Meet the Team

Leadership Team

Megan Price, MA BCBA

Owner
LEARN ABOUT MEGAN

Lindsey Esquivel, MS, BCBA

Regional Director of Clinical Services, California
LEARN ABOUT LINDSEY

Neil Miranda, M.A.Ed., BCBA

Director of Training and Assessments
LEARN ABOUT NEIL

Dennis Paliwoda, BCBA

Regional Director of Clinical Service, Texas
LEARN ABOUT DENNIS

Tyler Anderson, MA, BCBA

Quality Assurance Manager
LEARN ABOUT TYLER

Alexis Melendez, MEd, BCBA

Clinical Manager, Inland Empire
LEARN ABOUT ALEXIS

Jose Najera, BCBA

Clinical Manager, Orange County
LEARN ABOUT JOSE

Krista Moreno, MA,
Student Analyst

Lead Scheduler
LEARN ABOUT KRISTA

Adriana Ellico, MS,
Student Analyst

Clinical Supervisor
LEARN ABOUT ADRIANA

Paradise Leuta, MA,BCBA

Clinical Manager, Inland Empire
LEARN ABOUT PARADISE

Raquel Alzammar, MA, BCBA

Clinical Manager, Orange County
LEARN ABOUT RAQUEL

Elise Mercado, MA,
Student Analyst

Clinical Supervisor
LEARN ABOUT ELISE

Delanie Aldaco, MA,
Student Analyst

Clinical Supervisor
LEARN ABOUT DELANIE

Esmeralda Munoz, BA,
Student Analyst

District Clinical Supervisor & Lead Trainer
LEARN ABOUT ESMERALDA

Tony Najera, BA,
Student Analyst

Clinical Supervisor
LEARN ABOUT TONY

Morgan Valentine, MA, QASP-S
Student Analyst

Clinical Supervisor
LEARN ABOUT MORGAN

Taylor Harren, MA, QASP-S
Student Analyst

Clinical Supervisor

Angie Rodriguez

Human Resources

Guadalupe Sanchez, RBT

Assistant Clinical Supervisor

Kevin Spano

Director of Operations

Xitlali Martinez

Intake Coordinator
ABA Enhancement

CA Phone | (951) 317-5950

TX Phone | (817) 909-2460

Email | IntakeCoordinator@abaenhancement.com

Email |
IntakeCoordinator@abaenhancement.com

Orange County | 16480 Harbor Blvd Ste. 202, Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Riverside | 525 Technology Ste. 101, Riverside, CA 92507

Orange County |
16480 Harbor Blvd Ste. 202, Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Riverside |
525 Technology Ste. 101, Riverside, CA 92507

Texas Clinic | 7500 Beach St., Fort Worth, Texas 76137

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Megan Price, MA BCBA

Owner & Director of Operations

Megan Price has been in the field of behavior intervention since 2003. Graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Cal State San Bernardino and going on to complete her master’s degree shortly after in Rehabilitation Counseling in 2007, Megan is a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA). She started her ABA career working for a school district and has years of experience in ABA, including working for in-home providers and with dual diagnosed adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities and mental illness. She also worked on the insurance side of ABA, reviewing assessments and recommendations based on medical necessity and overall quality of services of providers. Megan has a heart for supporting growth and development of behavior technicians and believes with the additional support and training for the one-to-one clinicians, ABA can continue to strengthen the quality of lives of all the families ABAE works with. When Megan is not working, she enjoys making memories with her three sons and her supportive husband.

Lindsey Esquivel, MS, BCBA

Clinical Director, Inland Empire

Lindsey Esquivel has been working with individuals with disabilities since she was old enough to volunteer in her younger brother’s special education middle school classroom. Lindsey’s brother is the person who originally sparked her passion and inspiration to help families and individuals impacted by neurodiversity. Lindsey has been working in ABA since 2013, when she began her career as a registered behavior technician (RBT) working with military families in Colorado Springs, CO, while she completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado. Lindsey moved to Hawaii for two years while she completed her master’s degree with St. Cloud State University and accumulated her fieldwork experience hours. After meeting her husband in Hawaii, they moved to California where Lindsey quickly passed her BCBA exam and began her journey as a clinical manager. Lindsey has experience working with children and adults with various diagnosis and of all ability levels. She has worked in clinic, school, and home environments and is well-versed in functional communication training, food toleration, sibling interactions, and managing severe maladaptive behaviors. Outside of work Lindsey practices yoga, eats yummy food and spends time in nature with her husband and dogs.

Neil Miranda, M.A.Ed., BCBA

Clinical Director, Orange County

In 2011, unsure of his future career goals, Neil Miranda began directly assisting developmentally disabled adults in New Jersey. Upon relocating to California in 2013, Neil embarked on his journey into the field of ABA by serving first as an in-home behavior therapist, and then as a behavior interventionist at a non-public school. During this time, Neil’s passion for ABA continued to grow, which led to his decision to enroll in graduate school and pursue board certification as a behavior analyst. In 2016, Neil obtained his Master of Arts degree in Education through National University, while simultaneously completing his ABA course sequence through Florida Institute of Technology. Neil became a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) in August 2016 and began working as a behavioral consultant for a school district. Within this role, Neil worked primarily with students diagnosed with emotional behavioral disorders and provided staff members, teachers, and Individual Education Plan (IEP) team members with ongoing training and behavioral supports. Neil conducted functional behavior assessments, developed behavior intervention plans, implemented class-wide and individual reinforcement systems, and proposed goals during annual IEP team meetings. In August of 2019, Neil transitioned into a position as an in-home ABA supervisor, before joining the ABAE team as Orange County’s clinical director. Neil has a five-year-old dog named Zoey and loves walking her and taking her to the beach in his free time. Neil is a proud U.S. Army veteran who enjoys working closely with families and staff members, camping, hiking, traveling, and attending baseball games. Neil’s favorite place to visit is Arches National Park in Utah. His goal is to one day visit every active Major League Baseball stadium.

Dennis Paliwoda, BCBA

Clinical Director Adult Services

Dennis received his undergraduate degree from Ohio State and his master’s degree from Arizona State. He has been working in ABA since 2011. He has worked with adults and adolescents in family homes, group homes, schools, day programs, and a locked hospital facility. He has also been a presenter at the international conference Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). When Dennis is not working with his clients, he enjoys camping and playing hockey with his buddies.

Tyler Anderson, MA, BCBA

Quality Assurance Manager

Tyler Anderson started off his career in the field of ABA during his last year as an undergraduate at UC Riverside, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Although he never intended to go into ABA prior to learning about it, he always knew he wanted to do something that would help others and make a difference in people’s lives. When he saw the opportunity to work with individuals with cognitive disabilities, he saw this as the perfect opportunity to fulfill his personal conviction of helping others and make a difference while also gaining valuable work experience for the future. Tyler quickly became one of the top behavior therapists at his former agency where he worked with clients ages two to 21. During his time working one-on-one with clients, Tyler worked daily with clients that displayed severe maladaptive behaviors/skill deficits. At this time that Tyler decided that ABA was the field in which he wanted to build a career. Following the programming provided by his supervisors, he saw how ABA services could not only transform clients’ lives, but also the lives of family, friends, and the community in which our clients are a part of. After working as a behavior therapist for three years, Tyler enrolled in a master’s program at Chapman University to pursue becoming a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA). Since starting his graduate program, Tyler has earned his qualified autism service practitioner supervisor (QASP-S) certification and will complete his master’s in the summer of 2021. Tyler started supervising/managing cases in 2020 and has enjoyed the opportunity to work intimately with families, teachers, and members of the community to create and implement programs that will improve the quality of life for every client he works with. Tyler’s goal as a clinician is to continue to grow and learn so that he can provide the highest quality of services to as many individuals as possible. In addition, Tyler hopes to one day start a support group for families who are impacted by neurodiversity to provide a space where people can come together to share experiences and discuss strategies to live a fulfilling life with a neurodiverse loved one. Tyler also hopes to start an educational group for families who may be experiencing neurodiversity for the first time to spread awareness and knowledge of the research-based strategies offered in the field of ABA. In his free time, Tyler enjoys spending time with family and friends, going fishing, playing basketball, watching sports/movies, and playing video games.

Alexis Melendez, MEd, BCBA

Clinical Manager

Alexis Melendez has been involved with children with disabilities since her senior year of high school. She started as an aide for a moderate to mild special education classroom. She then went on to complete her bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders from Cal State Fullerton. After graduating, she began working as a board certified autism technician (BCAT) and went on to complete her master’s degree in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University. Since 2017, Alexis has completed her qualified autism service practitioner supervisor (QASP-S) certification and is in the process of completing her field work hours to sit for her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam. Alexis has experience working with children from ages two to 16, but her passion lies with Early Intensive Behavior Intervention allowing her to work with children from ages two to six. In her free time, Alexis enjoys going to the gym, art, visiting with friends and family, and spending time with her Yorkipoo, Tedi.

Jose Najera, BCBA

Clinical Manager

Jose graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2012 from Cal State Fullerton and received his master’s degree in Instruction and Curriculum (ABA) in 2016 from Arizona State University. Jose is a BCBA with nine years of experience in the field and has dedicated himself to giving everyone with whom he works the opportunity to be as independent as possible. He is passionate about teaching behavioral strategies to BTs, parents, and anyone open to learning about ABA. Jose is an avid skateboarder and runner who also enjoys trading pins and collecting vinyl records.

Krista Moreno, MA, Student Analyst

Clinical Supervisor

In 2008, Krista Moreno graduated from Cal State University San Bernardino with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and set her sights on being a special education teacher. After graduation she began working at a school as a behavior interventionist for children with ASD. She has been in the field for more than 10 years. Krista has experience in DTT, PECS, NET, data collection, parent training, PRT, and more. Krista’s goal is to become a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and continue to work with children with autism and their families.

In 2014 Krista got married to her best friend. Krista and her husband enjoy going to the river and riding their quads in Glamis. Krista and their husband have two beautiful boys at home with whom they love spending most of their time.

Adriana Ellico, MS, Student Analyst

Clinical Supervisor

Adriana Ellico has worked with individuals with disabilities and/or developmental delays since September 2016. She has worked in hospital, home, school, and community settings. In 2018, after receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development, she began working in the field of applied behavior analysis, where she became a behavioral therapist working with children and adolescents. While working as a behavioral therapist, she pursued her Master of Science degree in Child Life at the University of La Verne and became a certified child life specialist. Following the completion of her clinical internship, she became a developmental specialist, working with infants and toddlers with developmental delays and/or who are at risk of a developmental delay, implementing ABA concepts within the child’s treatment plan. She was so excited she would be able to provide one-on-one support incorporating the principles of ABA to children and families again that she continued her ABA studies. Adriana is in the student analyst program with ABAE and is currently completing the ABA verified coursework sequence with California State University, San Marcos.  Her goal is to become a BCBA and to continue to provide individualized support for children, adolescents, and families. During her free time, she enjoys hiking, exercising, and being outdoors!

Paradise Leuta, MA, Student Analyst

Clinical Supervisor

Paradise Leuta has always strived to provide a nurturing environment where children can live, learn, and play. She has more than five years of experience working with diverse, dynamic, and underrepresented communities in Title I schools, with children ages five to 18. Paradise first sought a career in elementary education and completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from UC Riverside, where she studied “a broad education, with a broad critique, and broad solutions.” Upon graduation, she accidentally fell into the field of ABA and became an applied behavior analysis technician (ABAT). Paradise is expected to complete her Master of Science degree in Psychology specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis by Fall 2021. She hopes to one day support mothers and their children in transitional housing facilities and sober living homes. In her free time, Paradise enjoys learning about mental health, making art, and meditating.

Raquel Alzammar, MA, Student Analyst

Clinical Supervisor

In 2015, Raquel Alzammar graduated from California State University, Stanislaus with her Psychology degree and began her ABA journey as a behavior interventionist. After seeing the difference ABA can make in the lives of the families she served, she decided to pursue her master’s in ABA. Raquel is passionate about learning, studying, and staying abreast of new ABA research advancements that continue to occur as the field grows. Raquel’s goal is to continue her education to earn her PhD and become a BCBA-D. Raquel recently relocated from the central valley to southern California with her boyfriend and dog. In her spare time, Raquel loves to travel, spend time at the beach, lift weights, and spend time with friends and family.

Elise Mercado, BA, Student Analyst

Clinical Supervisor

Elise Mercado always knew her calling was to work with children, but she was unsure which setting. While attending California State University, Long Beach, she completed her school internship at the Child Life Department in Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach. This fueled her fire to work in the child development field. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development and Family Studies and became an elementary school tutor for Learning Tree After School in Yorba Linda. She stumbled upon ABA in 2018, fell in love with the field, and became a registered behavior technician (RBT). She has acquired experience across various environmental settings, both one-to-one sessions and social groups, with clients varying from three to 27 years old. Elise is currently attending Arizona State University to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis). She strives to be a passionate voice, not only for her own clients, but for the autism community. Elise dreams of working with older adults diagnosed with ASD to teach them daily living and vocational skills. Outside of work, Elise enjoys hiking, going to sports games and concerts, and trying new restaurants!

Delanie Aldaco, BA, Student Analyst

Clinical Supervisor

Delanie has always had a passion for working with children with special needs. She began volunteering in special education classrooms and speech/ABA therapy clinics within her community. After watching ABA therapists transform her sister’s life, she began working as a Registered Behavior Technician. Delanie quickly realized that she wanted to further her education and become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. She completed her Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology in 2020 and is currently earning her Master’s in ABA at Arizona State University. Delanie is expected to graduate in May of 2021. She is a part of ABAE’s student analyst program earning her fieldwork hours to sit for the BCBA exam. Delanie hopes to transform the lives of children and families as a BCBA. During her free time, Delanie enjoys spending time with her husband and family, making art, and running.

Esmeralda Munoz, BA, Student Analyst

Clinical Supervisor

Esmeralda has been working with individuals with disabilities for 9 years in different settings including in home and school settings. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University, Fullerton and with her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University. Esmeralda has worked with children with many different diagnoses from ages from 3 to 16. Esmeralda has also had the opportunity to support many Spanish speaking families. During her free time, Esmeralda enjoys reading, watching movies, spending time with her family and traveling.

Tony Najera, BA, Student Analyst

Clinical Supervisor

In 2016, Tony began working as a Registered Behavior Technician in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. It did not take long before Tony realized that his job would eventually become his career choice. In present time, Tony has gained more than seven years of experience and continues to strive for more. When asked Tony to describe how work is going, Tony responded with “My passion for ABA is so strong that I feel like I’m not working most of the time. I am fortunate to have discovered a field in which I can apply my education, my work ethic, and passion into one objective, which is helping those in need. The job is rewarding in so many ways that its hard for me to see myself doing something else” Tony graduated from California State University Fullerton with a degree in psychology and a minor in sociology in 2018. Currently, Tony is attending Arizona State University with a graduation date in early fall of 2022 and plans to become a BCBA in the future. When Tony is not working, Tony enjoys exercising, reading science books, and playing chess!

Morgan Valentine, BA, Student Analyst

Clinical Supervisor

In 2018 I graduated from California State University San Bernardino with my bachelors in Kinesiology. While accumulating hours needed to begin Physical Therapy school I accepted a job as a behavior technician. Once I began working in the field of ABA I fell in love and completely changed my path. I then began pursing my Masters in ABA from National University and graduated in fall of 2020. My goal is to become a BCBA and continuing to support children, adolescents, and families. During my free time I enjoy exercising, reading, and going to the beach.