Meet the Team
Orange County
Malia Monroe M.S., BCBA, QBA
Clinical 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. |
Danielle Shults, M.S., BCBA, QBA
Associate Regional Director 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. |
Nyasia Joiner, M.S.
Clinical Supervisor Nyasia is originally from New York. She received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina and her career in ABA began in 2010 working with persons diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Delays, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and Alzheimer’s disease. Nyasia graduated with her Master’s degree in special education specializing in ABA from The University of North Dakota. She has lived in six states and visited nine countries and counting. In her spare time Nyasia enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family. |
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. |
Amber Shults
Clinical Supervisor
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.
Clinical Supervisor
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.
Ventura County
Jessika Hatchell
Associate Regional Director 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. 
Les Feltmate
Clinical Supervisor Les Feltmate has been in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for twenty-four years. A two sport athlete, Les graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in psychology from American International College, in Springfield, Massachusetts. He then moved to California to pursue an acting career, but didn’t know he would be beginning two. He started in ABA with adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Les then moved on to working with children in school and home settings. He was a high school teacher at a private school for disabled students, then he decided to go back to school. Les earned an M.Ed. in ABA from Arizona State University. He continues to work in ABA and entertainment. He has appeared in movies, tv shows, theatre, and commercials. Les is proud to be a clinical supervisor with Active-Steps, and looks forward to the future with the company. |
Amy West M.Ed., BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst Amy began her career in ABA after a discussion with a family member, who was working in the field at the time, sparked her interest. After a career switch from teaching, Amy dove headfirst into ABA and has never looked back. Amy obtained her Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in ABA from Arizona State University in 2017 and became a BCBA shortly thereafter. Amy brings skills together from her years teaching and years in ABA 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. 
Kristen Ding
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. |
Inland Empire
Jennifer Ikola M.S., BCBA
Regional Director & Associate Clinical Director 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. |
Katharine Hull
Clinical Supervisor Kat spent two years as a Behavior Therapist in Northern California before moving to the Inland Empire to pursue her doctorate in clinical psychology. While earning her doctorate, she worked as a school psychology intern for Redlands Unified School District, led parent training and support groups, and conducts assessments with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental delays. Kat has a passion for assisting children with delays and their families. When she isn’t supervising cases at Active Steps, she is continuing her studies, working at a San Bernardino Primary Care clinic, and spending time outdoors with her family and dog. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
Richard Miller
Revenue Manager & Billing Specialist Richard was born in Los Angeles and has been a long time resident of California. When he completed High School, Richard joined his family’s home respiratory and adaptive rehabilitation equipment company, where he honed his medical billing skills and experience. In 1992 he was appointed as the National Billing Center Manager for a nationwide pharmacy / home medical equipment company and this journey lasted 26 wonderful years. Richards passion is to exchange lifetime experiences with others. |
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.
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.
Directors
Michael Reid Ph.D., Psy.D.
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.
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. |