Click here for Advance Kids (Northern Region) Staff

Robert Hanson, M.S. - 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.

 

Adam Olives, M.A., B.C.B.A. - Assistant Director/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.

 

Robbie Baldus, M.A., B.C.B.A. - – 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.

 

Willona Jefferson, M.A. - Supervising 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.

 

Alicia Ashley, B.A. - Behavior Consultant

Alicia received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Spanish from Azusa pacific University. Prior to joining the Advance kids' In-Home staff in the fall of 2009, Alicia worked as a middle school English teacher in a full -inclusion classroom during the school year and a camp counselor during the summer for children affected with cancer. These experiences inspired in her a passion to work with children with special needs, which makes her  employment with Advance Kids extremely rewarding. A current behavior consultant, Alicia plans on pursuing her Master of Arts degree in Teaching with the goal of becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Mission Statement: To equip and empower children with autism and their families to achieve self-sufficiency and effective communication skills through the use of ABA principles.

 

Amy Flack, B.A. - Behavior Consultant

(Bio Coming Soon)

 

 

 

 

Dana Muccular, M.A. - Behavior Consultant

Dana joined the Advance Kids team as a tutor in July 2007, and was promoted to Behavior Consultant in the spring of 2011. Prior to working at Advance Kids, Dana worked as an educator in private schools, and non-profit agencies for children from birth to age 18. Dana has also participated in community outreach programs in Sacramento, as well as Fairfield, Ca. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Family and Consumer Science in 2004; as well as her Master of Arts degree in 2008 in Multicultural Education; from California State University, Sacramento. In the near future, Dana plans to participate in additional community outreach services, pursue her doctoral degree in Education, as well as become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Mission Statement: To enhance the lives of children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder through educational resources, patience, dedication, and, commitment.

 

Jennipher Jordan, M.A. - Behavior Consultant

Jennipher began providing respite care to the families of children with autism in 2003 while completing her Bachelor of Arts degree at San Jose State University.  After six years of witnessing firsthand how ABA transforms families and developing a passion for children with autism, she knew she found her career.  In February, 2009 she joined the Advance Kids’ team and immediately knew she had found her calling.  Jennipher holds the position of Behavior Consultant within the In-Home department while pursuing the completion of her Master of Arts degree in Teaching with an emphasis in ABA.  In addition, Jennipher is looking forward to becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2011.

Mission Statement: To help children with autism realize their full potential through hard work, hugs and Applied Behavior Analysis.

 

Katie Hartline, B.A. - Behavior Consultant (Bio Coming Soon)

(Bio Coming Soon)

 

 

 

 

Nicole Reed, B.S. - Behavior Consultant

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. Nicole is working toward becoming a Speech and Language Pathologist.

Mission Statement: To help our children achieve and surpass every goal set before them with use of intensive intervention programs.

 

Rebecca Thompson, B.A. - Behavior Consultant

In the spring of 2005, Rebecca began working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. During this time she learned realized that she had found her calling and has provided direct care to children with various disorders ever since. Prior to joining the Advance Kids team in June of 2010, Rebecca worked as a Preschool Teacher. Rebecca received her B.A. in Psychology at Simpson University in Redding, CA. at the end of 2005. She plans to continue her education by pursuing a M.A. in Teaching as well as BCBA certification in the near future.

Mission Statement: To use the skills and education I have acquired to touch the hearts and minds of children and families, changing their lives forever!

 

Robyn Grippa, B.A. - Behavior Consultant

Robyn graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work. Robyn joined the Advance Kids team in August 2008. She began her career at Advance Kids as a Instructional Assistant at the Giving Tree School. Robyn also spent time at Bradshaw Center as a tutor before being promoted to a Lead Instructional Assistant in the Giving Tree School in February 2010. In December 2010, Robyn was promoted to Behavior Consultant in the In-Home Services Department. Prior to joining Advance Kids, Robyn had several years of experience working with children through volunteer work at her church and interning at a Foster care agency. She is pursuing a Masters in Teaching and certification in Applied Behavior Analysis. Robyn will graduate in summer 2012, and plans to sit for the BCBA exam after graduation.

Mission Statement: To maximize our clients' independence to the extent they may work and play in the community to their highest potential.

 

Sara Jardin, B.A. - Behavior Consultant

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 flourished and enjoyed many new challenges and responsibilities. Sara was promoted to a Behavior Consultant in 2011 and will be pursuing her Special Education Credential. While working with Advance Kids, Sara has strengthened her dedication to working with children with special education and has intended to focus her passion on children diagnosed with autism. Sara's commitment to the field of education continues to grow and she foresees a career in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and autism for many more years to come.

Mission Statement: To help improve and enrich the lives of children with autism through the implementation of ABA.

 

Diane Wahhab, B.A. - Lead Tutor

Diane first started in the field of ABA in 2001. Since that time she has gained experience in Center Based Programs, In-Home Programs, and School Based Programs. Diane received her Bachelors degree from William Jessup University. Diane joined Advance Kids in 2010 as a tutor for the In-Home and a classroom aide for the Educational Services department. In the spring of 2011 she was promoted to a Lead Tutor for the In-Home department. Diane hopes to become a consultant one day to continue her work with children diagnosed with autism.

Mission Statement: To enrich the lives of children with autism and their families by equipping them with the skills and resources needed to be successful in their everyday lives.

 

Mary Mathenia, M.A. - 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.

To assist in the development of quality ABA programs that provides our families and their children with the skills necessary for everyday life.

 

ADVANCE KIDS (NORTHERN REGION) STAFF

 

Rebecca McKasson, M.A. - Director of Services, Northern Region

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, supervising behavior consultant and most recently the director of services for the northern region. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Chico State in 2006 and a Master of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2011. Her next pursuit is to become a board certified behavior analyst, following successful completion of the BCBA exam in 2012.

Mission Statement: To inspire a bright, beautiful and hope-filled future for individuals and families impacted by autism through implementation of individualized programs and principles of applied behavior analysis.

 

Jonathan McCabe, B.S., B.C.B.A. - Clinical Director

Jonathan graduated from UC Davis with a B.S. in Psychology in 2004. During his time there he spent three years as a Research Assistant studying early language development in young infants. Late in his college education, Jonathan began working with children with autism while exploring his interest in child development. Jonathan joined Advance Kids in 2004 working as an in-home and school tutor full time. He was promoted to a lead tutor before moving into a Behavior Consultant position in 2006. He moved to Chico in March of 2007 to supervise the implementation of in-home programs in the northern region of Advance Kids.  He took on the Director role in March of 2008. He currently is obtaining his Masters Degree in Teaching with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). He plans to earn this degree in June 2009 and achieve board certification as a behavior analyst in August, 2009.

Mission Statement: To create hope and belief for families struggling to raise a child with Autism by implementing proven treatment methods and modifying intervention to meet the needs of each family.

 

David Charlon, M.A. - Supervising 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.

 

Erin Reed - Behavior Consultant

(Bio Coming Soon)

 

 

 

 

Jonathan Schneider, M.A.- Behavior Consultant

Jonathan graduated from California State University, Chico in 2008 with a degree in Psychology. Interested in expanding his knowledge of Behavioral Neuroscience, Jonathan decided to pursue his Masters education in the Psychological Sciences. Later inspired by the material of a Learning and Behavior course, Jonathan decided he wanted to pursue a career that would allow him to apply his knowledge of behavioral principles toward producing positive change. In December of 2009 he joined Advance Kids and provided in home services as a tutor. Shortly after finishing his graduate education in May of 2011, Jonathan was promoted the position of Behavior Consultant. He strives to increase his knowledge of behavioral strategies and develop additional skills that he can use to help his clients gain their independence.

Mission Statement: To empower families and their children by providing tools that will help them excel throughout day-to-day challenges.

 

Melissa Hogan, B.A. - Behavior Consultant

Melissa has worked with children and their families since 2003 after graduating from San Francisco State with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Prior to joining the Advance Kids team in September 2010, some of her early experiences include working as a Residential Counselor at a group home for children with moderate to severe emotional disturbances, a Level 2 Instructor for a Kindergarten autism-specific classroom, and a Case Supervisor for another in-home program for individuals with autism in the Bay Area. Melissa plans to futher her education by pursuing a Masters and becoming a board certified behavior analyst.

Mission Statement: To use my knowledge and experience to support the children and families that I work with to reach their highest potential through the practices of ABA.

 

Molly Fogarty - Behavior Consultant

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 got her first opportunity to work with children on the spectrum, 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, Lead Tutor, and presently as a Behavior Consultant. Molly is currently pursuing a Masters degree with emphasis in applied behavior analysis.

Mission Statement:  I strive to provide children with the tools necessary to lead more meaningful and rewarding lives.

 

Allison Holt - Lead Tutor

From a very early age Allison hoped to do something that would make a difference. When the opportunity came to work with children and families affected by Autism, she jumped on it. Allison started out with Advance Kids as an in home tutor, and fell in love with everything that came along with it. As she learned more about Applied Behavior Analysis, and Autism, Allison realized that this was the field that she was destined to be in. Allison loves playing with the kids, watching them grow, and above all, singing songs with them. She has been with AK since 2005, and was promoted to the Lead Tutor position in 2006. One of Allison's goals is to instill a passionate desire in people to do their best. Allison is currently working toward her Bachelor's degree.

Mission Statement: To use Applied Behavior Analysis, laughing, singing, and caring, to help develop courage, confidence and life skills in children affected by Autism, and their families.

 

Leigh Campbell - Lead Tutor

(Bio Coming Soon)

 

 

 

 

Marcia Pineda - Lead Tutor

(Bio Coming Soon)