Alyson Gini, Behavior Specialist

Alyson Gini began working with children with developmental disabilities after taking an introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis class at California State University, Sacramento. A year later she graduated from CSUS with a BA in Psychology. She is a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst. She has  been working with children with disabilities, specifically Autism, for over 9 years. "The kids and families I work with are special and although I started out to make a difference in their lives, I never stop appreciating the way they shape mine."

John Gagnon, Behavior Specialist

John Gagnon started his career in developmental disability services after he took a course in college and got to work one on one with a child with disabilities.  He applied for a job in the field in 2006 and has been working in it ever since. John holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. He started work with Learning ARTS in 2008. John finds personal value in: "Being an intricate piece in the development of a child with Autism and witnessing their abilities gained through our program in action with their family."

Colleen Hall, Behavior Specialist

Colleen Hall has been employed with Learning ARTS since January 2007. She began as a Behavior Technician, working with children one-on-one for over two years before becoming Behavior Specialist. In 2004, Colleen received her Liberal Studies BA from California State University, Sacramento and is currently enrolled in the multiple subject and mild/moderate special education credential programs at CSUS. Since working for Learning ARTS, Colleen has read books about ABA, as required by Learning ARTS, taken classes at CSUS about positive behavior support, and have been CPR certified. "If it was not for this job, I probably would not have had the drive to become a special education teacher. It is my passion to help my clients meet their goals, be able to communicate their needs, and become more independent."

Kim Rowley, Teacher

Kimberly Ann Rowley left her classroom teaching job to work for Learning ARTS in 2000. Kim has been a tutor, a Behavior Specialist, and RDI Consultant and now serves as classroom teacher for Learning ARTS'  "Our Classroom." Kimberley possesses a Bachelor's degree in Behavior Sciences, a Master's degree in Special Education, and has completed course work in for both a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Kimberley possessed certification in Relationship Development Intervention (RDI).  Kim celebrates "transformations that occur in record time when both home and school are working collaboratively on behavior management. Each day in the classroom is filled with triumph and joy."

Heather Barnhart,Staff Training Facilitator

Heather was hired in 2004 as a as a Behavior Technician and became the Staff Training Facilitator in 2009. Heather loves to teach and delights in the challenge of finding ways to help recently hired Technicians become skilled. Heather says she is motivated by all the day to day successes: "The first time a client tries a new food, plays a game, say a new sound, or makes eye contact; with every little achievement I'm overwhelmed with delight!"

Jim Lockey, Relationship Development Intervention Certified Consultant

Jim Lockey has been working with children on the autism spectrum for 19 years. While working at Roseville Hospital as a Physical Therapist Assistant, Jim met Dr. Brandon at an internship class at Sierra Junior College. Dr. Brandon performed a lesson with a child named Jacob and Jim fell in love with the idea of making a difference in the lives of children and began working with Dr. Brandon. In 2003 Jim Lockey began to apprentice under Dr. Steven Gutstein and became certified in Relationship Development Intervention, a new, developmental approach to helping families and children with autism spectrum disorder.

Jim Lockey received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2001 from National University in Sacramento. He has been providing services to children on the autism spectrum since 1992, initially under the supervision of Dr. Greg Buch with the UCLA Autism Program and then under Dr. Brandon. Jim is certified in PECS, the ADOS assessment, and Relationship Development Intervention. At Learning ARTS Jim has worked as a tutor, lead tutor, ABA consultant, and finally RDI consultant.

Jim finds his inspiration in the Bible: "Jesus took a little child and had the child stand among them. Then he took the child in his arms. He said to them, 'Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.'" -Mark 8:36

Beth Shumrak, Staff Training Faclitator

Beth Shumrak has been with Learning ARTS since December 2010. She began working with children with developmental disabilities as a senior in high school, through a psychology internship program at a local elementary school.  Beth graduated from Penn State with a BA in psychology and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Special Education with a specialization in Mild/Moderate Disabilities and Autism.  She has also taken additional coursework towards certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.