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 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. 

Hi, I’m Lizzie.  I’m a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA).  I received my BA in psychology from Sonoma State University and MA in teaching from National University.  I have worked in the ABA field for over 10 years, with the majority of that time spent in early intervention.  In my spare time I like spend time hiking and exploring local parks with my 2 daughters and spouse. 

Hello! I’m Lina and I go by the pronouns “she” / “her”. I discovered my passion for working with children in the spectrum while working as a character performer at Disney. I then interned as a primary therapist for a wonderful ABA company in Florida. Since then, I obtained my BCaBA certification, followed by a master’s degree in Professional Behavior Analysis, and BCBA certification with the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT). After practicing behavior analysis in Florida and Washington state, my husband, our 3 rescued fur babies, and I are looking forward to experiencing Oregon and continuing the work to support the wonderful families we work with.

Hello, my name is Marissa. I started working at Adventures with Autism at the beginning of 2020 but have been in the ABA field since 2017. I got my B.S. in Women’s and Gender Studies, minoring in Sociology and Classical Studies in 2015 and completed my M.A. in Criminal Justice, concentrating in Behavior Analysis at the end of 2019. I recently passed by BCBA exam and have begun my career as a BCBA here at Adventures with Autism and I couldn't be happier! Advocating for individuals with disabilities has always been a big passion of mine and I love working at AwA where the focus is about doing all that we can for our clients. In my free time, I love being in the outdoors camping and hiking or spending time at home with my dogs and painting. 

Hi, my name is Beth. I received my Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology from the University of Kansas. I have worked with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 2009.  I specialize in the assessment and treatment of maladaptive behavior, group-level interventions, classroom management, and staff training. I love working with children and their families to support their growth and development.  When I'm not working, I love spending time with my husband and 2 children. We love finding new places to explore and go hiking, playing family games, and snuggling up for a family movie night. 

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 Xochitl (Socheel) but everyone knows me as Xo (So). I have worked with children since I was in High School and I always volunteered at elementary schools throughout my teens. During the summers I would do a lot of babysitting. It has always been extremely easy for me to form connections with kids, and that is why working at AwA is the perfect place for me. I get to not only help them learn new skills, but I get to be someone that they learn to trust as well, and I Love That.

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.  

Hello, my name is Jessica, but I go by Jessi. I graduated from Western Oregon University with a B.S in Psychology and a Minor in Special Education.  While in school I knew that I wanted to work with kids with special needs, but I did not know where or how. I knew I was where I was supposed to be once I learned about ABA. I without a doubt love what I do and where I work. I have a wonderful support system at home, with my husband and my son, and at work who reinforce my desire to further my education.

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. 

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!  

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.   

 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.   

Hi I’m Hannah, since a young age I have had a passion for working with children especially children with autism, my favorite part about this job is helping the kiddos become the best and happiest version of themselves. 

Hello! My name is Amber. I graduated at the University of North Georgia with my Associates of Science degree. I am originally from Georgia and moved to Oregon June of 2020 with my fiancé. I have worked with kids for 6 years and have always been told I have a way with kids due to my wild imagination and endless creativity. Previously before AWA I managed a comic store in Georgia that focused on kids with special needs having a safe place to come and hang out within the community. As a certified Pokémon Professor through the Pokémon company I ran a learn to play summer camp for kids for 4 years. When I am not at work, I am playing video games, watching Disney movies, or riding around Oregon looking at nature with my fiancé. I am glad and grateful to have found what feels like a home for me at AWA. To watch the kids learn and grow from day to day brings such joy to my life. I hope one day to grow in this amazing career of ABA as a BCBA. To infinity and beyond! 

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 Kira. I was born in Oregon but moved to Minnesota at a young age and graduated from High School there. I have always had an interest in working with children ever since I started babysitting. I'm very grateful to have found AwA and I plan on continuing to pursue a career in healthcare or childcare as my vocation.

Hi, I’m Ramon! I am a criminal justice major with a passion for helping youth. I have been working with kids in a youth group setting since I was 16. I also enjoy climbing, skating, & camping. I love AWA because I feel a sense of accomplishment and joy when working with these kids.

Hello, my name is Luisa. Born in California, raised in Oregon. Really glad my parents moved here because I enjoy the cold weather and all the trees! I spend my free time crocheting, reading, or being outside searching for activities. Growing up I have always known that I wanted to work with kids, so thankfully I found my way into AwA! I am passionate about what I do, and I love working with the kiddos. Watching them learn and grow every day is the best part about this job.

Hello!  My name is Heather and I live in Silverton.  I have a bachelor’s degree in Science with a minor in Psychology from Oregon State.  I also have a BS in Nursing from OHSU.  I worked as an RN for 17 years in Public Health and Employee Health and Wellness, first in Hood River, then in Silverton.  My husband and I have been married for 27 years and have a daughter and a son, both teenagers.  Our son is on the spectrum, so I worked from home for 7 years to be there for him, and his sister, while navigating their school years.  When deciding to return to the workforce outside of the home, I followed my heart and now have the wonderful opportunity to work with kids where I can make a difference.  I am excited to be a part of the AWA family, and to see all “our” kids learn and grow in independence every day!

Hello, my name is Liz and I am originally from Mexico but have been a resident of Salem since I was 5 years old. Here in Oregon, I had my two wonderful sons and because of them I decided to pursue a career that involved working with children. I enjoy my job here at AWA because I know that my work with our kids makes a difference in their lives and that is something that I am very proud of! 

  Hello, my name is Tina and I found the field of ABA two years ago. I have my bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Studies from Cal State Fullerton. Children inspire me to learn more and more everyday so I can help them reach their goals to the fullest. 

Hello, my name is Emily! I graduated from NCU with a bachelor’s in psychology and had no idea what I wanted to do as a career. When my husband and I moved to Ohio in 2017, I stumbled upon a position at a school for children in autism and it changed the course of my life. While working there, still not knowing what I wanted to do as a career, I told a friend that I simply want to hang out with kids with autism every day. Fast forward to today and that is exactly what I get to do while guiding them and giving them the tools, they need to live to their fullest potential. I finally found my dream job! 

Hello! My name is Ronald. I have a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and a minor in Special Ed from Western Oregon University. While at WOU, I decided to change my path from teaching history and focused on working with children with developmental disabilities. I have now been working in this field for over 7 years. I got my master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from William James College in Newton, MA. Currently I am studying for the BACB exam to become a BCBA. I enjoy golfing, watching sports, cooking, and spending quality time with my wife and son. Through all my years of working in this field so far; AwA is a place I am truly proud to be a part of and work for! I love the work I do, and love how I am part of making a significant impact in my clients lives.