CENTER BASED STAFF (BRADSHAW) Click here for Center Based Staff (Natomas)

Sarah Vlachakis, M.A., B.C.B.A. -  Director (Bradshaw Center Based Program / Giving Tree Preschool)

Sarah received her Master’s degree in Educational Counseling from the University of San Francisco in 2006.  In addition, she holds a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis and has completed the coursework to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam in August.  She began working with children in 1998 as a swim instructor, where she first became exposed to teaching children on the spectrum. Since then, Sarah has worked with children in a variety of settings, including as a therapist in a local high school providing free counseling to teens.  She came to work at Advance Kids in 2005, starting as a school aide and in-home tutor.  Sarah has worked as a Behavioral Consultant in the In-Home, Educational Services, and Center Based Departments, and currently holds the position of Director at the Bradshaw Center and Giving Tree Preschool.

Mission Statement: To provide successful early intensive intervention services for children with Autism geared toward increasing skills, promoting generalization, and decreasing behavior excesses.

 

 

Allison White -  Assistant to Director

Allison joined Advance Kids in July 2008. After serving as Administrative Assistant she was quickly promoted to Giving Tree Preschool Administrative Assistant. Allison works closely with the Preschool Director as well as the Giving Tree teacher. Allison has a true love for children and has been surrounded by them since she was young. She plans to finish her schooling from American River College and transfer to Sacramento State to become a Pediatric Nurse.

 

Mission Statement: To help create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for the families and their children while having a fun positive relationship with each one of them.

 

 

Denise Ramirez M.S., OTR/L - Occupational Therapist

Denise Graduated from Touro College in New York State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy.  Denise has worked with children for her entire career and joined the company in July of 2010.  She has worked with children who are on the spectrum in various settings including, preschool, elementary school and a sensory clinic.  She began her career working for YAI, a non-for profit agency, in a preschool where she provided services for children with a broad range of diagnosis from down syndrome to autism to fragile X syndrome.   She then worked in two public elementary schools within the New York City special education program.  One of these programs catered exclusively to families with children diagnosed with autism ages 5 to 10.  She also worked in a privately owned preschool and a pediatric sensory clinic before moving to California.

Mission Statement: To help each child, through direct treatment and through collaboration with the wonderful Advance Kids team and collaboration with parents, reach their goals as well as help them develop skills necessary to functionally interact with their environment in order to help establish a prosperous future.

 

 

Richelle Adams - Speech Pathologist

Mission Statement:To help facilitate the development of a child's speech and language skills so that they can become successful communicators in life.

 

 

 

 

Jill Bonetti, B.A.(M.A. in progress) - Supervising Behavior Consultant

Jill earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences with minors in Psychology and Human Development from California State University, Monterey Bay in 2005 and is currently working toward her combination Masters degree in Special Education and Special Education Teaching Credential, along with coursework for Board Certification for Behavior Analysis.  She is expecting to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam in 2011.  Jill’s sister, Julie, was diagnosed with autism in 1986 at a time when special services were relatively scarce, leading Jill to dedicate her career to the field of special education and services for individuals with autism. Since childhood, Jill has been involved in the autism and special needs communities as both a family member and a service provider and she continues to work toward ensuring the highest possible quality of service for clients and families within this population. Experiences as a volunteer (SibShop, M.I.N.D. Institute, Canine Companions for Independence), clinician, behavior technician, tutor, and special education teacher have given Jill the skills needed to utilize her position as Supervising Behavior Consultant to enhance the life of each client through clinical effectiveness and enriching relationships.

 

Mission Statement:To maximize clients’ independence so that they may achieve the highest quality of life possible.

 

 

Rosie Andrade, B.A.(M.A. in progress) -  Supervising Behavior Consultant

Rosie has worked in the field of ABA since 1999, joining Advance Kids in 2004 to become a part of both the In-Home and Training Departments. In May of 2008, she joined Giving Tree Preschool and Bradshaw Center Based departments. She earned her bachelor’s of science from the University of Phoenix in psychology. Currently, Rosie is working toward her Master’s degree in counseling with an emphasis in ABA, to be completed in 2012

Mission Statement: My mission is to make lasting contributions to the lives of our students and their families by utilizing ABA as a foundation for teaching.

 

 

 

Diana Shueller B.A.(M.A in progress) - Behavior Consultant

Diana graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Communication. Diana joined the Advance Kids team in February 2009 after relocating from her hometown of Rockford, Illinois. She began her career at Advance Kids as a Center Based tutor at the Bradshaw center and was promoted to a Lead School Aide in the Educational Services Department in February 2010. In April 2011, Diana returned to the Bradshaw Center and was promoted to Behavior Consultant. Prior to joining Advance Kids, Diana had several years of experience providing respite care to children with Autism. She is pursuing a Masters in Teaching and certification in Applied Behavior Analysis. Diana will graduate in Spring 2011, and plans to sit for the BCBA exam in 2012.

 Mission Statement: To make a lasting impact on the lives of our clients and their families by providing intensive early intervention programs that promote generalization and foster independence.

 

 

Jennifer Glenn B.A., M.S. - Behavior Consultant

Jennifer was born and raised in Beaufort, South Carolina and was influenced at a young age to help others and volunteer with those in need.  She went on to obtain a Master’s of Science in Art Therapy from Florida State University in 2007. As both a volunteer and professional, she has worked with children in a variety of settings including: child care centers, special needs schools, inpatient psychological hospitals, and school counseling centers.  During her graduate internships she had the opportunity to work with children on the autism spectrum and with other special needs. It was then that she experienced the diverse needs and gifts of these children.  In November 2009 she relocated from Tallahassee, Florida to join the Advance Kids team as a center-based tutor. Jennifer was promoted to the Behavioral Consultant position in March of 2011. She is passionate about preparing our children for optimal independence and achievement in their next phase of learning.

Mission Statement: To ensure that each of my clients obtains optimal independence through individualized clinical programming while promoting a fun and creative learning environment.

 

 

 

Shaundee Horlick -  Senior Lead Tutor

Shaundee’s previous work experience includes working as a volunteer assistant in an independent living skills and special day class for children with autism, from 1997 to 2002 in the San Juan Unified School District.  She joined Advance Kids in early 2003 and currently works as a senior lead tutor at the Bradshaw Center Based program.  She has been working in the field of ABA for 12 years.  Her motivation comes from her brother who was diagnosed a little over 12 years ago and her nephew 1 year ago.

Mission statement:  To create a challenging learning environment for children with Autism, and to provide support and encouragement for each individual child and their families.

 

 

 

Angela Carnes -  Lead Tutor

Angela has worked in the ABA field for 9 years. She worked as a school aid in a classroom for children with Autism. She has also worked in an Independent living skills program for teenagers between the ages of 10-18. This program taught self help skills in the classroom and in the community. In addition, she worked in an infant toddler program, providing early intervention with children with Autism, as a Behavior Technician. She will attend American River College in the spring and transfer to a four year college. She intends to finish her B.A. in Psychology.

Mission Statement: To provide a learning environment full of compassion, patience, and understanding.

 

 

 

Aimee Hill -  Lead Tutor

Aimee’s previous work experience includes teaching preschool for 5 years and providing additional intervention services for children ranging in age from 6 weeks to 12 years.  She joined Advance Kids in August of 2007 as a Center Based tutor.  In November of 2008 Aimee was promoted to a Floating Lead Tutor.  She has accrued college credits in Early Childhood Education.  Aimee looks forward to returning to school to earn her BA.

Mission Statement:  To empower each child to become more independent and reach their full potential through ABA, one step at a time.

 

 

 

CENTER BASED STAFF (NATOMAS)

Christy Daniel, M.S., B.C.B.A. -  Director of District Center Based Program

Christy joined the Advance Kids team as a tutor in 2004. She worked as a lead tutor within the In Home services and Educational Services department as an inclusion aide. Christy was quickly promoted to a behavior consultant position at the Natomas Center Based Program in 2006. In 2007, Christy was promoted to supervisor at the Natomas Center Based Program and was integral in expanding the growth of the Natomas Center Based Program.  She received a Master of Science Degree in Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling in 2008. In 2010, Christy received a certificate for completing the Applied Behavior Analysis courses.

Mission Statement: To improve the day-to-day lives of children with autism by expanding their capacity to learn, communicate, and relate to others.

 

 

 

 

Marie Olives - Assistant to Director

Marie joined the Advance Kids' team in February of 2008.  Prior to joining Advance Kids, Marie worked in retail management for many years where she honed her managerial and customer service skills.  In the time she has worked with Advance Kids, Marie has served as the front desk receptionist, the Assistant to the Director of Educational Services and the Assistant to the Director of In-home Services.  Marie works closely with clinical staff to identify specific client needs and to support tutors working in the field.  In addition, Marie works with the training department to develop appropriate placements of tutors requiring assignments to maximize their level of training.  Due to Marie’s methodical approach to management, additional responsibilities continue to be awarded to her; and she has taken great pride in knowing that her support helps positively impact the families Advance Kids serves.

Mission Statement: To provide the highest level of support to my colleagues and our tutoring staff so they can have the most significant impact on the families they serve.

 

 

 

Susannah Fox, M.A., B.C.B.A. -  Supervising Consultant

Susannah joined Advance Kids in October of 2005 as an in-home tutor.  She has worked with a wide variety of children on the autism spectrum.  In June of 2006, Susannah worked as a tutor at the Natomas Center Based Program while earning her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento and accomplished her degree in May of 2007.  After receiving her Bachelor’s degree, Susannah worked in the positions of lead tutor and behavior consultant at the Natomas Center Based Program.  In 2008, Susannah was promoted to a supervisor position. In 2010, Susannah received a Master of Arts in Teaching and a certificate for completing the Applied Behavior Analysis courses.  Susannah credits the children she works with for giving her a priceless learning experience about life.

Mission Statement: To provide a fun and exciting learning environment for children with Autism and lead them to a more independent and successful future.

 

 

 

Jackie Miller, B.A. -  Behavior Consultant

Jackie Miller started her career with Advance Kids in April 2008. She began working with Children with Autism in 2006 as an in-home tutor. Jackie quickly found that she wanted to pursue a career in the ABA field.  She has experience working in a preschool, with at-risk youth, and currently runs a youth program for 12-14 year olds.   Jackie obtained her Bachelor’s degree in December 2007 from California State University, Sacramento and plans to further her education with a Master's degree in child development in the near future. She is looking forward to seeing what her future holds with Advance Kids.

Mission statement: To create a fun, loving, and creative environment while implementing the principles of ABA.

 

 

 

Tiffany Lee, M.A., B.C.B.A. -  Behavior Consultant

Tiffany joined the Advance Kids team in February 2008 as a Sacramento center based tutor.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Biology and Psychology from the University of California at Davis. Tiffany was promoted to a lead tutor position in September of 2008 at the Natomas Center Based Program and promoted to a behavior consultant in December 2008.  .  In 2010, Tiffany received a Master of Arts in teaching and a certificate for completing the Applied Behavior Analysis courses.

 

Mission statement: To cultivate independence among our clients, foster functional skills, and increase methods of communication in a positive and nurturing environment by providing our clients with every opportunity for success.

 

 

Kayla Thomas, M.A.  -  Behavior Consultant

Kayla joined the Advance Kids Natomas Center Based Program as a Tutor in June, 2008. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and Art Therapy.  Kayla worked for the Kansas Medical Assistance Program where she began working in-home with children diagnosed with autism. Her dedication and passion has given her the opportunity to be promoted to Lead Tutor and then to a Behavior Consultant. In 2010, Kayla received a Master of Arts in teaching and a certificate for completing the Applied Behavior Analysis courses.

 

Mission Statement: To provide a fun and supportive environment for children with autism by providing awareness, education, and services in order to help them reach their full potential and gain independence.

 

 

Andrea Garcia - Behavior Consultant

Andrea graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development. She taught preschool for three years and then started working at Advance Kids as a tutor in 2008. Andrea is currently taking courses at National University to receive a Master’s in Teaching with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. Andrea plans to sit for the BCBA exam in 2011 to become a board certified behavior analyst. 

 

         

Mission Statement: Mission statement: To teach children with autism the skills they need to move into an       inclusive education setting and successfully integrate while in the community.

 

 

 

Nina Triana, M.A. -  Facility Manager

Nina holds a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Padjadjaran, Indonesia and a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from California State University, Sacramento. Before joining Advance Kids, she taught preschool for two years and worked as a Research Assistant at the Department of Pediatrics, UCD and the California Department of Education.  In September 2005, she joined Advance Kids as an in-home tutor and in June 2007, was promoted to senior lead tutor and quickly promoted to a facility manager at our Natomas Center Based Program.  Working with children is Nina’s passion, and she enjoys watching them grow through each new stage of learning.

Mission Statement: To help every child and family make progress by using ABA principles and to recognize that every child with autism is a unique individual with a unique personality.

 

 

 

Brandy Molina, B.A.(M.S. in progress) - Lead Tutor

Brandy graduated from California State University, Sacramento in May of 2004 with a B.A. in Child Development.  Shortly after graduation Brandy began working in ABA programs for children with Autism and has been doing so for 5 years.  She joined the Advance Kids team in February 2009 as a tutor in the Natomas Center Based Program and was promoted to Lead Tutor in January of 2010. Brandy is currently working toward her Master’s Degree in Teaching with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis and will take the board certification exam in the spring of 2011.

Mission Statement: To support families and provide our children with Autism a positive learning environment with the necessary skills to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

 

 

 

Melinda Hollenkamp (B.A. in progress) - Lead Tutor

Melinda joined the Advance Kids team in July 2006 where she started out as an in home tutor. In 2008, she transferred to the Natomas Center Based program and was promoted to a lead tutor in March of 2009.  Melinda is currently attending Sacramento State University and will receive her B.A. in Psychology in May of 2011.  She hopes to continue in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis while continuing to change lives.

 

Mission Statement: To provide a fun and positive learning environment for children with Autism by appreciating the unique personality of each individual child.