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, 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.

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. 

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.

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.   

 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.  

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 Zhanna. I have been involved in children’s ministries at my church for over 5 years, there I was introduced to my knack for teaching. Since stumbling into the field of ABA a few years ago I have fallen in love with it. One of my favorite parts of this job is witnessing kids master skills that improve their ability to communicate their needs. Hearing their belly laughs as they are learning is a major bonus! 

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.  

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, my name is Aiyana. I graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.S. in Digital Retailing and Merchandising. After being an au pair in Spain, and teaching at an outdoor school in Newport, Oregon, I discovered Adventures with Autism. I love helping clients and fostering this community. I am excited to build some roots here in the wonderful state of Oregon, as well as explore as many mountains in the Pacific North West as I can!

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 am currently working on getting my BCBA certification. 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.

Hello! My name is Miguel. At a young age I became involved in activities with children, from helping in church as a Mentor for young teens to being a certified head soccer coach at the high school I graduated from as a volunteer. I always knew I wanted to work with children, I just didn’t know in what way. When I found AwA I knew this was the perfect place for me. They have allowed me to grow as a Behavior Technician and develop new skills. My dream is to one day open my own Center and help even more children obtain the help they need.

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.

Hi, my name is Alyssa. Working with children has been something I have wanted to do since I myself was a child. When I stumbled into the field of ABA in 2018, I instantly fell in love and the more I learns and experience my love for this field grows. I love watching the kiddos make progress and the accomplishments that are made every day. When I am not working, I enjoy paddle boarding, camping, farmers markets and spending time with family/friends. I am very grateful to have found a place at AWA because it feels like a little family and everyone truly loves and cares for the kids and the impact they have on their lives.

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!