Meet Our Team
Dr. Will Brandon, or Dr. B as the folks at Learning ARTS like to call him, discovered his passion for ABA Therapy as an undergraduate student at UC-Davis. There, a friend with a child within the autism spectrum asked Dr. B. for help. Through ABA therapy, the child was able to make rapid progress, and since that time, Dr. B. has focused his energy on building a team of like-minded professionals to help more kids realize their potential.
Today, the team at Learning ARTS is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals within the autism spectrum. Unlike many other ABA therapy organizations, we are still owned and operated by Dr. Brandon, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctorate (BCBA-D) himself.
Leadership
Will Brandon
he/him
PhD, BCBA-D, LBA,
President, Owner, CEO
Meet Will Brandon
PhD, BCBA-D, LBA
President, Owner, CEO
Dr. Will Brandon’s commitment to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy began during his time at UC Davis, when he was profoundly influenced by the work he did with a close friend’s child with autism. Since then, Dr. B (as his staff affectionately refers to him) has been on a mission to deliver ABA therapy to as many individuals as he and his team can. This drive birthed Learning ARTS, a testament to his dedication to empowering children on the autism spectrum and their families. At the heart of this initiative lie core values of empowerment, potential, impact, and compassion, each resonating deeply with Dr. Brandon’s ethos.
Despite his extensive qualifications — which include a Doctorate in Early Education (ABA Emphasis), dual Master’s degrees in Special Education and Psychology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology — it’s the impact Learning ARTS has on the community that Dr. Brandon treasures the most. He’s been recognized for his professional excellence by both the United States Congress and the State of California and has been a pivotal figure on several educational committees. Yet, he regards the growth and influence of Learning ARTS as his pinnacle achievement. This sentiment is shared by the compassionate clinical team and dedicated administrative staff who view him not just as a leader, but an inspiration.
Outside his professional commitments, Dr. B is a devoted father who cherishes the moments he spends with his daughter, especially their shared scouting adventures. Their bond is evident, with her recent achievement of the Life Scout badge at the age of 13 being a source of immense pride. Dr. B’s zest for life also extends to his love for gaming, a hobby he pursues with enthusiasm. His journey, both personal and professional, reflects a life dedicated to positive impact and unwavering commitment.
John Gagnon
he/him
MS, BCBA, OBM Specialist,
Director of Clinical Operations
Meet John Gagnon
MS, BCBA, OBM Specialist,
Director of Clinical Operations
Drawn to our commitment to recognizing and nurturing potential, John joined Learning ARTS in August 2008. Since then, he received a master’s from Cal Southern University in 2012, became a BCBA in 2014, and most recently obtained his OBM Specialist accreditation in 2023.
John’s growth at Learning ARTS has equipped him to elevate patient and staff growth. He firmly believes in recognizing the latent potential in patients, families, and staff, understanding that it’s crucial for the success of therapeutic programs and the business. His devotion to our core values facilitates his mission: to empower individuals to reach their zenith and make a tangible impact on patients, the staff, and the larger community.
What John loves most about his time at Learning ARTS is the countless heartwarming stories of staff going above and beyond for their patients. There’s a twinkle in his eye when he talks about the joy of recognizing the hard work of his colleagues, especially as he’s stepped into bigger roles. But what truly stands out for John is watching those he’s mentored soar in their own careers, a nod to the nurturing environment at Learning ARTS. Away from the office, John’s a man of many hats (quite literally) and hobbies! From archery to music and even golf, he’s always up for a challenge – especially if it involves precision. But if you really want to see him light up, just ask him about his dog.
Thanks to Learning ARTS, John has also had the pleasure of living in different parts of California, allowing him to connect with diverse communities. With an ever-bright future ahead, he’s excited about the many more adventures and stories yet to come.
Kelly Alvarez
she/her
Director of
Quality Assurance
Meet Kelly Alvarez
Director of Quality Assurance
Kelly Alvarez was inspired to join the Learning ARTS in 2006 by a deep-seated desire to ensure that children within the autism spectrum receive the services they crucially need. Her personal connection, having witnessed the transformative power of services on her own child’s quality of life, instilled in her a passion to see these benefits offered to as many families as possible.
At the heart of Kelly’s work ethic lie the E.P.I.C. core values of Learning ARTS: empowering, potential, impact, and compassion. These core values are the guiding principles that shape not only her professional interactions with families, staff, and colleagues but also her personal endeavors outside of work.
While some might perceive her role at Learning ARTS as “behind the scenes,” Kelly sees herself as providing the strong, healthy trunk to the tree of the organization, enabling it to bear fruit. She relishes the opportunity to interact with those who work directly with patients, ensuring that Learning ARTS remains poised to deliver its invaluable services by diligently maintaining updated and compliant records.
Beyond the daily tasks, what truly stands out for Kelly is the profound joy her work brings her. Amidst the challenges, the chance to assist families remains a perpetual source of happiness. She considers the consistent joy she finds in her professional life one of her greatest achievements, recognizing the rarity of such sentiment in today’s work landscape.
Outside her professional realm, Kelly finds joy in the culinary arts. For Kelly, cooking is more than just a hobby; it’s a journey where she loves experimenting with diverse ingredients and cultural delicacies. Preparing food, especially alongside her family, provides her with moments of connection and shared discovery.
In both her work and personal life, Kelly exemplifies a commitment to service, compassion, and the joy of shared experiences.
BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS (BCBAs)
Breanne Martinez
she/her
MS, BCBA
Meet Breanne Martinez
At the start of her career, Breanne worked with students with ASD in a school setting, which aroused her curiosity. So, she decided to pursue this field while continuing her academic journey, and in 2016, she joined Learning ARTS to experience ABA therapy firsthand.
At Learning ARTS, Breanne was fortunate to have mentors who not only shared their knowledge but also ignited in her the belief in her own potential. This transformative support propelled her from a Behavior Technician to a Registered Behavior Technician and eventually a Staff Trainer. In 2018, armed with a Master’s degree in Psychology (with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis) from Capella University, she earned the prestigious title of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
What Breanne finds most fulfilling about her work at Learning ARTS is the joy of guiding and mentoring others on their ABA journey, and in doing so, making a profound and positive impact on their lives. The EPIC Core Values (Empowerment, Potential, Impact and Compassion) serve as her compass, guiding her in her relationships with both her coworkers and patients.
Outside of her professional life, Breanne’s favorite hobby is reading. She finds immense joy in exploring new worlds, expanding her knowledge of various fields, and gaining new perspectives on any given topic. This habit of hers not only enriches her personal life but also contributes to her professional development in the field of behavior analysis
Caleb Moni
he/him
MA, BCBA
Meet Carlotta Kollar
Carlotta Kollar, also known as Carla, earned her Master’s degree from Arizona State University in 2020 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2021. In 2022, she obtained her Nevada LBA, and in 2023, she added a Behavioral Sleep Specialist (CBSS) certification to her credentials. Carla’s passion for making a meaningful impact on individuals’ lives has guided her career from the beginning.
Initially, Carla considered pursuing a career in Criminal Justice or Marriage and Family Therapy. However, in 2017, she decided to explore a different path by joining Learning ARTS, where she discovered a love for working with children with developmental disabilities. It was in this environment that her interest in behavioral science grew, fueled by seeing the tangible progress in her clients’ behavior and skill development.
Empowerment, one of Learning ARTS’ core values, resonates deeply with Carla. She experienced empowerment herself as she advanced through multiple clinical roles, from Behavior Technician to Behavior Specialist, BCaBA, and ultimately BCBA. The guidance and support from her supervisor and colleagues played a key role in her growth, and she appreciates the continuous learning opportunities that both ABA and Learning ARTS provide.
Carlotta takes pride in making positive changes in the lives of individuals and their families. She finds great joy in teaching parents about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and watching them apply these techniques to improve their children’s lives. Her recent accomplishment in obtaining her Behavioral Sleep Specialist certification has allowed her to assist children in improving their sleep hygiene, including helping them fall asleep more easily and stay asleep through the night.
Outside of her professional life, Carla enjoys wake surfing, a hobby that challenges her physically and allows her to socialize with friends. She’s married, has two dogs, and loves spending time boating, camping, and snowboarding with her family.
Carlotta Kollar
she/her
MS, BCBA, LBA, CBSS
Meet Caleb Moni
MS, BCBA, LBA, CBSS
Carlotta Kollar, also known as Carla, earned her Master’s degree from Arizona State University in 2020 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2021. In 2022, she obtained her Nevada LBA, and in 2023, she added a Behavioral Sleep Specialist (CBSS) certification to her credentials. Carla’s passion for making a meaningful impact on individuals’ lives has guided her career from the beginning.
Initially, Carla considered pursuing a career in Criminal Justice or Marriage and Family Therapy. However, in 2017, she decided to explore a different path by joining Learning ARTS, where she discovered a love for working with children with developmental disabilities. It was in this environment that her interest in behavioral science grew, fueled by seeing the tangible progress in her clients’ behavior and skill development.
Empowerment, one of Learning ARTS’ core values, resonates deeply with Carla. She experienced empowerment herself as she advanced through multiple clinical roles, from Behavior Technician to Behavior Specialist, BCaBA, and ultimately BCBA. The guidance and support from her supervisor and colleagues played a key role in her growth, and she appreciates the continuous learning opportunities that both ABA and Learning ARTS provide.
Carlotta takes pride in making positive changes in the lives of individuals and their families. She finds great joy in teaching parents about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and watching them apply these techniques to improve their children’s lives. Her recent accomplishment in obtaining her Behavioral Sleep Specialist certification has allowed her to assist children in improving their sleep hygiene, including helping them fall asleep more easily and stay asleep through the night.
Outside of her professional life, Carla enjoys wake surfing, a hobby that challenges her physically and allows her to socialize with friends. She’s married, has two dogs, and loves spending time boating, camping, and snowboarding with her family.
Corbin Holzapfel
he/him
MA, BCBA
Meet Corbin Holzapfel
Corbin started working in ABA while pursuing his bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in childhood studies at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. He gained experience working as a behavior technician for a year in Virginia and another year in Southern California.
In 2016, Corbin joined Learning ARTS as a behavior specialist. He earned his Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University in 2019 and became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in December of that same year.
Corbin decided to join Learning ARTS because they had provided valuable resources and assistance to families in his local area and rural community. As a part of the Learning ARTS team, Corbin believes that compassion drives their work and helps them shine brightest through a genuine care for others. This compassion magnifies their impact, empowering themselves and others to reach their greatest potential.
Corbin’s favorite aspect of his work is helping families build deep and meaningful connections with their children while enhancing communication, socialization, and living skills. Over his four years as a BCBA, Corbin has assisted over 100 families.
Outside of his professional life, Corbin recharges by spending time outdoors. He particularly enjoys hiking in the warmer months and snowboarding in the winter. He also loves traveling to visit his family in Ohio and Virginia.
Frances Kharlen Reboja-Dirige
she/her
MD, BCaBA
Meet Frances Kharlen Reboja-Dirige
Frances Kharlen Reboja-Dirige, MD, earned her medical degree from De La Salle University in the Philippines in 2008 and became a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) in 2020. Kharlen’s journey into ABA began with her interest in developmental pediatrics during her medical rotation, but it wasn’t until she saw a job listing that she discovered the field of ABA—an experience she fondly says means “ABA found me.” Since joining Learning ARTS in 2015, Kharlen has dedicated herself to supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families, helping them navigate challenges and celebrate successes.
Kharlen is passionate about equipping families with the tools and confidence to help their children grow and conquer their world. She emphasizes that while providers are only a small part of a family’s daily life, the skills and knowledge gained through ABA will last a lifetime. This approach of Empowerment, grounded in Compassion, helps unlock the Potential of each family and profoundly impacts their quality of life.
One of Kharlen’s favorite aspects of her work is parent training. She loves breaking down complex concepts into simple, relatable steps, and finds great joy in seeing parents and patients have “aha” moments. She especially cherishes moments when children produce their first words, as it bridges the gap in communication and allows families to better understand each other.
Throughout her career at Learning ARTS, Kharlen has worked in roles ranging from Behavior Technician to BCaBA, and she feels immense pride when patients graduate from services. It’s a testament to the meaningful progress they’ve made and the contribution she’s made to their journey.
Outside of work, Kharlen enjoys cooking and baking for her family, often creating traditional Filipino dishes to share her cultural heritage with her children. She is also a proud mom of a second grader and a high school freshman, navigating the joys and challenges of parenthood. Kharlen loves staycations, discovering new foodie spots, and dreams of one day visiting Italy to explore its culinary wonders, just like Stanley Tucci in “Searching for Italy.”
Kim Rowley
she/her
MA, BCBA
Meet Kim Rowley
Kim Rowley began her journey in ABA therapy inspired by Dr. Brandon and joined Learning ARTS on July 1, 2000. She was drawn to Learning ARTS for its flexible scheduling, which was invaluable while her children were young, and for the opportunity to work closely with families.
The core values of Learning ARTS resonate deeply with Kim because they align with her personal and professional values, guiding every decision made. Her favorite aspect of working at Learning ARTS is witnessing the outcomes when children strengthen their connections with their families. Whether it’s learning to participate in activities together, enhancing communication, or simply enjoying a chocolate chip cookie, the smallest moments often make the biggest impact.
Collaboration with coworkers is another highlight for Kim. Learning ARTS has always encouraged and supported teamwork, and Kim feels she can call, message, or email anyone at Learning ARTS and receive immediate support. Whether developing specific behavior plans or finding coverage for a session, the team works tirelessly to support each other.
Outside of work, Kim loves being outdoors and has a special passion for snorkeling, finding the underwater world magical. She is married to a wonderful man who makes her laugh every day, and together they have two amazing children and two grandchildren who have stolen her heart. Along with a supportive extended family, Kim finds immense joy in her time at the clinics, experiencing the delight of children making discoveries every single day.
Lauren Hasserjian
they/them
MA, BCBA
Meet Lauren Hasserjian
Lauren Hasserjian earned their Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UC Santa Cruz in 2019 and went on to receive a Master’s degree in Special Education with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College in 2023. Lauren’s journey into ABA began in 2020 while working as a Behavior Technician in Santa Cruz, where they quickly developed a passion for the field and earned their Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification the same year.
Lauren’s personal connection to autism through their sibling, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), deeply influenced their commitment to the field. Having witnessed firsthand the challenges their family faced with services, Lauren is driven to provide excellent care to families in similar situations. In June 2022, they joined Learning ARTS as a Behavior Specialist—a significant milestone on their path to becoming a BCBA.
Lauren is passionate about Learning ARTS’ core values, which resonate with their belief that every individual deserves compassionate, individualized support that fosters empowerment and helps them reach their full potential. They find great inspiration in the dedication of their colleagues, especially the hardworking Behavior Technicians who are eager to learn and grow within the field of ABA.
Lauren is proudest of earning their BCBA certification this year, marking their greatest professional achievement to date. Outside of their work in ABA, Lauren enjoys painting as a way to unwind and express their creativity.
Mai Vang
she/her
MS, BCBA
Meet Mai Vang
MS, BCBA
Mai Vang earned her M.S. from Capella University and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2021. She began her journey with Learning ARTS in 2017 as a technician, quickly advancing to Specialist in 2019, and ultimately becoming a BCBA. Mai’s passion for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) blossomed unexpectedly after taking on a role working with children, where she discovered her love for helping others and seeing the tangible progress of her clients.
Driven by the company’s vision, Mai finds purpose in empowering both her team and the families she supports. She believes in celebrating every step of progress, no matter how small, as each achievement builds toward a client’s lasting well-being. For Mai, compassion is key to creating meaningful connections and fostering safe, supportive environments where individuals and families can thrive.
One of Mai’s favorite aspects of her work is teaching—whether it’s working directly with clients or training parents in new skills. She takes pride in applying Behavior Skills Training (BST), ensuring that parents and team members understand, practice, and confidently implement new strategies. By modeling, instructing, and providing constructive feedback, she has seen tremendous growth in both her clients and colleagues.
Outside of her professional life, Mai enjoys hiking to unwind and reconnect with nature, finding that it sparks her creativity. She also loves spending time with her dog, Theodore, affectionately named after the chipmunk from Alvin and the Chipmunks.
Maria G. Munoz
she/her
MS, BCBA
Meet Maria G. Munoz
Maria G. Munoz, M.S., BCBA, began her journey with Learning ARTS in April 2017. Initially aspiring to be a special education teacher, Maria sought out experience working with children with special needs and discovered her true passion in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Maria is proud to work with families in her hometown of Salinas and the surrounding areas, particularly those who value having a bilingual clinician on their team.
Her approach to care is grounded in ensuring that all clients—regardless of gender, religion, severity of condition, or socioeconomic status—are treated with compassion and equality. Maria also believes that this inclusive approach extends to the families of her clients, recognizing the importance of supporting them as well. Fluent in Spanish, Maria finds that her cultural background helps her form stronger relationships with her clients, which, in turn, enhances engagement and success in treatment.
For Maria, the most rewarding part of her work is witnessing the cumulative progress her clients make over time. Each small step forward reinforces her commitment to helping families and individuals thrive.
In her personal time, Maria enjoys gardening, a hobby that allows her to unwind and connect with nature. She was born and raised in Salinas, attending Hartnell Community College before transferring to California State University of Monterey Bay (CSUMB). Maria is also a proud cat mom to four, though she admits she loves dogs too—she just finds them a bit more demanding!
Mariah Coggins
she/her
MS, BCBA
Meet Mariah Coggins
Mariah Coggins earned her M.S. from Capella University and became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2020. Growing up in a group home with adults with various developmental disabilities inspired Mariah to continue working with this population into adulthood. While she initially aspired to become a special education teacher, her path led her to work in rehabilitation, training adults with developmental disabilities to find jobs in the community. In her search for a way to work with children and delve deeper into behavioral science, she discovered Learning ARTS and ABA therapy.
Mariah started working at Learning ARTS in 2015 and was thrilled to find a workplace that offered a unique opportunity to specialize in a field involving children and behavioral science. The core values of Learning ARTS are crucial to Mariah because, during her childhood, she witnessed individuals in group homes living without quality of life, unable to communicate and often sitting for hours, days, and years staring at a ceiling. Mariah is passionate about helping her patients and their families achieve a better quality of life. She is dedicated to empowering them to demand their right to a fulfilling life and wants to make a positive impact, showing compassion during challenging times. It is important to Mariah that her personal values align with her profession, and she feels that Learning ARTS aligns perfectly with her values.
Two of Mariah’s favorite aspects of her work at Learning ARTS are seeing others become excited about behavioral science and witnessing patients experience joy and confidence in their communication instead of distress. Her greatest professional achievement is inspiring clinicians, technicians, parents, and patients to share her excitement and awe every time a child reaches their potential.
Outside of her professional life, Mariah loves being a parent and is enamored with every stage of her children’s lives. She enjoys being in nature, especially among redwood trees and under the stars, as it reminds her that sometimes the things that seem really big just need some space to breathe. Mariah also enjoys learning fun facts, such as “Lemons float, but limes sink,” and researching the reasons behind them.
Mariah is married and has two children. Originally from San Diego, her professional goal is to never lose the desire to learn.
Michael S. Stephens
he/him
MA, BCBA, LBA
Meet Michael S. Stephens
Mike Stephens, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), has been in the field of behavior analysis since 2012. He holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and is passionate about using his expertise to create meaningful, real-world impacts. Mike initially entered the field to apply what he had learned in ways that directly help people, and he continues to find purpose in empowering others, whether through working with children, families, or mentoring new professionals.
Mike believes strongly in the power of empowerment, potential, impact, and compassion. For him, seeing individuals reach their full potential and gain access to what they want in life is the most rewarding aspect of his work. Compassion is a core value that drives his approach, as he believes that without it, burnout and cynicism can easily take hold. He is committed to ensuring that his work has a lasting, positive impact on both individuals and their families, as well as on the broader community.
Mike’s experience spans rural and urban settings, where he has honed his ability to adapt ABA strategies to diverse populations and environments. He finds great joy in hearing a child’s first words or seeing them master new skills, but recently, he has grown to appreciate the rewarding experience of helping families. By providing them with the tools to navigate challenges, he empowers them to improve their quality of life in ways that are sustainable.
In his free time, Mike enjoys hanging out with his three children—ranging from a tween to a young adult—and his two dogs. He’s an avid fan of video games and Godzilla, both of which offer him a nostalgic escape. Mike also has plans to pursue a PhD to teach college courses, and he dreams of one day opening a pizza place with an arcade.
Sheena Erika Magbiray
she/her
MA, BCBA, LBA
Sheena Erika Magbiray
BA, MA, BCBA, LBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Behavior Analyst
Sheena Erika Magbiray has always been passionate about empowering neurodivergent individuals to become independent, functioning members of society. With a BA in Psychology from San Francisco State University and an MA in Clinical Psychology from California State Dominguez Hills, she earned her BCBA certification from the University of West Florida.
Sheena joined Learning ARTS in 2019, bringing her expertise to the San Francisco region, where she feels honored to serve families from diverse cultural backgrounds. Her work is deeply fulfilling, especially when families successfully apply the ABA strategies learned to improve their quality of life. Sheena’s personal and professional mission aligns with Learning ARTS’ EPIC core values—Empowerment, Potential, Impact, and Compassion—helping as many families as possible develop functional, lifelong skills that will benefit society.
One of Sheena’s favorite moments came when a former patient’s parent shared that her son, who had worked with Sheena, was now driving and applying to colleges. It’s the successful discharge of patients, after meeting their goals, that fuels her passion for this work.
A first-generation graduate in her family, Sheena takes pride in using her academic and professional accomplishments to give back to her community. Outside of work, she enjoys fashion, travel, architecture, and wellness activities like indoor cycling and pilates, which help her stay creative, physically active, and mentally well. Sheena is also dedicated to volunteerism, having contributed to initiatives that feed the homeless, raise career awareness for inner-city children, and support environmental causes over the past 20 years.
Wesley Rodriguez
he/him
MBA, BCBA
Meet Wesley Rodriguez
Wesley Rodriguez earned his ABA Graduate Certificate from Purdue University in 2022 and his MBA from UC Davis in 2018. After spending over a decade working in corporate environments, Wes sought a new challenge—one that would allow him to make a difference in his community, particularly with special needs populations. His transition into the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) was driven by his desire to work closely with children and teens, while also leveraging his passion for data analytics, which plays a critical role in behavior science.
Wes joined Learning ARTS in January 2019, drawn to the organization’s longstanding presence in the field of ABA, with multiple locations and a history dating back to the 1990s. The company’s name, “ARTS,” also resonated with Wes, given his previous career as a designer and creative.
For Wes, the values of Empowerment, Potential, Impact, and Compassion are the foundation of making a genuine difference in the lives of the people around him. Whether working with co-workers, parents, or clients, he strives to uplift others and create a positive, lasting impact. His favorite part of the day is arriving at the clinic, where he enjoys greeting staff and clients—building connections that foster trust and camaraderie.
Wes considers passing the BCBA exam one of his greatest professional achievements, as it required immense dedication and effort. Outside of work, Wes’s family—his wife and daughter—are the most important aspects of his life. In his free time, Wes enjoys home improvement projects, fishing with family, and recently, renovating antique furniture. He also has three cats and a dog, and his family shares a love for outdoor activities and museum visits.
Looking ahead, Wes dreams of running a small kite shop where he can teach kids how to sew custom kites, combining his creativity with his passion for giving back to the community.