Embodied Heart Space
Dr. Michele Iemolo
Albuquerque, New Mexico
“It’s all about hope, kindness, and a connection with one another.”
~Elizabeth Taylor
Autism Evaluations
Embodied Heart Space provides Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluations (CDE) for children aged 1.5 to 4.11 years old, with developmental differences and concerns of possible autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
All evaluations require a completed referral from a licensed medical professional. Evaluations are conducted in English only for children 1.5 to 4.11 years old.
Referrals for diagnostic evaluations are accepted from primary care providers (e.g., pediatrician, CNP, PCP), psychologists, speech-pathologists, and Early Intervention professionals.
Please have the provider complete the online form or download the referral form and fax (toll-free) to: 505-212-4412.
Integrative Therapies
Integrative therapy is a personalized, whole-person approach for neurodivergent and neurotypical children and adults, that honors your unique needs—mind, body, and spirit. It weaves together different therapeutic techniques and wisdom, including talk therapy, body-based practices, and other healing methods. This means your wellness plan is designed specifically for you, recognizing that healing happens not just through conversation, but also through reconnecting with the wisdom and experiences held in your body.
Whether through breathwork, dance/movement, mindfulness, or other somatic practices alongside traditional therapy, this approach meets you where you are and supports all aspects of your well-being.
ABA:Behavioral Consultation
Embodied Heart Space provides behavioral consultation services for parents/caregivers, other providers and/or school staff. It’s an opportunity to receive expert guidance and support as well as education about applied behavior analysis (ABA) principles and strategies. Dr. Michele, who is a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), will assess your child’s behaviors, strengths, and challenges (particularly for autism related concerns and other neurodevelopmental conditions), then helps you to understand evidence-based approaches that can be used at home, school or in daily life. Through this consultation process, you’ll learn practical techniques to support skill development and address challenging behaviors. This service is designed to empower you with knowledge so you can either implement strategies yourself in everyday situations or become a more informed advocate when selecting and working with an ABA therapist or program for your child.
Dr. Michele does not provide direct ABA therapy with children. Rather, behavioral consultation is a collaborative partnership focused on equipping families, other caregivers and providers with the tools and understanding they need to best support their child.
Key Benefits:
Empowers families with knowledge and strategies for their child’s needs.
Improves focus, communication, social skills, and daily living skills.
Provides expert guidance for unique challenges, particularly with autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Addresses specific issues rather than broad concerns, often through “problem-centered consultation”.
Dr. Michele Iemolo
Licensed Psychologist
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Registered Dance/Movement Therapist
Certified Somatic Breathwork Practitioner
Registered Yoga Teacher
Hello! Welcome to Embodied Heart Space,
Embodied Heart Space is an assessment and therapy practice created for children with special needs and their families, and adults seeking individually tailored therapy options. Embodied Heart Space also offers wellness retreats as well as dance/movement therapy-based workshops and classes. I created Embodied Heart Space, with a heartfelt desire to connect sincerely with the people and families I serve, and to provide a space that feels like a warm, supportive landing. Embodied Heart Space is neurodiverse and LGBTQ+ inclusive. All are welcome here.
Since 2001, I’ve worked in various schools, clinics, dance and yoga studios, and academic medical settings, holding different positions including behaviorist, psychologist, yoga instructor, and dance/movement therapist. I designed Embodied Heart Space with the intention of integrating my years of experience and passion for each of these modalities into one centralized location within my community.
As a parent or caregiver, I know that searching for the best supports for your child can feel overwhelming and raise many questions. If you suspect autism or have a child with autism and are exploring an evaluation or therapy, I want you to know you’ve come to a place built on understanding and hope.
If you’re an adult looking for alternative therapy options and a tailored approach to your wellness plan, you’re in the right place. I know how important it is to not only find a therapeutic approach that works for you, but to find a therapist that feels like a “fit”.
If you landed here looking for more than what your average adult dance class, club or movement workshop has to offer; something with more depth and integration that is backed by science, you’re in good hands. Check out my Events Calendar to see if something aligns with what your body, mind and spirit are looking for.
I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every evaluation and every therapy plan is highly individualized, focusing on your or your child’s strengths, needs, and interests. I see you as an essential member of the team, and I work collaboratively with you to create a plan that works for you and/or your child.
I’m here to answer any questions you have and help you determine whether Embodied Heart Space is the right fit for you or your loved one. I look forward to walking along side of you as you take these next steps.
Warmly,
Signs Your Child Could Have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder can also be linked with other developmental conditions. If you suspect your child is not meeting developmental milestones or have concerns about your child’s behavior, talk to your child’s pediatrician, therapist, or health care team. All Autism Evaluations require a completed referral form by a licensed medical professional.
The following information is from the Mayo Clinic – see full article.
Social Communication & Interaction
A child with autism spectrum disorder may have difficulty with communication skills and social interaction, such as:
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- Delays or differences in social-emotional reciprocity ranging from deficits/differences in back-and-forth play or conversation, reduced sharing of interests and decreased initiation or response to social interactions.
- Reduced or absent nonverbal communication, including but not limited to poorly integrated verbal and nonverbal communication, decreased eye gaze, challenges understanding and using gestures and/or facial expressions.
- Challenges in developing, maintaining, or understanding relationships, such as difficulty in engaging in shared imaginary play with others or a lack of interest in peers.
Restrictive and Repetitive Behaviors
A child with autism spectrum disorder may exhibit any of the following behaviors:
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- Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects or speech such as arm flapping, spinning in circles, lining up toys, spinning wheels of toys, echolalia (repeating what others say),or scripting (repeating lines heard from TV shows or movies).
- Insistence on sameness, strict adherence to routines or ritualized patterns of behavior including but not limited to significant distress due to changes in routine, difficulty with transitions or significant distress if objects/toys are “out of place”.
- Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus such as a strong attachment to or preoccupation with specific or unusual objects or topics.
- Sensory differences such as hyper or hypo-reactivity to sensory input and/or seeks out or avoids sensory input ranging from an atypical response to pain (high or low pain tolerance), excessive smelling, licking or touching of objects, visual fascination with lights or movement, and is bothered by loud noise or specific textures.
Missing Developmental Milestones
Your health care team may recommend a developmental screener or assessment if your child doesn’t:
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- Respond with a smile or a happy expression by 6 months
- Mimic sounds or facial expressions by 9 months
- Babble or coo by 12 months
- Use gestures, such as pointing or waving by 14 months of age
- Say single words by 16 months
- Play make-believe or engage in pretend play by 18 months
- Speak two-word phrases by 24 months
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Integrative Therapy Modalities
Dance / Movement Therapy
Dance/movement therapy (DMT) is the “psychotherapeutic use of dance, movement, body awareness, and embodied communication, to foster healing and wellness for all individuals, families, and communities,” according to the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA). Research shows that DMT can help people feel more connected to others, lift their mood, ease anxiety, and develop a stronger sense of who they are.
Sound Healing and Therapy
Sound healing and sound therapy both use the power of sound vibrations to support your physical and emotional well-being. Sound healing is an ancient practice that uses soothing sounds and vibrations from the human voice (like chanting or humming) or instruments (like singing bowls, gongs, or drums). Sound therapy takes a more structured, clinical approach, using specific sound frequencies in a therapeutic setting, often alongside other healing practices like guided meditation, visualization, or body-based techniques. Both recognize that sound doesn’t just affect our ears—it resonates throughout our entire body, helping to reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and promote a sense of balance and relaxation.
Breathwork and Meditation
Breathwork and meditation are simple yet powerful practices that can help you feel more calm, centered, and present in your life. Breathwork involves intentionally changing how you breathe—whether that’s slowing it down, deepening it, or using specific breathing patterns—to help calm your nervous system, release tension, and shift your emotional state. Meditation is a practice of focusing your attention, whether on your breath, a word or phrase, body sensations, movement, or simply observing your thoughts without judgment. Both practices help you develop a stronger connection between your mind and body, reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and create more space to respond thoughtfully rather than react automatically to life’s challenges. No special equipment or experience is needed—just a willingness to pause and tune inward.