Welcome to Adapt
At Adapt, we have assembled a collection of the highest professionally trained individuals and supervisors within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and other evidence based approaches. We have also developed one of the most comprehensive introductory and ongoing training programs. In addition to our training programs, each employee at Adapt is regularly assessed within each of their cases and provided with direct feedback and modeling of intervention strategies. Continuing education through professional seminars, journals, and specialized trainings are also provided to Adapt employees to continue to expand upon their professional skills.
The Collective
Philip Grant
Executive Director/Founder, M.A.,BCBA
Amy Zora
Executive Clinical Director, M.A., NCC., BCBA
Dr. Mary Wong
Regional Director, BCBA, Psy.D.
Philip began his career in ABA in 2003 as a Behavior Therapist. He cultivated his expertise over the last decade through various clinical positions ranging from Behavioral Specialist to Behavioral Consultant to Program Manager, and currently, as the Executive Director and Founder of Adapt. He has worked with hundreds of individuals from 2 to 70 years of age with varying diagnoses ranging from Autism to MR to ADHD to OCD. He is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a Master's in Education and an emphasis in applied behavioral therapy.
Philip's professional goals are to advance the field of ABA through continued research and the development of modern, pragmatic applications, to educate "whoever wants to learn" on the principles and successful implementation of ABA, and to provide the highest quality of professional service to each individual he works with. He is truly inspired by redefining possibilities!
Mary is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and licensed psychologist with experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as well as trauma, substance abuse, forensics, victimology, crisis, and both inpatient and outpatient services. Since 2011, she has worked with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders, including those dually diagnosed with Psychotic Disorders, Mood Disorders, and Substance Use Disorders ranging from 2 to 65 years old. Within the field of ABA, she has served different research, treatment, and educational roles including diagnostic assessment, clinical intervention development, caregiver training, and supervision. She believes learning never comes to an end and enjoys continually discovering new and unique methods to work with different individuals on a daily basis.
Amy’s background includes a Bachelors Degree in Social Work and a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy as well as a Masters Degree in Special Education with an emphasis in ABA therapy. Amy is also a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Her experience includes working with survivors of assault, providing counseling to individuals, couples, families, and children ranging in age from 2-21 years old. Over the last decade, Amy has focused on working directly with children and families diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders using ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) therapy.
Within the field of ABA, she has primarily worked in direct therapy and supervision, implementation of goals and treatment plans, parent training, and therapist training. Amy is always eager to continue her growth and development as a professional to best help the clients she serves. When it comes to her work with children, Amy likes to refer to one of her favorite Dr. Seuss quotes, “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so. . . get on your way!”
Moying Tsui
Program Manager/Clinical Director, M.S. ABA, BCBA
Mo Ying started her ABA journey back in 2015, building a wealth of experience working with people on the spectrum from ages 2 to 21. She graduated with a B.A. in Psychology in 2015, obtained her M.S. in ABA in May 2021, and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in November 2021. She believes that building a relationship between the individual receiving therapy and the family is essential to build trust between the team and ultimately a successful intervention. Mo Ying is eager to learn new and effective ABA methods to continue strengthening her skill sets to better support families and looks forward to contributing to the growth of the Adapt team.
Ashley Macatangay
Program Manager, M.A., BCBA
In 2014, Ashley completed her Bachelor's degree and acquired her license as an Occupational Therapist (OT) in the Philippines. As an OT, she worked with children from 1 to 15 years of age with various diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. In 2017, she joined the world of ABA as a Behavior Technician. She obtained her certification as a Board Certified Autism Technician in 2018 by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and started transitioning into the Program Manager position with another company the same year, working mostly with children ages 3 to 18 years. She completed her Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2020 from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and is currently working towards acquiring her license as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Ashley's passion for the outdoors and for helping children and their families have always been inspired by the saying "Leave It Better Than You Found It".
Taron Smith
Program Manager/Senior Behavior Therapist II, M.S. ABA
Taron received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a concentration in Education from the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga. During his college years, Taron built his professional experience in working with children as a teacher's assistant for various elementary schools to tutoring children in after school programs. It was when he moved to San Francisco that Taron discovered his passion for ABA. As a Behavioral Therapist, Taron has continued to develop his skills in teaching, analysis, rapport building, and client specific behavioral strategies and recently began his training as a program manger with Adapt. He recently obtained his goal of obtaining a Masters of Science degree in ABA, and is currently working on completing his certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Alejandra Cornejo-Gonzalez
Program Manager/Senior Behavior Therapist II, M.A. Education
Alejandra was born and raised in Oakland, Ca. She obtained a B.S in health science with an option in Nursing and minor in Music from Cal State East Bay. She completed her Master program in Education with a concentration in ABA from ASU and is currently completing her requirements to become certified as a BCBA. Beginning her journey back in 2007, Ali started working for the unified school district of Oakland as an aide to a special needs classroom and came in contact with the field of ABA. She has been working in ABA now for the last 5 years. Her passion is providing support to the kiddos and families of Adapt and making a positive impact in their lives.
Brandon Garay
Program Manager/Clinical Director, M.ed. BCBA
Brandon began his career in ABA upon completion of his B.A. in Psychology from the Unversity of Hawai'i at Manoa. His first experience in the field of special needs took place while teaching in Madrid, Spain. After a year of teaching, Brandon returned to the states and began working in various public schools as both a behavior therapist and a paraprofessional in after-school sports programs for individuals with special needs. He have over 2 years of experience working in a public school setting and over a year of experience providing in-home therapy. After completing his Masters of Education degree in Applied Behavior Analysis Brandon began his goal of working towards becoming a BCBA. That goal was achieved recently as Brandon earned his official status as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst!
Johnny Wallace
Senior Behavior Therapist/Program Manager, M.A. Counseling
Johnny began his career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in 2015 after receiving a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Saint Mary's College of California. Since then, he has worked in multiple settings as well as an early intervention clinic that served preschool aged kids. He has experience working with people on the spectrum from across the lifespan, as early as 2 years old through adulthood. In 2018 he completed his Masters program in Counseling with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. In 2020, he then completed and received his Graduate Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis. He is currently working as a Behavioral Therapist at Adapt and is excited to continue strengthening his skills in the world of ABA and working towards his goal of being Board Certified as a Behavior Analyst.
Jessica Pavon
Program Manager, M.A. Special Education, BCBA
Jessica’s journey in the special education field began in 2013 when she was required to take additional courses to fulfill her full time student status. Her passion laid in the healthcare field and working with children. Although her major was nursing, she soon discovered a new passion. In 2014, Jessica switched majors from nursing to Communicative Disorders and obtained her Bachelor's from San Francisco State University in 2016. Soon after, she began working as a behavior therapist and obtained her certification as a Registered Behavioral Technician a few months later. As she continued to work closely with families and clients, she realized she wanted to continue her education, and in 2020 Jessica earned her Masters in Special Education from Arizona State University. More recently, Jessica completed her certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst!
Lizbeth Pinon-Sosa
Behavior Therapist, B.S. Justice studies/forensic science
Lizbeth earned her bachelor's degree in justice studies with a minor in forensic science at San Jose State University. She began working with kids shortly after graduating. After working with kids, she found her passion to continue her education and build her skills and knowledge of children and teens. She is currently earning her Masters degree in child and adolescent development at San Jose State University. She is passionate and enjoys working with kids to positively impact their life as well as their families life. She is currently working to become a senior behavior therapist.
Hunter Cross
Behavior Therapist, B.A. Cognitive Science and Music
Hunter received Bachelor of Arts degrees in Cognitive Science and Music from the University of California, Berkeley. They began their career working with children as an undergraduate researcher at the Language and Cognitive Development Lab of UC Berkeley's Institute for Human Development in the Department of Psychology. In 2022, Hunter found their passion for ABA and completed their certification to be a Registered Behavior Technician. They continuously try to learn more about the field of ABA and make connections with their families.
"Invest in everything you do. There's fun in being serious" - John Coltrane
ShainaMel Pilapil
Senior Behavior Therapist, B.A. Psychology
Shaina earned her B.A in Psychology at UC Merced in 2018 and her M.A in Developmental Psychology in 2021 at San Francisco State University. Her passion for working with children began in graduate school as she worked as a researcher at a family interactions lab, working directly with preschoolers and their parents. Since joining Adapt, Shaina has fallen in love with the career as a Behavior Therapist and working with kids across all age groups. She values family and aspires to make a positive difference in other people's lives.
Vanessa Rodarte
Senior Behavior Therapist, B.A. Psychology
Vanessa received a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego. She began her career working with children and teenagers as a youth Mixed Martial Arts instructor. In 2019, Vanessa discovered her passion for ABA and in 2020, she completed her certification as a registered behavioral technician (RBT) by the Behavior Analysts Certification Board. Working with children has always been a joy for Vanessa. She is eager to continue to grow in the field of ABA with Adapt and continues to strive to positively impact the lives of others.
Jay Lee
Senior Behavior Therapist, B.A. Arts
A native of San Francisco, Jay's experience and passion for working with children begin at an early age working within his own family-run daycare. Before his work with Adapt Jay explored various other passions including earned a BA in Animation from The Academy of Art University, and working as an ECG Technician at San Francisco General Hospital. Jay feels as though he has found his true passion in his career as a Behavioral Therapist with Adapt and recently obtained his certification as a Registered Behavioral Technician. He also enjoys flexing his artistic and creative background while also making a difference in the lives of the community he works with.
Suzanne Hernanadez
Senior Behavior Therapist, B.A. Political Science
Suzanne received her BA in Political Science from UC Berkeley in 2020 with a minor in Human Rights. During her time at UC Berkeley she worked at an early childhood education program where she became familiar with the field of ABA. She has since practiced center based, home based, and school based ABA. Her passion lies with working with children and will continue to pour into the children and families she works with.
Sergio A. Duarte
Behavior Therapist, B.S. Psychological & Brain Sciences, B.A. Spanish
Sergio started his career in ABA after earning a B. S. in Psychological & Brain Sciences as well as a B. A. in Spanish from the University of California, Santa Barbara. They gained experience in working with children and teenagers as a youth leader in their church. They have always felt a passion for working with the Spanish-speaking community and providing resources that are sometimes inaccessible to families that do not speak English. Through Adapt, they have become knowledgable in ABA which has driven them to positively shape the lives of the families that they work with!
Ann Vang
Behavior Therapist, Medical Assistant
Ann began working in this field as a Behavioral Therapist at Day Program Center, leading social skills groups. They had the opportunity to work with diverse populations across a wide variety of ages, demographics, and needs. Recently moved to the East Bay Area, Ann began their journey with Adapt to continue working towards their BCBA. They always seeks to grow and improve and always put clients first.
Alex Flores
Behavior Therapist, B.A. Psychology
Alex is an undergraduate student of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. His emphasis of study is in cognitive development and clinical psychology. He is a BCBA Registered Behavioral Technician, and a behavioral therapist at Adapt. Alex is committed to the prosperity of his clients and promoting their development across a comprehensive set of skills. He seeks to advance ABA therapy through dedicated inquiry, empirical achievement, and the collective success of Adapt.
Why is Adapt called a "Behavioral Collective"
" We call ourselves a behavioral collective for two simple reasons...
One, at Adapt our intention is to assemble a collection of the most talented, passionate individuals in the field aimed towards the collective goal of providing the highest quality of service to our clients and their families. Two, within this group of people, diversity of thought and experience is paramount. Under the umbrella of ABA techniques and methodologies, we will continue to collectively develop an evolving, multi-faceted, and comprehensive approach to the individuals we serve. Our strength comes as a whole and every individual is hired with the intention to contribute in their own unique way with their own unique capabilities."
- Philip Grant (Founder/CEO)