Norah L. Wilson, Psy.D., BCBA-D
Clinical Director

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:

• PECS 2-day training workshop by Andy Bondy, Ph.D.

• Structured Play by Pamela Wolfberg

• Verbal Behavior and the ABBLS by Vincent Carbone, Ph.D.

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 B. Sanford , M.A., BCBA
Clinical Manager

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 has several years of experience with program development, program implementation, data interpretation, functional assessment, 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:

• PECS by Dr. Andrew Bondy

• TEACCH Fundamentals Training by the Greenville TEACCH Center

• Level 1 Training: Pivotal Response Treatment by the UCSB Koegel Autism Center

• In-service Instructors in Professional Assault Crisis Training

• Social Stories by Carol Gray

• Wrightslaw Special Education Advocacy Training by Peter and Pam Wright

“Our children are God's greatest gift to us. No matter how they are packaged, this truth does not change. Be grateful; love, honor, and cherish them. If your child is not perfect or what you hoped for, God has not punished you for past deeds. He has given you an opportunity that you may not yet understand. Make the most of the situation, for you are in it for a purpose, and there are rewards, that you never imagined possible.” -- author unknown

E-mail Carmela Sanford at cboton@bestautismservices.com.

Monica Bernaldo, M.A., BCBA
Regional Manager

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., BCABA

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 is currently completing coursework toward a Master of Arts in Teaching and has recently become a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCABA).

Kristi initially 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 training workshop on PECS facilitated by Dr. Andrew Bondy, a Social StoriesTM training conducted by Carol Gray, as well as a two-day conference on Pivotal Response Training (PRT) conducted by Drs. Robert and Lynn Koegel. Kristi’s interests continue to focus on social skill development as well as learning to improve theory of mind concepts with the children she works with.

“All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity
to develop our talent.” -- John F. Kennedy

E-mail Kristi Millen at kristimillen@bestautismservices.com. .

Kelly Gilpatrick, B.A.

Kelly has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism the last three years. After completing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Chaminade University, she started working as a Behavior Therapist II at a center-based autism program and was quickly promoted to a Lead Therapist. From there, she moved to Northern California and worked as a Behavior Assistant for a new Early Intervention program before finally settling in Virginia.

Kelly started working with B.E.S.T. Service in 2010 as a tutor and was recently promoted to a Senior Case Advisor for the Virginia and North Carolina areas. She is currently pursuing further education and wants to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

E-mail Kelly Gipatrick at kgilpatrick@bestautismservices.com. 

Breanna Anderson, B.S.
Regional Manager

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 spring of 2009, Breanna completed her courses in Applied Behavior Analysis at National University, and is currently completing her clinical hours in order to become a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst. In addition, she plans on beginning her Masters Degree in Education in the fall of 2010.

E-mail Breanna Anderson at banderson@bestautismservices.com.

Danielle St. John, B.A.

Danielle graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She has worked with individuals with autism and other disabilities in special education since 2006. Danielle has experience using various teaching methods including ABA and DTT, in both school and home settings. She has worked with children as well as young adults with ASD. She began working with B.E.S.T Services, Inc. in 2008 after finishing her degree and was promoted to an Advising Tutor position in 2009.

In August of 2009 Danielle started classes at National University that will lead to certification as a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst. She is also working towards a Master’s degree in Teaching.

E-mail Danielle St. John at dstjohn@bestautismservices.com.

Brianna Chamberlain, B.A.

Brianna has a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Chapman University. In the fall of 2010, Brianna will receive her Education Specialist Instruction Credential Level 1 in Mild/Moderate with an added Autism Authorization from Chapman University. After completing the credential program she will then begin taking classes to receive a certification in Applied Behavior Analysis at National University, which will then make her a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst.

Brianna is a very active and loving parent at her daughter's school. She was elected Treasurer for the Parent Teachers Club in 2007, and continues to volunteer her time. In addition, she was elected and serves as a current member on the School Site Council Board within Desert Sands Unified School District. In 2009, she taught students in kindergarten through high school at Desert Sands Unified School District as a Guest Teacher. Brianna began working with B.E.S.T. Services. Inc. in 2009, as a direct tutor, and in 2010 was promoted to an advising tutor.

"Recognizing and respecting differences in others, and treating everyone like you want them to treat you, will help make our world a better place for everyone. Care... be your best. You don't have to be handicapped to be different. Everyone is different!" -- Kimputer, Kim Peek, inspiration for Rain Main

E-mail Brianna Chamberlain at bchamberlain@bestautismservices.com.

Monique Trevino, B.A.

Monique always knew she wanted to work with children with special needs. Her experience with children with autism and other special needs started at a young age with friends and close family members. Her fascination in these children led to the pursuit of a B.A. in Psychology from La Sierra University.

She has experience working with children with different disabilities in a classroom setting. Monique also volunteered in an all Autism classroom in 2009, which is where she became inspired to work with children diagnosed with Autism. She joined B.E.S.T Services, Inc. in August 2009 as a tutor and was promoted to Senior Case Advisor in April 2010.

Monique is currently enrolled at National University where she is pursuing a Masters Degree in Teaching with an emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis. She hopes to complete the degree by October 2012. Upon completion of the program she plans to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

E-mail Monique Trevino at mtrevino@bestautismservices.com.  

Jessica Meza, B.S.

Jessica has four years of experience working with students on the Autism spectrum utilizing the methodologies of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). In 2007, Jessica completed her education from California State University Fresno where she finished with a Bachelors of Science in Health Science. Jessica has a solid background in Discrete Trial Teaching, Pivotal Response Treatment, and TEACCH methodologies, as she has completed Level 1 PRT training at the Koegel Autism Center, as well as Professional Assault Crisis Training. Jessica continues to educate herself in the field of special needs by attending academic workshops, and following the latest research articles. In Spring 2011, Jessica plans to attend National University to begin classes that will lead to certification as a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst while she works towards earning a Masters degree in Teaching.

"Recognizing and respecting differences in others, and treating everyone like you want them to treat you, will help make our world a better place for everyone. Care... be your best. You don't have to be handicapped to be different. Everyone is different!" -- Kimputer, Kim Peek, inspiration for Rain Main

E-mail Jessica Meza at jmeza@bestautismservices.com.

Melanie Lynn Bunn

Melanie came to B.E.S.T. Services, Inc. in 2010 with 7 years experience working with children with roots primarily in the field of Early Childhood Education.

Melanie has been working with B.E.S.T. Services since January 2010. In September 2010 Melanie was promoted to a Junior Case Advisor.

Melanie is currently completing coursework and dedicated to not only obtain her BA in Early Childhood Education from Ashworth University but wishes to continue her education by obtaining a Masters degree as well as becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Previously Melanie Lynn was the Owner / Administrator of Happy Hearts Preschool Program in Palm Springs Ca. from 2003 -2008.

In addition to working with B.E.S.T. Services, Melanie currently owns and operates Morning Glory Learning Center Preschool located in Bakersfield Ca.

Being a mother of 3, along with her extensive experience working with children, she has a devoted passion for children including those with special needs.

E-mail Melanie Bunn at mbunn@bestautismservices.com.

Angela Schmidt, B.S.

Angela has had a passion for helping others and always knew she wanted to follow in a career where she was able to help adults and children. Originally thinking to pursue becoming a teacher; 10 years ago, Angela began working as behavioral counselor at a behavioral modification day program for developmentally disabled adults. Working with individuals with special needs won Angela’s heart and set her career path. Remaining at the behavioral management program for 5 years, Angela gained many behavior analytic skills and was promoted into the Program Manager position.

Angela received an Associates of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education in December of 2007 and continued her education through the University of Phoenix where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services/Management in April of 2011. Upon returning from maternity leave in 2008, Angela began work with B.E.S.T. Services, Inc. Angela was promoted to Junior Case Advisor after two years with B.E.S.T Services, Inc. Ultimately, Angela’s goals include obtaining a Master’s degree in Teaching with an emphasis in Special Education as well as becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

E-mail Angela Schmidt at aschmidt@bestautismservices.com.

Corina Thorne, B.A.

Corina graduated from California State University San Marcos in May 2010 with a B.A. in Psychology. She began working with B.E.S.T. Services, Inc. in February of 2010 and was promoted to Junior Case Advisor in April of 2011. Corina has 12 years of experience working with children in different settings. She is currently enrolled at National University and is pursuing a Masters degree in Teaching with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. After completing her Masters in Teaching she plans on becoming certified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

E-mail Corina Thorne at cthorne@bestautismservices.com.

Brian Abella

Brian Abella is a California native, originally born in Salinas, a small town found along the central coast of California. While living in Salinas, Brian attended the local community college, studying for a degree in Liberal Arts. Brian was heavily involved in coaching youth sports, volunteering as a basketball coach for 12 year olds and coaching youth football, age 9-12 for 8 seasons. Brian moved to San Diego in 1998, and has been here ever since. Brian is part of a very close knit family and he lives by those family values instilled in him by his parents. Brian spends his free time with his son, Brandon.

In 2008 Brian's employment with B.E.S.T Services as a tutor began. Within the last year, Brian has been integral in our Mentor Tutor program, enjoying the opportunity to act as a mentor to many of the new tutors on staff. Brian was promoted to Junior Case Advisor, and is enthusiastically looking forward to his new role within the agency.

Brian's future plans include earning his degree in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis focusing on special needs in the field of autism; gaining as much knowledge and experience he can to better serve our clients.

E-mail Brian Abella at babella@bestautismservices.com.