Case Managers – Creative Solutions for Hope

meet our

CASE MANAGERS

Melissa Prieto Arias is a Case Manager at Create Solutions for Hope. She is responsible for evaluating treatment needs and assisting in development of behavior intervention plans for our clients. Aside from overseeing and ensuring progress is being made across client’s programs and their families, Melissa also monitors staff performance. She has worked in the ABA field for over six years and has experience with kids from early intervention into adulthood. She plans on taking her exam to be a BCBA within the next couple months to become board certified.

Melissa Prieto Arias graduated from Arizona State University with a Master’s Degree in Special Education (with an emphasis on ABA) and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from UCLA. During her free time, she likes to take dance classes and go on hikes near the beach with her dogs

Alexandra Bowman is Case Manager at Creative Solutions for Hope. She has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for six years. As a Case Manager, she is responsible for working directly with families, training staff, overseeing progress of clients and ensuring an excellent quality of service for all parties involved. She graduated from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) with a B.S in Psychology with an emphasis in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience. In October 2022, she was accepted to a masters program to pursue an M.A in Special Education from Arizona State University in the pursuit sitting for her BCBA exam. Alexandra is committed, knowledgeable and passionate about the work she does.

Hector Flores serves as a Case Manager at Creative Solutions, where he oversees a range of responsibilities to ensure the success ABA programs. His role involves conducting assessments, collecting data, and implementing and monitoring treatment plans. Hector also provides ongoing parent training, guiding families in behavior interventions, and coordinating care with other services such as occupational therapy (OT), speech therapy, and mental health professionals. In addition to his case management work, Hector offers study sessions for staff members preparing for their Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certifications. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Sciences at National University in San Diego and is on track to graduate in 2025. Hector holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Cal State San Bernardino and an associate’s degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Moreno Valley Community College, where he made the Dean’s List throughout 2020 with a 3.8 GPA while attending full-time. Training at the Ben Clark Training Center with Riverside Sheriffs in 2020, giving him valuable hands-on experience in case management and proper community policing. Outside of his professional role, Hector devotes his free time to teaching youth at TeamQuest Athletic Center in Hemet, California a sister gym to Temecula’s Team Quest, led by former Light Heavyweight Champion Dan Henderson. Hector currently holds a 2nd-degree blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and joined the Team Quest fight team. Hector has 5 years of Mixed Martial Arts experience under the guidance of Jaren Vanderra, a professional MMA fighter and former UFC athlete. When Hector is not working or training, He enjoys to ride on his Harley-Davidson Road Glide.

Gaby Garcia is a Case Manager Level 1 at Creative Solutions for Hope. Gaby provides services for children and families diagnosed with Autism and other related disorders. She started off as a Behavioral Technician and later became a Registered Behavioral Technician. She is very passionate in growing in this field and learning new skills.

Gaby graduated in 2021 from San Jose State University with her BA in Sociology with a minor in Child Development. She is currently getting her master in Applied Behavior Analysis in National University in San Diego. She will be graduating in December of 2025.

Katie Gerstenberg is a Case Manager for Creative Solutions for Hope. She graduated from San Diego State University with a master’s degree in education (special education; BCBA embedded curriculum) in May of 2020. She has been practicing behavior analysis since 2016. Katie has experience working with a wide range of participants between the ages of 17 months to adulthood. Katie has extensive experience with behavior management, functional communication training, and is passionate with creating behavior goals that are meaningful to the participant and family by contriving purposeful opportunities to promote lasting change. Katie also has experience with acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to assist with executive functioning goals. During her free time, Katie is a competitive athlete and enjoys exploring the outdoors/nature with her 2 dogs. Katie has a long-term goal to backpack the pacific crest trail.

One of Katie’s favorite quotes is “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” – Aristotle

Repetition is key to lasting change and productive habits. The nature of ABA therapy includes repetition and practice for lasting change.

Mayra Gonzalez is a dedicated and compassionate Case Manager at Creative Solutions for Hope with extensive experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2015. Over the course of her career, she has worked with individuals ranging from 1 year old to adulthood, providing tailored support and interventions to meet the unique needs of each client.

Mayra specializes in the development and implementation of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and treatment plans that are designed to promote positive behavioral change and improve quality of life. In addition to her expertise in creating comprehensive treatment plans, she also oversees a team of behavioral therapists, ensuring the consistent and effective delivery of interventions.

Her experience extends to working with a wide range of challenging behaviors, utilizing various evidence-based techniques and tools such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS). This background has equipped her with a deep understanding of the diverse needs of individuals with communication and behavioral challenges.

In 2019, Mayra earned her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University. She is currently pursuing certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), with a strong commitment to furthering her knowledge and expertise in the field of ABA. With her wealth of experience and passion for helping individuals achieve their fullest potential, she is excited to continue growing her career in the ABA field and making a positive impact on the lives of those she serves.

Erika Perez Gonzalez is a Case Manager at Creative Solutions for Hope. She is responsible for training new therapists, providing parent/caregiver consultations and working closely with BCBA supervisors to make modifications to treatment plans. She has 4 years of experience in implementing behavioral intervention plans, 1:1 therapy, and parent training and consultations.
Erika graduated from California State University of Dominguez Hills in 2020 and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a minor in Social Work and got certified as an RBT in 2023. During her free time, Erika enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles and spending quality time with her husband and family.

Jessica Hill is a Case Manager at Creative Solutions for Hope. She is responsible for accomplishing clients’ care by assessing treatment needs, developing, monitoring and evaluating treatment plans and progress. Jess also monitors staff performance. She has experience in 1:1 therapy in home, school and in-clinic settings and is well trained in various methodologies of behavior analysis. Jess is dedicated to providing quality services to her clients and seeing them thrive.

Jess graduated from San Jose State University and received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2022. She received her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Pepperdine University in 2024. During her free time, she likes to binge watch reality TV and spend time with her nephew.

Mateo is a Case Manager at Creative Solutions for Hope. He is responsible for delivering ABA support by directly working with families and team members. This includes providing mentorship to therapists, developing client programs, conducting trainings, performing assessments, collecting data, collaborating with other service providers, and anything else needed to ensure that effective services are provided. When Mateo isn’t working directly with clients he is updating/creating reports, reviewing data, making materials, and meeting with team members to make sure anything related to a client’s case is addressed. He has been in the field of ABA for over 14 years, working with clients from who are only 18 months old and going all the way up to 23 years old. His goal is to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and to always be listening to the neurodivergent for ways to improve.

Mateo graduated with a BA from the University of California, Irvine with a degree in Humanities and Education and received his Master of Education degree with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. During his free time, Mateo likes to rock climb and paint whatever new thing that his 3D printer spits out.

Emily Huynh is a Case Manager at Creative Solutions for Hope. She provides services for children and families diagnosed with Autism. She is responsible for assessing clients’ care and treatment needs, and developing, monitoring, and evaluating treatment plans and progress. Her role as a case manager allows her to provide parent consultations, supervise and train staff on their cases, and work closely with her supervisors to ensure their clients’ meet their goals.

Emily graduated from the University of California San Diego in 2022 with a B.S. in Psychology. She worked in after school programs before transitioning to ABA therapy in 2023 where she pursued earning her RBT certification. Emily is currently looking to pursue a master’s degree in ABA. During her free time, she likes to spend time with her friends and indulge in arts and crafts hobbies, such as clothes making and custom dolls.

Déja Jackson is a Case Manager at Creative Solutions for Hope. She is responsible for working directly with clients to provide ABA therapy, conducting program management, assisting with program intervention and therapist development. She is under the direct supervision of a Senior Clinical Supervisor and Director as she grows professionally. Déja also provides parent consultations and direct support, including feedback for both the parents and therapists to ensure the clients are in the direction of success. Déja has experience in the school districts, as well as previously working as a behavioral therapist and Special Education Preschool teacher. Déja’s career goal is to become a BCBA and continue to support families and clients around the Bay Area reach their full potential.

Déja graduated from the University of California, Merced and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Déja then went on and graduated from Arizona State University with a master’s degree in special education, with an emphasis in Applied Behavioral Analysis. In Déja’s spare time, she enjoys traveling the world and playing basketball.

Renee Lanswick is a case manager with Creative Solutions for Hope. She graduated from California State University San Marcos with a bachelor’s degree in pyschology in 2021. Renee started with CSH in October of 2021 as a behavior therapist. Her current role as a case manager allows her to provide parent consultations and work closely with her supervisors to implement strategies to help her clients live healthy and successful lives. She is currently looking to pursue a master’s degree in ABA. In her free time, Renee loves to spend time with her dog, read books, and play games with her friends online.

Lisa Leon is a Case Manager at Creative Solutions for Hope. She is responsible for overseeing therapists working with our clients. She also writes goals to support and strengthen our clients’ independence. She has experience with implementing behavioral intervention programs, 1:1 therapy, and parent training and consultations.

Lisa is currently attending Capella University to earn her Master in Applied Behavior Analysis.
During her free time, she likes to spend time with her family and friends and go to Disneyland.

Carlos Mendez Madrigal is a Case Manager for Creative Solutions for Hope. He has been working in the field of Applied Behavioral Analysis for 9 years now. He received a B.S in Psychology in 2022 and finished his graduate degree from Arizona State University In Special Education and ABA Emphasis. In his current role, Carlos is responsible for working directly with families, training staff and making sure that every single client is showing progress! In the near decade of experience Carlos has worked with all age ranges, doing Early Intervention with as young as 2 year-olds to running Adult Transition Programs with clients in their 20s. When not running behavior programs, Carlos can be found at the beach or finding new coffee shops in the OC.

Rosalily Mayorquin is a Case Manager for Creative Solutions for Hope. She graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in counseling and social change. She received a master’s degree from National University in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). She has been working in the field of ABA since 2020. Rosalily has experience working in both Early Intervention and in ABA, and has experience working with children ages 1-15 years old with diagnosed with developmental delays and ASD. She is currently working towards becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Her current role allows her to train therapists and provide parent consultations. She understands that in order to succeed you have to work as a team and collaborate to get the best possible outcome. She is passionate about seeing the progress each child makes thanks to ABA.

Rocio Patino Case Manager at Creative Solutions for Hope. I have been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for 5 years. I have worked with a wide range of ages from 3yrs of age to 22 years. I graduated from La Sierra University with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice in 2013. Currently pursuing my Master at National University in Applied Behavior Analysis. I am working on accruing my supervision hours to sit for the BCBA exam. During my free time I enjoy going to the gym, taking my dogs to the dog park, and giving myself manicures.

Natalia Pierce is a Case Manager at Creative Solutions for Hope, where she oversees the implementation of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy programs across home, center, and community settings. With six years of experience in the field, Natalia has experience working with children ages 3 to 17. She received a Master’s degree from Capella University and is completing her fieldwork hours to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Natalia is passionate about fostering positive behavioral change and empowering families through compassionate, evidence based care. Outside of work, Natalia enjoys, playing volleyball, traveling to new places, and exploring her love for cooking.

Maryam Tafazoli is Case Manager at Creative Solutions for hope. Maryam provides Applied Behavior Analysts (ABA) services for children and families diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other related disorders. She supervises 1:1 therapy sessions and provides support and training for the behavior therapists. Maryam also provides parent training and consultation services.

Maryam graduated from Boston University in 2000 with a BA in Psychology and pre-med prerequisites. She has been working at Creative Solutions for Hope since 2022.

Cloie Zhou is a Case Manager at Creative Solutions for Hope, San Francisco. She provides services supporting families and clients diagnosed with Autism, and other related disorders using ABA interventions in home and school settings. She is also responsible for overseeing Behavior Technicians, developing, implementing, and monitoring treatment programs. Cloie has experience in Pivotal Response Training, Skills Based Training, and Functional Communication Training with kids ages 3 years to 12 years old. She is committed to ensuring services are individually tailored to clients and their families.

Cloie graduated from University of California, Riverside and received her Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2024. She is currently enrolled at National University in pursuit of her Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis. During her free time, she likes to explore new hiking spots around the Bay Area and reading.

Melissa Prieto Arias, M.S.

Alexandra Bowman, M.A.

Hector Flores, B.S.

Gaby Garcia, B.A.

Katie Gerstenberg, M.A.

Mayra Gonzalez, M.S.

Erika Perez Gonzalez, B.A.

Jessica Hill, M.S.

Mateo Horton, M.S.

Emily Huynh, B.S.

Déja Jackson, B.A.

Renee Lanswick, B.A.

Lisa Leon, B.S.

Carlos Mendez Madrigal, M.A.

Rosalily Mayorquin, M.S.

Rocio Patino, B.S.

Natalia Pierce, M.S.

Maryam Tafazoli, B.A.

Cloie Zhou, B.S.