MEET THE TEAM
Naira Kirakosyan, M.S. BCBA LBA
Clinical Director
Naira is a board-certified behavior analyst providing assessment and ABA therapy to patients at United Therapy Center in Los Angeles. Naira has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders from California State University, Northridge, and a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Southern California (USC). In addition, she has specialized training in Behavioral Medicine and Organizational Behavior Management.
Naira’s experiences have included severe self-injurious behaviors, parent training, social skills, developing skill acquisition programs, and educational support to the families and children diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum.
LOS ANGELES
Jasmin Khachatryan, M.S. BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
Jasmin is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has worked with infants from the age of 1 to adults over 35 years of age. Jasmin started as a behavior technician in the school and home setting. She has been in the ABA field for 5+ years. She got her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Cal State University, Northridge, and received her Masters of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis graduation with Distinction from Capella University. Outside of work, Jasmin enjoys hosting BBQ get-togethers with family and friends, going to Disneyland, and reading books.
Paulien Kechian, M.A. BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
Paulien Kechian is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 13 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. She has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Psychology and completed her ABA coursework at the Florida Institute of Technology. Throughout her years in the field, she has received extensive training and experience in clinical supervision and leadership, while providing BCBA trainees and RBT supervision; also providing clinical mentorship to BCBAs. Paulien has worked in schools, homes, and clinic setting with a variety of age groups from 3-40 years old. In addition, she has extensive experience developing and providing trainings to clinical staff on Behavior Analytic concepts and applications. Her biggest passion is working in early intervention ages 3-5 years old and clinical supervision and mentorship. On her free time, she enjoys spending time with family.
Brandon Gomez, M.S.
Program Manager
With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, Brandon has devoted his life to the field of ABA for the past 5 years. Family is very important to him, which is why he has a passion to help the families we serve. Brandon has a goal to one day become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
In his free time, Brandon spends time with his own family, and he owns a small business dog kennel where he breeds French Bulldogs and Exotic Bullies. He hopes to enter and compete in dog competitions by incorporating the principles of ABA to reinforce his dog’s behavior.
ORANGE COUNTY
Kevin Cortez, M.S. BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
Kevin attended Cal State Fullerton from 2011 to 2017 and got a double Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Anthropology. After finishing at CSUF, Kevin started working in the field of ABA as a Behavior Technician. Kevin continued his education and pursued his Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Science, at National University.
Kevin takes joy in playing soccer, watching anime, and reading a wide variety of books.
Vaneza Rodriguez, M.S.
Program Manager
Vaneza has a B.A. in Psychology from California State University Los Angeles and an M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University. She has been working in the field of ABA for 6 years. During Vaneza's spare time she enjoys gardening, swimming, spending time with her pets, and discovering new vegan restaurants.
INLAND EMPIRE
Ruby Janelley Bran, M.S. BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
Ruby received her BA in psychology at UC Riverside, and then proceeded to obtain a MS in psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. In March 2022 she was awarded her BCBA. She’s devoted her involvement working with infants to grown adults in the ABA field, since 2014.
In her personal life, Ruby enjoys quality time with her loved ones, both family and friends. Apart from her role as a BCBA, she is also a professional photographer with 7 years of experience capturing precious moments for families. Ruby also takes pleasure in the company of her furry companions – a French Bulldog and 4 Cane Corsos - and frequently attends dog shows.
Edgar Vargas, M.S.
Program Manager
Edgar Vargas received his BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz and his MS degree in psychology with an emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis from Purdue University Global. He has worked as a Program Manager in the field of ABA since 2016. His experience consists of working with a variety of clients as young as 18 months old to over 50 and treating a broad range of developmental disabilities.
During his free time, Edgar enjoys taking walks, staying informed by watching news and documentaries, and has a passion for cars.
Torri Elder
Program Manager
Torri is a Program Manager who works with individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental and neurological delays. She currently assists in developing individualized behavior interventions and curriculum programs while working 1:1 in home, schools, and other community settings. Torri also works in close collaboration of parents, school staff, and other professionals, along with the behavior team, to garner support and progress for each individual. She applies the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis to help clients socially and behaviorally.
She believes Teaching these skills and behaviors, aligned with their specific goals and objectives will decrease problem behaviors while increasing attention, social skills and self-help skills. In her spare time, Torri enjoys crafting and spending time with her family.
Edwin Martinez, M.S.
Program Manager
Edwin is a San Bernardino resident who has always been driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. After obtaining his Bachelor's degree from California State University San Bernardino, Edwin began a fulfilling career as a behavioral interventionist in a school setting, helping students overcome behavioral challenges. During this time, he pursued his Master's degree at National University to further enhance his expertise as a behavior therapist.
After completing earning his degree in 2021, Edwin joined UTC to enhance his experience and continue bringing positive change. As a member of the UTC team, Edwin found an environment that nurtured growth and provided him with valuable opportunities to expand his skills and knowledge. Collaborating with passionate professionals at UTC, Edwin was able to make an even greater impact in the field of behavior therapy.
Vivianna Gutierrez, M.S.
Program Manager
With over 4 years of experience, Vivianna’s bilingual skills have encouraged a strong connection with families. What started as a summer job soon became a successful career. Helping others motivated her to become a first generation graduate, earning her BA in psychology and MS in Applied Behavior Analysis.
She lives in San Bernardino, with her husband and 2 wonderful dogs, Thor and Loki. Vivianna’s passion for graphic design inspired her to begin a small business, creating notebook designs. In addition, she’s a great pianist, with 10 years of expertise.