EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Kimberly Schmittou Berman, M.S.W., BCBA
(619) 840-9993
kberman@bridgesaba.com
Kimberly serves as Executive Director of Intervention Services at Bridges Educational Corporation. She began working with children with developmental disabilities in 1995. Kim received her B.A. in psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles and earned her Master of Social Work degree from San Diego State University. She was trained in Applied Behavior Analysis at the UCLA Clinic for the Behavioral Treatment of Children. She was a supervisor and a workshop consultant for the Lovaas Institute for Early Intervention (LIFE), where she designed and monitored educational and behavioral programs across the United States and Canada. Kim has taught undergraduate fieldwork ABA courses at UCLA and has presented at conferences sponsored by Families for Early Autism Treatment (FEAT) of British Columbia and the American Autism Society. During her graduate study, Kim provided support counseling for patients diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders in an acute care hospital. She has received basic and advanced training in implementation of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). She is adjunct faculty at National University, and holds her Pivotal Response Treatment Level 1 Certification. Kim is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.



Erin Dyer Zwahlen, Ph.D., BCBA-D
(619) 540-0676
ezwahlen@bridgesaba.com
Erin serves as Executive Director of Educational Services at Bridges Educational Corporation. Erin began her training in psychology at the University of Southern California where she graduated magna sum laude with her B.A. She received her M.A. and her Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from San Diego State University and University of Hawaii, respectively. She has worked in the field of autism and developmental disabilities since 1996. Erin began working directly with children with autism at the San Diego Center for Children School for Autism. She served as Director of Early Intervention at a non-public agency serving children with autism and pervasive developmental disorders for two years. She also served as director of EDR Consulting, providing clinical consulting and educational services to consumers of San Diego Regional Center and San Diego County school districts. As Director of Educational Services at Bridges, Erin has provided training, consultation, and supervision for administrators, teachers, staff, and related service providers in 15 school districts throughout San Diego County. She has received basic and advanced training in implementation of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Erin is adjunct faculty at National University. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst Doctoral Level (BCBA-D) and holds her Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) Level 1 Certification.



DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Maggie Ma, M.A, BCBA
(619) 952-7504
mma@bridgesaba.com
Maggie Ma is the Director of Operations at Bridges. Maggie earned her B.A. in Psychology from UC San Diego and received her M.A. in Teaching from National University. She received training in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) working at UCSD's Autism Research Lab. She has extensive experience working with children with autism and pervasive developmental disorders and is well experienced in ABA teaching techniques including Discrete Trial Teaching (DT), Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), and PECS. Maggie is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).



ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Candace Garmer
(619) 952-8509
cgarmer@bridgesaba.com
Candace is the Administrative Coordinator with Bridges. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at San Diego State University. She has had over 4 years of experience as an administrator working in a variety of business settings. Candace has also had previous experience working with children with autism as a Behavior Instructor in home and school settings. Candace is trained in applied behavior analysis methodologies, discrete trial teaching, and picture exchange communication. Candace is in the process of completing her Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst BCaBA.

PROGRAM SUPERVISORS

Laurel Critti
lcritti@bridgesaba.com
(619) 952-6809
Laurel is a Program Supervisor with Bridges. She graduated from San Diego State University with a B.S. in Child Development with a specialization in Family Development. She began her early childhood career as a preschool teacher and also taught Kindergarten for two years. Laurel served as a volunteer at San Diego Regional Center where her interest in working with children on the autism spectrum was sparked. She began working with children at risk for Autism in an early intervention program at Children’s Toddler School at Children’s Hospital. As an Autism Education Associate for three years, she implemented and provided parent training on the following therapeutic techniques: Pivotal Response Training (PRT), PECS, Floor Time, Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT), TEACCH, and incidental teaching in an inclusion classroom and in a 1:1 instruction setting. Laurel also has experience transitioning children on the spectrum into a public/private school setting, and facilitating of children in transitions, daily routines, communication, behavior management, and peer interactions. Laurel is in the process of completing her Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst BCaBA.



Gladys Garcia
ggarcia@bridgesaba.com
(619) 952-6786
Gladys is a Program Supervisor with Bridges. She graduated from the University of California, Davis with a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Human Development, with an emphasis in Early Childhood Development. She became interested in Early Development when she did a Pre-School teaching internship at the UC Davis Childhood Development Center. She then went on to work as a therapist for an ABA-based agency where she became a lead therapist. She has extensive knowledge and training in Applied Behavior Analysis, Discrete Trial Teaching, Naturalistic Teaching Techniques, PRT and PECS and has been working with children who have Autism and other Pervasive Developmental Disorders, as well as children at-risk, since 2002. She has a passion for children and has had the pleasure of facilitating several children in typical classrooms, where they can function independently. In addition, Gladys also has experience working with emotionally-disturbed children and socially hindered children at the elementary school level, where she performed one-on-one play therapy, art therapy and conducted social groups with children. Gladys is in the process of becoming a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).



Liz Larson
llarson@bridgesaba.com
(619) 952-7504
Liz is a Program Supervisor with Bridges. She graduated from University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a B.A. in Sociology. She earned Massachusetts special educator licensure in 2001, and received training in Applied Behavior Analysis as a teacher at the May Institute in Massachusetts. Liz worked as a teacher in a classroom for children with autism for 2 years. In 2003, Liz relocated to San Diego to accept a position as an early childhood interventionist (ECI). In this position Liz provided early intervention services to infants and toddlers with autism. Liz received training in Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT), functional communication training and behavior management strategies. Liz has extensive experience in developing treatment plan objectives in all areas of development, including speech and language, social skills, cognition, gross and fine motor skills, and adaptive daily living. She has monitored skill acquisition programs, developed behavior support plans, analyzed data and determined necessary modifications to facilitate progress. Liz has also conducted parent training and developed recommendations to school districts for Individual Education Plan goals and service delivery for children transitioning to school districts at age 3.



Jennifer Lopez
(619) 952-6345
jlopez@bridgesaba.com
Jennifer is a Program Supervisor at Bridges. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Education Studies. She has had over 3 years of experience working with children with Autism as a behavior instructor in home and school settings, as well as supervising in home programs. Jennifer is trained in applied behavior analysis teaching methods, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), discrete trial teaching (DTT) and behavior management.

Christina Lund
(619) 952-7013
clund@bridgesaba.com
Christina is a Program Supervisor at Bridges. She graduated from California State University San Marcos with a B.A. in Psychology. Christina began working with children on the autism spectrum as a volunteer at the Children’s Hospital in the Pathways Program. For the next 10 years, she gained extensive experience while working in home and school environments implementing ABA teaching techniques. During this time she gained experience with supervision of cases and trained staff and parents to use ABA methodologies. Christina is trained in many ABA teaching techniques including Discrete Trail Teaching (DTT), Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), PECS, and TEACCH. Christina Hollis is a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).



Wendy Manikowski
(619) 876-0806
wmanikowski@bridgesaba.com
Wendy is a Program Supervisor with Bridges. She received her B.A. in Psychology and earned her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Wendy has over nine years experience providing intensive, in-home ABA services to children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. She also has experience working with children with Autism in the public school setting, providing ABA services and training to school staff. She was extensively trained in the Verbal Behavior approach to teaching children with Autism related disabilities and in utilizing Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT). She has completed the advanced training for implementing the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Wendy has previous experience as a psychotherapist, providing individual and family therapy services as an independently licensed clinical social worker. Wendy is in the process of completing her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).



Rafael Miramontes
(619) 952-7503
rmiramontes@bridgesaba.com
Rafael is a Program Supervisor with Bridges. He graduated from San Diego State with a B.A. in Psychology. He has six years of previous experience directly implementing and supervising programs for children with autism. He is well skilled in combining various ABA teaching techniques, including Discrete Trial Teaching, Pivotal Response Treatment, and PECS. Rafael feels strongly in guiding children with autism into the world of their typical peers. He has experience working in the public schools as well as in different recreational settings for children with autism.

Liz Roberts
(619) 985-7344
lroberts@bridgesaba.com
Liz is Supervisor of Educational Services with Bridges. She has a B.A. in English Literature Analysis from UVM and an M.A. in Special Education from National University. She moved to California and started as an aide in Encinitas School District. She then worked as a teacher in the moderate/severe 3-6th grade class. Liz also worked as the preschool teacher for the moderate/severe class for 2 1/2 years before joining Bridges. Liz is in the process of completing her Board Certified Behavior Analyst BCBA.



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BEHAVIORAL INSTRUCTORS

Courtney Byrom
Courtney is a Behavioral Instructor at Bridges. She received a B.A. in Special Education with an emphasis in Mental Retardation from Arizona State University. She has worked with children with Autism since 2003. She taught for two years in the Scottsdale school district prior to moving to San Diego. She is experienced with the TEAACH model, ABA, DTT, PRT and PECS .She has written and implemented Behavior Support Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans as well as conducted Functional Analysis Assessments. She plans on continuing her education and becoming a Board Certified Assistant Behavioral Analyst. 

Kristina Copley
Kristina is a Behavioral Instructor at Bridges. She received a B.A. in psychology from SDSU and is a member of Psi Chi, the national honor society for psychology. She is experienced in ABA, DT, PRT, and PECS. Kristina has taught at Stein Education Center, a school for children with autism and PDD. She is currently working on a Masters Degree in Psychology at Argosy University.

Meghan Crowley
Meghan Crowley is a Behavioral Instructor with Bridges. She received her B.A. in Liberal Studies and earned her moderate/severe Special Education Credential at San Diego State University. She also received her M.A. in Education with a specialization in autism from SDSU. In 2008, Meghan began her work with children on the autism spectrum. Since that time, she has worked as a special education teacher in a classroom for children with autism. She has experience using a variety of teaching techniques including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT), and Incidental and Naturalistic Teaching. Meghan plans on continuing her education to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Kari King
Kari is a Behavioral Instructor with Bridges. She graduated from San Diego State in 2002 with a B.S. in Child and Family Development. She obtained a certificate in Behavior Analysis from National University and is currently completing the requirements for her Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). She has training in the various ABA techniques including Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT), Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), and PECS. Kari has experience with providing services to children with autism in the home and school setting.

Nina LaVista
Nina is a Behavioral Instructor with Bridges. She attended the University of California, San Diego and earned her B.A. in Human Development. Nina began her work in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in 2004, implementing ABA programs in the home, school, and community settings. Nina has extensive experience implementing and providing training in research-based teaching techniques including Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT), Natural Environment Teaching (NET), and Functional Communication Training (FCT). Nina is skilled in designing and supervising intensive, in-home ABA programs, developing behavior intervention plans, and providing consultation to school districts and treatment team members. Nina is a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).

Ryan Lettice
Ryan Lettice is a Behavioral Instructor with Bridges. He graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in Biological Psychology. He spent the next two years working at the Koegel Autism Center at UCSB as a Clinician and Program Supervisor, where he implemented Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) in the home, classroom, and community settings. He is trained in PRT as well as Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT), and has worked with clients who range in age from two to thirty years old.

Nicole Meyer
Nicole is a Behavioral Instructor with Bridges. She received her B.A. in Human Development from the University of California San Diego. She also received her M.A. in School Psychology from Alliant International University, and is a credentialed school psychologist in California. Nicole has worked with children in home and school settings since 2007, and has experience using a variety of ABA techniques including Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT), and PECS. Nicole also has experience writing and implementing Behavior Support Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans. She is currently completing the requirements to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Phil Peters
Phil is a Behavioral Instructor at Bridges. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Arizona State University and is currently completing his thesis for a Master’s Degree in Developmental Psychology from San Francisco State University. Phil has worked with children with autism and other developmental disorders since 2004. He began working as a 1:1 behavioral tutor before becoming a Special Education teacher. He has worked with children in both home and school settings and has experience using a variety of learning techniques including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT), Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and Integrative Play Groups.



Erin Reddish
Erin Reddish is a Behavioral Instructor at Bridges. She graduated from the University of Washington with a B.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences. After graduating, Erin worked as an in-home ABA teaching instructor. She has experience in discrete trial teaching and maximally effective teaching. She also worked as the Hearing Screening Coordinator for a hospital in Seattle, WA where she focused on parent educational materials and involvement. Erin plans on pursuing a Masters degree in Speech Pathology.

Sheila Richardson
Sheila is a Behavioral Instructor with Bridges. She graduated from Long Island University with a B.S. in Psychobiology and is a member of Psi-Chi, the national honor society for psychology. While in Virginia, Sheila was a special education assistant for 3 years, and a special education teacher for 2 years. She plans on continuing her education to obtain a Masters in Special Education as well as becoming a board certified assistant behavior analyst (BCaBA).



Carolyn Romero
Carolyn is a Behavioral Instructor with Bridges. She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from New Mexico State University. She holds her teaching credential in New Mexico, where she taught elementary school. She also earned a teaching credential in California. Carolyn has worked with a variety of special needs children over the past several years. She has had experience working as a behavioral instructor in home and school settings, and is trained in PECS, DT, and ABA techniques. She plans on pursuing her Masters degree in Special Education.



Andree Sexton
Andree Sexton is a Behavior Instructor for Bridges. She received a B.A. in Psychology from San Diego State University. Before Bridges, Andree worked at a behavioral center in Northern California where she provided ABA therapy. She is trained in Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT), PECS, and the use of behavioral intervention strategies. She has also previously worked as a residential supervisor in group homes with emotionally disturbed youth. She plans on becoming a Board Certified Assistant Behavioral Analyst.



Laura Walker
Laura is a Behavioral Instructor with Bridges. She graduated from the University of California San Diego with a B.A. in Psychology. She began working with children on the autism spectrum over four years ago at UCSD’s Autism Lab. She is experienced in the ABA teaching techniques DTT, PECS, and PRT. Laura is currently working towards a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and is in the process of gaining a Marriage and Family Therapist license.

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