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Orange County
Philip Druiff
Clinical Supervisor Philip graduated with a B.A. in Psychology in 2012 and a M.A. in Clinical Psychology in 2015 from Cal-State Dominguez Hills. In 2014, Philip began working in the ABA field with clients and their families and has been enjoying it ever since. He is currently pursuing his BCBA certification through the Florida Institute of Technology. Philip's commitment to the field comes from his passion to assist clients to achieve independence, personal outcomes and dreams through mentoring, perseverance...with a little fun along the way. 
Juan Victor Herrera
Lead Behavior Technician Victor began working in the field of ABA in 2019. He is currently pursuing his B.A in Psychology and plans on furthering his studies in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Through ABA, he is committed to assisting his clients with ASD, and other disabilities, in achieving independence and helping them get closer towards reaching their aspirations. Victor currently provides ABA therapy and Parent education for Spanish speaking families. He is also a Lead BT for the OC area. During his free time, he enjoys hiking, watching sports,cooking, and spending quality time with his family and pup. |
Ruth Rhoades, M.S.
Clinical Supervisor Ruth started working in the field of ABA in 2016 but her passion for individuals with disabilities has been present since her youth. She earned her B.A. in Communicative Disorders at California State University, Fullerton in 2018. Then, at the beginning of 2020, she earned her M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis at National University. Currently, she is pursuing her BCBA. In her free time, she likes puzzles, escape rooms, and being near the ocean. 
Ami Parikh, M.S.
Clinical Supervisor Ami has been in the field of ABA since 2016 in several settings such as school, home, clinic, and social skills. She graduated from California State University of Long Beach with a B.S. in Health Science. She has also completed her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University at the end of 2018. She is currently pursuing her certification as a BCBA. Ami is committed to helping her clients develop the skills needed to be more independent and continue to promote their success across all domains. |
Shivani Khosla, M.S.
Clinical Supervisor
Shivani graduated from UC Berkeley in 2016 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. After graduation, she worked at the Regional Center of Orange County where she became very passionate about the field of ABA. Shivani completed her Masters in Applied Behavioral Analysis and has worked in the field of ABA since 2020. She is working to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Shivani is committed to helping individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities and creating a more meaningful and independent life for those we serve.
Clinical Supervisor
Shivani graduated from UC Berkeley in 2016 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. After graduation, she worked at the Regional Center of Orange County where she became very passionate about the field of ABA. Shivani completed her Masters in Applied Behavioral Analysis and has worked in the field of ABA since 2020. She is working to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Shivani is committed to helping individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities and creating a more meaningful and independent life for those we serve.
Ventura County
Holly Feldmann M.Ed., BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst Holly obtained her Masters of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Arizona State University, and received her BCBA shortly thereafter. She is passionate about promoting independence within children's lives, through teaching communication, socialization, and adaptive skill sets, while having fun and building relationships along the way. Holly has worked within the field of ABA since 2012. Her biggest reward is witnessing the milestones achieved and growth portrayed within individuals who participate in ABA. In her free time, Holly enjoys spending time with her family and dogs. She also enjoys cooking, backpacking, and traveling. |
Amanda Ford B.A.
Clinical Supervisor Amanda is a graduate from California Lutheran University with a Bachelors in Psychology and is currently studying for her Master’s Degree in Behavioral Psychology from Pepperdine University. She is a Board Certified Autism Technician and an avid Advocate for Autism Awareness. She was inspired to enter the field of ABA by her little sister l, who has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. |
Kristen Ding, M.S.
Clinical Supervisor Shortly after obtaining her bachelor’s degree in sociology from San Jose State University, Kristen jumped into the behavioral health field. She obtained her master’s degree in psychology with a focus in applied behavior analysis and has over seven years experience working with individuals with special needs. Kristen is working to complete her certification as a BCBA and is committed to helping her clients develop the skills to live more meaningful and independent lives. |
Ryan DesLauriers
Clinical Supervisor Ryan is a graduate from University of the Pacific where he earned his BA is Psychology in 2014 and is currently studying for his Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology at California Lutheran University. Ryan has had the opportunity to work with at-risk youth at Casa Pacifica and provide in-home and at-school ABA services to youth diagnosed with autism. Ryan hopes to move into a clinical role after finishing his Doctorate where he will apply ABA principles with his clients to assist them with their endeavors. |
Ashleigh Besamat
Lead Behavior Technician Ashleigh started working in the field of ABA in 2018. She has completed AA degrees in psychology and the social and behavioral sciences, and is currently pursuing her B.A. in psychology at California State University Channel Islands. Ashleigh plans to further her education within the field of ABA and is currently Lead Behavior Technician in Ventura County. |
Renee Provencio
Clinical Supervisor In addition to working as a Clinical Supervisor at Active Steps, Renee is also a graduate student at Pepperdine University in the program of Psychology in Applied Behavior Analysis. Renee has been working in the field of ABA for four years and has been practicing as an Behavior Technician for a year. For Renee, one of the greatest aspects of working with clients is witnessing the positive changes they experience. |
Inland Empire
Jennifer Ikola M.S., BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst Jenni earned her Masters of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from Kaplan University 2014 and received her BCBA in 2017. ABA was a field that she accidently fell into while on the Pre-med track during college and hasn’t looked back since. She has been working in the field of ABA since 2012 working in schools, clinics and in-home services with children and young adults ranging from the ages of 1.5 years old-42 years old. Jenni hopes to continue her education by one day obtaining her doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis. While not supervising, Jenni enjoys being outdoors, going to hockey games, and spending time with family. 
Joanna Horsfall
Clinical Supervisor Joanna graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2019 from University of Phoenix and is currently pursuing her Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. Joanna began her journey in ABA because of her son who is also on the autism spectrum. Joanna is passionate about helping children develop skills in order to reach independence, and assisting families in receiving the best services possible. When not supervising, Joanna enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. |
Emily Hampton
Clinical Supervisor Emily recently graduated with her Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of California, Riverside, and is currently acquiring hours towards her BCBA license. Emily has been working in the field of ABA since 2017 in several settings including schools, homes, clinics, and social skills camps, serving clients aged 2-22. Her passion for the field began in Boston, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. Emily has a passion for helping people and hopes to one day broaden the field of ABA to serve children in the foster care system. When she is not working, Emily enjoys going to concerts, watching true crime, spending time with her seven siblings, learning new skills on YouTube, and casually rooting for Boston sports teams. 
Kelli Guillory
Clinical Supervisor Kelli has worked in the field of ABA and Behavior Modification for approximately 23 years. Kelli feels lucky to be able to assist in the growth and development of the people we work to support. Kelli sought her Bachelor of Applied Behavior Analysis and then her Master of Education with a concentration on ABA. Kelli believes strongly that these formal degrees has not lessened her passion but only pushed her to further explore data based practices that will help in the personal successes of the community we all serve. |
HIGH DESERT
Sara Uribes, M.S., BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst Sara has been in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2012, when she started as a Behavior Technician. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2011 from San Francisco State University and her Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (Autism Specialization) from the Sage Colleges in 2016. Sara became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2019. Sara is passionate about helping children develop skills to reach greater independence and quality of life, as well as assisting families in receiving the best services possible. When not supervising, Sara enjoys spending time with her husband, her many dogs, and her goats. |
Kimberlin Shaver M.S., BCBA
Clinical Supervisor - Behavior Analyst Kimberlin is a graduate from Arizona State University where she earned her Masters in Special Education with an emphasis is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She has recently become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She has worked in Special Education for over 10 years and is passionate about helping families and their children build the necessary skills to enjoy a meaningful and independent life. When not working, she enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her animals and daughter. |
Sulema Posada
Lead Behavior Technician
Sulema will graduate with her Associate degree in Child Development in spring 2022 and transfer to Cal State San Bernardino to pursue her bachelor's in Education. Her goal is to be a Special Education teacher, but she plans to further her studies in Applied Analysis Behavior. Sulema is passionate about helping children learn new skills to reach independence. Her biggest reward working in ABA is seeing her clients achieve milestones. When she is not working, she enjoys reading books, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Lead Behavior Technician
Sulema will graduate with her Associate degree in Child Development in spring 2022 and transfer to Cal State San Bernardino to pursue her bachelor's in Education. Her goal is to be a Special Education teacher, but she plans to further her studies in Applied Analysis Behavior. Sulema is passionate about helping children learn new skills to reach independence. Her biggest reward working in ABA is seeing her clients achieve milestones. When she is not working, she enjoys reading books, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
San Diego
Tracy Kepple, M.S., BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Tracy is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst that provides services in San Diego and Orange county. She has 15 years’ experience as a special education teacher. Tracy has a master’s in Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University. She has worked in Applied Behavior Analysis for 8 years. She has experience with working with individuals from Pre-K through adults. Through her practice, she has worked with clients in many treatment modalities and has also worked extensively to increase parent involvement and parent education. She is passionate about helping individuals and their families to receive the best services possible.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Tracy is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst that provides services in San Diego and Orange county. She has 15 years’ experience as a special education teacher. Tracy has a master’s in Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University. She has worked in Applied Behavior Analysis for 8 years. She has experience with working with individuals from Pre-K through adults. Through her practice, she has worked with clients in many treatment modalities and has also worked extensively to increase parent involvement and parent education. She is passionate about helping individuals and their families to receive the best services possible.
Central Valley-North
Amber Shults, M.S., BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Amber graduated with a B.S. in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior and a B.A. in Psychology from UC Davis, then went on to get her M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University. Amber found the field of ABA in 2017 after completing an internship at the UC Davis MIND Institute where she loved working with people diagnosed ASD, Fragile X, and Down Syndrome. She has clinical experience working with clients ranging from ages three to 27 years-old. In her free time, Amber loves to travel, attempt arts and crafts, and pet every dog she sees.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Amber graduated with a B.S. in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior and a B.A. in Psychology from UC Davis, then went on to get her M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University. Amber found the field of ABA in 2017 after completing an internship at the UC Davis MIND Institute where she loved working with people diagnosed ASD, Fragile X, and Down Syndrome. She has clinical experience working with clients ranging from ages three to 27 years-old. In her free time, Amber loves to travel, attempt arts and crafts, and pet every dog she sees.
Administration & Finance
Lesly Preston
Administrative Manager-Custodian of Records With over 20 years of administrative and executive experience managing staff as well as daily operational activity, Lesly has always had a particular focus on customer care and service. Always working to advance her career and expand her skill set, she is scheduled to complete her Human Resource Certification which will add to an impressive list of professional skills and experience including personnel management / HR, payroll, scheduling and insurance and authorization processing but to name a few. |
Tania Vigil
Administrative Assistant & Scheduler Tania completed her first AA in Sociology and a second AA in Social and Behavioral Sciences. She is currently attending California State University Channel Islands to complete a BA in Sociology. Tania loves working with children and providing respite care for those families in need. One of her goals is to complete her Masters degree in Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services. In her free time Tania enjoys being outdoors, spending time with family and going to soccer games. |
Korrina Despain
Behavior Technician & Scheduler Korrina graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Sociology, from Grand Canyon University in 2016. In 2020, she stumbled across Active Steps and became a Behavior Technician and Scheduler for services. The community and passion of the company and the work that they do, has inspired her to grow both with the company and academically. Korrina will be starting her Masters in Psychology with an emphasis in ABA in the Fall of 2021 at Capella University. Her goal is to become a BCBA . When she is not working, or doing school work, you can usually find her spending time with her husband and their three dogs (yes, three!), reading a book, attempting to keep her plants alive, or offroading in Moab, Utah. |
Barbara Urena-Flores
Medical Billing Specialist Barbara actually started as a medical assistant working for a general practice Doctor. In 2002, when she was training as a medical assistant, she also found Billing very interesting. After 10 years working in a law office, Barbara decided to go back to school to complete her medical billing certification. Before she graduated, she was offered a Job in hospital billing for USC,UCLA and was there for 3 years and became a lead for the department. Barbara's goal was to work at Cedar Sinai Medical Center, which she achieved, and was there for three years before moving from Los Angeles to Oxnard. Barbara's ambition is to grow in every aspect in the medical healthcare industry. |
Directors
Malia Monroe M.S., BCBA, QBA
Executive Director
Malia began working in education in 2006. Shortly after she discovered the field of applied behavior analysis. Since the beginning of her career Malia has worked in special education and is experienced in providing necessary intervention programs to improve the quality of life for children and their families. She also has experience working closely with school staff and families providing necessary training in behavior intervention programming. Malia has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and applied behavior analysis from Arizona State University and has plans of getting her doctorate degree in applied behavior analysis in the future.
Executive Director
Malia began working in education in 2006. Shortly after she discovered the field of applied behavior analysis. Since the beginning of her career Malia has worked in special education and is experienced in providing necessary intervention programs to improve the quality of life for children and their families. She also has experience working closely with school staff and families providing necessary training in behavior intervention programming. Malia has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and applied behavior analysis from Arizona State University and has plans of getting her doctorate degree in applied behavior analysis in the future.
Jessika Hatchell, B.A., BCAT
Director of Operations Jessika is a Board-Certified Autism Technician, Clinical Supervisor, and has worked as the Training Coordinator for a large ABA provider in California. She is also responsible for the design and implementation of Active Step’s Telehealth services. Currently, Jessika is completing her Master’s degree in Childhood Development and Psychology at Southern New Hampshire University and her BCBA coursework through Brandman University and plans to sit for her BCBA certification in the Fall of 2021. Jessika spends most of her free time riding her horse, Freckles, and hiking with her dog Dallas. Jessika's plan is to combine her clinical work and love for animals, to create a therapeutic riding academy for individuals with ASD as a division of the Active Steps. |
Maria Moncayo
Director of Business Development Maria Moncayo was born in Quito, Ecuador, and has lived in California for most of her life. Maria recently graduated with her Master's in Health Administration (MHA) and has worked for large and small organizations in the healthcare industry, as well as local government and community-based organizations. Maria also holds a BA degree from UC Santa Cruz in Community Studies with a minor in Latin America and Latino Studies. Maria's passions are in serving her community, children, and parents by providing effective tools to improve and positively impact the quality of care received. In her free time, Maria enjoys family time with her 2 daughters (8 and 10yrs), traveling, real estate, and learning from others. |
Amy West M.Ed., BCBA
Director of Clinical Services Amy's career began in ABA after her interest was sparked by a family member working in the field at the time. She obtained her Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in ABA from Arizona State University and became a BCBA shortly thereafter. Amy marries her teaching and ABA skills together to provide compassionate and knowledgeable practices to improve a client's access to the world around them in a truly meaningful way. In her free time, Amy likes to travel, watch comedies, and spend time with her husband and three children. |
Danielle Shults, M.S., BCBA, QBA
Associate Director of Clinical Services Danielle graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a minor in Psychology from the University of California, Merced. Having continued with her studies, she has completed her Master of Science degree and is now a Board certified Behavior Analyst. Danielle is passionate about improving the lives of children, promoting their independence and success and continues to develop her skills and interests with a view to taking more of a leadership role within the company and ensure clients and families receive the best services possible. |
Michael Reid Ph.D., Psy.D., QASP-D
Founding Director Michael is a New Zealander who has been living in the USA since 2012. He has clinical interests and specialties that include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Complex and Challenging Behavior and Psychopharmacology but to name a few. Becoming frustrated with the barriers to achieving quality service provision and observing a poor understanding within the workforce of evidence based practices, Michael has In recent years focused on workforce development programs and quality management systems using technology based solutions. |
Thomas McCool Ed.D.
Founding Director Tom has spent more than 30 years in the health and disability sector promoting quality programs and services for children and adults with special needs. Among other achievements, Tom has served as President and CEO of Eden Autism Services and Executive Director of Devereaux (Santa Barbara, CA). Tom has been awarded the prestigious Innovator of the Year Award from the Princeton Chamber of Commerce; and the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association. |