution.

At The Tree House International, Dr Anton champions a holistic, data-driven, and student-centred approach to education. His framework for assessment, Individualised Education Plans (IEPs), and progress monitoring encompasses a comprehensive range of developmental areas.

Dr Anton’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence continues to shape the future of special needs education in Sri Lanka and beyond.

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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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Team Leaders