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Kerry Linnan is an Early Intervention Physical Therapist and shareholder for the Aprendamos Family of Services and Direct Therapy Services organizations. Kerry was raised in the small town of Thermopolis, Wyoming and attended Chandron State College in Chandron, Nebraska where she played collegiate volleyball while earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology. After she completed her undergraduate program, she went on to Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and in 1998, received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.  She spent the first two years of her career working for a small rehabilitation center in her hometown. In 2000, she moved to New Mexico and began working in outpatient, inpatient, and home health programs and came into contact with Danny Palma. He had recently launched Direct Therapy Services and was exploring adding Physical Therapy services to the program, and being “in a position to try something new”, Kerry joined the team. “I heard great things about DTS from other therapists,” she said.  She began her Direct Therapy Services journey working with adults with developmental disabilities. “I enjoyed working with the clients, families and caregivers and supporting them with mobility, equipment and overall independence. I often found myself wishing I could have been a part of their lives when they were younger where I could have had an even greater impact,” she said. During this time, discussions and planning were going on behind the scenes to expand the organization and begin offering services for children. “I was thrilled and jumped at the chance to begin working with birth to 3 and school aged children when Aprendamos started,” she added. When we asked Kerry what she values most about her work, she said “I love the work I do at Aprendamos and love working as a team with other professionals and therapists. We team up with families to support them to help their child to meet their chosen goals and often encounter families when they are at a challenging time in their parenting journeys. Our program empowers them to make big changes in their child’s life by utilizing our strategies in their daily routines.”  Since she is still a practicing Physical Therapist, Kerry is also able to experience first-hand the difference Early Intervention services can make for families. Kerry shared, “We support them in strengthening the bond that they have with their young child, whether it is helping a child improve their own gross motor skills to move on their own or supporting them in accessing adaptive equipment to ease caregiving support independence.” Kerry also shared some of the moments that have had the greatest impact in her therapist and shareholder experience. “It always warms my heart to come across a family I worked with years ago and see how the child has grown, blossomed and evolved. Families are often appreciative of the support that was given while the child was in program. Families often send me pictures and videos of their child’s new accomplishments so we can celebrate their success together.” She also has had a front row seat in watching the organization grow over the years. Kerry said,  “It is a source of pride to see how our Aprendamos Family of Services has consistently expanded to fill the needs of the community by focusing on mental health services and autism supports. All of our programs are helping children and families to become their best version of themselves and reach their potential to live meaningful and purposeful lives.” When Kerry isn’t busy with her shareholder and physical therapy duties, she spends her free time with her husband of 23 years, Andreas Linnan, and her 17-year-old son, Luke, and 15-year-old daughter, McKenna. Her family loves watching and competing in sports, and she enjoys watching her son play football and her daughter play volleyball. However, it’s not just the kids that get in on the action. “My husband and I have played volleyball together for years,” she said. “As a family, we are always up for a new adventure, and we have enjoyed many fun trips together.” Thank you, Kerry, for making a meaningful difference for our clients and all you have done for the Direct Therapy Services and Aprendamos Family of Services organizations!    

We would like to welcome Andrea Manfredi, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), to the Aprendamos Family of Services Mariposa Autism Services Center Team! Specializing in Autism and developmental delays, Andrea uses her expertise to develop comprehensive behavior support plans. Originally from Ecuador, she holds a degree from Purdue University where she studied  Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. Prior to joining the Aprendamos Family of Services team, Andrea served as BCBA, training coordinator, and team leader in Florida. Additionally, she has experience in developmental research. In her free time she can be found enjoying time with her family and dogs. Trisha Braecklein, MASC’s Director of Autism Services, said, “We’re excited to welcome Andrea as our newest BCBA! Andrea’s dedication to personalized care aligns with our value of making a meaningful difference. Her passion for supporting clients and families will help us continue to have a lasting, positive impact.” Please join us in welcoming Andrea to the team!  

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!

We would like to congratulate Jessica Vanderpoorten on her recent promotion to Board Certified Behavior Analyst for the Mariposa Autism Service Center! Specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis, Jessica will utilize her expertise to craft tailored treatment plans and behavioral interventions for clients. She also provides training for parents and staff, fostering collaboration with her colleagues along the way.  Originally from San Pedro, CA, Jessica holds a degree from Arizona State University where she studied Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. Jessica has been working with Aprendamos for the past 4.5 years and has worked to train incoming Registered Behavior Technicians and provide direct services to clients. When we asked Jessica what this promotion means to her, she said, “ I have family members close to me that were diagnosed with autism, and I hope to help families like mine grow and thrive. I hope to grow professionally and help to provide other RBTs within this field with the support to grow and pursue any goals they may have of advancing in this field, as well.” Trisha Braecklein, Director of Autism Services for Mariposa Autism Service Center, said, “Jessica has shown remarkable growth, both professionally and personally, during her time as an apprentice with us. She has become a passionate advocate for our families and will undoubtedly enrich our BCBA team. We are immensely proud and thrilled as she transitions into this new role, and continues to make a meaningful difference!” In her free time, Jessica can be found reading, playing video games, or listening to true crime podcasts. Please join us in congratulating Jessica!