Alisa grew up in Ventura County, and moved to Los Angeles after she met her (now) husband. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors in the fresh air, whether she is hiking, camping, surfing, or snowboarding.

After becoming a BCBA, Alisa got started with ABI when she and a friend who is also a BCBA decided to apply to ABI together. Her favorite part of her job is being part of her clients’ lives, watching them grow and achieve goals, and celebrating their triumphs with them, their families, and their teams. In addition to working directly with clients, she is also grateful for the opportunity to teach skills trainers and caregivers. Alisa will be traveling to India later this year with a non-profit organization, Global Autism Project, to train staff, caregivers, and teachers at an autism site in Bangalore!

Alisa describes one of her favorite memories as:  “I was with my first-ever client. He was around five years old at the time and non-vocal, so we were teaching him how to use an AAC device as a primary mode of communication. One day, I was blowing bubbles with him outside, and must’ve said, “bubble” around 100 times by then, when all of a sudden, I hear him vocally echo, “buh-ble” – what an awesome moment for him, his parents, and me all at once! His mother and I cried happy tears and celebrated this tremendous success with him! This particular experience was monumental in my journey to becoming a BCBA.”

Alisa’s advice to new skills trainers is to not be afraid to step out of their comfort zone and run around, literally, with their clients! Also, for them to have confidence in their own knowledge and skills.