CENTER BASED STAFF (BRADSHAW) Click here for Center Based Staff (Natomas)
Sarah Vlachakis, M.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 2009. 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 Behavior 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
Bio coming soon!
Jill Bonetti, B.A. - Supervising Behavior Consultant
Bio coming soon!
Rosie Andrade, B.A. - 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 Teaching with an emphasis in ABA, to be completed in 2010.
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.
Melyssa Reynolds, M.A, B.C.B.A - Speech Pathologist (Giving Tree Preschool & Bradshaw Center Based Program)
Melyssa graduated from the University of the Pacific with a Master of Arts degree in Communicative Disorders in 1996, and received Board Certification as a Behavior Analyst in 2007. She entered the field of Speech Pathology with the intention of working exclusively with children with autism as an undergraduate, and she has been serving children with autism in the Sacramento community since that time. Melyssa’s extensive clinical experience includes treatment of motor-based speech disorders including introductory level certification in PROMPT, social language and communication training including the SCERTS model, functional communication skill building, formal assessment, consultation/supervision, and formal staff and parent trainings. Melyssa’s approach bridges a sound developmental perspective with advanced behavioral principles and a working knowledge of sensory integration. This unique combination of skills as a speech pathologist and behavior analyst have provided an integral component to Advance Kids’ comprehensive treatment plans since 2003.
Mission Statement: To provide high quality speech and language services, bridging a developmental perspective with the sound principles of ABA, and to assist individuals in the development of communication skills necessary for advancement toward independence and achievement.
Stephanie Adrian, M.A. - Behavior Consultant
Stephanie graduated from the University of California, Irvine in September 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Behavior. She began working with children in July of 2002 for Camp Fire USA as a camp counselor for disadvantaged youth. As an undergrad, she interned at the Child Abuse Services Team (C.A.S.T.) in Orange County as a child advocate for physically and sexually abused children. Stephanie moved from Los Angeles to Sacramento in October of 2007 to have the opportunity to work with children on the spectrum. She began working for Advance Kids in December of 2007 as a school aide and later was transferred to the Bradshaw center to work as a tutor. Her love and dedication to these children earned her a promotion as a Behavior Consultant in December of 2008. She is currently working on her Master of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Mission Statement: To celebrate every accomplishment a child achieves, provide support to both the families and the staff involved with the child, and ensure a loving environment for the children we have the opportunity to assist.
Jefferson Adrian, M.A. - Behavior Consultant
Jeff graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He is currently taking courses at National University to receive a Master’s in Teaching with an ABA emphasis. Jeff plans to take the BCBA exam to become a certified behavior analyst. Jeff was hired by Advance Kids in 2007 as an in-home and school aide. After a year of working with the company he was promoted to lead instructional assistant in Giving Tree preschool. In just six months, Jeff was promoted to behavior consultant in the Bradshaw Center Based Program. Working with children on the autism spectrum has become a passion in his life and he enjoys seeing clients’ progress. Jeff is looking forward to continuing his work with children on the autism spectrum because he feels that he can make a difference in their lives and the lives of their parents, family, and friends.
Mission statement: To make a difference in the lives of our clients by providing quality clinical care.
Jason Gilbert B.S. – Behavior Consultant
Jason recently finished his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Chico State in May of 2009 and plans to continue his career in the field of ABA. Jason joined the Advance Kids team in November of 2006 in order to pursue an interest in the field of psychology, specifically the autism spectrum, sparked by his interaction with the son of a family friend. During his time with Advance Kids he has found a passion for the field and plans on pursuing a Master’s Degree to further his knowledge and skill base in order to better serve the clients he works with.
Mission Statement: To help provide these amazing children with the tools and skills necessary to realize their potential.
Nadja Martins, B.A. - Behavior Consultant
Nadja graduated from Federal University of Bahia, Brazil with a Bachelor degree in Teaching. She has been working in the educational field for over ten years and has been part of Advance Kids team since April 2008. Her proven adaptability and expertise working with multi-cultural populations and her experience with children from diverse cultural/linguistic backgrounds are outstanding assets to Advance Kids. Nadja’s love and dedication for children and her ability to apply the ABA principles and techniques effectively make her an exceptional Lead Instructional Assistant. She is proud to be a part of Advance Kids and looks forward to learning and growing for years to come.
Mission Statement: Offer the best clinical service in the field, delivered with the love they deserve.
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.
Courtney Vinton - Lead Tutor
Courtney is currently attending Sierra College to obtain her A.S. in Psychology before transferring to a four year university to pursue her B.A. in the same field. Courtney has always enjoyed working with young children and providing each one with the opportunity to live up to their full potential. Her passion for helping the clients she works with continues to grow with every passing day. Courtney began her employment with Advance Kids in April of 2008 as an in-home tutor. In December 2008, she was promoted to Lead Tutor at the Bradshaw Center where she hopes to continue furthering her knowledge of the ABA field.
Mission Statement: To give each child with autism the chance to participate and be a thriving member in today’s society, by providing a nurturing and compassionate learning environment.
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.
Lindsey Hemington, B.A. - Lead Tutor
Lindsey joined the Advance Kids Natomas Center Based Program as a Tutor in May, 2008. Earning her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Simpson University, Lindsey was quickly promoted to a Lead Tutor position in April of 2009 at the Sacramento Center Based Program. Lindsey plans on attending Sacramento State to obtain her Masters in Child Development in the near future.
Christy Daniel, M.S. - 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 superviser 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. Christy is currently enrolled in certification coursework in behavior analysis which she will complete in December 2009 and will take the board certification exam in the spring of 2010.
Mission Statement: To improve the day-to-day lives of children with autism by expanding their capacity to learn, communicate, and relate to others.
Jennifer Ford - Assistant to Director
Bio coming soon!
Susannah Fox, B.A. (M.A. in progress) - 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 and is currently completing certification coursework in applied behavior analysis with the goal of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. 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 B.A. (M.S. in progress) - 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 was quickly promoted to a behavior consultant in December 2008. She 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 2010.
Kayla Thomas B.A. (M.A. in progress) - 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. As a Behavior Consultant, Kayla is working toward a Master's Degree in Teaching with a specialization in Applied Behavioral Analysis which she plans to complete in December 2009 and take the board certification exam in the spring of 2010.
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.
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.
Curtis VanWinkle - Lead Tutor
Curtis was a preschool teacher and a youth leader before joining the Advance Kids team in 2004. He has experience leading recreation programs and running lessons for youth aged two through sixteen. Curtis has accrued college credits in Human Development and earned a promotion to in-home lead tutor in 2005. In 2008, he joined the Natomas Center Based Program and has been an integral component of the success of the program. Curtis displays exceptional skills at integrating play into the daily instruction for all students participating in the program.