Meet the Staff

Hi, I'm Samantha. I founded Adventures with Autism after working in the field for over 10 years and realizing that there was a need for quality Applied Behavior Analysis services in the Salem area.  My goal with AWA is to focus on adapted physical activity for children with autism, teaching social skills, and offering parental support within the community. I am currently BCBA, and LBA certified. I look forward to treating your children as part of the Adventures with Autism family.

Hi! I’m Angel. I’m a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA). I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a double minor in Sociology-Anthropology and Zoology from Ohio Wesleyan University. I also have a Master’s of Education in Special Education with a concentration in Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. I have over 25 years of experience using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). with a wide variety of domestic and exotic animals as well as children ages ranging from 2-16. In my free time, I love to spend time with my dog, workout, be outdoors and attend concerts. 

Hi, I’m Eric. I’m a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA). I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Counseling from Texas A&M University-Commerce. I also have my Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership form University of Texas Arlington. I have over 20 years of experience in the field of Behavior Analysis, focusing on its application in the areas of childhood special needs (including Autism, emotional behavior disorders) and school-wide behavior support systems (PBIS) . I take great pleasure in working with children and families to help them reach their utmost potential. 

Hello! My name is Alexandra, but my friends call me Ali. I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Pacific University, and my Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism from Ball State University. I have worked in the field for over two years. I am also a co-founder of Puzzle Pieces Photography. I recently got married and am a step-mom to a 12-year-old daughter. In my spare time I enjoy cuddling with my two dogs, Khaleesi and Nahalei.

Hello, I'm Beth - a Director of Administration with over 15 years in the field. After earning a B.S from California State University, I began to hone my skills towards office management. My body of work includes hiring talent, maintaining compliance, and overseeing corporate spending. I have devoted a decade to building my budgetary portfolio and have a proven track record when it comes to organizing company finances. When I'm not working you can find me buried in a book or hiking with my dog.

 Hi, my name is Andres. The people who know me best would describe me as hungry. Yes, that is partly due to my appetite, but mostly it comes from an insatiable need to help those around me. An active lifestyle is something that I love to share with our little ones. My favorite part of the day is P.E. and recess. It brings me great joy to develop kids’ gross and fine motor skills through games and physical play.  

My name is Rachel. I am a mother of two and the question “what do you want to be when you grow up?” was finally answered when I began working for Adventures with Autism in 2018. I always knew that I was born to be a mother, a safe place, a protector, and a teacher. And I find my passion every single day that I work with these children. 

Hi!  My name is Janet and I’ve been with Adventures with Autism since the beginning.  I work the early shift so you’ll see me here if you have an early drop off time.  I previously worked at another ABA agency, and have been in the field for a long time.  I love working with children of all ages and enjoy playing soccer in my free time! 

My name is Kade! I’m a Psychology Major with a passion for the mental health field, both playing and teaching music, and working at Adventures with Autism as a Behavioral Technician and assistant musical instructor.  

My name is Alicia. I have worked with children since I was 15. I’ve followed that passion through schooling at OSU, I then traveled abroad to teach at Munich International School. Coming back to the states I knew I wanted to continue in this field and have found my home here at AWA. I have embraced my passion and I’m living it every day. 

My name is Gianna, and I am from Silverton OR. I currently attend school part-time and enjoy teaching at AWA full time. Outside of work I coach and direct a youth cheer program for my hometown. My favorite part about working with children is celebrating the little things that they learn that really aren’t so little, but life-changing.  

My name is Keiry Diaz Juarez (pronounced Katie). I’m currently a student at Chemeketa studying to become a nurse.  I have a younger brother with Autism and have been around Autism and ABA for most of my adult life. I joined Adventures with Autism to be able to help the cause in any way that I can.   

Hello! My name is Joseph, but I also go by Joe. I am currently working to become a BCEA, a Board Certified Education Advocate. Working at Adventures with Autism is one of those things that make me want to wake up in the morning! Who wouldn’t want to help kids learn, play, and sing Disney songs all day!  

Hi, my name is Tiffany Barrett and I have graduated from Corban University with a bachelor’s degree in Pre-Counseling and Clinical Psychology. I will be starting my master’s degree in the fall of 2019. I was a Victims Advocate for the District Attorney’s Office before starting here at AwA, which allowed me to advocate for many children and adults in my community. Because of my tremendous passion for psychology and kids, I could not be happier with my job as a behavior tech with AWA! 

Hi! My name is Autumn. I love tickles, tag, and pretending I’m a spy. My favorite part of my week is when I get to teach kiddos about the world around us in science class. Knowing each one of our kids is a specialty of mine and I’m so excited every day to learn something new that makes your child unique.  

My name is Ashley James. Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a passion for teaching young children. I truly enjoy coming to work every day knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of you and your children. I hope to one day acquire my BCBA license and open a center of my own. 

My name is Nathan and I am a Registered Behavioral Technician at Adventures with Autism. I have been working in the field of ABA since my graduation from Portland State University in 2016 with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. The clinic for me is a second home and having the opportunity to work with children and watch them grow is something that gives me infinite pride.  

My name is Miranda. I am a Mother to one amazing little guy and I enjoy creating art and reading in my spare time. I found my passion over my time with Adventures with Autism for working with children and seeing them smile and grow is my favorite part of each day.

 Hi, I’m Sarah Martin. I’m currently working on becoming a dental hygienist through Chemeketa Community College. My long term goal is to open a dental facility for people with autism. I was a Personal Support Worker for four years through the state of Oregon before starting here at AwA; this company has allowed me to gain the knowledge and resources I need to reach my ultimate goal. I’ve always had a passion for helping children, and I’m so grateful that I get to continue my passion as a behavioral technician through AwA.

Hello! My name is Helen Villagomez. I am a Western Oregon University graduate, I majored in Psychology and minored in Special Education. I am so glad to have found this position as a behavior technician where I can apply my love for both helping children and using my psychology knowledge. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Hi, my name is Alyssa and I have been working with children for the last 9 years. I have two daughters and always knew that I wanted to work with children. I have found my passion working here at Adventures with Autism.