Michelle Wenell, M.A., B.C.B.A. - CEO/PresidentMs. Wenell holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento, and a Master of Arts in Teaching and Applied Behavior Analysis from National University. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), she works diligently to promote Applied Behavior Analysis and ensure that those working with her organization are qualified professionals. She is currently an adjunct professor of graduate courses in ABA for National University and sits on the Public Policy Committee for CalABA. Ms. Wenell has been working with individuals with a variety of developmental disabilities for more than 20 years. She has provided behavior intervention services in public school settings, family homes, center-based programs, and non-public schools for consumers ages 18 months to 45 years. She has worked most extensively with individuals with autism, providing in home programs, center based programs and a non- public preschool. In 2001, Ms. Wenell established Advance Kids with the intention of changing the course of the future for young children with autism without forgetting the needs of adolescents and adults who still need support and intervention.
Ms. Wenell was featured in The Business Journal and was also awarded "Business Woman of the Year" by the National Association of Women Business Owners in 2008.
Most importantly, Ms. Wenell is the mother of three children, Jake, Gavin and Morgan who have taught her what parenting is really about.
Jorge Barragan - Assistant to Chief Executive OfficerJorge joined Advance Kids in 2009. He graduated from San Jose State in 2008 with a B.A. in Design Studies (emphasis in Graphic Design) with a minor in Photography. Jorge enjoys watching all sports, but his true love is in soccer for he has played it since he was a child. Jorge has a very creative mind and really enjoys working on Arts and Crafts.
Arturo Barragan - Chief Operations OfficerArturo first joined Advance Kids in 2003 as a one on one tutor in the Chico area. He left Advance Kids to pursue his soccer dream, playing professional soccer in Nicaragua. Arturo returned to the Advance Kids’ team again in 2005. His experience in working with children with autism for several years has been an asset to children we serve. Arturo will be pursuing his B.A. in Psychology in the near future, where he will continue to work with children diagnosed within the spectrum. Advance Kids has given him the opportunity to learn and teach.
Joanie Jagow - Director of Human ResourcesJoanie was appointed Director of Human Resources for Advance Kids in August 2008. She is responsible for leading and directing all human resource initiatives for the company. She has over 14 years experience in office and human resource management. Prior to joining Advance Kids, she served as the Director of Human Resources for a commercial general contractor for 12 years. Joanie is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) by the Society for Human Resource Management. She is a member of the Sacramento Area Human Resources Association (SAHRA), and California Chamber of Commerce. Although her passion to work with children doesn’t allow hands on interaction, her ability to contribute to the overall success of Advance Kids will ultimately affect the children we serve.
Katie Alosi - Assistant to Director of Human ResourcesKatie joined Advance Kids in September of 2010. She provides support to the Director of Human Resources. Ms. Alosi has over 20 years of experience in administrative services, several years of which were spent working with government agencies and working in disaster preparedness. Before joining the Advance Kids team, she worked for a municipal consulting firm where her executive administrative duties included organizing the task load for a team of ten administrative assistants and managing the Regional Water Authority Hotline for the Sacramento area. She has directed community programs, managed and staffed several large-scale stage shows for the Lassen County Fair and has extensive experience in the health insurance industry. She is pursuing her educational path in Sociology with a leaning in Criminology. With each endeavor Katie has been committed to elevating others and making her community a better place. Katie is proud to be a part of the Advance Kids team.
Alicia Adam - Assistant to Director of Human ResourcesAli started with Advance Kids in January, 2010. She has over 8 years administrative experience with a number of large companies throughout the Bay Area. She is currently attending Sacramento State University, working towards a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and a minor in Biological Sciences. Ali currently volunteers with the Elk Grove School District, helping to educate children about nutrition and health. Her dream is to someday become a nutrition/health educator for children and adults by creating and implementing nutrition education programs in both work and school environments. Ali takes pride in assisting the HR and Finance Departments and providing support to all employees at Advance Kids.
Chad was appointed Chief Financial Officer for Advance Kids in August 2010. He is responsible for managing and directing all of the financial matters for the company. Prior to joining Advance Kids he served as a Commercial Lending officer for 15 years. Chad has worked with the company for over 6 years providing loans and lines of credit that have helped Advance Kids grow into the organization they are today. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Roseville, Contract Finance Management Association and a voting member on the California Capital Loan Committee. Chad joined Advance Kids to help manage their finances so they can continue to grow and serve more children in our community.
Lynn Davis - Assisant to Chief Financial OfficerBio coming soon!