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The Tree House International
School for children with special needs
Meet Our Team
Dr Anton James
Founder and Director
MEd, M.Sc., BCBA, PhD, CPsychol, FBPsS, MCIEA, CSci
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Chartered Educational Assessor: UK
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Chartered Scientist: UK
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Fellow (FBPsS.): The British Psychological Society
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Chartered Psychologist: UK
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Chartered Behavioural Psychologist: Republic of Ireland
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Licensed Psychologist: Maldives
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Certified Behaviour Analyst (USA, UK, Canada)
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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. He is also Sri Lanka’s sole Chartered Educational Assessor. 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.
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.
Sharon Hermon
Office Administrator
Bio will follow.
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.