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.

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 N. Roederer, B.A., BCaBA

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.

Monique Trevino, B.A.

Monique was initially introduced to the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in August 2009 upon joining B.E.S.T. Services, Inc. as a tutor. Her experiences quickly motivated her to learn more within the field of ABA. She was promoted to a Senior Case Advisor in April 2010 and continued to strive to grow educationally and professionally to further assist her community. Monique was recently promoted to a Case Supervisor for the Riverside area.

Monique attended La Sierra University where she achieved a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. Currently, she is attending National University and is completing the last of her coursework to obtain her Masters of Arts in Teaching with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. She hopes to pursue a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification upon completion of her M.A.

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. and in August of 2012 she was promoted to Case Advisor. Angela is currently attending National University completing her graduate courses to obtain her Master's in Teaching with a speciality in Applied Behavior Analysis. Upon completion of her MAT program in January 2013, Angela will be preparing to take the board exam to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

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

Corina Thorne, B.A., BCaBA

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. In July, 2012 Corina became certified as a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst. 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.  

Jennifer Stiles, B.S.

Jennifer's passion for working with children began as an undergraduate at the University of California, Los Angeles. For over two years, she was a dedicated intern for an organization providing after school programs for at-risk youth in the Venice Beach area. Along with mentoring a group on a weekly basis, she later became the site coordinator and was heavily involved in creating behavior plans and program curriculum. After graduating from UCLA with a Bachelor's degree in Psychobiology and a minor in Neuroscience, Jennifer moved back to her home town of Temecula. Her experience with children and interest in behavior led her to join B.E.S.T. Services, Inc. in April 2010. She was promoted to Junior Case Advisor of San Diego County in early 2012, and looks forward to continuing her professional as well as educational growth with the company. She is currently in the process of pursuing both her Master's Degree and certification in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), where she will become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

E-mail Jennifer Stiles at jstiles@bestautismservices.com.  

Monica Garcia, B.A.

Monica graduated from California State University San Marcos with A Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal and Justice Studies. She began working with B.E.S.T. Services Inc. in February of 2011 and was promoted to Junior Case Advisor in January of 2012. She possesses a thorough background in DT training and behavioral management skills. Monica plans on getting her masters in education as well as becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

E-mail Monica Garcia at mgarcia@bestautismservices.com.

Rachael Donahue, B.A.

Rachael grew up in Boston, in a home that was very involved in Special Education. With a mother in the field and a close family friend with Autism, Rachael’s love and knowledge for this population began at an early age. She attended Franklin Pierce University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. Her intent was to rehabilitate juvenile offenders but within a month of graduating, Rachael was working as a teacher’s aide in a classroom for children with Autism. After falling in love with her job, she continued working for Boston Public schools for four years. In 2010, Rachael moved to San Diego and began working at B.E.S.T., as a direct tutor. Not long after, she became a mentor tutor and then promoted to Junior Case Advisor. Rachael is looking forward to her new role with B.E.S.T., as well as continuing her education. Rachael plans to begin courses to earn certification in Applied Behavior Analysis this fall.

E-mail Rachael Donahue at rdonahue@bestautismservices.com.  

Stephanie Smith

Stephanie was introduced to the field of Autism at the age of 17 when she observed an ABA session with a family member while vacationing in San Diego. After graduating from high school she decided to move from North Carolina to San Diego to pursue a career in the field of Autism. She then joined B.E.S.T. Services Inc. in 2007 working as a direct tutor and was recently promoted to an ABA Trainer.

Stephanie is currently working towards her degree in Early Childhood Development with an emphasis on special needs. Her future goal is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

E-mail Stephanie Smith at ssmith@bestautismservices.com.  

Mara Aikin, B.A.

Mara Aikin graduated from California State University Channel Islands in May of 2010 with her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Elementary Teaching. She then continued her education at California State University San Bernardino to obtain her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and also her Mild to Moderate Special Education Teaching Credential. The University of San Bernardino is where Mara was first introduced to the wonderful world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). After learning more about Autism, she found inspiration and, in her heart she knew that a profession working with children with autism was her true calling. Mara began working with BEST services inc. in January of 2011 while still a student at Cal State San Bernardino. In December of 2012 Mara was promoted to Junior Case Advisor and is now in the process of obtaining her Master’s in Education as well as becoming a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst.

E-mail Mara Aikin at maikin@bestautismservices.com.