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Orange County
Joseph Glorioso, BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst Joseph's passion for helping individuals with disabilities started early when he volunteered as a special education teacher assistant at school. Joseph completed his Bachelors of Arts in Psychology at Vanguard University and began working in the ABA field in 2015. While working at Irvine Unified School District, Joseph worked as a supervisor in an autism specific class and attended National University to earn his Masters in Teaching with a specialization in ABA and subsequently passed his BCBA examination. Joseph enjoys watching and playing sports and spending quality time with friends and 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. |
Juan Victor Herrera
SR. 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 ABA. Through ABA, he is committed to assisting his clients with ASD, and other disabilities, in achieving independence and 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. |
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. |
Cynthia Ramos, M.S.
Clinical Supervisor Soon after graduating from the University of California Riverside, Cynthia discovered the field of ABA where she began working as a Behavior Therapist in 2017. Cynthia also graduated with a Master's degree in ABA from National University in 2020 and is now working towards her BCBA certification. She has gained rewarding experiences working in different settings including schools, homes and clinics. Cynthia is passionate about serving individuals and families by helping them to reach their full potential while improving their quality of life. |
Danielle Sage
Clinical Supervisor Danielle graduated with B.S. in Human Resources in 2016 from Cal State East Bay and a M.S. in Applied Behavioral Analysis in September 2021 from National University. Danielle is currently pursuing her BCBA certification. Danielle began her journey into the world of ABA in 2018 as a behavioral technician and worked her way to becoming a Registered Behavioral Technician before pursing her BCBA certification. Danielle has worked in home, clinic and school settings helping her clients develop the tools and encouragement to become more independent. Danielle promotes and open door policy and is willing to always go the extra mile to help her team. |
Ventura County
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. 
Alec Brum
Clinical Supervisor Alec graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2020 with a B.A. in Sociology. During his senior year, he got a job as a BT and has been in the field ever since. He is currently obtaining his M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University in pursuit of his BCBA certification. On his off time, he enjoys hiking, going to the beach and boogie boarding. |
Ashleigh Besamat
SR. 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. 
Sarah Baldonado
Clinical Supervisor Sarah has been working in the field of ABA since 2016 as a behavior interventionist and is currently studying for her Master’s degree in ABA and Autism at Endicott College. She has worked with a wide range of clients aged 2-17 and has mainly provided in-home services. Sarah is currently working toward her BCBA and is super passionate about helping families develop adaptive skills to live more independent lives. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her two dogs and working on DIY projects. |
Yesenia McKain
Behavior Analyst
Yesenia has been in the field of ABA since 2015 after she saw a student give a presentation on ABA. Instantly, she knew this was the field for her! Yesenia graduated from Stanislaus State University with her B.A. in Psychology and later her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. Since then, she has provided services across different settings such as home, clinic, school, and social skills. Her passion is to help as many families as possible using ABA, especially the Spanish Speaking community. During her free time, you'll find her doing something Disney, superhero, or anime related with her husband and young daughter.
Behavior Analyst
Yesenia has been in the field of ABA since 2015 after she saw a student give a presentation on ABA. Instantly, she knew this was the field for her! Yesenia graduated from Stanislaus State University with her B.A. in Psychology and later her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. Since then, she has provided services across different settings such as home, clinic, school, and social skills. Her passion is to help as many families as possible using ABA, especially the Spanish Speaking community. During her free time, you'll find her doing something Disney, superhero, or anime related with her husband and young daughter.
Inland Empire
Kristin Cuniberti, M.A., BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst Kristin was introduced to the field of ABA in 2014, after receiving her BA in Psychology and subsequently graduated from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2016 with her Master of Arts in Professional Behavior Analysis. Kristin has worked as a Behavior Analyst since 2017, and is dedicated to helping individuals reach their potential and the best possible quality of life. Kristin enjoys concerts and sporting events, spending time at the beach, off-the-beaten-path adventures. When she’s not off exploring, you can find Kristin spending time with her family and friends, and video chatting with her three grandbabies in Maui. |
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. |
Guadalupe Lopez, M.A., BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst Guadalupe has been working in the ABA field since 2010. Guadalupe started as a Behavior Interventionist and became passionate about the field of ABA. In 2014, she received an MA in Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in ABA. In February 2020, Guadalupe earned her BCBA. Throughout her career, Guadalupe has provided support for young children and adults in the home, school, and community setting. Guadalupe believes that teamwork through working collaboratively with families is critical to develop the most effective treatment plan to meet their child’s individualized needs. She likes to meet individuals and families where they are at, and build on their skills and self-confidence through positive interactions. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, exploring new places, and doing arts and crafts with her daughters. |
Matthew Bernard
Clinical Supervisor Matthew graduated from Hope International University in spring of 2021 with a double major in intercultural studies and psychology, he is currently at Pepperdine in the MFT program with a specialized focus in trauma therapy. After Pepperdine, Matthew plans to pursue his PsyD at capella university. In his free time Matthew loves to read and train brazilian jiujitsu. he has held a number of roles in this field including working with Best Buddies International as well as being a BT for California Psycare. |
HIGH DESERT
Kimberlin Shaver M.S., BCBA
Board Certified 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. |
Anthony Robinson, MEd., P.P.S.
Clinical Supervisor Anthony completed his undergraduate studies in Psychology at the California State, San Bernardino and moved to Virginia to complete his Masters in Education and his PreK-12th Grade School Counseling, at the Norfolk State University. Anthony's goal is to become School Counselor and attain a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. He has worked in ABA for three years, one year of which in a supervisory capacity. Anthony's hobbies include personal fitness, mentorship, trying new and different types of food, and watching movies. |
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. |
Amber Sanchez
Clinical Supervisor Amber's first introduction into ABA was when she got a job in college as a BT in 2017. Amber grew a passion to work in this field and enjoys making a difference in children’s lives in any small way that she can. Amber graduated with a BA in Psychology, Family Studies Minor from California State University, Northridge in 2018. Amber continued to work two jobs in the ABA field as a BT and instructional aide working with infants with autism program with the school district. Amber graduated from Arizona State University in 2021 with a MA in Special Education-Applied Behavior Analysis. Right now, Amber is currently working on accruing supervisor hours to sit for the BCBA exam. |
Administration & Finance
Lesly Preston
Human Resources Specialist 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
Lead Administrative Coordinator 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
Executive Assistant 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. |
Christine Irvine
Recruiter Christine has been working with Active Steps as a behavior technician for about a year and a half. In May of this 2021 Christine received her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Studies. She worked in a classroom as a para-educator in a visually structured classroom for kindgardeners-2nd graders with autism for several years. In the classroom, she was introduced to ABA. Between working in the classroom and her clinical experience, she has been inspired to continue her education in the field. When not working Christine enjoys traveling, preferably somewhere with sunshine, beautiful scenery and reading a book. During her free time you can find me at the gym or doing yoga. |
Angelica (Angie) Rios
Service Coordinator Angie has been working as a respite care provider since the beginning of 2020. When becoming part of the Active Steps team, she has embarked on a new journey as an ABA Behavior Technician and Scheduler. One of Angie's goals in life is to become a social worker. Angie spends most of her free time at the gym or hanging out at the beach and loves trying out new foods and spending time with her family and friends. |
Ryan Tokeshi
Service Coordinator Ryan graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a B.A. in Psychology and Ethnic Studies. While going to school, Ryan interned as a Teacher’s Assistant and began working as a Behavioral Technician at Active Steps. Ryan is currently taking a gap year and is enjoying his time by watching tv, working out, and spending time with family and friends. One of his goals is to complete his Master’s degree in I/O psychology. He wants to use the skills he learned as a service coordinator to transition to a Human Resources position. |
Carla Sandoval
SR. Administrative Assistant Carla has been in the ABA field since 2020. She contributes 20 years of administration experience in the medical field. Carla is passionate about helping meet the needs of families and assists with her bilingual skills anytime she is needed. She has a soft spot for children and loves to contribute to their success to ensure growth and positive results. In her down time she loves to spend time with her 3 daughters, experiencing new things and just enjoying life. |
Noah Lansberg
Service Coordinator Noah worked as a Behavioral technician at active steps for 2 years, has now transitioned over to the administration side while getting a masters in Clinical psychology with a focus in forensics. Noah received BA at Cal State Channel Islands in psychology. He is currently doing research for CSUCI as well as The Growing Works foundation in Camarillo, and has presented the study a few times at the Western Psychological Association. Noah loves psychology, traveling with his wife, spending time with friends/family and playing and watching sports." |
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 started out as a Board Certified Behavior Technician when first exploring the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Throughout the years she has worked for several Applied Behavior Analysis companies holding additional positions such as Training Coordinator, Clinical Supervisor, and Associate Regional Director. During her time at Active Steps, Jessika has been responsible for the design and implementation of Active Step's Telehealth services and managing the Ventura County region. Currently, Jessika is earning her Masters degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Adolescent and Childhood Development at Southern Newhampshire University. She will also be dual enrolling in their MBA program in the new year. Jessika enjoys spending her free time riding her horse freckles or going to the beach with her dog dallas. Her ability to Identify patterns and problem areas, and implement effective solutions combined with her passion for improving the lives of those within her community, has led her to pursue organizational leadership within this sector. |
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
Clinical Director - Central California 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
Clinical Director - Northern California 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 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. |
