Santa Maria

Gabriel Moreno is passionate about the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA), and strives to help as many families as he can to achieve long-lasting change. Early in his career he realized that not everyone is able to participate in activities that are perceived as typical. He knows that successful intervention comes from a collaboration between clinicians and families, and he works hard to ensure everyone works together to achieve common goals. The relief that Gabriel sees in families’ faces when a child starts performing everyday tasks—such as walking down the street, communicating needs and wants, or learning a new skill—is life changing and it makes his job most meaningful.

Gabriel earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University Dominguez Hills in 2010, and his Master of Arts in teaching with emphasis in ABA in 2013 — the same year he received his credential as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). For more than 15 years, Gabriel has been providing ABA-based behavioral health treatment in schools, homes, and community settings. He’s helped manage and supervise BCBAs, held training events, and helped staff understand and master best practices in ABA-based therapy.

Gabriel has 4 children including identical twin boys. Every year his family takes a snowboarding trip to Big Bear and he can’t wait to see them on the slopes.

It is in Jacob Castillo’s nature to serve others in a way that resonates with who he is as a person. The bonds he has developed with the kids and families he serves is priceless and gives him a strong sense of purpose knowing that his work has a positive influence on the families and himself.

Jacob is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and he feels strongly that he has found something he truly loves doing. Jacob has been with Behavior Respite in Action for three years and believes his work gives him the opportunity to be of great help to families in need. This field has given Jacob a new perspective on life, and he is grateful to be a part of such a wonderful team.

Jacob is very passionate about health and fitness. It’s therapeutic for him and has helped him become more disciplined in all aspects of his life.

Crystal Herrera really enjoys seeing the positive effect of her work on families, and she knows that happy parents are a sign of success. It is very meaningful for Crystal to provide parents of children with disabilities with the support and relief that they need. She adds, “Everyone requires a little break and it feels amazing to be part of a family’s support system.”

Crystal received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State Northridge. After working as a para-educator at a public school, she developed a passion for this field, and was inspired to go on to earn her Master of Education in Applied Behavior Analysis. She truly enjoys what she does and is currently pursuing her BCBA certification.

Crystal is happiest when spending time with her family. She has a passion for traveling and hopes to travel the world. She loves being on airplanes and says that her favorite part is the turbulence and landing.

Michael Duenas knows that being a good conversationalist doesn’t mean talking a lot, it’s having the ability to get others to talk to you. For Michael, who likes making things happen, the best part of his job is teaching often-isolated people how to develop close relationships with others – which helps them live much more fulfilling lives.

Michael earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and social behavior from the University of California. After graduation, he worked for a career-development agency for adults with developmental disabilities and was drawn to the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA). He enrolled in a graduate program and earned his Master of Psychology with an emphasis in ABA. Since then he’s earned his BCBA credential and continues to love all things ABA.

Michael grew up loving sports and sports continue to be a big part of his life. With two young children, one of his favorite things to do is sharing his love of sports with his kids. They spend a lot of time together playing any game that involves a ball.

Maria Sanchez loves what she does, and uses her skills in Applied Behavior Analysis to improve the quality of life of the families she serves. She has helped people learn how to talk when they were nonverbal, how to read, how to self-toilet and other personal hygiene essentials, how to attend community college, and much more. Reflecting on her accomplishments, Maria says, “I once taught a client who is blind how to tie his shoes, cook simple meals, and make small purchases out in the community.”

Maria attended UCLA as a Melinda & Bill Gates Scholar, where she was the campus-based leader and attended several leadership meetings around the U.S. representing UCLA. She attended Arizona State University for her master’s degree, started her career as a behavior interventionist in 2014, and was promoted to positions of supervisor, clinical coordinator, and to her current position as director of clinical services. In 2017, Maria obtained her BCBA.

Maria has a passion for traveling. She and her husband have traveled around the United States, Spain, England, England, Italy, France, and Czech Republic.