ABA Therapy
Beach Kids Therapy Center will now be offering ABA therapy in both the clinic and home environments! Our ABA department will be just as much a part of our interdisciplinary process as all of our other phenomenal services of OT, PT, and Speech! Clinic-based ABA sessions will take place right alongside therapists of all disciplines in our family-centered environment. Our ABA treatment will be individualized based on client and family-specific needs. Some of the modalities that we will use are PRT, DTT, naturalistic interventions, and floor time/DIR model. All of the BCBA's and RBT's at Beach Kids will receive specialized training in sensory integration, behavior, and multi-disciplinary interventions.
Michelle Liddell, MS, BCBA
Enneagram: Achiever
Qualities: Excelling, Driven
Michelle is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst who has been practicing applied behavioral analysis for 10 years. She began her career in ABA, working for a school district as a behavioral interventionist aide. She saw how special needs programs could benefit from evidence-based practice, like ABA, and how this would help students be more successful and enhance their quality of life. Michelle collaborated with all school professionals, including BCBA’s, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, school psychologists, and teachers to assist in developing a strong ABA program. She believes teamwork is the best approach in effective treatment. Prior to clinic treatment, she worked for a variety of ABA agencies in Los Angeles and Orange County, providing in-home therapy, parent education, and classroom support. She has experience with a variety of diagnoses and behaviors with individuals from ages 1 to 30. She loves helping children develop school readiness skills, functional communication, and social skills in addition to teaching and assisting parents and teachers in ABA strategy. Outside of work, she enjoys piano, running, and spending time with her two Bengal cats.
Christina Mendez, MA, BCBA
Enneagram: Helper
Christina has been a BCBA for 8 years and received her Master of Arts from California State University North Ridge. She loves working in a supportive work environment and finds joy in helping her clients achieve their goals. On weekends, Christina enjoys exploring local spots in Orange County with her husband.
Emily Salas, MA, BCBA
Enneagram: Reformer
Emily has been in the ABA field since 2020; she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Point Loma Nazarene University and a Master of Arts in ABA from Ball State University. Her favorite thing about ABA is getting to be a kid every day with her clients and helping them gain life skills and language to enjoy their lives to the fullest and accomplish great things! In her spare time, Emily likes to read, exercise, and hike with her dog.
Karin Collinge MA, BCBA
Enneagram: Enthusiast
Karin is our newest BCBA and comes to us with an array of experience in the special needs field. She received her Master of Arts as a BCBA from the University of Arizona and earned her Bachelor of Science in Social and Behavioral Science. Her experience with special needs children ranges from working as an RBT for three years as well as coaching swim and cheer lessons with individuals on the autism spectrum. She's eager to continue working with children and their families here at Beach Kids; she is very passionate about creating individualized plans to help the success of not only the clients, but their families as well. Outside of work, Karin, enjoys anything outdoors-playing pickle ball, going to the beach, hiking, and playing with her Great Dane/Lab mix, Chance.
Celia McCrary, BS, RBT
Enneagram: Loyalist
Celia has been a Registered Behavior Technician for the past year and half and has over five years of experience working with children and adults with autism and related disorders. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications Disorders and Sciences with a minor in Special Education from the University of Oregon. Celia loves working in a collaborative environment tailored to supporting the child’s individual needs. The setting at Beach Kids provides the space to focus on building functional communication skills, fosters client independence, and increases self-advocacy skills. In her spare time, Celia enjoys reading, exploring, and spending time with friends and family.
Leann Glass, BS, MA, RBT
Enneagram: Peacemaker
Leann has been a Registered Behavior Technician since 2021, and is currently working toward her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to become a BCBA. Leann graduated from California State University, Chico with a degree in Exercise Physiology. She enjoys working with everyone here at Beach Kids; therapists and kids alike! Leann particularly enjoys being able to work together with all of the other disciplines as a team to support our clients and their families, and to help improve their lives in the best way possible! She says it definitely takes a village, and is proud to be part of this company.Her passions include lifting weights, yoga, and crocheting. Leann is currently in her second career and is excited to be helping children reach their therapy goals.
Adrianna Esquivel, RBT
Enneagram: Achiever
Adrianna is a newly Registered Behavior Technician and is currently working toward her associate degree in psychology at Saddleback College; she plans to transfer to CSUF, where she will continue her education in the ABA field. Her passion for teaching began in high school when she started her first job nannying children; she says she enjoys taking initiative in leading and mentoring. In the past year, Adrianna discovered her passion for ABA by working as a caregiver for children with autism and quickly investigated careers that would further help shape and advance their skills to apply to the world around them. Adrianna says the best part about Beach Kids is the open arms welcoming and the leadership everyone displays while working as one big team for the success of each child. Her favorite things to do in my free time are explore SoCal, try new things, and create paintings.
Noel Miranda, BA, RBT
Enneagram: Peacemaker
Noel is a new Registered Behavior Technician at Beach Kids Therapy Center and graduated from Chapman University with a BA in Psychology. He discovered his passion for working with children while working two summers as a camp counselor for a nonprofit that provided services for children whose parents have cancer. Noel is especially appreciative of the supportive environment at the clinic and how approachable all the staff and therapists are. He's excited to be working with all the amazing kids at the clinic and getting to know them and their families. Aside from work, Noel enjoys writing and watching, discussing, and reviewing movies.
Natasha "Tasha" Thomas, RBT
Enneagram: Helper
Natasha is one of our new RBTs from Salt Lake City, and has been in the ABA field for nearly a year. She loves working at Beach Kids because there are so many fun things to do with the kids! She says that every day when she comes in, she knows there will be a variety of fun activities to do with the kids whether it's building a fort or running around in the gym. In her free time, Tasha likes to paint, work on her car, play with her dog, and watch movies with her family.
Garrett Harrington, BS, RBT
Enneagram: Challenger
Garrett is a passionate RBT with 4 years of experience and currently working toward his Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis to become a BCBA. He graduated from Brigham Young University Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies with certificates in Marriage & Family Studies, Entrepreneurship, and Human Resources Management. Working with children on the autism spectrum has always been his passion; he has two younger brothers who are also on the spectrum, which only furthered his dedication in his career. At Beach Kids Therapy Center, he appreciates the values of all therapies and the holistic approach to care that is provided. He says it is truly rewarding to see the progress and growth of the children he works with, and is honored to be part of their treatment team. On his weekends and spare time, Garrett enjoys time with family, playing basketball, watching football, and going to the beach. He is also learning how to 3D print, surf, and mix music.
Dayna Stoen, RBT
Enneagram: Helper
Meet Dayna, one of our amazing Registered Behavior Technicians at Beach Kids Therapy Center. With a Bachelor's degree in psychology and a Master's degree in counseling psychology, Dayna is passionate about providing life-changing care to children and their families. She is also beginning a Master's program in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst! As an RBT, Dayna is committed to her professional development and growth. She brings with her one year of experience as an RBT and a deep dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those she serves.Outside work, she enjoys time with friends and family, as well as skiing, hiking, traveling, and reading.
