
The Silver Lining Group
CARF Accredited Behavioral Health Services.
ABOUT US
The Silver Lining Group is a nationally accredited, state certified, private behavioral health agency. The Silver Lining Group employs
research-based strategies aimed at maximizing the functioning and independence of autistic individuals and individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health disorders.
The Silver Lining Group believes in a comprehensive support system for all clients, as well as readily accessible services to meet the current needs for the autistic, developmentally disabled and mental health communities. Our unique approach allows individuals to receive customized, integrated treatment from an incredible team of clinicians. Each client's individualized treatment goals are established in collaboration with the parents/guardian and IEP or ISP team. Staff members help empower each person served and their families to actively participate with the team to promote recovery, progress, or well-being. In addition to center-based treatment, the Silver Lining Group proudly offers several other services including Assessment and Diagnosis, Community Education, Outpatient Services, and Outreach Programs designed to support the ongoing needs of our community.
"A child is like a butterfly in the wind. Some fly faster, some fly harder, but they all fly the best they can. Each one is different, each one is beautiful, and each one is special."





Mission Statement:
It is the mission of the Silver Lining Group to help bring autistic individuals, individuals with developmental disabilities, and individuals with mental health disorders to their highest potential by providing ongoing evidence based therapeutic treatment as well as training and supervision for families, providers and the community.
History:
The Silver Lining Group was founded in Mansfield, Ohio in 2007. Silver Lining Group is an organization with the desire to bring quality services for autistic individuals, individuals with developmental disabilities, and individuals with mental health disorders to needed areas and specializes in research-based treatments for autistic children.
Silver Lining Group currently has sites in Mansfield (2007), Cleveland (2009), Columbus (2012), and St. Clairsville (2012) and provides outreach services in more than 18 counties throughout Ohio. We are excited about the opportunity to grow and serve the special needs community in these areas and look forward to future developments that meet the needs of our clients at both the state and national levels.
Accreditation, Certification, and Licensing:
Silver Lining Group is a Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accredited behavioral health center. Silver Lining Group is a state certified Community Mental Health Agency. In addition, Silver Lining Group is an approved provider for the Ohio Autism Scholarship Program.
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)
Ohio Department of Mental Health
University Affiliations:
The Silver Lining Group welcomes students from universities who are completing their practicum and internship placements. Silver Lining Group has worked with the following colleges and universities on student placements:
Social Work:
The Ohio State University
University of Louisville
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Psychology:
Purdue Global University
Applied Behavior Analysis
Special Education/Applied Behavioral Analysis:
Kaplan University Master of Psychology
ABA Specialization
University of Dayton
Intervention Specialist
Marriage and Family
Counseling:
Walden University
Founders

Kristen Wilcock, CEO, BCBA

Michele Murphy, CFO
Kristen Wilcock, MS/BCBA/COBA acts as CEO and Full Partner of the Silver Lining Group. Wilcock is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, a Professional Crisis Management Instructor, and an administrative surveyor for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University and her master’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University. She trained at the Wisconsin Early Autism Project, a Lovaas replication site, where she worked as a behavioral consultant and consultant trainer. In addition, Wilcock was the Co-Founder and Director of Step By Step Academy from 2001 through 2007. Step By Step Academy was the first private center-based program for autistic children in Ohio. She co-founded the Silver Lining Group in 2007 and has developed the training program, treatment program, and all the policies and procedures for the organization. Wilcock has been working with autistic individuals, individuals with developmental disabilities, and individuals with mental health disorders since 1995. She is also the proud parent of an amazing young autistic man. Her career and son have led her to the role of advocating for individuals with disabilities at both the local and state levels.
Michele Murphy acts as CFO and Full Partner of the Silver Lining Group. Michele Murphy received her degree in Health Care Services from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. Murphy co-founded the Silver Lining Group is 2007. Murphy oversees the financial and fiscal management aspects of company operations and the management of client records. She is currently working on becoming board certified as an Assistant Behavior Analyst. Michele has been working with autistic children since 1999 and most recently has acted as the Clinic Director for Step By Step Academy, a center for autistic children in Columbus Ohio.