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.

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, 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, 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. 

My name is Nathan and I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst 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.    

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. 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.  

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.  Within my first year here, I advanced within the company to become a Lead Behavior Technician. In September of 2020 I became a Site Coordinator, handling scheduling, purchasing and overall oversight of the center. In August of 2021 I became a Human Resources Administrator. My focus is interviewing and hiring exemplary staff, creating and maintaining personnel records, company purchasing, and assisting in all policy and procedure creation and implementation.
I've enjoyed growing with this company, getting to know each of the families we serve, and being a part of such an incredible culture and movement. 

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, 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. 

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. 

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.  

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 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!   

Hi! My name is Giselle. I recently moved to Oregon from Washington State where I studied at Central Washington University.  I have always known I wanted to work in a field where I could help people, particularly children and I’m so happy I found Adventures with Autism! The feeling of seeing these kiddos grow and learn more day by day is indescribable. 

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!  

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. 

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.