Meet our Certified PEERS® Group Leaders
|
|
|
Maya Grunauer Donnelly
Certified PEERS ® Provider PEFA Group Leader Maya Grunauer has a BA in Psychology from Marymount California University. She is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at STAR of CA. She has experience as a Behavioral Coach and Facilitator in our PEERS program. As an RBT she provides autistic children, teens, and young adults with individualized supportive and behavioral services in both school and in-home settings. She is trained in ABA methodologies; including Discrete Trial Training, Pivotal Response Treatment and Positive Behavior Support. She is a dynamic, creative and compassionate team member. In her free time Maya works with various mediums of art, enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her friends. |
|
Ayana Cadres, LEP
Certified PEERS ® Provider Ayana Cadres, LEP holds a Master’s degree in School Psychology from Phillips Graduate University and an Undergraduate degree from Providence College. She is a Licensed Psychologist in California (License #3820), and currently a School Psychologist in the greater Los Angeles area in a public school district, while also providing private services external to her district. Ms. Cadres has experience working with individuals presenting with a wide range of concerns related to learning disabilities, problems with emotional and behavioral regulation (e.g., anxiety, depression, AD/HD, high functioning Autism Spectrum), and difficulties in social relationships. She specializes in working with individuals with difficulties in social relationships and is a certified PEERS trainer. She has also received extensive training in family-based psychotherapy, including child behavior management and positive parent training. Ms. Cadres also has extensive experience as a classroom and physical education teacher as well. |
|
Francis Garcia, MFT #105044
Certified PEERS ® Provider, Bilingual PEERS Coordinator at Our Village PEFA Group Leader Francis Garcia is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, #105044. She has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with and emphasis in Marriage in Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. Francis has experience providing therapy to clients of all ages for the past 5 years. Francis first began working with children and families as a Behavior Interventionist with children who were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and continued to become a Program Supervisor. After receiving her Master’s Degree, Francis began providing therapy to children primarily using Play Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. In addition, Francis also provided therapy to adults using Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Most recently, Francis has spent the last 2-years focusing on providing Functional Family Therapy in a community based setting, with families who have adolescent children. Francis is currently in Private Practice in Torrance. Francis is Bilingual in Spanish, and has a passion for helping families in need. In her free time, Francis enjoys running, reading, and spending time with friends! |
|
Zina Rhee, CCC-SLP
Certified PEERS ® Provider Zina Rhee is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and a Lecturer at Chapman University. She is a Certified PEERS ® Provider at Our Village. Zina has an ABA background and she studied Communication Disorders at California State University, Los Angeles. Zina studied Economics at University of California, San Diego. Zina is a mom and in her free time she enjoys world travelling, surfing and hiking, volunteering and spending time with her family and friends! |
|
Sabrina Santiago, MFT # 101236
Certified PEERS ® Provider Sabrina Santiago is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #101236. She has a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy from Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Sabrina has been working with individuals of all ages with special needs, primarily with Autism Spectrum Disorder, for the past 3½ years doing Play Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and have assisted with Social Skills Programs aimed at helping children gain a better understanding of social cues and how to effectively interact with peers. She works in private practice in Torrance primarily using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy and Mindfulness. |
|
Elizabeth Clark
Certified PEERS ® Provider Elizabeth Clark has worked in the education field for nearly 5 years as an assistant/associate teacher and learning specialist supporting the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. She has been dedicated to providing a compassionate child-centered approach to working with a neurodivergent population in order to foster a safe place for growth and individuality. Elizabeth has supported a number of children and adolescents with a variety of diagnoses, such as AD/HD, Autism, Dyslexia, specific learning disorders, OCD, Anxiety, Depression, ODD, and intellectual disabilities. Beyond the classroom, she previously volunteered at Pediatric Therapy Network’s Camp Escapades where she earned the Whitney Young Spirit of the Heart Award in 2014. Elizabeth is currently applying to Clinical Psychology programs in the hopes of specializing in social, emotional, and behavioral support for the neurodivergent community |
|
Jessica Weston, LEP, BCBA
Certified PEERS ® Provider Jessica is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Jessica earned a master’s degree in educational psychology and an educational specialist degree in school psychology, and was then employed as a school psychologist in the Seattle area. After working for five years with two public school districts, Jessica continued her studies at the University of Washington, Seattle (UW) and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Following her studies and an intensive internship in early intervention at UW for young children with autism, Jessica went on to serve as a behavior consultant for private and public school entities and families. She has a passion for working with youth, young adults, and their families. Jessica enjoys reading, writing, and going on small adventures with her husband and daughter. Aimee Cruz
Marriage and Family Therapy Associate, AMFT #127498 Supervised by Monica Fyfe, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #47541 Our Village Behavior Coach & Certified PEERS ® Provider Certified Sibshop Facilitator PEFA Group Leader and PEFA Behavior Coach Aimee Cruz is a Marriage and Family Therapy Associate. She has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Aimee is a Certified PEERS ® Provider and a Certified Sibshop Facilitator at Our Village. Aimee has worked in school and community settings for mental health. She has supported Our Village with Kid 2 Kid groups, PEERS in-person and telehealth support as a trainee and as a group leader. Aimee enjoys ice-skating, and spending time with her husband, son, and friends. Liz Jemielita Marriage and Family Therapy Associate, AMFT #121708 Supervised by Monica Fyfe, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #47541 Our Village Behavior Coach & Certified PEERS ® Provider Certified Sibshop Facilitator PEFA Group Leader and PEFA Behavior Coach Liz Jemielita is a Marriage and Family Therapy Associate, holding a BFA from Rutgers University and an MS in Counseling with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from CSUN. Liz is a Certified PEERS ® Provider and a Certified Sibshop Facilitator at Our Village. Liz has provided therapy in various settings, including a community clinic, elementary school, and therapeutic preschool. She is passionate about mental health being available to everyone and has also provided counseling services to people experiencing homelessness. She is thrilled to be a Behavior Coach at Our Village, and to have the chance to collaborate with children, teens, and young adults and their families to develop richer social connections. Liz enjoys reading, dancing and practicing mindfulness. She also loves to travel and have adventures with her husband and three daughters. Marisa Burke
Marriage and Family Therapy Associate, AMFT #119342 Supervised by Monica Fyfe, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #47541 PEERS Behavior Coach, Certified PEERS® Provider PEFA Group Leader and PEFA Behavior Coach Marisa Burke is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. She has a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from National University with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Marisa has received training in Child Parent Psychotherapy, as well as Crisis and Suicide Intervention and Prevention. Marisa has worked in school, community, and clinic settings with young children ages 2 to 12 years old with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, neurodevelopmental delays, sibling conflict, and behavioral issues. Marisa enjoys reading, traveling, and agility training with her American Staffordshire Terrier. Eryn Schnel Yolac
Certified PEERS ® Provider Eryn Schnel Yolac is a Professional Educational Therapist ET/P, SPED, credentialed special education teacher, advocate for special needs students and a mother, here in the South Bay. Eryn coaches students to feel better about their differences and academic challenges and to learn how to help themselves in school! She supports parents with IEP's and other academic related issues. For fun she likes to take pictures of babies, children and families. She also like to spend time with her husband and two children. Magaly Granados Certified PEERS ® Provider and Bilingual Group Leader Magaly is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in California and she is also a Marriage and Family Therapy Associate. She received her Masters from California State University, Fullerton and have been practicing for almost 10 years. She has experience working in community mental health, schools, private practice and in the hospital setting. She has experience using Applied Behavior Analysis working in special education within LAUSD for several years and she has two evidence-based certifications in Functional Family therapy (FFT) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). She loves working and helping underserved communities, and she has experience serving different ages and demographics. She is a huge believer that therapy can help heal. Magaly is excited now to be certified in PEERS, and being part of Our Village! She feels great to be part of a great team working with parents to create change. e |
