Author name: Aprendamos

Please join us in congratulating our Aprendamos Family of Services Mariposa Autism Service Center team members who were recognized as 2024 CentralReach Autism and IDD Care Awards Nominees! According to CentralReach, honorees are chosen because they “exemplify leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing autism and IDD care.” The program provides a chance to honor the dedication of industry professionals—Practice Owners, Clinicians, Frontline Staff, Educators, Support Professionals, and Administrative Staff—who tirelessly support the autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) care community while embracing technological advancements. Nominees were recognized and celebrated at the recent CR Unite Conference held in Los Angeles, CA from September 16-18, 2024. The following team members were recognized during this year’s event: Trinady Caro, Registered Behavior Technician Jennifer Cable, Lead Clinical Supervisor Jessica Vanderpoorten, Clinical Supervisor Gabrielle Rodriguez, Clinical Supervisor Katrina Hille, Clinical Supervisor Justice Cornejo, Registered Behavior Technician Angelea Salazar, Clinical Supervisor Kari Hoskins, Quality Assurance Coordinator Emily Garcia, Registered Behavior Technician Tyneel Martinez, Registered Behavior Technician Veronica Melendez, Registered Behavior Technician Congratulations to our Aprendamos Family of Services MASC 2024 CentralReach Award Honorees. We thank you for all you do to put families first and help shape future generations!   

We would like to welcome Shelly Langley, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, to the Mariposa Autism Services Center Team! Specializing in functional communication training, Shelly uses her expertise to support individuals with autism in developing effective communication skills. Originally from Lagrange, GA, she holds a degree from Arizona State University, where she studied Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. Prior to joining the Aprendamos Family of Services team, Shelly served as a Clinical Director and Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has experience in the Picture Exchange Communication System and effectively transferring communication modalities. In her free time, Shelly can be found spending quality time with her family or reading.  Welcome, Shelly!

Alejandra “Ali” Covarrubias, Director for Alegria Family Counseling, has officially been listed as a Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) Clinician locator for New Mexico. CAMS, a suicide prevention and treatment framework, has been shown to quickly reduce suicidal ideation in 6-8 sessions, along with a reduction in overall symptom distress and depression. According to the CAMS website, CAMS Framework Clinicians are “empowered to treat patients experiencing suicidality by reducing overall symptom distress, changing suicidal cognitions, and increasing hope.” Beyond direct skills and knowledge, CAMS training decreases emergency department visits and appears to have a promising impact on self-harm behavior and suicide attempts. When we asked Ali what this certification means for Alegria Family Counseling clients and our community, she said, “Having the tools and resources to help people at the most vulnerable times in their lives is vital to the health of our community members. I am committed to ensuring a well-run, purposeful program responsive to our community’s needs.” For more information on CAMS, please contact Alegria Family Counseling at (575) 652-3448. 

We would like to congratulate Gabriela Hallowell on her recent promotion to Lead Board Certified Behavior Analyst for the Mariposa Autism Services Center! Gabby has been with the Aprendamos Family of Services organization for over 8 years and uses her expertise to provide ongoing support and training for bilingual families and Registered Behavior Technicians. Originally from El Paso, TX, she holds a Master’s Degree from Ball State University with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. Prior to joining the Aprendamos Family of Services team, she served as a caseworker and has experience in case management services and advocacy for individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities. Trisha Braecklein, Director of Autism Services at MASC, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Gabriela into her new lead role. Gabby has been with MASC since 2016 and has continually supported the department through each of her positions. Her advocacy and passion for the bilingual community have been crucial for our department’s success, and we know we will continue to thrive with her insight and leadership. Gabby’s dedication and hard work have always set her apart, and we are confident that she will excel in this new role. Congratulations, Gabby, on this well-deserved promotion!” In Gabby’s free time, she can be found exploring Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia with her family, going on long walks with her two dogs, and trying out new restaurants. Please join us in congratulating Gabriela!

We would like to welcome Julie Moosman to the Mariposa Autism Services Center Team! Julie is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in the state of Utah. Julie uses her expertise to support Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) in implementing fun and productive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy sessions, collaborating with families to ensure they are receiving ABA services that best fit their child’s needs, and advocating for children’s needs within school, home, and community settings. She has been providing ABA services for over 8 years.  Originally from the Portland, Oregon area, she holds a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University and prior to studying at National University, Julie received a Bachelor of Science in Child Development. Before joining the Aprendamos Family of Services team, Julie served as a Clinical Team Supervisor for a nonprofit organization in Utah. Her experience includes providing assent-based ABA therapy, supervising a team of BCBAs, meeting with RBTs monthly to provide training and assistance on cases, supervising clients weekly, and collaborating with parents monthly to provide quality care to her clients. In her free time, she can be found playing with her dog outside, going on hikes, doing yoga, reading books, and trying out new coffee places.  Welcome, Julie!

We would like to congratulate Sarah Flores on her recent promotion to Board Certified Behavior Analyst for the Mariposa Autism Services Center! Specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis, Sarah uses her expertise to promote socially significant behavior change in the lives of the families that she serves.  Originally from El Paso, Texas, she holds a master’s degree from Ball State University where she studied Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism. Prior to joining the Aprendamos Family of Services team, she was a student at the University of Texas at El Paso and earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology.   Trisha Braecklein, Director of Autism Services at MASC, said, “Both Sarah’s commitment to excellence and her passion for improving lives have been evident throughout her tenure with us. Her promotion is not only a recognition of her outstanding work but also a promise of even greater contributions to come. We are beyond proud of Sarah for this significant achievement and are excited to see the positive impact she will continue to make in her new role.”  In her Sarah’s free time, she can be found looking for new music to listen to, practicing make-up techniques, exercising, taking walks in the park, and enjoying downtime with a good show and some coffee.   Congratulations, Sarah!    

We would like to congratulate Alexus Fernandez on her recent promotion to Lead Registered Behavior Technician for the Mariposa Autism Services Center! Specializing in Applied Behavior Therapy, Alexus uses her expertise to support clients served through the MASC program. Prior to joining the Aprendamos Family of Services team, Alexus served as a barista and learned the art (or rather, addiction) of coffee. In her free time, Alexus can be found hanging out with her dogs, reading, playing in her band, or creating art. Trisha Braecklein, Director of Autism Services at MASC, said, “We are excited to announce Alexus’ promotion to the Lead Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) position. Alexus consistently brings exceptional energy and compassion to her work. In this new role, she will have the opportunity to demonstrate these qualities to all incoming behavior technicians. We are proud of Alexus for achieving this milestone and look forward to seeing her continued growth at MASC!” Congratulations, Alexus!