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
Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA
President, Owner, CEO
Meet Will Brandon
Ph.D., 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
BCBA, M.S., OBM Specialist
Director of Clinical Operations
Meet John Gagnon
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.
Erin Kneisel
she/her
Director of Patient Services
Meet Erin Kneisel
Erin Kniesel embarked on her journey with Learning ARTS in June of 2015, inspired by the compelling stories she heard from a friend who worked there. Although new to the industry at the time, she wholeheartedly applied for the position of Assistant to the Executive Director, driven by a passion to make a difference. Since then, her growth within the organization has been both impactful and rewarding.
For Erin, the core values of Learning ARTS – empowering, potential, impact, and compassion – are more than just organizational ideals; they are a framework for leadership. In her role, she emphasizes the importance of these values in creating a nurturing and supportive environment for her team.
One of Erin’s proudest professional milestones is her instrumental role in transitioning the cancellation and scheduling department from a paper-based system to an online one. This significant change demonstrates her continuous quest for innovation and efficiency.
Above all, what fuels Erin’s daily commitment is witnessing the tangible difference ABA therapy makes in the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum. The joy of observing a non-verbal child find their voice resonates deeply with her, reminding her of the profound impact of her work.
Outside of her professional realm, Erin cherishes the simple pleasures of life. She delights in outdoor activities that allow her to both stay active and spend quality time with her family, a combination that she values deeply.
In every endeavor, Erin exemplifies the embodiment of dedication, innovation, and heartfelt service, making her an invaluable asset to Learning ARTS and the community at large.
Kendra Melchner
she/her
Director of Personnel
Meet Kendra Melchner
Kendra was attracted to Learning ARTS in 2016 because of the impactful stories and experiences her acquaintances in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) had shared with her. With a desire to contribute to a cause bigger than herself and make a meaningful difference, Kendra quickly felt she had found her calling at Learning ARTS.
Our core values, empowerment, potential, impact, and compassion resonate deeply with Kendra. For her, these aren’t just words on paper; they’re guiding principles that she employs to uplift and aid everyone she interacts with, be it patients or fellow employees. She derives a huge sense of fulfillment from watching patients’ transformational journeys, some of whom she’s seen evolve into young adults confidently navigating their first jobs.
One of Kendra’s notable professional milestones is attaining her SHRM certification, a testament to her dedication and expertise in her field. When she’s not making a difference at work, you’ll likely find Kendra paddle boarding, embracing the serenity of the water, and relishing the occasional spotting of river otters, turtles, and even sea lions. A passionate animal enthusiast, Kendra’s home is filled with the joyful chaos of two dogs and two cats – her cherished furry companions. Whether she’s at her desk or out on the water, Kendra brings warmth, passion, and a genuine desire to make a difference.
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.