Our People

The founders of Nyansa Learning Corporation were driven to start an organization based on the philosophy that only when children, families and educators come together can a child’s full potential be reached.

Through years of education and experience, the staff at Nyansa has provided children with the best start possible by giving them the skills to reach their full potential.

Maggie McCrow, PhD, BCBA-D

Maggie McCrow, PhD, BCBA-D

Clinical Director

Maggie received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Master of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from California State University, Fresno. She received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Psychology with a specialization in behavior analysis at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles. She is certified as a behavior analyst by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Maggie has worked with children of varying ages in home, clinic, school and community settings. She has trained parents and professionals in the use of behavior analytic principles, use of evidence-based procedures, and has extensive experience conducting assessments to guide the development of individualizedintervention plans. She serves as professor in behavior analytic programs, supporting the training of aspiring behavior analyst and has conducted research in the areas of childhood medical adherence and behavioral contrast. She is a member of the California Association for Behavior Analysis and the International Association for Behavior Analysis.

Underlying all her work are the values of diversity and inclusion; with the goal of giving value to every individual regardless of their differences.

Melissa Coyle, MA, BCBA

Melissa Coyle, MA, BCBA

Program Supervisor

Melissa received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton and a Master of Arts degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Ball State University. She obtained certification as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in 2017. Melissa provides extensive training and support to parents and professionals to assure quality implementation and outcomes of behavioral interventions and use of evidenced based procedures.

She has over 13 years of experience working with children with Autism and other developmental disabilities between the ages of 18 months to 10 years old. She has worked in a variety of settings including home, community, and school. She has experience conducting functional behavior assessments and developing behavior intervention plans. Melissa is extremely passionate about helping clients and their families and strives to provide quality services so that each child can not only thrive but succeed in their environment.

Jessica Duran, M.Ed., BCBA

Jessica Duran, M.Ed., BCBA

Program Supervisor

Jessica received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services from California State University Dominguez Hills and a Master of Education degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Arizona State University. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and has extensive experience in implementation of behavior-analytic services with children of various ages and disabilities. She has trained parents to implement different strategies derived from behavior analytic principles to assist in skill development and behavior management in the home and community settings.

She has completed training in Applied Behavior Analysis, Discrete Trial Teachings, functional communication and behavior management. She values growth in every capacity and takes special care to assure that every action she takes is in alignment with achieving growth in the children, families, and staff she works with

Stephanie Garcia, MS, BCBA

Stephanie Garcia, MS, BCBA

Program Supervisor

Stephanie obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from California State Polytechnic University Pomona in 2011 and a Master of Science degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University, Minnesota in 2018. She became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in 2020. She has worked with children with developmental delays and other disabilities between the ages of 18 months and 12 years of age.

She has over eight years of experience working with children, their families, and other professionals to implement behavior principles in home and community settings. She is trained in the use of assessments to guide individualized behavior reduction and skill acquisition interventions. She values progress and growth and believes that all children and their families can achieve a higher quality of life as a result of coordinated efforts.   

Juliana Neely, MSW, BCBA

Juliana Neely, MSW, BCBA

Program Supervisor

Juliana received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with emphasis in child development and family relations from California State University, Chico and a Master of Social Work degree from California State University, Long Beach. She has been certified as a behavior analyst by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board since 2015. Juliana has over 19 years of experience working with children with developmental disabilities between the ages of six months to 12 years old. She has worked in a variety of settings including home, community, clinic, and school. She has been trained in rendering services via telehealth to be able to increase the capacity to support children and their families. Juliana has experience conducting behavioral assessments, creating individualized intervention plans, and providing staff and family training to increase child outcomes. Juliana has attended international conferences to maintain knowledge of best practices in the field. She believes that with consistent and transparent communication, an increased quality of life for the kids and families we work with is attainable.

Sabrina Tapia, MS. BCBA

Sabrina Tapia, MS. BCBA

Program Supervisor

Sabrina is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), certified in 2024, with a deep passion for improving the lives of children and families. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Adolescent Studies from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Science degree in Special Education, with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis, from Arizona State University.

Sabrina is also a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and has extensive experience working in both home and community settings with children diagnosed with Autism and other developmental disabilities. Her expertise includes implementing a variety of evidence-based interventions such as Functional Communication Training, Discrete Trial Training, Behavior Reduction Strategies, and Natural Environmental Training.

Sabrina is committed to making a positive, lasting impact on the children and families she works with, believing that through her services, a higher quality of life can be achieved for each individual. She approaches each case with compassion, dedication, and a focus on creating meaningful, measurable outcomes.

Jessica Thomas, MA, BCBA

Jessica Thomas, MA, BCBA

Program Supervisor

Jessica received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton in 2018 and a Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Irvine in 2020. She is recognized as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Jessica has seven years of experience working with children between the ages of 18 months to 12 years, who are diagnosed with Autism and other developmental disabilities. She has supported both English and Spanish speaking families in the implementation of behavioral principles to support their child’s growth. She has experience in Discrete Trial Training, Natural Environment Training, Functional Communication Training and other behavior reduction interventions. Jessica is a strong believer that the techniques derived from behavior analysis have the power to manifest growth, empowerment, and an increased quality of life for the children and families she works with.

Vijee Wood, MA, BCBA

Vijee Wood, MA, BCBA

Program Supervisor

Vijee received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine and a Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Irvine. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. Vijee began working with children with Autism and related disabilities in 2014. She has extensive experience in behavior-analytic interventions including Discrete Trial Teaching, Natural Environment Training, Functional Communication Training, and various behavior reduction interventions. She has trained parents to implement strategies derived from behavior analytic principles to assist in skill development and behavior management in the home and community settings. Vijee has experience in planning, developing, and monitoring a variety of behavioral support services including functional behavior assessments, experimental functional analyses, skills assessments and behavioral intervention plans. Vijee has provided supervision and training to behavior technicians and staff pursuing certification as behavior analyst using best practices such as behavior skills training and specific performance feedback, while ensuring clinical integrity of the programs.

Cristina Gonzalez, MA, RBT

Cristina Gonzalez, MA, RBT

Case Manager

Cristina received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from San Diego State University in 2011 a Master of Arts degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. Cristina has over seven years of experience providing services to children ranging from 18 months to 12 years old with Autism and related disorders. She is a Registered Behavior Technician and is currently pursuing requirements for certification as a behavior analyst. She has provided consultations to support parents in implementing behavioral strategies to decrease challenging behaviors and increase appropriate skills such as language, daily skills, and adaptive skills. Cristina has been extensively trained in behavior reduction strategies, functional communication training, Discrete Trial Training, and Natural Environmental Training.

Julio Gutierrez, MA, RBT

Julio Gutierrez, MA, RBT

Case Manager

Julio received a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills and a Master of Arts degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Capella University. He is a Registered Behavior Technician and is currently pursuing requirements for certification as a behavior analyst. Julio has experience working with children diagnosed with Autism and other developmental disabilities in school, home, and community settings. He has experience conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and monitoring implementation of treatments to support child progress. He provides staff and parent training to assure quality implementation of services. He values the work he does as he has seen first-hand the positive changes it has created for the families he works with.

Natalie Corral-Gutierrez

Natalie Corral-Gutierrez

Natalie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience from Allegheny College and a Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University. She is a Registered Behavior Technician and is currently working towards certification as a behavior analyst. With experience in direct service roles across school, home, and community settings, she has worked with clients diagnosed with Autism and other developmental disabilities. Natalie is trained in and experienced with Functional Communication, Discrete Trial Training, Behavior Reduction strategies, and Natural Environmental Teaching. She also provides training to staff and parents to ensure the effective implementation of services. Natalie is deeply passionate about her work and dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of clients and their families, striving to improve their quality of life.

Vicente Loeza

Vicente Loeza

Vicente is a dedicated and compassionate clinician with a strong passion for supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. His journey into the field began with early experiences working with children, which led him to pursue training through the T.E.A.C.H Academy program in high school. During this time, he gained hands-on experience as a tutor, teacher’s aide, and community service volunteer, sparking his desire to build a career in special education and behavioral support.

Vicente earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Dominguez Hills, graduating with honors. In 2018, he joined the Nyansa team, where he developed his expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis. He is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), and his role expanded to include parent consultation, staff training, and leading the Social Skills Group program. Vicente’s passion for professional growth led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Special Education with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis at Arizona State University. In addition to his studies, he has gained experience in a supervisory role and is now managing his own cases as a Case Manager under the mentorship of a BCBA. Vicente is committed to helping families and clients improve their quality of life through evidence-based strategies and compassionate support.

Megumi Kikuchi, MS, OTR/L

Megumi Kikuchi, MS, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Megumi received a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Kinesiology from California State University Fullerton and her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from West Coast University. She was always passionate about the pediatric population – from working as a clinical director for an infant program to working with the pediatric population as an Occupational Therapist.

She has experience working with various diagnoses and is trained in sensory integration, various feeding disorders, developmental milestones, visual motor coordination, etc. She is passionate about collaborating with families and implementing routines to assist children’s development. She is dedicated to helping her clients grow and strengthen their skills to enjoy activities of daily living.

Leslie Patterson

Leslie Patterson

Occupational Therapist

Leslie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UC Riverside and began her career as a Registered Behavior Technician, working for three years with children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Autism, ADHD, and Down Syndrome. In 2022, she pursued a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, dedicating her thesis dissertation to autism research and the use of social robotics in intervention. Her clinical fieldwork included experience in both early intervention day centers and school-based settings. Leslie is a passionate and committed Board Certified Occupational Therapist, dedicated to fostering independence, confidence, and meaningful engagement in children of all abilities. With a strong foundation in both behavioral and occupational therapy, she prioritizes a client-centered approach. Leslie is devoted to providing compassionate, evidence-based interventions that empower children and their families to thrive in their everyday lives.

Stephanie Mu-Simpelo

Stephanie Mu-Simpelo

Speech and Language Pathologist

Stephanie received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders from California State University, Fullerton, and her Master of Science in Communicative Disorders/SLP from California State University, Northridge. She is a board-certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Stephanie has primarily worked with the pediatric population in private practices, early intervention facilities, and outpatient clinics. She has extensive experience working with young children, particularly in early intervention up to age five. Her professional experience includes the assessment and treatment of children and young adults up to high school age with a variety of communicative disorders, including receptive/expressive language disorders, articulation, fluency/stuttering, social communication/pragmatics deficits, autism, and other related disorders such as Down syndrome, PANDAS, and genetic disorders. She also has experience working with individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication devices, such as iPads, speech-generating devices, and communication boards/PECS.

Stephanie is passionate about using a family-centered approach, collaborating with caregivers and families, as well as the child’s multidisciplinary team, to identify their needs and priorities. She believes in focusing on the child’s strengths and interests to foster relationships and connection with others while integrating evidence-based interventions. 

Crissy McDorman

Crissy McDorman

Office Manager

Crissy has worked in the accounting and business management field for almost 15 years. She has handled numerous accounts and managed offices in both San Diego and Orange County. Her most recent position had her working with the program coordinator of in-home programs. She is a primary contact for families, insurance companies, as well as Regional Center of Orange County, coordinating the scheduling for these programs. 

Ponry Sipraseuth

Ponry Sipraseuth

Assistant Office Manager

Ponry has been working with children with developmental disabilities for almost 10 years.  Her first experience was early in her college years, ultimately setting her on career path focused in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.  At Nyansa Learning Corporation, Ponry began as an Early Childhood Interventionist and has most recently begun assisting the office manager with administrative duties including scheduling.  Her responsibilities include scheduling 100+ clients along with 50 staff members. 

Lupe Garcia-Dupuis, BA

Lupe Garcia-Dupuis, BA

Admin

Lupe received her Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. She has extensive experience working with children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. Her primary position at Nyansa Learning Corporation is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) where she provides one-to-one Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) intervention services and implements Discrete Trial Training (DTT) in addition to other behavioral teaching approaches.

Lupe’s experience has led her into the position of a Case Manager where she assists in the development of intensive early intervention plans for children ages six months through three years of age. In addition, Lupe provides parent training and consultation to Spanish and English speaking families.