IN HOME CLINICAL STAFF Click here for Advance Kids (Northern Region) Staff
Robert Hanson, B.A. - Director of In-Home Services
Robert joined the clinical staff in 2006. He first entered the field of child development in 1990, while working on his child care license. He has been acquiring clinical experience in the field of ABA since 1996 when he began working in the field of Autism Early Intervention for a Lovaas replication site in Sacramento. While working as a behavioral technician, Robert completed his Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Psychology. Upon completion he was promoted to lead technician, classroom teacher, In-Home consultant, Behavior Analyst and ultimately achieving the position of Director of In-Home Services for Advance Kids. Robert has found the field of Applied Behavior Analysis extremely challenging and reinforcing. He has completed certification coursework in Behavior Analysis with the goal of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst following the completion of his Master's in Special Education Degree.
Mission Statement: To greet each day with the greatest of expectation for all that I serve, to ensure that each of my clients will possess the necessary skills that will excel them in their daily lives.
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.
Robbie Baldus, M.A. BCBA – Supervising Behavior Consultant
Robbie joined Advance Kids in April of 2008 after completing her Master’s Degree from Western Michigan, a school recognized by the Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis. Through her coursework and her internship at the Croyden Preschool Autism Program, she received extensive training in the field of applied behavior analysis. In this setting, she acquired the skills to assess and treat the varying characteristics of children diagnosed with Autism. Robbie has proven herself to be an extremely gifted clinician, through the development of specialized treatment programs and intervention strategies which assists her clients to meet their greatest potential.
Mission Statement: To utilize the principles of applied behavior analysis to develop effective programs that benefit children diagnosed with Autism and their families.
Adam Olives, B.A. - Supervising Behavior Consultant
Adam joined our clinical staff in September of 2007. He completed his Master of Science in Psychology in March of 2009 and is currently completing the necessary coursework to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Prior to coming to Advance Kids, Adam worked as a Rehabilitative Case Manager, which involved 1:1 implementation of skills training aimed at providing support to children diagnosed with mental health and developmental disabilities. He worked as part of an interdisciplinary team of psychologists, marriage and family counselors, and teachers for children ranging in age from four to seventeen years of age. He has developed a passion for working with children and is excited to see the progress they make on a daily basis.
Mission Statement: To improve the lives of Children and families by providing them with opportunities to learn and grow, as well as supporting them with the day to day challenges life brings.
Maria Alejandra Hand, B.A. - Behavior Consultant
Maria has worked with at-risk children, special needs adults, and low-income families since 2002. Through her experiences, she realized her passion for working with special needs individuals and working with children. Prior to joining the Advance Kids team in September 2007, she worked as a Social Case Manager with families to develop care plans for the home environment. Since joining the Advance Kids’ team, Maria has worked as a school aide, teen coach, and currently serves her clients as a Behavior Consultant in the Elk Grove area. She completed her Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Maria is currently enrolled in a Master's of Teaching program with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis which will be completed in October 2009 to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Mission Statement: To improve the quality of life for our children and families through education and support.
Willona Jefferson, M.A. – Behavior Consultant
Willona has worked in the field of ABA since 2003 and joined the Advance Kids In-Home department in November of 2008. She completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from California State University, while working as a tutor at a Lovaas replication site in Sacramento before moving to Florida to pursue her Master’s in Education from the University of Phoenix. Currently Willona is working toward her Educational Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership. Prior to working at Advance Kids, Willona worked as an Assistant Director at a preschool in Florida and held several positions working with deaf adults with special needs. Following completion of her EdD, Willona plans to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Mission Statement: To continuously work towards enhancing the lives and knowledge of children with Autism through the use of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Jason Weed, B.A. – Behavior Consultant
Jason joined the Advance Kids team in December of 2008 after completing his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Western Michigan, a school recognized by the Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis. While attending school Jason completed coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis and worked in an Autism Early Intervention program, the Croyden Preschool Autism Program. In this setting, he provided recommendations and direct treatment to children between the ages of two and five, diagnosed with Autism. His experience and knowledge in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis has contributed to the success and progression of his clients. Jason looks forward to pursuing his masters and becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Mission Statement: To develop programs and interventions that will improve the lives of my clients and their families.
Regina Leo, M.S. - Behavior Consultant
Regina began working as an in-home tutor at Advance Kids in October of 2006 after graduating with her B.S. in Human Development with a minor in Education from UC Davis. Being a student teacher intern at a full inclusion program and Child Development Center in Davis has played a valuable role in her work as a tutor. She has worked in many departments any in many positions throughout her time at Advance Kids. She received her Master's in counseling with a school counseling emphasis from CSU, Sacramento in December, 2008, which she gained experience helping at-risk students through assessments and the implementation of intervention plans and gained opportunities to provide support to families. At CSUS, she continued her advocacy for autism through research and in-class presentations to provide awareness of how to help children and families affected by autism. Seeing her clients' progress, sharing special moments with families, and her rewarding experiences has inspired her to continue working in this field, with plans of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Mission Statement: To use my experiences, knowledge, enthusiasm, and caring to help the kids I work with reach their highest potential and to provide support, care, and understanding to their families.
Megan Kittle, B.A. - Behavior Consultant
Megan joined the Advance Kids team in August of 2007. Megan has always been passionate about language and communication which lead her to the University of California, Santa Barbara, to study English Literature. Upon receiving her B.A. in 2005, Megan spent a month in New Zealand teaching English as a second language. After working for a software company and providing respite care to a family friend with Autism, Megan chose to make a change and pursue a career in this field. While working with children on the spectrum, and helping them with their communication deficits, Megan became inspired to further her education. She is currently earning her B.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences at California State University, Sacramento, and will enroll in an M.S. program, to become a speech pathologist, where she plans to utilize ABA theory and practice.
Mission Statement: To help children with Autism and their families achieve and maintain self sufficiency, communicate effectively and thrive through the implementation of ABA techniques.
Brittney Keeler, B.A. - Behavior Consultant
Brittney joined the clinical staff of Advance Kids in 2006. As an In-Home and Center-Based Tutor she was exposed to variety of challenging and rewarding experiences. Through these opportunities she realized that working with special needs children was the only path of life she could see herself taking. After finishing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies at California State University, Sacramento, she was promoted to the Behavior Consultant position where she will continue to grow and learn about the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Brittney plans to continue her education by obtaining her Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and obtaining her BCBA so that she may acquire more skills to help improve the lives of the children who have touched her heart.
Mission Statement: To teach children diagnosed with Autism and their family’s new skills that can improve and enrich their everyday life through the practice of ABA and effective communication.
Jennipher Jordan - Behavior Consultant
Bio coming soon!
Sarah Mancuso - Lead Tutor to Robbie Baldus
Sarah joined Advance Kids in 2004. Her past experience with respite care and childcare in foster home settings as well as her desire for improving the lives of children has proven to be a valuable asset for Advance Kids and their clients. She has worked with a variety of children diagnosed with Autism both in classrooms and in their homes. Her experience and dedication has assisted in improving the lives of many of her client's through the development of imitation, communication and social skills. Sarah’s passion for increasing her education and experience is critical in an ever changing field and makes her an important member of the Advance Kids’ team.
Mission Statement: To enhance the lives of the children I work with using ABA and to continue to learn from each new experience.
Mary Mathenia - Lead Tutor
Mary Mathenia was recently promoted to the position of Lead Tutor for the Sacramento In-home department. Her outstanding work over the past two years in the Educational Services Department as a school aide and the In-home Department as a tutor has provided her with the framework necessary to mentor and assist other tutors grow in their position. Prior to her employment with Advance Kids she worked eight years with SED children ranging in age from birth to 18 years of age. While Mary has found a passion for children diagnose with Autism she continues to hold a position of on-call with the Children’s Receiving Home. She has worked for the last 10 years within the daycare system ranging from eight-months to pre-school ages. Mary has a B.A. in Child Development from California State University Sacramento and is currently pursuing a Master degree in Teaching with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis through National University. Her future goals consist of but are not limited to going back to school for her sign language interpreters certificate. As her experience and knowledge of the field of ABA grows she plans to become a Behavior Consultant and assist families in need.
Mission Statement: To assist in the development of quality ABA programs that provide our families and their children with the skills necessary for everyday life.
Nicole Reed, A.S. - Lead Tutor for Maria Alejandra Hand
Nicole has been completely changed by her experience working with the children she has met through Advance Kids. She began her education studying to be pre-med, specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, but meeting the families and clients here changed her mind and led her to pursue the study of Speech and Language Pathology. Nicole came to Advance Kids in May 2005 as an In-Home Tutor and participated in both the Educational Services Department and our Center Based program. In March 2008 she was promoted to Lead Tutor for the In-Home Department for the Elk Grove area. Currently, Nicole is working on completing her B.S. in Speech and Language Pathology and then will begin on her Masters of Arts Degree.
Mission Statement: To help our children achieve and surpass every goal set before them with use of intensive intervention programs.
Sara Jardin (B.A. in progress) - Lead Tutor
Sara joined the Advance Kids team in 2004 as an In-Home Tutor and later expanded her skills in the Education Services department as an Instructional Assistant. In March of 2009, Sara was promoted to the Lead Tutor position for the In-Home department where she continues to flourish and enjoy the new challenges and responsibilities that have come with the position. Sara currently is working toward the completion of her B.A. in Teaching and then will pursue her Special Education credential. While working with Advance Kids, Sara has strengthened her resolve to become a special education teacher and has observed firsthand the positive impact that she can have on children diagnosed with Autism. Sara’s commitment to the field of education continues to be strengthened and she foresees a lifetime career in the field for many more years to come.
Mission Statement: To help improve and enrich the lives of children with Autism through the implementation of ABA.
ADVANCE KIDS (NORTHERN REGION) STAFF
Julia Young, M.A., B.C.B.A. - Director of Services, Northern Region
Julia earned a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors in Human Development with a minor in Psychology and Education from University of California, Davis in 2006, and her Masters degree in Teaching with an ABA emphasis from National University in December 2008. She is expecting to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam in 2009. She began working with children by coaching a girls’ recreational soccer team and volunteering in elementary classrooms in 2001. Since then, Julia has gained experience working with children in a variety of settings, ranging from home daycares, baby sitting, and a resource room (RSP) and inclusion setting internships. Her affinity for working with children led her to Advance Kids in June 2005, where she began as a tutor with the in home department. Her dedication and commitment to the field of ABA quickly led to promotions to lead, consultant, supervising consultant and now assistant director.
Mission Statement: To develop a nurturing environment whereby I encourage individuality while assisting the client to develop independence through fun and enriching activities.
Rebecca McKasson, B.S. - Supervising Behavior Consultant
Rebecca joined Advance Kids in the fall of 2005 as an in-home tutor in the Northern region. She quickly found a passion for the field of applied behavior analysis and the mission of Advance Kids to provide the best treatment for children affected by Autism. Since beginning with Advance Kids she has served as an in-home tutor, lead tutor, behavior consultant and most recently, supervising consultant. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Chico State in 2006 and plans to further her education by pursuing a Masters in applied behavior analysis in the near future.
Mission Statement: To find the limitless potential that each child possesses and to give my best each day so that I may effect change for a bright, beautiful and hope-filled future.
Stephanie Jacobs B.A. – Supervising Behavior Consultant
Stephanie joined Advance Kids in January of 2006 after spending two and a half years in the field of ABA with a Lovaas company in the Central Valley. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Psychology in May of 2008, from CSU, Chico. Stephanie began her college career eager to become an elementary school teacher. However, as she continued her education and work experience in applied behavior analysis, she became more passionate and concluded that her heart was in this field. Stephanie has spent two and a half years with Advance Kids and plans to continue her growth within the northern region of the company for many years to come.
Mission Statement: To enhance the quality of life for children with autism and make sure they and their families continue to live, laugh, and love!
David Charlon, B.A. - Behavior Consultant
David earned his Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Chico in 2005, in between working and starting his family. His greatest challenge, and source of deepest joy, has been in his role as husband and parent, raising his three-year-old son. David worked as an Instructional Aide for ELL/ESL students in a High School setting prior to joining Advance Kids. David joined Advance Kids in 2006, where he worked as a Tutor, life coach, and now behavior consultant, providing instruction and training to many amazing children. Seeing the determination of these young children to continue to learn and grow despite the challenge of Autism has been a humbling experience for David. It has given him the strength and motivation each day to provide the best instruction possible, and continually improve his skills and knowledge of behaviorism. David was promoted to Behavior Consultant in 2008, and plans to further his education in this field.
Mission Statement: To be a guide, a teacher, and a role model for our clients as they make their journey towards discovering their own voices and independence.
Jerri Aubry M.S. – Behavior Consultant
Jerri joined the clinical staff for Advance Kids in October of 2008. Jerri recently graduated with her Masters in marriage and family therapy from CSU, Chico. Jerri started in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis in 1993 while working at a private center for developmentally and mentally disabled adults. Jerri continued to advance her training and experience in ABA by working in social skills programs through a Work Training Center in 1996. She continued to teach social skills using ABA techniques for the Work Training Center until she entered school full time in December of 1997. Jerri’s future goals include becoming a licensed family therapist and a board certified behavior analyst.
Mission statement: To create a learning environment than can enrich the lives of children with autism, while empowering parents and families to become the central figure in their child’s future successes.
Adam Yates B.S. – Behavior Consultant
Adam earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from CSU Chico in 2007 and is currently working on his Master’s Degree in Psychological Science at CSU Chico as well. Before working with Advance Kids, Adam performed work in support programs for people living in areas of poverty in Central America. Adam joined the Advance Kids team in April of 2008, working as a tutor while he attended school. He quickly acquired the skills and motivation to work as a behavior consultant after 8 months in the field and currently works part time as a behavior consultant while earning his Master’s degree and raising a family. Adam thrives to help people in need and looks forward to every day he spends in the service of those with Autism.
Mission Statement: Life’s about living and having fun with loved ones, and I’m here to help that happen for everyone.
Rebekah Catalano, M.Ed. - Behavior Consultant
Rebekah graduated from the College of William and Mary in 2006 with a degree in Sociology. Having spent her college years working for the Williamsburg Campus Childcare Center, Rebekah decided to expand her knowledge of early childhood development, receiving a Masters of Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2008. Employment as a verbal behavior tutor while in graduate school led Rebekah to discover her passion for working with children with Autism. Following graduate school, she was employed as a public preschool teacher for young children with Autism in Stafford, Virginia, expanding her knowledge of ABA, as well as collaborating with speech therapists and occupational therapists both in the classroom and in the home. Rebekah came to work at Advance Kids as a behavior consultant in January 2010. She is currently enrolled in coursework through National University in Applied Behavior Analysis, with plans to sit for the exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in May 2011. She constantly seeks ways to further her educational and clinical knowledge through her employment at Advance Kids, ensuring she provides the most effective treatment for her clients.
Mission Statement: To provide effective treatment for children with Autism, employing developmentally appropriate practices with respect and support for both the children and their families.
Allison Holt – Lead Tutor
From a very early age Allison hoped to do something that would make a difference. Allison started with Advance Kids as an in home tutor, and felt a deep passion with everything that came along with it. As she learned more about Applied Behavior Analysis, and Autism, Allison realized that this was the right field for her. She has been with Advance Kids since 2005, and was promoted to the lead tutor position in 2006 where she assists in implementing and monitoring programs. She also leads a play group each week where she creates opportunities for her clients to interact with other children in the community. One of Allison’s goals is to instill a passionate desire in people to do their best. Allison is currently in school working toward her Bachelor’s degree and is expected to graduate in the summer of 2010.
Mission Statement: I strive to give a voice to the children I work with by teaching them communication, socialization, and skills that will make them independent. I want each child to have achievements that are far above what the world expects of them.
Molly Fogarty, B.A - Lead Tutor
Molly joined Advance Kids in the summer of 2008, shortly after receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University Chico. From a young age Molly knew that she wanted a career that would impact and improve lives. While in school, Molly had her first opportunity to work with children on the Autism spectrum, and from that first opportunity she found a passion to work in the field of applied behavior analysis. While at Advance Kids, Molly has served as a Tutor and currently as a Lead Tutor. Molly plans to advance her education by pursuing a Masters degree in applied behavior analysis.
Mission Statement: I strive to provide children with the tools necessary to lead more meaningful and rewarding lives.
Jenna Ball, B.A - Lead Tutor
Jenna earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies and Child Development with an emphasis in Special Education from California State University, Chico. She has been working with individuals with autism since 2002 in homes, schools and program settings, and joined Advance Kids staff in the winter of 2009. Since then, she has served as an in home tutor and lead tutor position. She is currently working toward her Masters in teaching with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis.