PENT Leadership Team

PENT Project Administrator, Education Specialist
Diagnostic Center, Southern California
mojohnson@dcs-cde.ca.gov

Margot Johnson is an education specialist at the Diagnostic Center, Southern California. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and earned her M.A. in Special Education. Margot has extensive experience working with students of all ages who have extensive support needs in the public school setting. Areas of expertise include curriculum and instructional techniques for students with extensive support needs, programming for transition-age students, and positive behavioral interventions for students who exhibit significant behavioral challenges. She is currently a member of the PENT Leadership Team and the California Association of Behavior Analysis.

PENT Director, School Psychologist
Diagnostic Center, Southern California
mmiramontes@dcs-cde.ca.gov

Martin Miramontes is a school psychologist at the Diagnostic Center, Southern California. He holds an M.A. in Education, and is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Since 1998, Martin has worked with individuals with developmental disabilities across home, hospital treatment facilities, school, and community settings. He has expertise in autism, applied behavior analysis, district-wide implementation of Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)/Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. He is currently a member of the PENT Leadership Team, the California Association of Behavior Analysis (CalABA), and the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

PENT Content Consultant, Associate Professor, UCR
University of California, Riverside
austinj@ucr.edu

Austin H. Johnson, PhD, is an Associate Professor with the School Psychology Program in the Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Riverside. Dr. Johnson's research interests focus on the identification and implementation of evidence-based behavioral assessment and intervention practices in order to support teacher success and equitable, positive student outcomes. He is a licensed psychologist with the California Board of Psychology (CA#29540).

Behaviorist
Pajaro Valley Unified School District
alexander_barber@pvusd.net

Alexander Barber is a Behaviorist at Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD). He earned his undergraduate degree in Social Welfare from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and his master's degree in Teaching with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from National University. He is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has worked in special education for over 14 years with experience working in nonpublic/public schools and home ABA programs. With PVUSD, he trains administration and classroom staff in de-escalation strategies and classroom management, conducts functional behavior assessments (FBA), develops and oversees implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIP), and works 1:1 with neurodivergent individuals on behavior related IEP goals. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the Santa Cruz County area near his home with his wife and two daughters.

School Psychologist, Program Specialist
Coordinator, Placer County SELPA
lblackburn@placercoe.k12.ca.us

Laura Blackburn, M.S. is a Coordinator for Placer County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) where she supports both school districts and families by delivering professional development, leading implementation projects within districts as well as supporting families and school districts through the conflict resolution process. Her training and past experience as a school psychologist guides her areas of focus towards behavior, autism, psycho-educational assessment and special education compliance. Laura is currently a leadership team member of PENT (Positive Environment Network of Trainers), and an executive leader and Regional Implementation Lead with CAPTAIN (California Autism Professional Training and Information Network).

School Psychologist/Behavior Interventionist
Whittier Area Cooperative Special Education Program (WACSEP) SELPA
vcaro-michel@wacsep.org

Vira Caro-Michel, M.S., LEP, BCBA has been an educator for 20 years, in an array of capacities such as Paraeducator, Special Education Assessment Team Assistant, Inclusion Facilitator/Special Education Teacher, School Psychologist, and is currently working at the WACSEP Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) as a Behavior Interventionist-BCBA. She is actively involved in developing and supporting behaviorally based programs within her SELPA, and conducting trainings for general and special education staff. In the continued quest to support individuals with disabilities she often finds herself in the classrooms directly supporting children and staff members. Her passion for teaching has led her to California State University Los Angeles where she is an adjunct faculty member for the Counseling/Special Education department. Vira is constantly seeking creative ways to foster a dynamic learning environment and to promote individualization to assure that every student reaches his/her potential.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Director, Mental Health & Behavior Support Services
Stockton Unified School District
kcoleman@stocktonusd.net

Karen Coleman is the Director of Mental Health & Behavior Support Services at Stockton Unified School District (SUSD). She received her Master's in Social Work in 1992, became licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in 1996, and went back to get her PPS Credential in School Social Work in 2010. She has been working for Stockton Unified School District since 2003. Prior to her hire at SUSD, Karen was in private practice and worked as a consultant for several school districts providing district-level and site-based consultation and staff development programs in the areas of School-wide Positive Behavioral Support and Individual Behavior Support Planning for students. Prior to her work with SUSD, she was a Chief Mental Health Clinician/Program Manager for School-Based Mental Health Services for San Joaquin County Mental Health Children & Youth Services. She has been working in the field for over 30 years and a PENT Cadre member since 2004.

School Psychologist and Program Specialist
Trinity County Office of Education
jcomiskey@tcoek12.org

Joe Comiskey is a School Psychologist and Program Specialist with the Trinity County Office of Education.

Clinical Psychologist (PSY10598)
Certified NPA Provider, CA Department of Education
Independent Educational Evaluator
Director, LUNCH Groups Social Skills Program
President, BehaviorTech Solutions, Inc.
bruce@bgalephd.com

Bruce M. Gale, Ph.D., received his undergraduate degree from UCLA and Masters/Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Florida State University. He completed his internship and advanced training at Boston Children's Hospital while a Fellow at Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Gale is the former Chief Psychologist of the Division of Inpatient Psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, previously taught Abnormal Psychology at American Jewish University, and is Past-Chair for Division VI on Media Technology and Communication of the California Psychological Association and is currently the Technology Chair and Leader of the Assessment SIG for the Los Angeles Psychological Association. Presently, he is the developer and director of LUNCH Groups. This transdiagnostic empirically-supported social skills program has treated over 2200 individuals with internalizing and externalizing challenges, with accompanying parent support, via school year, intensive summer, and ongoing adult programs. He also functions as an Independent Educational Evaluator conducting psychoeducational and functional behavioral assessments for approximately 65 school districts, mostly in the Southern California area.

Through his company, BehaviorTech Solutions, Inc., Dr. Gale presents locally and nationally on social skill intervention strategies, assessment and treatment of challenging behaviors, school consultation, and technology integration. He is the developer of Rapid Screener, an interactive social-emotional behavior assessment tool that allows multiple raters to report on current and retrospective student functioning along with an interactive developmental history form and other online tools. He also developed Progress Communicator, a tool for reporting on student behavior that informs parents and teams about student functioning.

Behavior Analyst
Kings County Office of Education
keisha.kamplain@kingscoe.org

Keisha Kamplain is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who graduated from Fresno State University with a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling. She obtained her certification as a behavior analyst in 2013 and have worked in a variety of settings including: in-home ABA therapy, a neuro rehab center and the school setting. She has over 10 years of experience working in the school setting and have worked in both general education and special education. Keisha currently works at a county site for students with extensive needs. She values the impact she is able to make in these students' lives and value the support she can provide to the teachers and staff who work directly with their students everyday. Keisha's passion is putting systems in place for our program so future students will be positively impacted for years to come.

Education Specialist
Diagnostic Center, Southern California
classigne@dcs-cde.ca.gov

Christina Lassigne is an experienced Education Specialist at the Diagnostic Center, Southern California with nearly a decade of expertise in special education. Holding Master's degrees in Special Education from Chapman University and Applied Behavior Analysis from National University, she is currently completing her BCBA certification through UC Santa Barbara. Since 2014, Christina has developed a rich professional background as a special education teacher, program specialist, and reading specialist, with a particular passion for supporting students in inclusive elementary settings. Her extensive experience includes behavior programming, co-teaching strategies, and implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Christina is not only dedicated to working directly with students but also excels at supporting teachers and parents in implementing effective positive behavior change systems. Her comprehensive and compassionate approach focuses on empowering educators, parents, and students to create adaptive and supportive learning environments.

School Program Psychologist
Madison Elementary School
lmendez@aesd.org

Luis is a School Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Since 1997, Luis has worked for various non-public and educational agencies to develop and/or implement behavior interventions for students with emotional and behavioral disorders and developmental disabilities across home, school, and community settings. Presently, as the ABA Supervisor for Anaheim Elementary School District, Luis leads Individualized Education Program (IEP) Teams in developing and implementing behavioral programming for students with severe challenging and maladaptive behaviors within the district.

Coordinator, Special Education
Santee School District
hannah.rainbolt@santeesd.net

Hannah Rainbolt, M.S., BCBA, is a Coordinator of Special Education, for the Santee School District in San Diego County. She earned her Master's in Special Education with a Moderate/Severe teaching credential and a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. Hannah began her career working for an ABA company providing early intervention for children diagnosed with ASD. She then taught a social/emotional program for students with Emotional Disabilities, which led to a position as Behavior Specialist for the district. Currently, Hannah conducts all Functional Behavior Assessments and develops all Behavior Intervention Plans in her district. She often provides direct support and modeling in general education and special education classrooms for teachers and paraprofessionals. She also provides a variety of trainings for teachers, paraprofessionals and parents. Areas of expertise and interest include developing comprehensive programs for students with Social/Emotional needs, implementing positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), utilizing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and implementing Behavior Intervention Plans with fidelity. Hannah is the CPI instructor for the district and supports sites with developing a crisis response team. Hannah provides trainings at the East County SELPA on conducting Functional Behavior Assessments and writing Behavior Intervention Plans. Hannah is passionate about creating and supporting inclusive classroom environments where students can receive their education in the least restrictive environment.

Behavior Analyst
San Benito High School District
mromo@sbhsd.k12.ca.us

Michelle Romo, M.A., BCBA, PPSC is a Behavior Analyst for San Benito High School District. Michelle has worked as an educator for 16 years, in an array of capacities such as Paraeducator, Behavior Supervisor, Behavior Specialist, Mental Health Provider, and Behavior Analyst. Since 2008, Michelle has worked in various private agencies within homes and schools, non-public and group home settings, as well as within the same public school and community settings for the past 10 years. Presently, as the Behavior Analyst for her district, Michelle conducts all Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans. She supports a caseload of students, while providing all RBT supervision, crisis management training of Quality Behavioral Supports (QBS) and other trainings for teachers, paraprofessionals and school site staff on implementing positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) and evidence based strategies since participating as a PENT Cadre since 2015.

Co-Author of the Self & Match System
selfandmatch@gmail.com

Jamie S. Salter, Ed.S., BCBA co-authored the Self & Match System; an evidence-based self-monitoring intervention that is grounded in principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. Jamie consults with teams around the globe in the development and implementation of Self & Match interventions as a Tier 1, 2, or 3 behavioral tool within the school, clinic, and home settings.

Previously, Jamie served for a decade as a Senior Program Specialist at the San Diego County Office of Education. In her role, she trained educators on writing effective and legally-defensible Behavior Intervention Plans, provided leadership and guidance to special educators, consulted with teams utilizing the Self & Match system, and supported students, families, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams in determining appropriate programs for students in their least restrictive environment. She received her Masters of Education, Educational Specialist degree, Nationally Certified School Psychologist status, and BCBA certification through Lehigh University. Jamie has been actively involved in supporting children with autism for over 20 years. These experiences include serving as Supervisor of an U.S. Department of Education Training Grant (focused on inclusion of students with low incidence disabilities) and presenter at multiple International Conferences. She has also operated a school-based clinic that provided an emphasis on Intensive Behavioral Interventions, led social skills groups, sibling support groups, and provided in-home behavioral intervention. Jamie has served on the state-wide PENT Cadre Leadership team since 2016.

Education/Program Specialist
San Joaquin County SELPA
sscott@sjcoe.net

Susan Scott is a Program Specialist at the San Joaquin County Special Education Local Plan Area (SJC SELPA). Susan earned her Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from the California State University (CSU), Stanislaus. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Susan has worked in special education for over 20 years. She has a wide range of experience working at both public and nonpublic schools. Although she started her career working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), she also has experience with a variety of students with challenging behaviors. As Program Specialist for SJC SELPA, she conducts a wide variety of workshops for teachers, paraprofessionals, and other staff such as positive behavior interventions, conducting Functional Behavior Assessments, and developing Behavior Intervention Plans. In her spare time, she teaches courses at CSU, Stanislaus and Teachers College of San Joaquin.

Behavior Specialist
Orange Unified School District
tszaldivar@orangeusd.org

Tracey Silveira-Zaldivar is a bilingual school psychologist on special assignment for the Orange Unified School District. Tracey has a Ph.D. in Education, a master's in clinical and community psychology, and a School Psychology Credential. She graduated from University of California, Irvine with undergraduate degrees in psychology, Spanish, and literature. Tracey is also a Board- Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) practicing behavior skills in the school setting and private ABA setting as a divisional supervisor and parent consultant. Tracey has over 21 years of experience in the educational field, and over 10 years of experience as a county social worker and counselor. Tracey has extensive experience working with students of all ages as well as extensive experience teaching and consulting. Areas of expertise include autism, moderate to severe instructional techniques, behavior strategies, plans and Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), mental health, social skills, goal development, and bilingual assessment. Recently, she has taken an invested interest in educational research. Tracey is honored to be a California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN) Cadre Member and a newly minted member of the PENT Leadership Team.

Program Specialist
Orange Unified School District
ctwitchell@hlpusd.k12.ca.us

Carey Twitchell-Csik, M.S. has been a school psychologist for the past 20 years, and worked in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District as a special education teacher, school psychologist and program specialist since 1998. During this time, her work has focused on helping students and families with behavioral and social emotional needs, which are interfering with their ability to access their education across all grade levels. Her training in systems theory combine with her educational background has supported the use of CBT-based strategies within the school environment.

Carey Twitchell-Csik has been a Cadre member of the Positive Environment Network of Trainers since it began in 2003 and is a Senior Level CPI Instructor with training in Advance Physical Training. Carey has a Master's degree in clinical psychology and educational psychology and currently has a credential in School Counseling and School Psychology. She currently supports her district as a Member of their Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Mental Health team providing assessment, direct service and trainings.

Program Specialist
East Valley SELPA
Shannon.Vogt@sbcss.net

Shannon Vogt has been a Program Specialist for the East Valley Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) for 10 years. She has been working in the field of special education for the past 20 years in numerous settings supporting students with disabilities to progress behaviorally, socially, functionally, and academically. Shannon obtained a master's degree in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction as well as extensive studies in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through Arizona State University. As a model teacher in an ABA classroom and Teacher on Assignment, she had many unique experiences which provided her the ability to manage staff, train in class, complete assessments, and individualize curriculum for students. As a Program Specialist with East Valley SELPA, her focus has been working with teachers on developing legally compliant Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and supports the implementation of the IEP document. She works in the areas of Professional Crisis Management, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Behavioral Interventions. Shannon's passion continues to be mentoring new teachers and staff and working side-by-side with students to build their skill sets. She remains dedicated to learning the best practices in her field.

Education Specialist
Diagnostic Center, Northern California
tzombres@dcn-cde.ca.gov

Tara Zombres, M.Ed., NCED, BCBA, is a Behavior Analyst and Education Specialist at the Diagnostic Center-North. When in the classroom, she taught students with a wide variety of disabilities, specializing in working with students with extensive support needs. She has a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Special Education. Her areas of expertise are providing engaging and appropriate instruction for students with complex needs, developing educational programs for students with severe emotional and behavior disorders, conducting behavior analysis and assessment for students with severe behavior problems, teaching students with Autism using Evidence Based Practices and designing comprehensive programming for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. She sits on the planning committee for the national Advancing School Mental Health conference and is a member of the California Department of Education School Mental Health Policy Workgroup. Tara is a Board-Certified Behavior Analysist (BCBA) and a Nationally Certified Educational Diagnostician and has been a PENT leader since 2017. She is currently in the process of completing her Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her goal as a professional is to forever keep in mind that empowering a child can change the world.