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VHAP

Case Supervisors

Case Supervisors provide on-going supervision and parent training to develop the child’s intervention program. Minimally, supervisors have a master’s degree in psychology or a related field; have three or more years of clinical experience working directly with children; and use developmental, relationship-based, behavioral interventions to address the child’s developmental needs in the home, school and/or community.

Esther Arnold, M.A.

Case Supervisor/Trainer

Esther has a Master of Arts in Teaching with a Specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has over 18 years experience working with children with various developmental disabilities. She conducts training workshops for Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) to support staff in maintaining the care, welfare, safety and security of our clients.

Clarissa Cota, M.A.

Case Supervisor

Clarissa has a Master of Arts in Psychology and is a licensed practitioner with Yoga for the Special Child. She has over 15 years experience working with children and young adults with disabilities. Clarissa has specific experience with early intervention and applying FloorTime strategies in schools and home settings. Her passion for yoga has inspired her to incorporate yogic practices such as breathing and mediating into her work with children and families.

Trinh Hong, M.S.W.

Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker
Case Supervisor/Trainer

Trinh has a master’s in Social Work and is a credentialed school social worker. She has nearly 20 years of experience in staff development and managing behavior programs for children and families in both the school and home settings. She has a passion for integrating technology and program development. In addition to clinical case supervision, she provides staff trainings on behavior interventions, data collection, and general staff development.

Elizabeth Kekahuna, M.S.

Case Supervisor/Trainer

Elizabeth received her master’s in counseling with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy. She has worked within the Los Angeles Unified School District and in home programs for over 14 years. She uses a systems approach with an emphasis on relationships to help individuals and families achieve their goals.

Melinda Martinez, M.A.

LMFT#99318
Case Supervisor/Assessor/Trainer

Melinda has nearly 20 years of experience working with individuals and their families, including those with ASD and other developmental disabilities. In her work with clients, she focuses on supporting individual differences and helping families strengthen relationships. Her educational background consists training in communicative disorders, anti-biased practices, human development, cultural differences and systems-based practices. Melinda also has extensive experience with DIRFloortime®. At VHAP, Melinda provides case supervision, parent training and staff trainings.

Deborah Spengler, M.S.

LMFT#122728
Case Supervisor

Debbie has worked within the Los Angeles Unified School District and in home programs for over 20 years. She uses an integrative approach with a focus on relationships to help individuals and families achieve their goals. She is particularly passionate about supporting alternative communication and is working to broaden the current understanding and perspective of neurodiverse individuals.

Helping kids and teens find their place...