Junie Lazo, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Chief Clinical Officer

Dr. Lazo received her Ph.D. in Developmental and Child Psychology specializing in applied behavior analysis from the University of Kansas. While there, she worked with children diagnosed with Emotional Behavior Disorder/Severe Emotional Disturbance using functional assessments and designing and implementing behavioral programs in general education settings.

She was part of a multidisciplinary team at the KU Medical Center assessing and diagnosing children with autism. Prior to her time in Kansas, Dr. Lazo consulted in the design and implementation of applied behavior analytic programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

She has served as a part-time lecturer at California State University, Los Angeles and is an adjunct professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Since 2004, Dr. Lazo has served as a member of the board of directors for the California Association for Behavior Analysis in various positions. She was selected as the Chair to the Insurance Workgroup as part of the Orange County Autism Task Force under the Senate Select Committee for Autism Spectrum Disorders.  Currently, she serves as the Behavioral Health Representative on the Provider Advisory Committee for CalOptima and is the Chair of Behavioral Services for Regional Center of Orange County providers. Dr. Lazo has been an invited speaker at regional and national conferences and organizations.

She is passionate about community service which is demonstrated by her many volunteer positions.  She resides with her husband and two children in Orange County and on any given weekend, you will find her on a soccer field or at a gymnastics meet cheering them on through their activities.

Linda LeBlanc, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Executive Advisor

Dr. LeBlanc, a Licensed Psychologist is the President of LeBlanc Behavioral Consulting.  She previously served as a professor at Claremont MeKenna College, Western Michigan University and Auburn University and as the Executive Director of Trumpet Behavioral Health.

She has published over 100 articles and book chapters on topics such as behavioral treatment of autism, technology-based behavioral interventions, behavioral gerontology, and systems development in human services. Dr. LeBlanc is an Associate Editor for Behavior Analysis in Practice and the Literature Review Editor for Education and Treatment of Children. 

She has previously served as an Associate Editor for The Analysis of Verbal Behavior and the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis.  She is the 2016 recipient of the American Psychological Association Nathan H. Azrin Award for Distinguished Contribution in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Debra Cacianti, Ph.D.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Cacianti, a Licensed Psychologist, has over 20 years of experience in the field. She graduated from UC Irvine and received her Ph.D. from The California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego.

Her graduate work and training focused primarily on children and adolescents with special needs. For the past 15 years she has worked hands on with at risk youth in various capacities. She is passionate about helping children and their families find real solutions to help manage the challenges of daily life.

Dr. Cacianti is an adjunct professor in the graduate school of Argosy University bringing her dedication of Psychology to her students each week. She enjoys giving back to her community and mentoring young minds into future leaders in the field.

Dr. Cacainti resides in Orange County with her husband and two children.

Matt Tritto, M.S., BCBA

Clinical Director

Matt Tritto is a Behavior Analyst with over 17-years-experience working with children, teens, and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Matt earned Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State University. Matt loves the work he does and has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of families in California.

After graduating from Loyola Marymount University, Matt had the opportunity to teach children with autism under the direction of a Ph.D. from UCLA. He immediately knew this was the career for him. Matt worked as the Clinical Director of an Early Intervention ABA program in Northern California, as well as the Program Director of a school for children, teens, and adults with autism.

Matt has provided education and training to hundreds of families, teachers, and autism specialists across California. He loves working with families, and his positive energy, solution-oriented approach, and expertise in teaching make him highly effective.

Matt lives in Long Beach with his wife, Lori, and their two awesome sons. Matt loves coaching baseball, relaxing with his family at the beach, reading, doing yoga, and playing with his boys. While Matt is proud of his professional accomplishments, he takes the greatest pride in being a Dad.

Alexia Barnes, M.A., BCBA

Clinical Director Quality Assurance

Alexia is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has been in the field of behavior analysis for 10 years. As an undergraduate at the University of South Florida, Alexia worked in a job training program for young adults with autism providing mentorship and coaching on how to obtain employment. Alexia graduated with her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis with a certification in Positive Behavior Support from the University of South Florida. In her time as a Masters student, Alexia was extensively trained in teaching using a verbal behavior approach as well as conducting functional behavior assessments developing behavior reduction plans.

Since moving to California, Alexia has worked with consumers and families in their homes implementing ABA. Alexia has worked consumers age 2-30 with a variety of developmental disabilities.

Alexia lives in Long Beach, California with her husband and dog. Alexia spends her time out of work watching college football and taking road trips to national and state parks.

Nicole Ward, M.A., BCBA

Clinical Director - Early Intervention

Nicole Ward, M.A., BCBA, brings more than 20 years of experience in the field of applied behavior analysis with a specialty in early intervention. She graduated from Chapman University with a Bachelors and Masters degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Previously, she worked for the State of California as their Autism and Behavior Specialist. While there, Nicole’s focus was on early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder and various developmental delays and disabilities.

Nicole has an extensive background designing and implementing quality applied behavior analysis programs and has held several high-level positions as Clinical Director and Regional Director with the focus of early intervention. She is committed to develop and grow as a clinician in the field of applied behavior analysis and early intervention.

Nicole lives in Orange County with her husband and their daughter. She loves spending time with her family and staying active.