Adam C Brando

Adam is a notable professional in the field of developmental disorders, possessing dual certification as a Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Having obtained his master’s degree in counseling psychology from the John F. Kennedy University and his BCBA certification from the Florida Institute of Technology, Adam has accumulated over two decades of experience in this specialized domain. He brings an unwavering commitment to his work, driven by an earnest desire to facilitate positive change in the lives of young children with developmental disorders at an expedited pace. Adam also believes in nurturing and empowering his staff, recognizing that by investing in their professional growth and wellbeing, they are better equipped to deliver exceptional care to clients.

Adam is passionate about helping young children to make a difference as fast as we can. He also is passionate about helping staff reach their career goals and understands that if we take care of our staff, they in turn take great care of our clients.

Michael M Brando

Founder, President and CEO

(Chemistry, Physics, University of Pennsylvania) is an accomplished Senior Management Executive with over 20 years’ experience in key leadership positions managing large worldwide engineering and information technology departments in multi-national Fortune 100 corporations.

Dawn Wetzel

Regional Manager and Clinical Supervisor

Joined Spotlight Therapy in 2017 as a Program Supervisor. Prior to joining Spotlight Therapy Dawn had over 15 years of elementary and early childhood experience. Dawn holds a master’s degree in Education from Manhattanville College, Purchase, NY and studied at the Florida Institute of Technology for her BCBA. Dawn, her husband, and their two children live in Santa Cruz, CA where they enjoy walks on the beach together.

Alfredo Duarte Martinez

Clinical Supervisor

Is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Alfredo developed a passion for working with children at an early age mentoring middle school and high school students. In 2017, Alfredo graduated from San Jose State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and began working as an early interventionist at Spotlight Therapy.

During this time, Alfredo realized the effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and was inspired to learn more about ABA. In 2020, Alfredo received his master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University and soon after obtained his BCBA certification. Motivated by results, Alfredo’s goal is to help children and their families learn the skills needed to live a more independent life. In his free time, Alfredo loves to workout, mountain bike, cook, read, listen to podcasts, and paint.  

Erika Lo

Clinical Supervisor

Is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Erika graduated a with B.A. in Psychology and B.S. in Human Development from UC Davis and received a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. Erika has worked with individuals with disabilities and developmental disorders for 15+ years and has been working in the field of ABA for 10 years. 

Meghan Merwin

Program Supervisor

Meghan graduated from National University with a master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Meghan has worked in ABA for 7 years and plans to become a BCBA. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and exploring the Northern California coast. Meghan loves spending time with her family, friends and elderly cat.

Deanna Farley

Program Supervisor

Deanna graduated National University with a master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Deanna has worked in the field of developmental disorders for 8 years. In her spare time, she volunteers for Syngap Research Fund to help raise awareness about a rare genetic disease - Syngap1. Deanna enjoys spending time with her family, friends and two German shepherds.

Asumi Douglass

Graduated from Meredith College and completed BCBA certification course at Florida Institute of Technology.  Asumi holds a Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree in Special Education, and she is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.  She has 20 years of clinical experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities, specializing in the treatment of Autism.   She also has experience in supervising a number of behavior consultants, specializing in early intensive intervention techniques. 

 In addition, she has conducted training sessions and consultation for teachers and parents on the implementation of ABA principles in the classroom. In her free time, Asumi enjoys camping, traveling, and playing ukulele with her daughter.

Jessica Gonzalez

Program Supervisor

She has worked in the field of developmental disorders for 6 years. Jessica received an Associate’s degree in Sociology from Evergreen Valley College and a Bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences from San Jose State University. She is currently attending Ball State University’s Applied Behavior Analysis Master’s program. Jessica enjoys cooking, gardening, soccer, and spending time with her family and friends. 

Abby Traxler

Clinical Supervisor

Is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Abby graduated from Simmons University with an M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has worked in the field of developmental disorders for 4 years. In her spare time, Abby loves to spend time traveling with her family and friends, reading, and singing. 

Stacey Yung

M.S., BCBA, Clinical Supervisor

Stacey graduated from Kaplan University with a Master’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Stacey has worked in the field of developmental disorders in school districts, clinics, and in home for 10 years combined (2022). Stacey is also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and enjoys traveling and making memories with family and friends. 

Lan Le

M.A., BCBA, Clinical Supervisor

Lan graduated from Antioch University, Santa Barbara with a Masters in Clinical Psychology and obtained her certification coursework in Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. Lan has worked in the field of ABA for over 10 years in clinic-based, private homes, public/private schools, and daycare settings with children from 18 months to 17 years of age. Lan spends her free time spoiling her two dogs, enjoying tropical vacations, and hiking.

Toan Nguyen

Program Supervisor

Toan is currently doing a Master’s program in Applied Behavioral Analysis at Florida Institute of Tech. Toan has worked in this field for about 3 years. He enjoys playing video and board games, spending time with friends and family, and cooking. 

Cathrine Pak

Program Supervisor

Cathrine graduated from Santa Clara University with a master’s degree in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, and attended Florida Institute of Technology and completed the BCBA coursework program. Cathrine has worked in the field of Education and Applied Behavior Analysis for 8 years. Cathrine enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new scenic places in the Bay Area.

Liliana Ramirez

Program Supervisor

Liliana is currently doing a master’s program in Applied Behavioral Analysis at National University. Liliana has been in this field for about 2 years. She has an associate degree from Mission College in Child Development, transferred to San Jose State University and graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Liliana worked in daycares and preschools as an Associate teacher prior to making the decision to become a Behavior Therapist. This is when she became interested in learning more in depth about the ABA field and being able to support children and families, her goal is to become a BCBA and make a positive impact. In her spare time Liliana enjoys working out, traveling, going out to dinner with friends, dancing and cooking/baking.

Tina Saelee, MA

Program Supervisor

Tina received her bachelor’s degree in Public Health from San Jose State University and has recently graduated from Arizona State University with a master’s degree in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. Tina has worked in the field of developmental disorders for 5 years. In her spare time, Tina enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dog. She also loves cooking, reading, gardening, and singing.

John Soliman

Program Supervisor

John graduated with a B.A. in Speech Language Hearing Sciences from San Diego State University and is currently attending Simmons University for his M.S. in Behavior Analysis. He has worked in the field of developmental disorders for over 2 years. John enjoys teaching meaningful skills to his clients through fun activities. In his free time, John loves to watch the Warriors, try new restaurants, mountain bike, and go to art museums.

Phoebe Denice Anselmo Gonzalez

Program Supervisor

She graduated with her B.A in Psychology at California State University of Dominguez Hills. She will soon further her education in Applied Behavioral Analysis.

She has worked in the ABA field for over 4 years. Phoebe has always loved working with children. Her goal is to help the children she works with and their families learn the skills necessary to foster independence in their everyday lives. In her free time, Phoebe loves to spend time with her husband and bunny (Little Foot). She also enjoys trying new restaurants, cooking/baking, drawing, musicals, and the aquarium.