Meet the Discover Hope Team!
Nice to meet you!
Introducing the Discover Hope Team
We come from a variety of backgrounds and experience but we all share a passion for helping kids and their families thrive!
Our award winning team of technicians will help you navigate the complexities that come with an autism diagnosis. While our technicians work directly with your child, our program supervisor and clinical directors will provide support to all members of the family from assessment through graduation. We’re here for you!
#WomenLedBusiness
Operations
April Ringer
Executive Director
April began working with children and teens in 2001. She started her career in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in 2008, where she worked as a behavior technician providing therapy for children while attending California State University, Sacramento. April received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology in 2009 and a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from National University in 2012. She became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) later that year. April's goal is to provide quality services to families using the principles of ABA. She enjoys providing effective training, creating and maintaining a positive team-work environment, and utilizing ABA techniques in all areas of her life, including with her 2 young daughters.
Bailey Bakken
Director of Clinical Services
Bailey is the Director of Clinical Services for Discover Hope. She has a Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She's been in the field since 2014. Bailey is highly motivated by the progress made by her families and by providing neuro-affirming, ethical practices. Outside of ABA, she enjoys reading, puzzles, and Minecraft!
Elizabeth Southern
Scheduling Director
Mitzi Reagers
Administrator/Scheduling Assistant
Mitzi has over 22 years of experience working with children, including four years in the field of ABA. She has been part of the Discover Hope team since 2025 and she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Communications. Outside of work, Mitzi enjoys spending time outdoors, especially fishing, which allows her to relax and recharge.
Clinical Directors
Ivana Cruz
Clinical Director
Coming soon
Taylor Rollins
Clinical Director
Taylor has been in the field of ABA since 2019 and she's been with Discover Hope since November 2024. She got her Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Pepperdine University. Her favorite parts of being a BCBA are seeing her client's progress, supporting caregivers with maintaining skills learned in sessions, and training future BCBAs. Her hobbies outside of work include reading, arts and crafts, fitness, and cooking.
Program Supervisors
Sho Ansari
Program Supervisor
Coming soon
Leslie Khair-Buenrostro
Program Supervisor
Coming soon
Eva Lopez
Program Supervisor
Coming soon
Angelo Mapalo
Program Supervisor
Coming soon
Iya Namata
Program Supervisor
Working with children has always been a passion of Iya's ever since she was a child. She comes from a huge family, so she's constantly around little ones. Professionally, she started off volunteering at YMCA programs and the Boys and Girls Club. As she was working on her B.A. in Child and Adolescent development with a minor in special education at SJSU, she worked part-time as a childcare teacher those 4 years then transitioned into working at DH right after graduation. Iya originally wanted to become a pediatrician, but she found herself always wanting to do more for kiddos with developmental differences at her previous job, so she decided to give ABA a try. She has been in the field since 2023 and is currently working on her M.A. in Special Education with a focus in ABA through ASU to become a BCBA. During her free time, she loves to spend time with friends and family, relax in bed binge watching shows, travel, try new activities, and do photoshoots!
Han Nguyen
Program Supervisor
Han has been in the field of ABA since 2020. She has a BA in Psychology and is currently working on her masters in ABA! Han's hobbies are spending time with her loved ones (traveling, trying new restaurants, going out into nature, etc.).
Kelly Phan
Program Supervisor
Kelly has worked with children for most of his life, from babysitting to serving as an instructor in after-school programs. He's been in the field of ABA since 2024 and truly loves the work he does. He earned his degree in Anthropology with a minor in Kinesiology from San Jose State University. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys DJing and has had the opportunity to perform in different cities throughout the Bay Area.
Sonia Ramirez Garcia
Program Supervisor
Sonia has been in the field of ABA since 2021. She started as a Behavior Technician working for Discover Hope before being promoted to Program Supervisor.
She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Childhood and Adolescent Development from San Jose State University. Sonia is currently enrolled in National University's ABA program, working towards her masters degree to become a BCBA!
Sonia's hobbies include watching TV shows, movies, etc. She also enjoys going on walks, going out for a drive, listening to music, and going to concerts!
Sydnee Rocha
Program Supervisor
Sydnee has been with Discover Hope since 2023. They earned their Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, East Bay. Outside of work, they enjoy hiking, exploring new hobbies, and attending car shows.
Kezia Skariah
Program Supervisor
Kezia has been working with kids for over 10 years and has been with Discover Hope since 2024. She has always been passionate about working with children and is pursuing her masters in Applied Behavior Analysis to become a BCBA! When she's not working you can usually find Kezia either finding good food to eat with friends or unwinding at her crafting table.
Senior Behavior Technicians
Candie Bui
Senior Behavior Technician
Jenny Chen
Senior Behavior Technician
Sophia Finley
Senior Behavior Technician
Ashley Guanzon
Senior Behavior Technician
Bella Haugen
Senior Behavior Technician
Felicia Luo
Senior Behavior Technician
Nina Nguyen
Senior Behavior Technician
Summer Pacheco
Senior Behavior Technician
Karina Perez
Senior Behavior Technician
Isabel Romo
Senior Behavior Technician
Sabrina Shakur
Senior Behavior Technician
Charlotte Tan
Senior Behavior Technician
Jasmine Truitt
Senior Behavior Technician
Jason Undajon
Senior Behavior Technician