Meet our Certified PEERS® Group Leaders
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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. |
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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. |
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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! |
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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. |
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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 |
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Aimee Cruz
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Certified PEERS ® Provider Certified Sibshop Facilitator, Kid 2 Kid Group Leader PEFA Group Leader and PEFA Behavior Coach Aimee Cruz is a Marriage and Family Therapist. 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. 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 Kid 2 Kid Group Leader 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. |
