Meet the Staff
Samantha Parnham - Chief Executive Officer (BCBA)
Samantha Parnham - Chief Executive Officer (BCBA)
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.
Eric Zeissig - Chief Operating Officer (BCBA)
Samantha Parnham - Chief Executive Officer (BCBA)
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.
Rachel Nyquist - Chief Human Resource Officer
Rachel Nyquist - Chief Human Resource Officer
My name is Rachel. 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 and overall oversight of the center. In August of 2021 I became Chief Human Resource Officer.
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.
Lizzie Spier - Clinical Director (BCBA)
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.
Kade Dale - Clinical Director (BCBA)
.jpg/:/cr=t:20.93%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:58.14%25/rs=w:600,h:300,cg:true)
I’m Kade! 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 Grand Canyon University and my Master of Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University and have been working in ABA since 2018. In my spare time I like to build computers and play in a band.
Kira Basargin - Site Coordinator (RBT)
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.
Alyssa Fox - Medical Billing Coordinator (RBT)
