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.

 

Laura Watkins - Assistant to Director

Laura joined Advance Kids as a tutor in the Bradshaw Center Based Program in January 2009. She immediately developed a passion for the field of Autism and providing ABA based services. She was promoted to Floating Tutor to the Natomas Center Based Program and Bradshaw Center Based Program in 2011. It was while floating between different departments that Laura began to appreciate the business side of Advance Kids. After receiving her Bachelors degree in Psychology Laura was promoted to Executive Assistant to the Bradshaw Center Based Department. As the Executive Assistant Laura enjoys serving Advance Kids employees and parents with the aim of these efforts to benefit the children we serve.

Mission Statement: To be available to the employees and parents of Advance Kids in any way needed in order to benefit the advancement of the children we serve.

 

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.

 

Susannah Fox, M.A., B.C.B.A. - Assistant Director/Supervising Behavior Consultant

Susannah joined Advance Kids in October of 2005 as an in-home tutor. She has worked with a wide variety of children on the autism spectrum. In June of 2006, Susannah worked as a tutor at the Natomas Center Based Program while earning her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento and accomplished her degree in May of 2007. After receiving her Bachelor's degree, Susannah worked in the positions of lead tutor and behavior consultant at the Natomas Center Based Program. In 2008, Susannah was promoted to a supervisor position. In 2010, Susannah received a Master of Arts in Teaching and a certificate for completing the Applied Behavior Analysis courses. Susannah credits the children she works with for giving her a priceless learning experience about life.

Mission Statement: To provide a fun and exciting learning environment for children with Autism and lead them to a more independent and successful 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.

 

Shaundee Horlick - Lead Tutor

Shaundee's previous work experience includes working as a volunteer assistant in an independent living skills and special day class for children with autism, from 1997 to 2002 in the San Juan Unified School District. She joined Advance Kids in early 2003 and currently works as a senior lead tutor at the Bradshaw Center Based program. She has been working in the field of ABA for 12 years. Her motivation comes from her brother who was diagnosed a little over 12 years ago and her nephew 1 year ago.

Mission Statement: To create a challenging learning environment for children with Autism, and to provide support and encouragement for each individual child and their families.