- Our Staff -
Meet our Team
Michael Zhe, BCBA
– Chief Executive Officer –
Experience: A BCBA with 15+ years of experience in the ABA provider sector. Michael has held various roles within multiple organizations and began his career in the ABA field as a Behavior Technician. He previously held the position of Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Operating Officer prior to joining the Alora team.
I believe all families should have access to quality, comprehensive, and compassionate ABA services.
Steven Quayle
– Chief Financial Officer –
Education: BS Business/Finance from Indiana University, Kelley School of Business and MBA from Indiana University, Kelley School of Business
Total Years in the field: 20+ years financial experience, 15 years in healthcare finance and leadership
Healthcare is a purpose driven field and I love being part of a team that is caring and giving; for the betterment of other’s health and wellbeing. Whether it is working in the back-office or directly with clinical staff, I appreciate being able to support our team to deliver quality care to our patients. Working together for our patients allows us to end the day with a deep feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.
Alisa Marie Santana-Satos, M.S., BCBA
– Area Director –
Education: Master of Science in Psychology with Area of Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis from Purdue University, December of 2015
Total years in the field: 21 years and counting!
Being a wife, mom, auntie and friend to those I love is the foundation of my drive and motivation. Since I was little, I’ve always had a nurturing tendency, but playing a role in someone’s growth, well-being or learning is pretty amazing
Dr. Yannick Espinoza, Psy.D., BCBA
– Area Director –
Education: California Southern University, Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), 2018 to 2020; Purdue University, Master of Science in Psychology (M.S.), 2013 to 2015; California State University of Fullerton, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (B.A.), 2004 to 2009.
Total years in the field: 14 years in the field and 6 as a BCBA.
I am motivated to work in this field because I want to offer a sense of hope to clients and their families during what is likely one of the most difficult times in their lives. A diagnosis of some sort frequently precedes behavioral health treatments such as ABA. Families are then often bombarded by medical appointments and referrals to additional specialists soon after that. Specialists, like me offer hope; however, this process is scary and overwhelming for parents. I realize this and also how much is at stake. I pride myself in being an empathetic, energetic, accessible and easy to work with behavior analyst that can offer the family hope; hope to one day witness their loved ones communicate effectively; hope to one day see their loved ones’ independence grow; hope to one day see their loved one engaged in socially meaningful interactions; and hope to one day not need us, or any other support for that matter.
Alan Gomez
– Area Director –
Education: Master’s in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Years in the field: 10+ years
Along with my colleagues and leadership, I have sought to serve a diverse population of individuals with a range of diagnoses and everyday struggles. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and seizure disorder. I also have experience working with individuals who carry dual diagnoses such as Schizophrenia, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Bipolar, and depression.
As my focus is primarily with adolescent children and adults, teaching others how ABA principles and strategies can help their daily interactions, improve problem solving skills, their decision-making, increase their ability to communicate their needs, and manage their frustration is something that I find humbling and enriching. I am grateful to the families I have worked with, continue to serve, and for the wonderful caring, passionate group of colleagues that serve families and individuals, and attempt to bring relief to circumstances that can be difficult and isolating for the individuals and their families.
Alejandra Solano, M.S., BCBA
– Program Manager –
Education: University of California, Riverside Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minor in Sociology
Purdue University Global, Master of Science in Psychology, Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total years in the field: since 2013
Alejandra is a first-generation immigrant who recognized from an early age the need to help others. Growing up in Southern California, Alejandra was exposed to economic disparities, culturally diverse, disproportional, and underserved populations. Alejandra has dedicated her career to serving others and has worked at various non-profit and government agencies, including the Department of Children and Family Services.
Alejandra discovered the field of Applied Behavior Analysis in 2013 when she started with this agency as a behavior interventionist. Alejandra was captivated by the science of applied behavior analysis and the process of systematically implementing technologies to achieve socially significant behavior changes. Alejandra went on to pursue her graduate degree, completed her field-experience supervision and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2017 while continuing to work full time and becoming part of the management team. Practicing from a place of cultural humility and with a trauma-informed lens, Alejandra’s main drivers are being of service to others and making a positive impact on someone’s life.
Joe Gomez, MS
– Area Director –
Education: Master’s in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis
Total Years in the field: 10+ years
Along with my colleagues and leadership, I have sought to serve a diverse population of individuals with a range of diagnoses and everyday struggles. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and seizure disorder. I also have experience working with individuals who carry dual diagnoses such as Schizophrenia, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Bipolar, and depression.
As my focus is primarily with adolescent children and adults, teaching others how ABA principles and strategies can help their daily interactions, improve problem solving skills, their decision-making, increase their ability to communicate their needs, and manage their frustration is something that I find humbling and enriching. I am grateful to the families I have worked with, continue to serve, and for the wonderful caring, passionate group of colleagues that serve families and individuals, and attempt to bring relief to circumstances that can be difficult and isolating for the individuals and their families.
Dianne Baker
– Program Manager –
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Art with Concentration in Photography, California State University Hayward (East Bay) and Master of Science in Psychology with Area of Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis, Purdue University Global
Total Years in the field: 26 years
I’ve been a part of this collective agency since 2003. Prior to this, I managed a vocational training program for neurodiverse clients in South Los Angeles. My interest in the field grew out of experiences with my family and a history of volunteerism and work in underserved areas of the SF Bay Area. I volunteered for an after-school care program which provided support to kids with learning disabilities, provided care in hospice settings, engaged in advocacy, and pursued an interest in photojournalism. Throughout the years, I’ve had the great privilege of meeting an array of amazing people and I hope to continue to advocate for and empower others as I continue to learn and grow as part of the communities I serve.
Ali Redjaian, Psy.D., BCBA
– Clinical Director, Licensed Psychologist, BCBA –
Education: Bachelor’s from California State University Fullerton, Masters in Psychology from Pepperdine University, Doctor of Psychology from Ryokan College, BCBA coursework at University of North Texas
Total years in the field: 36 years
Dr. Ali Redjaian is Clinical Director with Alora Behavioral Health. Ali joined the agency (formerly HCA) in 1997 as a behavior consultant, promoted to Associate Director and Clinical Director in subsequent years.
His journey in this field began when he was a third year engineering student at CSUF. After taking some elective courses in the psychology department, he soon realized that his passion was to become a clinician and learn more about mental health field. His first exposure to the field of behavior therapy or Applied Behavior Analysis was soon after graduating from college where he worked as a direct staff in a residential facility for adults with developmental disabilitieswith severe behavioral and psychiatric disorders. Prior to joining HCA, Ali held a senior director position in a behavior management day treatment program for adults with developmental disabilities.
Ali has been a licensed clinical psychologist in California since 2003. He completed his BCBA course work through University of North Texas and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Dr. Redjaian has many years of clinical experiences in the area of behavioral disorders, developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as population with severe psychiatric disorders. He also has an extensive history of providing psychotherapy and treating individuals for various psychological and emotional difficulties.
Jon Hope, MA,MS, CAS
– Director of Regional Center Services –
Education: California State University Chico, University of California Davis, Purdue University Global
MS Psychology, MA Organizational Management, Certified Autism Specialist
Total years in the field: 25 years
Growing up with a family member who has a developmental disability, a career in this field was a natural fit. I am inspired by the lives and accomplishments of individuals with autism, and I find personal and professional satisfaction in contributing to the advancement of this field. I see each day as an opportunity to empower others to achieve by sharing knowledge, help, and hope.
Alan Gomez
– Program Manager –
Education: Rocky Mountain College, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Purdue University Global, Master of Science in Psychology emphasis Applied Behavior Analysis, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (2016)
Total years in the field: 26 years
My belief is that each of us has purpose in this life. We learn from each other, and I’m blessed to share what I have learned each day by providing ABA therapeutic services to families in need. I have the privilege of assisting clients and their families improve their lives in many ways. The most joyful moments such as a parent hearing their child’s first word, being able to attend a family event without worry about their child’s behavior and increasing positive interactions. These joyful moments are what I believe the field of ABA is about; no matter how dark things may seem there is hope for better days.
My professional experiences consist of working with children ages 2 to 12, teens, and adults with various diagnoses (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, schizophrenia, depression). I approach families and their loved ones with respect and awareness of how traumatic experiences may affect behavior.
