EDUCATIONAL SERVICES STAFF
Jessica Adge, B.A. - Director of Educational Services
Jessica graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She has always had the strong desire to work with children, and when she joined the company in January of 2007, she quickly realized her passion and talent for working with children with developmental disabilities. She has worked with children on the spectrum both in their homes and in the school environment; she has held positions in the company including Tutor, Lead School Aide, Educational Consultant and most recently Assistant Director of Educational Services. Jessica feels most satisfied professionally working with children in a school classroom environment targeting growth in academics, socialization and independence. She will earn her Masters in Teaching in December of 2009 as well as her certification in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Mission Statement: To be an influential part of each child's educational and social success in their school environments.
Jennifer Ford - Assistant to Director
Bio coming soon!
Maureen Hillel, B.A. - Supervising Educational Consultant
Maureen graduated with honors earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology, from CSU, Chico in 2004. Maureen has enjoyed working with children diagnosed with autism and other developmental disabilities since she was in high school. She worked as a 4th and 5th grade special educator in a non-public school in the Sacramento area for 3 years and worked abroad with children with developmental disabilities on the Mannheim, Germany Army Base as a summer camp counselor. Maureen joined the Department of Educational Services at Advance Kids in the summer of 2008, and loves being part of a team dedicated to the success of children with developmental disabilities in school. Maureen is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Teaching and will graduate in December of 2009 and will sit for the exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Mission Statement: To assist children in reaching their potential as students, as communicators, and as individuals.
Renee Lewkowitz, M.A. - Educational Consultant
Renee holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development as well as a Master of Arts in Special Education from CSUS, Sacramento. She also possesses her teaching credential in Early Childhood Special Education. Renee has been working with children with developmental disabilities for over a decade; starting out as an in-home tutor. Before joining Advance Kids in 2008, Renee worked at the Regional Center, and has worked as a teacher in public and non-public schools in the Sacramento area. Renee plans on pursuing her certification in Applied Behavioral Analysis in the next few years. Besides being passionate about helping children with disabilities professionally, she also is motivated personally, as she has a daughter with Autism. Renee has a strong desire to help children in obtaining socialization, functional, and communication skills that will help them throughout their lives.
Mission Statement: To help children achieve independence, socialization, and communication in the classroom environment.
Jennifer Bell, M.A. - Educational Consultant
Jennifer graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelor's degree in Child Development and holds a Master's degree from San Francisco State University. Jennifer recently joined Advance Kids after relocating from San Jose, CA where she worked as a Behavior Consultant providing ABA services to children with disabilities. She plans on continuing her education and becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst sometime in the coming year so that she may continue to help children receive the best quality care possible.
Mission Statement: To provide to the very best of my ability the highest level of suppport to my clients in order to equip them with the skills necessary to succeed and achieve.
Amy Meredith, A.A. - Lead School Aide
Amy earned her Associate in Arts Degree in Social Sciences from San Joaquin Delta College in 2009. Prior to joining the Advance Kids team, Amy worked with children for four years at a local pottery studio organizing summer camps, running birthday parties, and directing field trips. Her aspirations to work with children with developmental disabilities drew her to the field of Autism and she joined the Advance Kids team in the summer of 2008. Since becoming an employee at Advance Kids, Amy has gained experience as an In-Home Tutor, as a Center Based Tutor in Natomas, and as a School Aide working in a 3rd and 4th grade classroom. She has recently been promoted to Lead School Aide. Working with children diagnosed with developmental disabilities has motivated Amy to pursue a career in the field of ABA and she is currently in the process of obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.
Mission Statement: To help children gain independence, develop social and self-help skills while maintaining individuality. I hope to help change the behavior of children rather than the children themselves.
Michelle Zozaya, M.S. - Educational Consultant
Michelle graduated from the University of California, Davis with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 2005 and a Masters degree in Child Development in 2009. She has worked with adults in a psychiatric state hospital, and more recently, with atypically developing and at-risk children and families. Prior to joining Advance Kids in July 2009, Michelle worked as a Graduate Student Researcher studying parent-child relationships and children's social development in early childhood. Michelle is dedicated to supporting children with developmental disabilities by promoting success and independence within the school setting.
Mission Statement: To support children in enhancing their social and communication skills and promote independence in the school environment.
Kris Molder - Lead School Aide
Kris has been dedicated to working with individuals with disabilities since 1996. She has experience with In-Home Tutoring, Social Recreation Programs, community-based instruction, and vocational training, as well as having fostered two children for four years. She became a member of the Advance Kids staff in 2005. Kris is currently involved in the operation of a care home for six adult women, in addition to her full-time position here in our Educational Services Department.