Meet Our Team
We will provide every client with the best quality of care every time, no exceptions! This means we will always becourteous, empathic, professional, and passionate. The epicenter of our success will be education, acceptance, commitment, and progress – our stepping stones towards Positive Change.
Dr. Melinda Docter, CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Docter has 33 years of general education and special education experience in both teaching and administration and the last 7 years in graduate education program development and instruction in Applied Behavior Analysis. She holds a Doctorate in Education, Master’s in Education, and Credentials in Special Education – Mod/Severe, Regular Ed, and Administration from Pepperdine University. She is also a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. Her experiences include ABA/BCBA University program development and teaching, school administration for special education schools for children with ASD and other developmental disabilities and challenging behaviors, and professional development and training both nationally and internationally in assessment and treatment in applied behavior analysis and teaching individuals with ASD.
She has published a book with Wiley and Sons Publications – “Asperger’s Syndrome – A Guide to Helping Your Child Thrive at Home and At School” with Co-author Syed Naqvi MD – Director of Pediatric Psychopharmacology – Cedar Sinai Hospital – Los Angeles and currently has a book pending publication (Routledge – March 2023) “Applied Behavior Analysis in the Classroom: Barriers and Solutions for Effective Treatment.” Dr. Docter is a Fulbright Scholar, previously providing 12 weeks of behavior analytic training in Mykolaiv, Ukraine at Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University.
Maria Kakosimidi, M.S., CLINICAL SUPERVISOR FOR EARLY CENTER BASED
Maria Kakosimidi, M.S. is our Clinical Program Supervisor for our center-based location. Mrs. Kakosimidi has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for the past 5 years. She started off as a Behavior Therapist for 4 years and then got promoted to Clinical Program Supervisor once she earned her masters degree. Mrs. Kakosimidi earned her bachelors and masters degrees in ABA from Purdue University. She is now furthering her education to earn a second masters degree in Psychology. Her experience ranges from working in home and center settings. She has worked with individuals from 3-12 years of age. Maria arrives to our center with joy and a goal to change kiddos lives. She is always excited to create creative and fun activities for our kiddos and loves to implement them in a child friendly way!
Cesar A. Morataya Jr, M.Ed., NEW HIRE TRAINING SUPERVISOR
Cesar obtained his Master of Education in 2019 from Arizona State University, he has been in the field of Applied Behavioral Analysis for over 7 years. Cesar has worked with a vast clientele focusing primarily on children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the homes, school, and community.
For years, Cesar has worked alongside with children and adolescents as a behavioral therapist. Cesar afterwards worked as a supervisor overseeing clientele and therapist from an outside perspective. With the experience gained working in the field of ABA firsthand alongside volunteering in art programs for children in low-income areas, child education programs, and afterschool programs. Cesar now trains new incoming behavioral therapist. Seeing firsthand the areas where some trainings lacked, Cesar has designed a training program that will better assist new incoming therapist to be far better equipped to help their clientele and themselves.
Renee Provencio, M.S., SENIOR SUPERVISOR
Renee Provencio is a Senior Supervisor with 3 years of general education and 6 years in applied behavior analysis. She holds a Masters in Science with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Pepperdine University. Her experience includes ABA with children in ASD and other developmental disabilities. Renee has worked with children within Spectrum with sever and non-sever behaviors in home, clinic and school settings. Renee believes every child no matter the race, or developmental disabilities deserve; patience, empathy, compassion, and the right to learn. She states, “our future will be built by their creativity.”
Jessica Carter, M.S., Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Jessica Carter has worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2015. Jessica began her career in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis working as a Behaviorist in both the school and home setting. She quickly became interested in furthering her education and advancing in her career. Jessica received her M.S. in Psychology at Arizona State University and is a certified behavior analyst. Jessica describes her experience in ABA as extremely rewarding. Jessica is currently a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst at My HHBS Glendale center.