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Edward Miguel, Ed. D.Co-Founder and Principal, MA, Ed. D., BCBA
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Melaura Erickson-Tomaino, Ph. D.Co-Founder and Principal, Ph.D., BCBA-D
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Sarah Ann Kagawa-PurohitAssistant Principal of Behavior-Analytic Programs, BCBA
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Melissa BurchellOntario Site Administrator
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Maria SwansonTustin Site Administrator
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Caitlin McGinleyDirector of Ontario Campus Behavioral Analytical Programs
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Lisa OdendaalDirector of Business Operations
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Chad LolmaughDirector of Operations and Transportation
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Ashley SilveiraExecutive Administrative Assistant
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Mario RodriguezOntario Operations and Transportation Coordinator
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Rafael BarraganClinical Classroom Support Supervisor, BCBA
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Jennifer CuencaClinical Classroom Support Associate
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Tamara DakhilClinical Classroom Support Supervisor
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Danielle KrausseClinical Classroom Support Associate
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Missael PinedaClinical Classroom Support Associate
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Jill D’BraunsteinSpeech Language Pathologist
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Lianne AzuajeSpeech Language Pathologist Assistant
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Meghan BuchananSpeech Language Pathology Assistant
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Amber DrewSpeech Language Pathology Assistant
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Emily HoranSpeech Language Pathology Assistant
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Katelyn LichtenwalterSpeech and Language Pathology Assistant
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Rachel RuciretaCertified Occupational Therapist OTR/L
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Ale CarrilloCertified Occupational Therapy Assistant
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Briana FarrellCertified Occupational Therapy Assistant
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Kristen McClureCertified Occupational Therapy Assistant
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Miranda PradoCertified Occupational Therapist
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Carolena YorbaCertified Occupational Therapy Assistant
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Paul FriedrichEducation Specialist
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Ashley HaggertyEducation Specialist
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Edson HernandezSchool Custodian
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About
Edward Miguel, Ed. D., is the Co-Founder and President of Port View Preparatory® School. He was the Chief Operating Officer and Board Certified Behavior Analyst at Beacon Day School in Orange County, where he was responsible for all internal operations. Prior to that, he was the Assistant Director of the Olive Crest Academy, Therapeutic Education Centers, a private school for secondary students. His responsibilities included the evaluation and implementation of a positive behavior intervention program. Dr. Miguel has spent his entire career serving individuals with special needs. He has worked in a variety of settings including domestic violence shelters, residential treatment centers, group homes, and non-public schools. He has extensive experience in special education administration, organizational development, special education instruction, and applied behavior analysis. Dr. Miguel brings his leadership skills to Port View Preparatory® in an effort to participate in the mission of discovering and providing a quality educational program that fits each individual student's strengths, needs, interest, and lifestyle.Education
Dr. Miguel received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from National University in 2008. He also holds a master’s degree in teaching with specialization in applied behavior analysis from National University, 2012. He became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board in 2013. He recently earned his doctorate of education at Fielding Graduate University.Honors and Awards
Affiliations
California Association for Behavior Analysis, 2010 – present Association for Behavior Analysis, 2008 – presentPresentations
“Reducing Severe Challenging Behaviors Without Restraint: An Examination of Non-Invasive Behavior Analytic Supports.” CEU Presentation, Hawaii Association for Behavior Analysis Annual Conference, Honolulu, HI. (October, 2014)Publications
- "The Dynamics and Ramifications of Severe Challenging Behavior: Daring to reduce challenging behavior in schools without physical restraint and seclusion (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from ProQuest. (11030) (2016)
Personal
Dr. Miguel spends his time away from Port View Prep with his family and keeps busy with projects around the house. Dr. Miguel also trains extensively in responding to severe challenging behaviors on his own time, focusing on fitness, self-awareness, and the management of aggressive behaviors.
About
Melaura Erickson-Tomaino, Ph.D., is the Co-Founder and Principal of Port View Preparatory® School. Her prior positions include Director of Clinical Services for Beacon Day School in La Palma, CA, and Behavior Program Supervisor for the Center for Autism Research, Evaluation, and Service in San Diego, CA. Dr. Tomaino has more than 13 years of experience in serving students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. Dr. Tomaino has conducted extensive research in ASD with a focus on using communication as the basis for successful teaching and behavior strategies to eliminate the use of restraint in children with autism. Dr. Tomaino has been an Assistant Professor in the School of Counseling/Psychology at Azusa Pacific University, and has taught numerous graduate courses at Claremont University. She has published multiple articles.Education
Dr. Tomaino received her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2002, a master’s degree in clinical psychology from California State University, Fullerton in 2007, and a Ph.D. in applied developmental psychology from Claremont Graduate University in 2011. She was qualified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board in 2010 and became a licensed psychologist in 2017 (PSY 29562).Honors and Awards
- SABA Student Presenter Grant, Association for Behavior Analysis International, 2010
- Dean's Fellowship, for outstanding work in research and academics as a first-year graduate student, Claremont Graduate University, 2008
- Fellowship Recipient, Claremont Graduate University, 2007-2009
- Scholarship, for outstanding academic achievement, Tylenol Foundation, 1998
Affiliations
- California Association for Behavior Analysis, 2008 – present
- Society for Research in Child Development, 2009 – present
- Association for Behavior Analysis, 2008 – present
- Sigma Xi, 2009 – present
Presentations
- “Reducing Severe Challenging Behaviors Without Restraint: An Examination of Non-Invasive Behavior Analytic Supports.” CEU Presentation, Hawaii Association for Behavior Analysis Annual Conference, Honolulu, HI. (October, 2014)
- “Teaching conversation to children with autism: A parent implemented script procedure.” “Minimizing the Research to Practice Gap in Autism Treatment Research.” Symposium at Association for Behavior Analysis International Annual Convention, Seattle, WA. Tomaino, M.E., M.H. Charlop, Chair (May, 2012)
- “An analysis of the effects of PECS training on vocalizations in children with limited speech.” “Assessing the Picture Exchange Communication System across the lifespan: An evaluation of PECS generalization and concomitant increases in vocalizations.” Symposium at Association for Behavior Analysis International Annual Convention, San Antonio, TX. Erickson, M.A., Greenberg, A.L., & Charlop, M.H., Chair. (May, 2010)
- “Evaluating generalization of the Picture Exchange Communication System in children with autism.” “Assessing the Picture Exchange Communication System across the lifespan: An evaluation of PECS generalization and concomitant increases in vocalizations. Symposium at the Association for Behavior Analysis International Annual Convention, San Antonio, TX. Greenberg, A.L., Erickson, M.A., & Charlop, M.H. (May, 2010)
- “An analysis of parents' use of evidence-based treatments in four different populations.” “Parents' adoption of evidence-based treatments for their children with autism.” Symposium at the California Association for Behavior Analysis Annual Convention, Irvine, CA. Erickson, M.A., Berquist, K., & Charlop, M.H. (February, 2010)
- “Is evidence based treatment important to parents of children with autism? A comparison of CAM use between parents of children with Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome. In D. B. Malmberg (Chair). “Evaluating interventions available for children with autism: The Importance of Evidence Based Treatments.” Symposium at the Association for Behavior Analysis International Annual Convention, Scottsdale, AZ. Erickson, M.A., Berquist, K., & Charlop, M. H. (May, 2009)
- “Does the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) result in speech acquisition? An assessment of language development in children learning to communicate with PECS. In D. B. Malmberg (Chair). “Using Visual Strategies to Promote the Acquisition of Communication and Social Skills of Children with Autism.” Symposium at the Association for Behavior Analysis International Annual Convention, Chicago, IL. Erickson, M. A., Greenberg, A.L., & Charlop-Christy, M. H. (May, 2008)
- “Is the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Functional? An Assessment of PECS Generalization. In D. B. Malmberg (Chair). “Using Visual Strategies to Promote the Acquisition of Communication and Social Skills of Children with Autism.” Symposium at the Association for Behavior Analysis International Annual Convention, Chicago, IL. Greenberg, A.L., Erickson, M.A., Charlop-Christy, M.H. (May, 2008)
Publications
- “Social Skills: What are they and how are they taught at the Claremont Autism Center?” Charlop, M.H. & Tomaino, M.E. (Manuscript in press)
- “Teaching conversation to children with autism: Assessment of the efficacy of a parent-implemented script procedure” Tomaino, M. E. & Charlop, M.H. (2011)
- “Assessing generalization of the Picture Exchange Communication System in children with Autism,” Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 24, 539-558. doi: 10.1007/s10882-012-9288-y. Greenberg, A. L., Tomaino, M. E., & Charlop, M.H. (2012)
- “Adapting the Picture Exchange Communication System to Elicit Vocalizations in children with Autism,” Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities. doi: 10.1007/s10882-013-9344-2. Greenberg, A. L., Tomaino, M. E., & Charlop, M.H. (2012)
- “Social Skills: What are they and how are they taught at the Claremont Autism Center?” Charlop, M.H. & Tomaino, M.E. (Manuscript in press)
- “Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Comparison to Children with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and No Diagnosis.” Tomaino, M.E., Berquist,K. & Charlop, M. H. (Manuscript in preparation)
- “Increasing Vocabulary through Question-asking for Children with Autism.” Charlop, M.H., Le, L., Tomaino, M.E. (Manuscript in preparation)preparation)
Personal
Dr. Tomaino spends her free time playing with and caring for her two children. She loves to cook and volunteer at the preschool when she is not at Port View Prep. When she needs to decompress you can find her running or at pilates.About
Sarah Ann Kagawa-Purohit is an Assistant Principal of Behavior-Analytic Programs who has been working in the field for 7 years. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. During her undergraduate career, she worked as an after-school program director. Upon graduating, she began working as a behavior interventionist for various profit and non-profit agencies that provided services for children in both the home and school settings.
Sarah continued her academic development by concurrently obtaining her Masters of Science-Counseling with an option in Applied Behavior Analysis at California State University Los Angeles, after which she passed the BCBA certification exam and was promoted to a supervisory role. She possesses an innate passion for her work with children that stems from her childhood relationships. Sarah is especially interested in the topic of interpersonal communication and social skills, due to its tremendous impact on an individual’s ability to integrate with society and maintain quality of life. She enjoys spending her time exploring new hiking trails and different types of restaurants with her husband.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
09/29/2015 and 05/30/2016: Overview of the Functional Behavior Assessment Process and the Translated Indirect Functional Assessment Interview – Japanese for ABAI’s Eighth International Conference in Kyoto, Japan/ ABAI’s 42nd Annual Convention in Chicago, Illinois
Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology with an emphasis in Educational Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. She went on to obtain a Master of Science Degree in Special Education and a multiple-subject teaching credential specializing in moderate to severe disabilities. She is currently working towards her Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on Special Education at Northcentral University, with an expected completion date of 2023. Melissa’s professional and educational journey sparked an interest in building collaborative relationships between parents, students, and educators, to encourage student success. Port View Preparatory® further encouraged this through their positive mindset and the collaborative relationships they develop with students and parents.
Prior to joining Port View, Melissa worked in public-school settings with diverse populations of both general and special education students. Her desire to help students showcase their strengths and the spark that exists in all individuals led her to Port View. Seeking a school that focused on collaboration and what students can do rather than what they can't, Melissa found her home at Port View. Coming in each day and making meaningful connections with Port View students brings Melissa a tremendous amount of joy. Witnessing individual growth and the development of peer relationships continuously inspires her. When Melissa is not at Port View, she enjoys traveling with her family, reading, and having movie nights at home.
Maria Swanson holds a dual credential in both Multiple Subjects and Mild/Moderate education. She attended Capital University in her hometown state of Ohio. In addition, Maria recently received her Autism Authorization from Alliant University. Maria will be starting her Master's program in the winter, in order to further her education in the field of special education. Maria has worked in the field of education for the past 7 years and has experience working with a variety of students of various backgrounds. She has been a part of the Port View Preparatory® team for several years. Maria says the best part about working at Port View Prep is the amazing students and facility. She loves seeing the kids grow both intellectually and socially every day. Maria is passionate about creating opportunities for the students to learn in a fun and welcoming setting. Maria feels she is lucky to work in such a supportive and caring environment. Maria enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new hiking trails and being outside.
Caitlin (“Caity”) McGinley joined the behavior team at Port View Preparatory® in 2016. She has been working in the field of special education since 2007 with individuals in a variety of school, community and home settings and became a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) in 2014. She received her Masters in Education from Arizona State University in 2018 and continued on to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2019. Caity enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 sons, watching movies, and trying new restaurants.
Lisa Odendaal received her Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Studies from Cal State University Fullerton. Lisa began working with students with disabilities as an instructional aide for mainstreamed students for Anaheim Union High School District in their Resource Specialist Program (RSP) and has been in the non-public school setting taking on various roles since 2010. Lisa began her career in the non-public school setting as a behavior interventionist in the classroom setting. This is where she gained a true passion for working with students with disabilities. Lisa’s background in bookkeeping is what brought her into an administrative role in the non-public school setting. Lisa has been serving as a liaison between the school districts and the non-public school, as well as an administrative assistant since 2011. She enjoys being a valuable resource and support to our students and their families, staff and the school districts that we serve.
Chad Lolmaugh has over 10 years of experience working with students with disabilities ranging from mild to severe disabilities. Eight of those years were working in a non-public school setting and 2 of those years were working in a group home setting where Chad has been able to work with a variety of students as well as with other professionals in the field. Chad has received his Registered Behavior Technician Credential as well as training related to the reduction of severe challenging behavior without restraint. At Port View Preparatory®, Chad oversees the safety of students on transportation as well as on site. For Chad, the best part of working with our students is seeing the positive changes in a student’s behavior and life with the help of individualized programs to meet the student’s needs.
bio coming soon
Ashley graduated from Hope International University in 2008 with a degree in Psychology. She has been working in the field of special education ever since. Her background includes in home therapy, the classroom environment, and administration. She first came to Port View Preparatory® in January 2016 as a CSP and then became Administrative Assistant later that summer. Ashley's passion for helping others along with her niche for being organized led her to her current role as Port View's Executive Administrative Assistant. In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, reading, and going to the theatre.
Zack is the Training Coordinator at Port View Preparatory®. He has been in the field for 2 years. Zack received his Bachelors in Communications from California State University, Fullerton in 2016. Zack joined the PVP team in 2016 as a CSP and decided to further his education. He received a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University in 2020. Zack is currently working towards getting his BCBA certification. What he loves most about Port View is being able to have daily interactions with the students and being able to see the progress each student has made.
Rachael is a Licensed Vocational Nurse who graduated from American Career College and went on to sit for the board of nursing where she passed the NCLEX PN and got her license through the state of California. Rachael has always had a heart to work with children. When she learned about Port View Prep she was extremely excited to join the team and expand her experience in working with children with learning and health differences. Outside of work Rachael loves spending time with her husband and two kids as well as the rest of her family. She also loves to volunteer at church where her husband is a Pastor.
Mario has over 10 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities, both with students in the non-public education setting as well as with youth in a group home setting. Prior to working at Port View Preparatory® , he worked as a Classroom Support Provider for a non-public school in Orange County, California. After coming to Port View shortly after its opening in 2014, Mario acquired his certification as a Registered Behavior Technician and was promoted to a Classroom Support Specialist. When Port View's Ontario campus opened in 2017, Mario stepped into his current role of Coordinator of Operations and Transportation. His favorite thing about his role is getting to work with such a collaborative and passionate team. When he is not at PVP you can find Mario on the soccer field where he coaches a number of youth soccer teams.
Ramon was born and raised in Ontario, CA. He joined the Port View Preparatory team in 2017. Prior to working at Port View Preparatory, he worked for Nordstroms logistics division as a shift lead for 3 years. Ramon continues to keep our campus looking as beautiful as the first day it opened. In his spare time, you can find Ramon working on cars or spending time with his family at Disneyland.
Herlinda joined the Port View Preparatory® Crew as a CSP in September 2014 and is now an Administrative Assistant. She is bilingual and assists as an interpreter for our families. She has always had a passion for working with children and enjoys creating a safe and positive environment for each of our students. To Herlinda, the most rewarding part of her job is helping our kids reach their full potential. When she is not at Port View Prep, she enjoys spending time with family, especially her nephews and niece.
Emily joined the Port View Preparatory® Crew in November 2020 as an Administrative Assistant. She is a former kindergarten teacher from Colorado. She moved to Orange County in 2013 after spending 4 summers teaching on an island at Catalina Island Camps. Emily was asked to teach at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center. In 2015 she transitioned to being their Office Manager but has always had that passion for working with children. Emily was very excited to join the Port View team last year. To Emily, the most rewarding part of her job is seeing our kids thrive and getting to know their families. When she is not at Port View Prep, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and their dog. She is also involved in a lot of charity work in the Los Angeles area.
Rafael is currently a Clinical Classroom Support Supervisor and BCBA at Port View Preparatory®. Prior to joining the PVP team Rafael served for seven years in the private school sector for children with special needs. He graduated with his bachelor's degree in 2010 from Kansas Wesleyan University as a collegiate athlete. Rafael identified early on that his passion was working with children through coaching various youth soccer teams. He pursued this passion by furthering his education and attending National University for his graduate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. He continued on to graduate from National University in 2018 with honors (Magna Cum Laude). Rafael is dedicated to providing an elevated quality of life for all of his students. His personal belief is that everyone has the opportunity to succeed, and he is proud to be a part of Port View's shared philosophy. His personal passions include playing soccer, physical fitness, fishing, taking his cars to local car shows and supporting Los Angeles sports teams.
Jennifer is a Clinical Classroom Support Associate and has been in the field for over 5 years. Jennifer received her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Los Angeles in 2018. During this time, she was working in the in-home setting as a behavioral therapist. She joined PVP in 2019 as a CSP and received a Master’s in Applied Behavioral Analysis in 2020. Jennifer is currently working towards her BCBA certification. Jennifer is passionate about PVP’s “student first, disability second” philosophy, and applies that philosophy beyond PVP. On her spare time she enjoys going on hikes with her boyfriend and dog, as well as trying new restaurants and cooking new recipes at home.
Tamara is a Clinical Classroom Support Supervisor at Port View. She has been in the field of special education for over 8 years. Tamara received her Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of California, Riverside in 2012. She began working with special needs children in a NPS setting in 2013 and has loved working within the field ever since. Tamara joined the PVP team in 2017 as a Classroom Support Provider and received her BCaBA certification in 2020.
Danielle is a Clinical Classroom Support Associate. She has been in the field for over 5 years. Danielle received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach in 2015. Shortly, after graduation she begin working with individuals with special needs at various volunteer clinics and later in the in-home setting as a behavioral therapist. She joined PVP in 2017 as a CSP and received a Master’s in Applied Behavioral Analysis with an emphasis in autism spectrum disorders in 2019. Danielle is working towards her BCBA certification. She enjoys spending time with her husband and stepdaughter as well as frequent trips to Disneyland and traveling.
bio coming soon
Jill holds a Master's Degree as a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the International Dyslexia Association. She has been practicing for over 25 years in Orange County and joined the PVP team in 2017. She specializes and is passionate about providing students with complex communication needs and the ability to freely and effectively communicate and engage within their community. As a specialist in Assistive Technology, Jill strives to equip our PVP students with tools necessary to reach their true potential. Additionally, she is a certified provider of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) program, a social skills program developed out of UCLA Semel Institute. In her free time, Jill enjoys hanging out with her family and friends listening to music, eating good food or planning for the next adventure.
Lianne is a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant at Port View Preparatory®. She moved from Indonesia to California in 2006 and received her bachelor's degree in Linguistics and English from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2010. Lianne also received a post-baccalaureate specialization in Speech and Communication Science Disorders from California State University, Fullerton. Her clinical experience includes working with a variety of students in the pediatric population including students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Articulation Disorders, Auditory Processing Disorders, Developmental delay and much more. She joined the PVP team in January of 2018 and is passionate about working with students, teachers, parents, and staff on the use and implementation of AAC devices. She says the best part of working at Port View is getting to know her student's fun personalities and teaching them how to show it through their communication. In her free time she enjoys trying new recipes, working out, and traveling with her family. Lianne and her husband are expecting a little one soon to join the family in 2020.
Meghan joined the PVP team in January 2020. She is a certified provider of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) program and a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Completing her clinical fellowship year at Port View and staying on as a PVP Sailor has helped her learn more about the autisic community and helped her find her passion for the students at this school. She loves working collaboratively with parents, other service providers, teachers and districts to help each students achiece educational success.
Her favorite thing about PVP is the love and respect that is communicated between staff and students every day. There's nothing quite like having a student finally accomplish a goal they have been working towards, gaining their trust, and using language in every day activities.
She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, cooking and eating delicious meals, and going to the beach.
Amber is a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant at Port View Preparatory. She graduated with her Bachelor's degree in communicative disorders from Cal State Fullerton in 2019. She was a part of the NSSLHA club and volunteered for Providence Speech & Hearing working with early intervention and the B.R.A.I.N rehabilitation center for TBI's. She does respite on the weekends working with a wide range of ages mostly with the ASD population as well as down syndrome and cerebral palsy. She enjoys traveling internationally and cooking in her free time. Her favorite thing about PVP is building connections with the students and coming from a place of understanding and empathy and is an advocate for AAC. She believes everyone deserves a voice.
bio coming soon
Katelyn is a Speech and Language Pathology Assistant at Port View Preparatory. She received her Bachelors in Communicative Disorders from California State University, Fullerton. Following her bachelor’s degree, Katelyn received her SLPA license from Loma Linda University. Before beginning her career in the speech field, Katelyn worked as a behavior interventionist where she discovered her desire to work with clients who have special needs. She is passionate about developing her students’ functional communication abilities and promoting the use of AAC devices. In her free time, Katelyn enjoys traveling, going to the beach and spending time with her friends and family.
Lori Spear OTR/L has been with Port View Preparatory® since its establishment and has 30 years of experience working with children from infancy through young adults. She has extensive experience and advanced studies in the treatment of sensory processing disorders, feeding deficits, fine motor deficits and other developmental delays. Ms. Spear also has a substantial background and special interest in meaningful transition from school to community living. Ms. Spear has worked in various school districts, county programs and specialized non-public schools. She believes strongly in providing parents with techniques and support to carry over at home for a student’s optimal progress.
Rachel began her career at Port View Preparatory® as an Occupational Therapy Assistant and shortly after decided to continue her academic development to earn her master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Belmont University. She is now serving Port View as an Occupational Therapist Registered/Licensed (OTR/L) and has been working in the field since 2015. Rachel loves being able to address physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and sensory components in a fun, engaging way. She believes in reducing barriers for all students in order for them to reach their maximum potential inside and outside of the classroom. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors and traveling.
Ale began her time at Port View in 2021. She received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Cal Poly Pomona in 2014. Ale then went on to graduate from Santa Ana College with her degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in 2021. Ale is thrilled to be a part of the Port View team and is passionate about working with our students to help them live life to their fullest potential. Outside of work, Ale enjoys spending her free time with her husband and two children.
Briana is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant at Port View Preparatory®. Briana earned her bachelor's degree in Health and Sports Studies at Miami University (Ohio) where she played Division 1 softball. She began working with students with disabilities in the Upland Unified School District where she was introduced to the field of occupational therapy. Briana attended Stanbridge College where she earned her degree and license to become a COTA. She began her new career working with the geriatric population in skilled nursing before finding her passion to work in the non-public school environment. In her free time, Briana enjoys spending time with her husband and children, family and friends, traveling and attending country concerts.
Kristen is a dedicated, collaborative, and adaptable COTA who has 6+ years of extensive experience working in pediatrics. Kristen is skilled in developing individual treatment plans for students using creativity and a high standard of care. She excels at fostering a positive relationship with her students, staff, and parents. She is committed to developing results-based plans and goals while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Miranda is a Certified Occupational Therapist at Port View Preparatory. She was introduced to the field of occupational therapy in high school and it quickly became her dream career.
She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology at San Diego State University and volunteered/worked with various companies supporting children with various developmental delays. Upon graduation, she served as a Classroom Support Provider (CSP) at PVP and learned more about the field and the students we serve. She then moved to New York City and received her master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University. She was able to gain experience in many settings with various populations and reaffirmed her passion working in pediatrics. Miranda believes in collaborating not only with her colleagues but each student's family as well to support the student in both school and home environments.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with family/friends and her dog Eevie, traveling to new places and meeting new people.
Carolena graduated from Stanbridge University with a degree in Occupational Science. She has worked with a variety of populations from mental health to community-based all with the focus being on the unique needs of each individual. She found her passion working with children during her time in a community-based setting. Carolena came to Port View Preparatory® to work with students to assist them in academic success as well as personal growth. She has a passion for helping others and spends time outside of work volunteering with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County and the Special Olympics. Carolena also enjoys hiking and spending time with her family.
Alyssa is an alumni from California Baptist University in Riverside. She received a Master of Arts degree in Education with her credential in Mild/Moderate disabilities, and a Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders. Alyssa's passion for special education started early in high school and continues to this day. She was president of her high school's Best Buddies program, worked with adults preparing them for their day-to-day activities and volunteered to coach and mentor those who wish to pursue the art of Tae Kwon Do. She is very happy and excited to be a part of our team and looks forward to watching her students grow and succeed in life.
Kayla Beshers is an Intern Education Specialist at the Ontario campus. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State University at San Bernardino in 2014. Currently, Kayla is pursuing her Master of Education Degree in Special Education and a multiple-subject teaching credential specializing in moderate to severe disabilities from National University with an expectant completion date of 2022. Kayla joined the PVP team in 2017 as a Classroom Support Provider and transitioned into the Education Support Specialist position in 2021. When not at PVP Kayla enjoys baking, crafting and spending time with her husband and their cats.
Emily was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. She began her journey in the field of special education as a paraprofessional in a therapeutic day school for children with autism. After finding her passion for helping others, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Special Education at Lewis University. After graduating, she moved to Orange County and received her Special Education Credential in moderate/severe disabilities. She is currently pursuing her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She is very passionate about the PVP mission and looks forward to watching her students become independent and grow.
Diana Cruz earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/International Affairs from the University of California, Riverside. After graduating from college, Diana decided to take a year off before pursuing grad school. In that time off Diana found her passion in helping students with diverse disabilities through social-emotional learning. As a former classroom support provider, Diana found that focus on students' social-emotional learning here at Port View Preparatory where the focus is student first, disability second™.
Currently, Diana is working as an Education Specialist Intern in order to complete a Masters of Science degree as an Education Specialist, as well as a teaching credential in moderate/severe disabilities. She loves being part of the PVP crew and most importantly loves seeing her students thrive.
Paul was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI and currently resides in Newport Beach. He moved to California in 2013 after graduating from Cardinal Stritch University in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Paul obtained a master's degree in Teaching from National University in 2016. Recently, he finished working on his Special Education credential program with National University as well in order to obtain a full credential in moderate/severe disabilities. Before coming to Port View Preparatory®, Paul taught preschool for 3-4 year olds for 18 years. While the move from preschool to special education was a big one both physically and career wise, he feels it has been the best experience of his life. He is excited to be a part of the PVP team and looks forward to learning something new each day. When he is not working, he is usually out fishing or hiking.
Damon received his bachelor's degree in Special Education from Western Governors University. Currently, he holds a dual credential in Multiple Subjects and Special Education. Prior to joining the team at Port View Preparatory® he provided special education services as an Education Specialist focusing on students with autism spectrum disorder in the Tustin Unified School District. When he is not teaching, Damon can be found playing bass in his rock band, or spending time outdoors with his wife, son and daughter.
Cassidy graduated with her Master of Arts in Special Education with a Moderate/Severe Disabilities Education Specialist Credential from Azusa Pacific University. Prior to that, she graduated from University of the Pacific, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sports Pedagogy and Adapted Physical Education while playing division one softball. When considering graduate school, she decided that becoming a full-time education specialist would fulfill her passion for teaching in her community. Her passion specifically for special education comes from volunteering in the Special Olympics, coaching softball and fitness inclusion programs, and assisting family members in their respective classrooms. For Cassidy, the love of working within the special education community is driven by her idea that behavior is communication, and every student should have equal access and opportunities for success and independence.
Ashley Haggerty earned her Bachelors of Arts in History from San Francisco State University. After graduating from college, Ashley decided to coach youth basketball while furthering her education. Her passion for helping children learn and build self-esteem led her to pursue a career in special education. Ashley went on to work in the classroom at the middle school and high school levels for three years. Currently, Ashley is working as an Education Specialist and recently completed her Masters of Science degree as an Education Specialist, as well as a teaching credential in mild/moderate disabilities. She is very happy to be a part of our team, and she looks forward to watching her students excel academically and socially.
Jordan was born and raised in San Diego, CA before moving to Orange County for college. He received his bachelor’s degree in Human Communication Studies from California State University, Fullerton where he is now pursuing a master’s degree in Special Education. Jordan holds a Special Education Credential in mild/moderate disabilities along with an Autism Authorization. Before joining the PVP team, Jordan worked as a paraeducator and substitute teacher with the Orange County Department of Education. He is thrilled to be a part of the PVP team and looks forward to pursuing his passion of helping students accomplish their full academic and personal potential. When he is not teaching, Jordan enjoys hiking, fitness, and spending time with his family.
Juliana is an alumni from Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education. Juliana has a passion for special education with years of experience in the field. She worked as a Classroom Support Provider and an Educational Support Specialist at Port View before becoming a teacher. Juliana is excited to be part of a team that helps students reach their fullest developmental, academic, and social potential.
Rob graduated from CSU Long Beach with a bachelor’s degree in political science: law, politics, and policy and a minor in CA history. He then continued his education and acquired a mild/moderate special education teaching credential. Rob's educational path as a student inspired that decision, and his passion for teaching grew stronger when earning this credential. Rob feels that he can wholeheartedly say that two of his greatest strengths are the care and passion he brings to each one of his students. This is Rob's philosophy of education, and this allows him to teach how his students learn rather than getting them to learn how he teaches.
bio coming soon
AJ grew up in Los Angeles/ Carson area. He is married with 3 beautiful daughters. Before joining the team at Port View, AJ was a warehouse manager at a logistics company for 4 years. When he is at home he likes to grill and spend time with his family.
Brennen is an amazing young man with autism. He has overcome many hurdles throughout his life and continues to work hard to fit in and contribute to his PVP community. His capacity for love is endless. His smile and laugh are incredibly contagious and can turn around anyone's day and bring you to a happier place. Brennen loves to swim, hike with his friends Aidan and Jose, recharge at the beach, and of course go to Disneyland. Brennen is a hard worker, people pleaser and loves working at Port View Preparatory.