Executive Directors

Shannon Wallace graduated with honors from San Diego State University in 1999, earning a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, and attended Pepperdine University where she earned a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology. Shannon received her certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2008. Since 1997, Shannon's expertise and focus has been in the areas of research and therapy in autism. She participated as first and second author on numerous research studies on Autism, Williams Syndrome, and infants with focal brain damage, resulting in the opportunity to present her research at relevant conferences nationwide.

Recognizing the dire need for her services in this area, working as Assistant Clinical Director, Case Supervisor and Senior Therapist she helped to implement effective programs in diverse schools and home settings throughout San Diego and Los Angeles Counties. She is skilled at conducting Functional Analyses and implementing positive and effective behavior programs based on her findings. Shannon also excels at developing alternative curriculum based on the principles of ABA, DTT, and a child's IEP goals/areas of need, in order for the child to access academic curriculum in the most effective way. Her passion lies in working with children to expand socialization, generalization and improving the quality of life not only for children with autism but also their families.

Maryann has been in the field of autism since 2000 and has gained her knowledge and experience as a behavior therapist working one on one with children, as a supervisor, creating, implementing and maintaining ABA programs, and now as an executive director. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego in Human Development and her Master of Arts Degree in Human Behavior from National University. She also completed coursework in Behavior Analysis and has received her certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She has extensive experience implementing a variety of methodologies including DTT, PECS, TEACCH and Behavior Modification techniques. She is devoted to helping children on the autism spectrum and their families improve their quality of life.