Program Coordinator/Registered Behavior Technician: Jocelyn Curiel was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She then moved to College Station to attend Texas A&M University where she graduated with her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. She knew from the start she wanted to use her degree to make a difference in society. She has always had a passion for children so being introduced to the ABA field was the perfect fit! Seeing children thrive through ABA is a special experience to be a part of. She is excited to have the opportunity to learn and grow with Rise in helping shape little ones!
Program Coordinator/ Registered Behavior Technician: Valeria Prado was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico and raised in Houston, Texas. She is currently a senior at the University of Houston pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in human studies and family development. After her bachelor’s, Valeria plans to pursue a masters degree in clinical psychology in order to someday help many children and families that deal with difficult situations. Valeria has been working in the ABA field for two years, and hopes to enrich the children’s learning experience along with hers in order to grow together.
Behavior Therapist: Anusha Faisal is from Houston, Texas. She is currently enrolled in the University of Houston and is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. She knew from a very early age that she wanted to pursue a career in which she can be a helping hand to children. In her previous years, she has had firsthand experience while volunteering with kids from all different backgrounds. Since working at Rise With ABA, she has gained a stronger understanding and passion toward children on the spectrum and helping them rise to their full potential. She is thrilled to continue working here at Rise with the most wonderful team!
Behavior Therapist: Aaliyah McNaughton was born in Waco, Texas but was raised in Houston, Texas. She graduated from the University of North Texas in April of this year with her Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Human Development. She always had a passion for helping those in need which fueled her for wanting to know more about Psychology and how it could be beneficial for her future endeavors/career goals. She plans to earn her Master’s in Counseling Psychology and to work with adolescents. She aspires to grow and learn more about how RISE can help her fulfill her desired purpose!
Behavior Therapist: Virginia Gonzalez was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She moved to Texas over 9 years ago. She is currently enrolled at Lone Star Community College to get her associates to then transfer to University of Houston, to major in psychology. Virginia’s passion for psychology started when she turned 15 years old. She then realized that she wanted a career in the psychology field, and she wanted to be somebody to advocate for mental health awareness, whether it would be in adults, families, teens, or children. Since she’s been at RISE, she has fallen in love with working with kids, and being able to be a part of their lives and see them grow, and be a helping hand in the process.
Behavior Therapist: Melissa Valdes was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. She moved to Houston, TX about 10 years ago and have lived here since. Ever since she can remember she has always been interested in causes and effects of behavior. She has always wanted to study and understand behavior in general. She graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and a minor in Business Administration. She always knew She wanted to help people and make a difference for the better. She got introduced to the field of ABA and loved everything it stands for. She is planning on continuing her studies, however, She is still indecisive as to what route to take. This ABA experience has been unique and has definitely expanded her knowledge. She is truly excited to see where it will take her.
Behavior Therapist: Kiara Commodore was born in New York City, but was raised in Houston, Texas. She is currently a senior at the University of Houston where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and will then continue to pursue her masters in Clinical Psychology. Kiara’s passion for Psychology began at a very young age and through her own experiences in life. She then recognized how important mental health is in society and how especially important it is to start with our youth. She knows working with children is her absolute passion and to be able to continue to help them here at RISE is a complete reward. She looks forward to being apart of their lives and helping them reach their full potential.
Behavior Therapist: Genesis Soto was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She recently graduated from Houston Baptist University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. She always had a passion for helping others, specifically children, and her goal was to find a career where she can make an impact and help them grow in any way that she can. Since working at RISE, she has noticed the impact it has on the life of children and their families. Seeing them grow every day and hit different milestones is such a reward. It has taught her so much about the ABA field and the positive impact it has on the kids and has given her a passion for this career. She is excited to continue at RISE and see where this takes her and her future!
Behavior Therapist: Britney Gomes was born and raised in Houston, Texas. The past four years she moved to Waco,Texas to attend Baylor University for her studies. She is a recent graduated with a Bachelor’s in Science of Public Health minor in sociology. Her passion for public health is ongoing and driven by aiming to help improve quality of life for every individual. Britney is continuing her education and attending UTHealth Health Science Center in Houston to pursue a MPH in Healthcare Management. She looks forwards to working with an amazing team here at Rise!
