PRESCHOOL STAFF
Sarah Vlachakis, M.A. - Director of 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.
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.
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.
Robyn Crowder - Lead Tutor
Bio coming soon!
Andrea Garcia - Lead Tutor
Bio coming soon!
Allison White - Administrative Assistant to the 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.