Meet The Staff

Founder/Clinical Supervisor
Dawn Montgomery

Mrs. Montgomery has worked with individuals of all ages developing, implementing and supervising behavior based programs.

“In 1995 I began working as a behavior tutor at a non-public school with children diagnosed with Autism. At that time I had little work experience behind me and thought this would be a job to start me out into the field until I decided what I wanted to do as a career. Little did I know that working with individuals with special needs and embracing behavior analysis technology would become my lifelong passion. Since that time, I have not strayed from my commitment to this population, their families, and to the science of behavior analysis that so clearly drives their success. I received a Bachelor Degree in Psychology, continued on to achieve a Masters Degree, and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2000. I believe the more knowledge an individual has the greater ability to promote positive change in others. In 2004 I started H.O.P.E. Consulting, LLC, and in 2007 I began my coursework towards a PhD. My goal as a mother, business owner, BCBA, and PhD Candidate is to help improve the lives of others so their lives will be as enriched as mine has been through knowing them.”

Back to top

Director
Candice Bright

Employee since March 2005

I received my B.S. in Psychology and Human Development from UC Davis in 2005, and received my M.A. in Behavior Analysis and Special Education from California State University, Sacramento in 2008. My most recent achievements have been having my work published, “An Evaluation of the Over-justification Effect across Multiple Contingency Arrangements” in Behavioral Interventions, Volume 24/Issue 3, April 2009, and receiving my Board Certification as a Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in August of 2009.
In early 2000, I started to work in the special education field. I have been working in the field of Behavior Analysis since 2003 and found my way to H.O.P.E. Consulting, LLC in March 2005. Having the opportunity to help children and their families really motivates me. I love that I have the ability to help children learn new skills that allow them to access reinforcement and improve their overall quality of life. I am also very passionate about working with the families. I like to give them hope and the tools to help improve their child’s life.

Back to top

Administration

Office Administrator
Mona Mazza

Employee since October 2005

I began working in programs for special needs children in 1991.  I quickly learned the area I could make the most positive impact in the lives of children and their families was in administration.  I was fortunate to begin working with H.O.P.E. in October, 2005 where my skills could be recognized in further program development.   I truly enjoy working with parents, the regional center service coordinators and the local school district personnel to help facilitate comprehensive programming.  If I may assist you in anyway, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Scheduling & Recruitment
Anna Pavlov

Employee since February 2011

Bio will be added soon...

Back to top

Senior Consultant

Sarah Dickman

Employee since April 2006

I attended the University of California, Davis as a Regent's Scholar and graduated with honors with a bachelor's degree in economics and a bachelor's degree in psychology. Having been involved with kids of varying ages throughout my life as a mentor, youth leader, and tutor for children in foster care. I knew that I wanted a career working with people. After graduation I began working at H.O.P.E. as a 1:1 therapist and after six months decided that I would pursue a career in behavioral services. H.O.P.E. has provided me an opportunity to eventually promote to my current position. The knowledge and example set by my supervisors at H.O.P.E. challenged me to pursue a Master's degree at the California State University, Sacramento in Special Education. As a full-time graduate student I am also preparing to become Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Lillian Wu

Employee since January 2006

I received my B.A. degree in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, and received my M.A. degree in Education in December of 2009 from the California State University, Sacramento. Prior to joining the H.O.P.E. Consulting Team in January of 2006, I counseled teenagers in the Bay Area as well as worked in Early Intervention with children with developmental disabilities. Currently, as a Senior Behavior Consultant, I enjoy collaborating with colleagues in the field and finding innovative and creative ways to teach using the principles of Behavior Analysis. My dream is that the children I work with will someday be able to tell their own story of hope and inspire others not to give up in the face of adversity.

Back to top

Consultant

Jacquelyn Donahue

Employee since March 2007

While obtaining my B.A. in Psychology at California Sate University, Sacramento, I met a Professor that was not only teaching basic principles of Behavior Analysis, but also took the time to hear about my passions and pointed me into the right direction. Since then, I have been more than ecstatic to be providing services to such unique children and providing support to respectful families. As a young adult I always wanted to help other people and I also had a soft spot for younger children. In fact, all throughout High School, I volunteered in varied Elementary classrooms, and am honored and ecstatic to be pursuing a career in a field with a respected company, unique children, and delightful families.

Jessica Knuth

Employee since June 2010

I graduated with my Master’s degree in Special Education from Sacramento State University in May 2010 conducting my thesis research on Homeschooling Children with Autism from the Parent Perspective. I began working as an in-home therapist for children with Autism in January of 2004 and have stayed in the field ever since. I joined the H.O.P E. Consulting LLC team in June 2010 and have enjoyed every minute of it. I am proud to say I belong to a team of professionals dedicated to the quality of service for children with special needs. I look forward to a long future ahead with H.O.P.E. , continuing to learn and grow along the way and to continue to provide quality services to the children I work with and advance the field through disseminating knowledge.

Krystle Tullos

Employee since July 2007

I graduated from California State University, Sacramento, in May 2008, earning a B.A. in Psychology. I began working with H.O.P.E. Consulting, LLC in July of 2007 and have loved every minute of it. I believe that every day is another opportunity to learn and grow, which is why I love working in this field. I have worked with many children with special needs and have helped many families improve their quality of life. I have a deep passion for assisting in making a difference in the lives of other's and strive for excellence!

Stacy Rhodes

Employee since May 2004

I began working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis 10 years ago as an In-home Therapist for children with Autism.  I began working for H.O.P.E. within a few months of establishment in 2004 and have since had the privilege of participating in many of the various programs that H.O.P.E. provides including early intensive treatment for children with Autism, functional skills training programs, behavior intervention, and parent training.  I have recently begun facilitating the Interpersonal Skills Program, which has been a fun and exciting experience.  I love my work here at H.O.P.E. as it allows me to be creative and to work with a variety of individuals and groups.  

Back to top

Senior Therapist Support / Trainer

Danielle Stanzione

Employee since February 2007

Working with children has been my passion since starting in the field in 1997. After earning my Bachelor's degree in Child and Family Development, I worked with children and their families in a variety of ways including daycare, elementary schools, tutoring, Head Start, and teaching parent support groups. 
I began working for H.O.P.E. in 2007 as a behavior therapist. I quickly learned how rewarding this career is and began to inquire about other positions within the company. Upon promotion to senior behavior therapist, I met more clients and families and realized this is a field, and company, that I want to be a part of for a long time to come. Within my current position I train behavior therapists in the client's homes, teach H.O.P.E.'s workshop on basic behavior principles, maintain the materials library, and provide support to other senior therapists. I feel lucky to be in a career where my work is rewarded each and every day, not only by my employer and other team members, but also from the clients and families that I serve.

Back to top

Senior Therapist

Camara Murphy, Employee since October 2009
Caralee Hickey, Employee since October 2007
Corie Barker, Employee since December 2008
Debbie Saelee, Employee since February 2009
Gina Trasmundi, Employee since November 2009
Leslie Rendon, Employee since April 2009
Melissa Jenkins, Employee since July 2007

Back to top