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Meet Our Staff
Norah’s background in Autism is of a personal nature; she has an aunt diagnosed with Autism. Norah’s formal training began on the East Coast while she was completing her bachelor’s degree from St. Leo College. Upon completing her Master’s Degree in 1995, Norah moved to California to begin work on her doctorate at United States International University in Clinical Psychology. Norah was employed by the Lovaas Institute for Early Intervention as a Senior Therapist before launching B.E.S.T Services, Inc in 1998. Since that time Norah has attended numerous trainings, seminars and workshops to ensure integration of current research into practices. Most recent attendance has included:
Dr. Wilson’s strengths include program development for in-home clients as well as structuring school based interventions for children diagnosed with Autism. Dr. Wilson has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2006. To contact Dr. Norah Wilson please E-mail her at drnlw@bestautismservices.com.
Carmela has been in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 1999 using discrete trial teaching approach with children with Autism, in-home and at school. She is the Regional Manager in the San Diego and Southern Riverside Counties. She has several years of experience with program development, program implementation, data interpretation, employee training and parent training. Carmela received her B.A. in Psychology from San Diego State University and received her M.A. in Teaching as well as ABA Certification from National University. She is fluent in Tagalog. Carmela has attended training workshops for:
“Our children are God's greatest gift to
us. No matter how they are packaged, this truth does not change. E-mail Carmela Boton at cboton@bestautismservices.com.
Monica Bernaldo is the Regional Manager for the greater Coachella Valley and the San Bernardino region. She began with B.E.S.T Services, Inc in 2004 after completing her education from California State University Northridge where she finished with a Bachelors of Arts in child development with an emphasis in special education. Monica has a solid background in Discrete Trial Teaching and TEACCH methodologies as well as a passion for working with children on the autism spectrum. Monica’s passion for her work is apparent in the community as she is an active member of the CVASA and volunteers her time to support the children in the child care room during the parent support group meetings. Monica continues to educate herself in the field of special needs by attending academic workshops, following the latest research articles and is currently preparing for the board exam to become a certified behavior analysis. Recently Monica completed a Masters degree in Teaching with a specialization in Applied Behavioral Analysis at National University. Monica is a member of the California Association of Behavior Analysis and recently attended their annual conference. Additionally, Monica received a Certificate of Completion for a two day training workshop for PECS facilitated by the Co-founder of PECS, Dr Andrew Bondy. E-mail Monica Bernaldo at mbernaldo@bestautismservices.com.
Kristi Millen, B.A. Kristi Millen has a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University, San Marcos. In 2001, she received a Multiple Subject Teaching credential to teach students in grades K-8, and later added an Education Specialist Instruction credential in 2005 to work with students with mild to moderate disabilities. Kristi has recently completed coursework toward becoming a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst and has also completed several courses in Early Childhood Education. Kristi worked with B.E.S.T. Services, Inc. as a direct tutor for three years before becoming an advising tutor and case supervisor for the San Diego region. She has also assisted in the Inland Empire as a classroom consultant for the Hemet Unified School District. Kristi has extensive work experience with children on the autism spectrum as well as with children with other special needs both in the home and in the classroom. Additional training has included a two-day workshop on PECS facilitated by Dr. Andrew Bondy, a Social StoriesTM training conducted by Carol Gray, as well as a two-day seminar focusing on RDI (Relationship Development Intervention). Kristi looks forward to learning more about various methodologies and treatments in order to provide the best therapy for the children she works with. This includes SCERTS training and other social skill development interventions.
“All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should
have an equal opportunity to develop our talent.” E-mail Kristi Millen at kristimillen@bestautismservices.com.
Kelley Bowers comes to B.E.S.T Services, Inc with 8 years of services as a nanny working with children from the ages of 4 to 12. Since joining B.E.S.T Services in 2002, Kelley has worked her way from Tutor to Case Supervisor and she has excelled in learning and implementing the tenets of Applied Behavior Analysis. Kelley’s most recent training includes a Certificate of Completion for her participation at a two day PECS workshop, facilitated by the co-founder of the communication system, Dr. Andrew Bondy. Kelley’s future plans include building on her five years of education from Vanguard University of Southern California to attain a Master’s Degree in Psychology and eventually a Ph.D in Behavioral Sciences. Ultimately Kelley would like to conduct research with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorders, regarding treatment success as well as the etiology of autism. E-mail Kelley Bowers at knbowers@bestautismservices.com.
Jessica has been working with children diagnosed with autism since September of 2005. She worked for the Riverside County Office of Education as an instructional assistant in a preschool classroom, and also provided in home ABA therapy. In April of 2006, she began working as a tutor with B.E.S.T. Services. In March 2007, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California-Riverside. Also in June of 2007, she was promoted to the position of Advising Tutor. She is pursuing her ABA certificate from National University, leading to certification as an Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst. E-mail Jessica Cox at jessica_cox@bestautismservices.com.
Tanya began working with children diagnosed with autism in 2003, after receiving her B.A. in Psychology from Macalester College. She worked for the California Autism Foundation as an Educational Specialist for two years before moving to San Diego, where she began working for B.E.S.T. Services in 2005. Tanya is the Advising Tutor for the San Diego Region, and is experienced in working with children both at home and in school settings using Applied Behavior Analysis and Discrete Trial Teaching g methodologies. Tanya continues to pursue her education, and is currently taking classes in Applied Behavior Analysis at National University to become a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst. Additionally, Tanya received a Certificate of Completion for attending a two day training workshop for PECS, facilitated by Dr. Andrew Bondy, the Co-founder of PECS. E-mail Tanya Clark at tanya_clark@bestautismservices.com.
Juliana Nordhues has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton. Juliana began working with B.E.S.T. Services, Inc. in 2005 as a Direct Tutor and recently has been promoted to the Advising Tutor position. Juliana has extensive training in Discrete Trial Teaching, TEACCH methodologies, and appropriate methods to increase socialization. In June, 2007, Juliana received an award for her Outstanding Performance in working with children diagnosed with Autism. In September, 2008, Juliana will begin her coursework for the certification in Applied Behavioral Analysis with the desire to become a Board Certified Associate Behavioral Analyst. Our Greatest glory is not in never falling, but rising every time we fall. -- Confucious E-mail Juliana Nordhues at jnordhues@bestautismservices.com.
Coming from a family that works in special education, Breanna has been around children with Autism and other special needs since she was young. Inspired by these experiences, she went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2006 from San Diego State University. She began working with children with Autism in 2005 in a classroom setting in San Diego, and later abroad in Scotland. She joined B.E.S.T. Services, Inc. in 2007 and was promoted to Advising Tutor in April 2008. In the fall Breanna will begin taking classes to receive certification in Applied Behavior Analysis at National University in order to become an Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst. E-mail Breanna Anderson at banderson@bestautismservices.com.
Maureen has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for 16 years. She has worked with a diverse population of children including pediatric oncology patients, homeless children, abused children, and children with multiple disabilities. Inspired by her 6 year old nephew Maureen has been working specifically with children on the spectrum for the past 4 years. She is passionate about the work she does and truly enjoys making a difference in each child's life. Maureen holds both her B.A. and M.A. degrees in Human Development with a graduate specialization in Social Services. Maureen is also striving to complete her B.C.B.A. program within the next year. E-mail Maureen Maher at mml@bestautismservices.com.
Joy comes to B.E.S.T. Services, Inc. with over 12 years of experience working in the field of Early Childhood Education in the U.S. and Overseas. Coming from a family with a missionary background, she was involved in volunteer and educational projects from a young age, including Early Learning Awareness seminars for local organizations and communities in India and Southeast Asia. Joy has completed college courses in Early Childhood Education, American Sign Language, and a C.L.E. Teachers Training course. Joy began working with children diagnosed with Autism in Thailand in 1998 as a tutor. She also worked as a classroom teacher in International Preschools in both Thailand, and Jordan. In February, 2006, Joy began working as a direct tutor with B.E.S.T. Services, Inc. providing in-home ABA therapy as well as in-school support. She received an award for Outstanding Performance in working with children diagnosed with Autism in June, 2007. Joy has had extensive training in Discrete Trial Teaching as well as Behavior Modification Techniques and TEACCH methodologies. Joy was promoted to Program Manager in December, 2007, and is currently taking classes toward a Certificate in the Education of Students with Autism. E-mail Joy Hanna at joyhanna@bestautismservices.com. |
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Copyright © 2006 B.E.S.T.
Services, Inc. |
Norah L. Wilson, Psy.D.,
BCBA
Carmela Boton,
M.A., BCABA 
Monica
Bernaldo, M.A.
Kelley
Bowers
Jessica Cox, B.A.
Tanya Clark, B.A.
Juliana Nordhues, B.A.
Breanna
Anderson, B.S.
Maureen
Maher, M.A.
Joy
Hanna