Supervisors
Executive Director: Takanori Koyama, PhD, BCBA-D
Taka's specialty is treatment of autism symptoms from toddler years to adulthood. Prior to earning a doctoral degree in special education from the University of Washington, he worked as a preschool and kindergarten special education teacher and managed an early intervention program in public school settings. More recently, Dr. Koyama has worked with adolescents and young adults with challenging behaviors in clients' homes and schools. His professional expertise and experience include early intervention for children with autism, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), positive behavior support, visual supports, social skills training, TEACCH, and management of severe behavior problems. He speaks English, Japanese, and some Chinese. On weekends, he enjoys spending time with his son and wife.
Taka's specialty is treatment of autism symptoms from toddler years to adulthood. Prior to earning a doctoral degree in special education from the University of Washington, he worked as a preschool and kindergarten special education teacher and managed an early intervention program in public school settings. More recently, Dr. Koyama has worked with adolescents and young adults with challenging behaviors in clients' homes and schools. His professional expertise and experience include early intervention for children with autism, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), positive behavior support, visual supports, social skills training, TEACCH, and management of severe behavior problems. He speaks English, Japanese, and some Chinese. On weekends, he enjoys spending time with his son and wife.
Kathryn Simangan Ambion
Regional Director (Tukwila): Kathryn Simangan Ambion M.Ed. BCBA
Kathryn’s interest in working in special education began when she volunteered at the University of Washington’s Experimental Education Unit (EEU) while receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. In 2010, she began the Master’s program at the University of Washington in Early Childhood Special Education. While attending graduate school, she worked as an assistant teacher in the preschool and Developmentally Appropriate Treatment for Autism (Project DATA) classrooms at the EEU. In these positions, she was able to design and implement individual programs, support children to generalize skills, and work collaboratively with families, teachers, and service providers to ensure that each child’s needs were met. In 2012, Kathryn served as an educational specialist at the University of Washington CARE at the Haring Center providing behavioral and educational intervention curriculum and consultation to individuals. In 2013, Kathryn became an behavioral and educational consultant at MOSAIC Children's Therapy Clinic where she supervised therapists, led weekly social skills groups, and led a prekindergarten inclusion classroom. In 2015, she joined Northwest ABA to continue her passion for working with individuals with autism and related disorders and their families. In her free time she loves spending time with her son and husband, traveling, hiking, and running.
Kathryn’s interest in working in special education began when she volunteered at the University of Washington’s Experimental Education Unit (EEU) while receiving her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. In 2010, she began the Master’s program at the University of Washington in Early Childhood Special Education. While attending graduate school, she worked as an assistant teacher in the preschool and Developmentally Appropriate Treatment for Autism (Project DATA) classrooms at the EEU. In these positions, she was able to design and implement individual programs, support children to generalize skills, and work collaboratively with families, teachers, and service providers to ensure that each child’s needs were met. In 2012, Kathryn served as an educational specialist at the University of Washington CARE at the Haring Center providing behavioral and educational intervention curriculum and consultation to individuals. In 2013, Kathryn became an behavioral and educational consultant at MOSAIC Children's Therapy Clinic where she supervised therapists, led weekly social skills groups, and led a prekindergarten inclusion classroom. In 2015, she joined Northwest ABA to continue her passion for working with individuals with autism and related disorders and their families. In her free time she loves spending time with her son and husband, traveling, hiking, and running.
Megan Ricks
Regional Director (Tacoma): Megan Ricks, M.Ed., LBA, BCBA
Megan began her career in child development and worked as a Montessori preschool teacher for 5 years. While completing her Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management, Megan discovered her passion for working with children with autism and developmental disorders. After working within the ABA field for approximately one year as a behavioral interventionist, Megan decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. Once she completed her Master’s degree and passed the BCBA board exam, Megan became a clinical supervisor and mentor for behavior technicians seeking BCBA and BCaBA supervision. In January 2016, Megan transferred from sunny San Diego to the Pacific Northwest to continue her career in ABA. In September of 2017, Megan became the regional director for Northwest ABA in Tacoma. Megan loves her pug, anything vintage and taking art classes.
Lauren Wisegarver
Assistant Regional Director- Tukwila: Lauren Wisegarver, M.Sp.Ed, BCBA
Lauren graduated with a Master's degree in Special Education from the University of Texas in Austin in 2007. After working at a small private school for one year, she moved to an ABA clinic specializing in Verbal Behavior. There she provided individual therapy to clients ages 3-21. While a part of that organization, she piloted an ABA classroom program at a local private school. In 2015, she moved back to Seattle and began working as an Autism Specialist for a local school district. She joined the Northwest ABA team in August of 2018 in pursuit of more clinical work. In her free time she enjoys traveling, hiking, crafting and food!
Lauren graduated with a Master's degree in Special Education from the University of Texas in Austin in 2007. After working at a small private school for one year, she moved to an ABA clinic specializing in Verbal Behavior. There she provided individual therapy to clients ages 3-21. While a part of that organization, she piloted an ABA classroom program at a local private school. In 2015, she moved back to Seattle and began working as an Autism Specialist for a local school district. She joined the Northwest ABA team in August of 2018 in pursuit of more clinical work. In her free time she enjoys traveling, hiking, crafting and food!
Kim Kokias
Assistant Regional Director-Tukwila : Kim Kokias,M.Sp.Ed,BCBA
Kim graduated with a Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Washington in 2010. During graduate school she worked as an assistant teacher in Project DATA at the Experimental Education Unit. It was here that Kim learned her passion for working in a classroom and group setting. Since graduating from the UW, Kim has furthered developed her interest by working in schools,teaching social skills classes and conducted a pre-kindergarten inclusion program at a well-known children’s therapy center. She happily joined the Northwest ABA team in January of 2019 in pursuit of a better life for all and continues loving to work with kids of all ages and functioning levels. Kim enjoys teaching and embedding learning into play and believes parent training and natural environment are key to growth. In her free time she enjoys traveling, hiking, yoga and spending time in nature.
Kim graduated with a Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Washington in 2010. During graduate school she worked as an assistant teacher in Project DATA at the Experimental Education Unit. It was here that Kim learned her passion for working in a classroom and group setting. Since graduating from the UW, Kim has furthered developed her interest by working in schools,teaching social skills classes and conducted a pre-kindergarten inclusion program at a well-known children’s therapy center. She happily joined the Northwest ABA team in January of 2019 in pursuit of a better life for all and continues loving to work with kids of all ages and functioning levels. Kim enjoys teaching and embedding learning into play and believes parent training and natural environment are key to growth. In her free time she enjoys traveling, hiking, yoga and spending time in nature.
Lisha Padilla
Clinical Supervisor: Lisha Padilla, M.Ed., BCBA
Lisha began working with children with disabilities in 2007, while working as an Educational Assistant at the Hawaii School for the Deaf and the Blind. There, she developed her passion for teaching and improving the lives of children with disabilities. In 2011, she became a special education teacher in a Community Based Instruction classroom, where she taught functional life skills to middle school aged students with severe disabilities. She earned her Master’s degree in Special Education, with an emphasis in Severe Disabilities and Autism in 2013. After working as a special education teacher for 6 years, she decided to leave her paradise home in Hawaii for the Pacific Northwest to further her career in Applied Behavior Analysis. Lisha joined the Northwest ABA team in January 2018. She enjoys spending her time exploring the outdoors with her husband and two dogs.
Lisha began working with children with disabilities in 2007, while working as an Educational Assistant at the Hawaii School for the Deaf and the Blind. There, she developed her passion for teaching and improving the lives of children with disabilities. In 2011, she became a special education teacher in a Community Based Instruction classroom, where she taught functional life skills to middle school aged students with severe disabilities. She earned her Master’s degree in Special Education, with an emphasis in Severe Disabilities and Autism in 2013. After working as a special education teacher for 6 years, she decided to leave her paradise home in Hawaii for the Pacific Northwest to further her career in Applied Behavior Analysis. Lisha joined the Northwest ABA team in January 2018. She enjoys spending her time exploring the outdoors with her husband and two dogs.
Katie Walsh
Clinical Supervisor: Katie Walsh,M.ABA., BCBA
Katie’s career began in the field of accounting, but after figuring out quickly that wasn’t for her, she moved into the ABA field in June 2012. She is originally from New Jersey and began her career in the field at a school for children with autism. She quickly fell in love with the field and stayed at the school for 4 years, and then decided to work doing in-home therapy full time. It was then that Katie decided to pursue her ABA coursework. Katie graduated from Ball State University with her Masters in ABA in May 2018 and gained her national certification in September of 2018. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, friends, family, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Katie’s career began in the field of accounting, but after figuring out quickly that wasn’t for her, she moved into the ABA field in June 2012. She is originally from New Jersey and began her career in the field at a school for children with autism. She quickly fell in love with the field and stayed at the school for 4 years, and then decided to work doing in-home therapy full time. It was then that Katie decided to pursue her ABA coursework. Katie graduated from Ball State University with her Masters in ABA in May 2018 and gained her national certification in September of 2018. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, friends, family, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Jill Germain
Clinical Supervisor: Jill Germain, M.ABA., BCBA
Jill has had a heart for working with individuals with special needs since she was young, cultivated by experience in her mother’s classrooms. After graduating from Baylor University in 2009 with her Bachelor’s in Special Education, Jill relocated to Washington D.C. and began working in the public schools. As a teacher, she worked with elementary aged children with ASD in both inclusive and self-contained settings; at this time, she began receiving training in ABA, learning how to integrate it into the classroom. In 2013, Jill moved to Cartagena, Colombia in pursuit of a (ongoing) dream of working abroad and collaborating with families that are under-served. In Colombia, she worked at a clinic that provides behavioral services to individuals ranging from 2-21 years old. Under the mentorship of Dr. Ron Leaf, she trained staff on ABA principles and strategies, assisted with high-need cases, and refined her Spanish. Jill returned to her hometown of Seattle in 2016 to expand upon her experience and complete graduate school at the University of Washington. Since then she has served as a behavior technician in various settings and worked at the UW Autism Center’s APEX summer camp. After graduating with her Master’s in Special Education in June, she received her BCBA credentials in August 2018. Jill is excited to continue serving incredible families in a new capacity! To relax and rejuvenate, Jill enjoys traveling, dancing, pursuing her faith, eating ice cream, and being outdoors.
Jill has had a heart for working with individuals with special needs since she was young, cultivated by experience in her mother’s classrooms. After graduating from Baylor University in 2009 with her Bachelor’s in Special Education, Jill relocated to Washington D.C. and began working in the public schools. As a teacher, she worked with elementary aged children with ASD in both inclusive and self-contained settings; at this time, she began receiving training in ABA, learning how to integrate it into the classroom. In 2013, Jill moved to Cartagena, Colombia in pursuit of a (ongoing) dream of working abroad and collaborating with families that are under-served. In Colombia, she worked at a clinic that provides behavioral services to individuals ranging from 2-21 years old. Under the mentorship of Dr. Ron Leaf, she trained staff on ABA principles and strategies, assisted with high-need cases, and refined her Spanish. Jill returned to her hometown of Seattle in 2016 to expand upon her experience and complete graduate school at the University of Washington. Since then she has served as a behavior technician in various settings and worked at the UW Autism Center’s APEX summer camp. After graduating with her Master’s in Special Education in June, she received her BCBA credentials in August 2018. Jill is excited to continue serving incredible families in a new capacity! To relax and rejuvenate, Jill enjoys traveling, dancing, pursuing her faith, eating ice cream, and being outdoors.
Nicole Sargent
Clinic Supervisor: Nicole Sargent, M.Ed.ABA, BCBA, LBA
Nicole began her career in ABA in 2012 at an interdisciplinary clinic where she found her passion for working with individuals with Autism with all abilities. She worked as a Behavior Technician for five years in the home, school, and clinic settings before pursuing her masters degree in special education at the University of Washington in 2017. Additionally, Nicole received her BCBA in 2018. Nicole's favorite part about working at Northwest ABA is the positive community it creates among the clinicians and families we serve. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family, trying new restaurants, and traveling.
Nicole began her career in ABA in 2012 at an interdisciplinary clinic where she found her passion for working with individuals with Autism with all abilities. She worked as a Behavior Technician for five years in the home, school, and clinic settings before pursuing her masters degree in special education at the University of Washington in 2017. Additionally, Nicole received her BCBA in 2018. Nicole's favorite part about working at Northwest ABA is the positive community it creates among the clinicians and families we serve. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family, trying new restaurants, and traveling.
Maggie Swanson
Clinical Supervisor: Maggie Swanson, M. SpEd, BCBA
Maggie became interested in child development in high school through volunteering in a special education classroom. At Gonzaga University, Maggie decided to pursue a bachelor’s in Special Education. During her student teaching she was drawn to learning strategies to decrease problem behavior in the classroom. After graduation, Maggie moved to Nashville to attend graduate school at Vanderbilt University. In addition to coursework and behavior analytic internships, she also worked in an inclusive preschool on campus, the Susan Gray School. After two years in Tennessee, Maggie returned to Washington and worked as a Behavior Technician. She earned her BCBA credential in October 2015 and became a Consultant soon afterwards. She taught and managed a behavior analytic preschool as well as working with the teenage population, developing skills in parent training, and furthering her supervisory knowledge. Maggie, a Tacoma native, recently moved back to the area with her husband to work at Northwest ABA as a supervisor. She is currently a volunteer at Young Life Capernaum, an outreach ministry for young adults with special needs. In her spare time, you can find Maggie running, baking, or spending time with her husband.
Maggie became interested in child development in high school through volunteering in a special education classroom. At Gonzaga University, Maggie decided to pursue a bachelor’s in Special Education. During her student teaching she was drawn to learning strategies to decrease problem behavior in the classroom. After graduation, Maggie moved to Nashville to attend graduate school at Vanderbilt University. In addition to coursework and behavior analytic internships, she also worked in an inclusive preschool on campus, the Susan Gray School. After two years in Tennessee, Maggie returned to Washington and worked as a Behavior Technician. She earned her BCBA credential in October 2015 and became a Consultant soon afterwards. She taught and managed a behavior analytic preschool as well as working with the teenage population, developing skills in parent training, and furthering her supervisory knowledge. Maggie, a Tacoma native, recently moved back to the area with her husband to work at Northwest ABA as a supervisor. She is currently a volunteer at Young Life Capernaum, an outreach ministry for young adults with special needs. In her spare time, you can find Maggie running, baking, or spending time with her husband.
Krsita Balsimo
Clinical Supervisor: Krista Balsimo, M. Ed.ABA, BCBA
Krista graduated in 2014 from Brooklyn College in New York with a bachelors degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. After graduation, Krista joined the Peace Corps and moved to St Lucia to teach English to 1st and 3rd grade students, which was an amazing experience. She then moved to Washington to be with her husband and started her Applied Behavior Analysis career. She was quickly intrigued by the science of Behavior Analysis and decided to pursue her Masters degree in Professional Behavior Analysis, attending the Florida Institute of Technology in 2016. Krista graduated in December 2018 and continued her career at Northwest ABA as a supervisor after receiving her national credentials. In her free time, Krista enjoys spending time with her family and doing anything outdoor
Krista graduated in 2014 from Brooklyn College in New York with a bachelors degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. After graduation, Krista joined the Peace Corps and moved to St Lucia to teach English to 1st and 3rd grade students, which was an amazing experience. She then moved to Washington to be with her husband and started her Applied Behavior Analysis career. She was quickly intrigued by the science of Behavior Analysis and decided to pursue her Masters degree in Professional Behavior Analysis, attending the Florida Institute of Technology in 2016. Krista graduated in December 2018 and continued her career at Northwest ABA as a supervisor after receiving her national credentials. In her free time, Krista enjoys spending time with her family and doing anything outdoor
Lina Kaneda
Clinical Supervisor: Lina Kaneda,MA, BCBA, LBA
Lina began working with children in the autism spectrum in Florida after interacting with the ASD population during her time with the Walt Disney World company. She worked as a supporting therapist for a couple of years in a wonderful non-profit organization before obtaining her BCaBA certification. She studied Professional Behavior Analysis at the Florida Institute of Technology's Hybrid Master's program and received her national credentials in February of 2019. Lina is very interested in the dissemination of behavioral science as well as the application of behavior analysis techniques in the fitness field. She enjoys participating in obstacle course races with her husband in their free time, when they’re not relaxing with their rescued cat and two dogs. As a Colombian native, Lina is a fluent Spanish speaker and hopes to learn ASL in the near future.Lina began working with children in the autism spectrum in Florida after interacting with the ASD population during her time with the Walt Disney World company. She worked as a supporting therapist for a few years in a wonderful non-profit organization before obtaining her BCaBA certification. She obtained a Masters of Arts in Professional Behavior Analysis through the Florida Institute of Technology's Hybrid Master's program, and received her BCBA certification in February of 2019. Lina is very interested in the dissemination of behavioral science as well as the application of behavior analysis techniques in the fitness field. She enjoys participating in obstacle course races with her husband in their free time, when they’re not relaxing with their rescued cat and two dogs. As a Colombian native, Lina is a fluent Spanish speaker and hopes to learn ASL in the near future
Lina began working with children in the autism spectrum in Florida after interacting with the ASD population during her time with the Walt Disney World company. She worked as a supporting therapist for a couple of years in a wonderful non-profit organization before obtaining her BCaBA certification. She studied Professional Behavior Analysis at the Florida Institute of Technology's Hybrid Master's program and received her national credentials in February of 2019. Lina is very interested in the dissemination of behavioral science as well as the application of behavior analysis techniques in the fitness field. She enjoys participating in obstacle course races with her husband in their free time, when they’re not relaxing with their rescued cat and two dogs. As a Colombian native, Lina is a fluent Spanish speaker and hopes to learn ASL in the near future.Lina began working with children in the autism spectrum in Florida after interacting with the ASD population during her time with the Walt Disney World company. She worked as a supporting therapist for a few years in a wonderful non-profit organization before obtaining her BCaBA certification. She obtained a Masters of Arts in Professional Behavior Analysis through the Florida Institute of Technology's Hybrid Master's program, and received her BCBA certification in February of 2019. Lina is very interested in the dissemination of behavioral science as well as the application of behavior analysis techniques in the fitness field. She enjoys participating in obstacle course races with her husband in their free time, when they’re not relaxing with their rescued cat and two dogs. As a Colombian native, Lina is a fluent Spanish speaker and hopes to learn ASL in the near future
Stephani Moore
Program Manager: Stephani Moore, BCaBA
Stephani graduated with her Bachelor's in Psychology from Pacific Lutheran University in 2011. After graduating she decided to get in the field of ABA, and has now been doing it for over five years. Stephani will sit for her BCaBA in a couple of months. Eventually she plans on going back to school to get her Masters and her BCBA credential. While not at work, Stephani loves being outside and playing games with her husband and two small boys.
Stephani graduated with her Bachelor's in Psychology from Pacific Lutheran University in 2011. After graduating she decided to get in the field of ABA, and has now been doing it for over five years. Stephani will sit for her BCaBA in a couple of months. Eventually she plans on going back to school to get her Masters and her BCBA credential. While not at work, Stephani loves being outside and playing games with her husband and two small boys.
Tori Jones
Clinical Supervisor: Victoria Jones,MA, BCBA, LBA
Tori started her career in Early Childhood Education in 2013 as a preschool teacher, were she became interested in working with children with developmental disabilities and delays. She received her bachelors in Human Development with a certificate in Early Childhood Education in 2016 and her Masters in Special Education in 2017 from Washington State University. After graduating with her masters, Tori transitioned from Early Childhood Education to the field of ABA for a year before she decided to complete her ABA certificate from Arizona State University in December of 2018, before receiving her national certification in 2019. Tori’s favorite part about her job at Northwest ABA is seeing the growth and the impact her work has in the life of her clients, their families, and in the therapist she coaches. In her free time,Tori enjoys exercising and she loves spending time with her husband and daughter.
Tori started her career in Early Childhood Education in 2013 as a preschool teacher, were she became interested in working with children with developmental disabilities and delays. She received her bachelors in Human Development with a certificate in Early Childhood Education in 2016 and her Masters in Special Education in 2017 from Washington State University. After graduating with her masters, Tori transitioned from Early Childhood Education to the field of ABA for a year before she decided to complete her ABA certificate from Arizona State University in December of 2018, before receiving her national certification in 2019. Tori’s favorite part about her job at Northwest ABA is seeing the growth and the impact her work has in the life of her clients, their families, and in the therapist she coaches. In her free time,Tori enjoys exercising and she loves spending time with her husband and daughter.
Megan Walker
Clinical Supervisor: Megan Walker, M.Ed.ABA, BCBA
Megan became interested working in special education through her experiences as a substitute teacher while pursuing her degree in social sciences education. Her first day as a substitute teacher was in an emotional/behavioral disability classroom and she quickly decided to add special education as another major to her college coursework. Megan graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in social sciences education and special education in 2014 from Black Hills State University. Her career began with teaching special education at an elementary school. Her passion for working with children who have emotional and/or behavioral needs continued to grow. In order to provide better interventions for her students, she decided to attend graduate school to pursue a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Megan graduated in December 2017 from Montana State University - Billings and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2018. In the meantime, she transitioned to teaching vocational and life skills at a high school. While Megan loves working in a school environment, she found herself wanting to use her passion in ABA and ultimately decided to leave her small town of Gillette, WY in order to pursue the field. In her free time, Megan loves spending time with her friends, visiting family, exploring new places, and traveling abroad
Megan became interested working in special education through her experiences as a substitute teacher while pursuing her degree in social sciences education. Her first day as a substitute teacher was in an emotional/behavioral disability classroom and she quickly decided to add special education as another major to her college coursework. Megan graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in social sciences education and special education in 2014 from Black Hills State University. Her career began with teaching special education at an elementary school. Her passion for working with children who have emotional and/or behavioral needs continued to grow. In order to provide better interventions for her students, she decided to attend graduate school to pursue a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Megan graduated in December 2017 from Montana State University - Billings and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2018. In the meantime, she transitioned to teaching vocational and life skills at a high school. While Megan loves working in a school environment, she found herself wanting to use her passion in ABA and ultimately decided to leave her small town of Gillette, WY in order to pursue the field. In her free time, Megan loves spending time with her friends, visiting family, exploring new places, and traveling abroad
