Giving Tree STAFF

Sarah Vlachakis, M.A., B.C.B.A. -  Director of The Giving Tree

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 is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  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 The Giving Tree School.

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 -  Administrative Assistant to the Director

Allison joined Advance Kids in July 2008. After serving as Administrative Assistant she was quickly promoted to The Giving Tree Administrative Assistant. Allison works closely with the Giving Tree 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.

 

 

 

Sarah Wheelock, B.A. -  Teacher

Sarah Wheelock has enjoyed working with children and always knew she wanted to become a teacher. Graduating from CSU, Chico with a BA in Liberal Studies and a minor in Special Education, Sarah has earned an Education Specialist Credential for Students with Moderate/Severe disabilities. Sarah has worked with students with a wide range of disabilities and age levels from preschool to adult in the both the public setting and in students private homes. She also worked with the Elk Grove Unified School District for two years. Sarah is excited that she can continue her education and be able to extend her love for learning to all children.

Mission Statement: To share my love of learning with each child and give a happy, fun, and safe place to learn and grow.

 

 

 

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

Richelle received her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Brigham Young University in 1991.  Before coming to California in 2000, she worked as a speech pathologist in Nebraska and Kentucky.  She has had extensive experience working with the preschool population in a variety of educational and hospital home-health settings.  She is very excited to have joined the Advance Kids team.

 

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

 

 

 

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.