Julia Linden

Co-Founder 

M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

David Garder

Co-Founder

M.S., CCC-SLP, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA

Speech Language Pathologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst

David's love of language inspired him to earn a B.A. in linguistics from SUNY, Albany in 2003. During his undergraduate studies, he became familiar with different theoretical frameworks that examine the universal structure of language. He wanted to apply this knowledge in a practical and meaningful way, so he gravitated to the field of Speech Language Pathology. In 2009 he earned an M.S. in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from California State University East Bay and has been treating children with speech and language disorders since. In 2018, David earned an M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University.

David specializes in helping young children with autism who have Apraxia of Speech learn to start making sounds and use words to get their wants and needs met. David combines principles of Linguistics, Speech Therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis to help address speech needs in young children with autism.

When David is not working with kids, he enjoys fly fishing, white water kayaking and hiking.

Amy Tondreau

Clinical Director

M.S., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Amy earned her BA in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 2010. After graduating, she began working as a behavior technician and found a passion for supporting individuals in developing language, social and self-advocacy skills. In 2015 she moved to Oregon and her love for the science of behavior prompted her to earn her Masters of Arts in Professional Behavior Analysis at the Florida Institute of Technology.

Over the years, Amy has gained experience across a variety of settings and clients. She prefers working in early intervention and supporting clients and their families in building foundational skills that support communication using verbal behavior, social skills and promoting community access. In addition to supporting clients, Amy enjoys supporting staff skill development and providing mentorship. In her spare time, Amy loves exploring the outdoors, all things true crime, and perfecting her chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Sarah Cabala

Clinical Supervisor

M.S., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Sarah has always been motivated to help people and from an early age knew she wanted to help others achieve their goals. Throughout high school and college Sarah coached gymnastics at local gyms as well as for the Special Olympics. In 2018, Sarah graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Upon graduating, Sarah began to learn more about ABA at The Great Lakes Center for Autism Treatment and Research in Kalamazoo, MI. In February of 2020, Sarah packed up and moved across the country to Portland. She started working at Lindegard Therapy and after working as an RBAI for two years, she graduated from Simmons University with a Master of Science in Behavior Analysis.  She is excited to continue to learn and grow as a BCBA here at Lindegard. 

In her free time Sarah enjoys photography, hiking and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her dog, Juniper. 

Hannah Waardenburg 

M.S., BCaBa

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst, Clinical Fellow

Hannah discovered her passion for teaching during her undergraduate studies at Oregon State University, when she worked as an RBAI providing ABA services to children in preschools and homes. In 2020, she furthered her experience as a mental health technician, working on a multi-disciplinary team at a children’s subacute psychiatric center. While Hannah pursues her master’s degree in special education, she looks forward to applying her experience and values to create safe environments where children can express themselves while learning meaningful skills. After earning her master’s degree from Portland State University, she plans to sit for the BCBA exam and continue her career helping children and their families. 

In her free time, Hannah enjoys nature through gardening and spending time with her family.

Nicholas DiNaris

B.S., RBAI

Clinical Fellow 

Nick is an Oregon transplant from Indiana, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Computer Graphics Technology from Purdue in 2014. Although Nick initially had big ambitions with pursuing a career in the field of design, he was lacking fulfillment. In 2016, Nick began his journey in working with children as a Family Case Manager at the Department of Child Services. That experience ignited a passion in working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 2017, Nick discovered and swiftly fell in love with Applied Behavior Analysis. Nick has a vast amount of experience working with a variety of clients ranging in age, diagnosis, skill levels, and backgrounds. Nick is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis to become a BCBA. 

Outside of work, Nick cherishes the time he gets to spend with his partner and 2 boys. Nick enjoys family trips to the coast, exploring new places, gardening, spending time outdoors, digital illustration, reading and gaming.

Francesca Raimondo

B.S., RBAI

Clinical Fellow

Cessa has always been passionate about empowering children to reach their full potential and making a positive impact in their lives. She graduated from the University of Oregon in 2022 with a B.S. in psychology and a minor in disability studies. Her love for working with children has developed over her years through nannying, supporting the growth of children at Relief Nursery, and volunteering in schools to promote social inclusivity. After graduation, Cessa jumped straight into working in the ABA field and has not looked back. She has loved witnessing the progress and achievements of children and is excited to move forward by pursuing a master’s degree in ABA or a related field soon. 

In her free time, Cessa enjoys exploring new restaurants around Portland, being active outdoors, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Joseph Reames

B.S., RBAI

Clinical Fellow 

Joseph Reames grew up in Dallas, TX. His passion for the development of young minds started by teaching sports skills classes to toddlers while in high school. After obtaining his BA in sociology with a minor in ABA from the University of Kansas in 2015, Joseph moved back to Dallas and began teaching in classrooms as a lead, for children ages 2-6. In 2020, Joseph began working in the field of ABA. After gaining a year of experience providing ABA Therapy in both clinic and home settings, Joseph decided to pack up and move to Oregon in 2021.

Joseph feels honored to be working with and advocating for those within the ASD community. When Joseph isn’t working, he loves to go hiking, take beach trips and enjoy all the wonderful activities the pacific northwest has to offer.

Emily Wiessner 

B.S., RBAI

Clinical Fellow

Emily is a Minnesota native who moved to Oregon in 2019 after living in Boston & New York.  Her career prior to Lindegard was working in administrative positions for mostly nonprofit organizations. Emily has always had an innate desire to help people, so she decided to switch her career focus after learning about ABA therapy.  She feels truly lucky to come and work with the kids at Lindegard every day. Her goal is to continue her education in ABA.

In her free time, she enjoys staying active doing yoga, hiking, berry picking, and camping with her husband and miniature schnauzer, Forrest.

Kumulani Kaai

B.S., RBAI, SHRM-CP

Director of Human Resources

Scheduler

For as long as she can remember, Kumulani has always been fascinated by human behavior. Her love for working with children came from growing up in a large family and always being surrounded by the younger generation. In 2020, She earned her B.A. in Communication Studies along with a minor in Sociology as well as a certificate in Educational Studies, from the University of Hawaii at Hilo. she has had the opportunity to work with elementary, middle, and high school students in the Special Education department at local public schools in Hawaii. After graduating, Kumu moved to Oregon with plans to continue her education in Applied Behavior Analysis. Prior to working for Lindegard Therapy, Kumu gained previous experience providing home-based ABA throughout the Portland metro area.

In her spare time, Kumu loves watching new movies, spending time with loved ones and being as close to the ocean as possible!

Marina Blair

B.A., RBAI

Behavior Interventionist

Marina has always been interested in working with kids. She discovered her passion while growing up and helping her dad teach English to Japanese kids. In 2023, she graduated from the University in Japan with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in international communications. Upon graduation, she moved to the United States.

In her free time, she enjoys playing piano, going to concerts, going to the art gallery, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Daniel Blessinger

B.S., RBAI

Behavior Interventionist

Daniel graduated from Oregon Institute of Technology in 2021 with a degree in psychology, where his path towards a career as a therapist began. Daniel was a valuable member of the men’s soccer team in college, where he honed his leadership skills and developed a strong work ethic through teamwork.

It was during his time at college that Daniel discovered his calling for working with children on the autism spectrum. He spent time as a shadow at a behavioral clinic, where he witnessed firsthand the positive impacts that therapy can have on individuals and their families.

Daniel’s commitment to his work is matched only by his commitment to his hobbies. In his free time, he can often be found playing soccer with friends, honing his chess skills, or even playing violin for his own enjoyment. His dedication to all of these pursuits is a testament to his disciplined personality and his willingness to consistently improve his skills.

Claire Champommier

B.A., RBAI

Behavior Interventionist

Claire has been interested in human behavior for as long as she can remember. In 2023, Claire graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a minor in English from Lewis & Clark, where she discovered an interest in studying child psychology and autism. Claire also has a passion for writing poetry and has recently published her work in literary magazines and anthologies, most recently alongside the Poet Laureate of New Mexico. She worked as a teacher before joining Lindegard and is now interested in pursuing a career path in speech pathology or applied behavior analysis. Claire feels fortunate to have found a place with Lindegard alongside
a wonderful team.

In her free time, she enjoys collaging, hanging with friends, doting on her cat, and writing poetry.

Raymond Chen

B.S., RBAI

Behavior Interventionist 

Raymond obtained his Bachelor’s degree from University of Oregon where he majored in psychology with an emphasis in child development and a minor in computer science. Prior to joining Lindegard Therapy he worked as a Behavior Technician in homes for a company in Portland, Oregon where he discovered his interest and passion in working with children with ASD. 

Raymond was recently accepted into the ABA Masters program at SE Missouri State University.

In his off time, Raymond enjoys working out, traveling, and trying out new foods.

Alaina Erland

RBAI

Behavior Interventionist 

Alaina is a born and raised Oregonian who has always loved working with kids. Her interest started when volunteering for PlayFitFun as a summer camp activities coach at different elementary schools in the Beaverton area. Her volunteering continued in other settings such as coaching elementary school girls basketball and outdoor school counseling. Alaina became a Northwest Outdoor School Counselor teaching middle school students about Oregon wildlife through engaging in different outdoor activities and experiments. Working with a variety of different individuals allowed Alaina to spend more time with special needs children; This exposure peeked her interest in working with special needs more in depth. In early 2022, Alaina became a RBAI and has devoted her time to working in ABA therapy ever since. 

In her free time, you may find Alaina in a yoga class, at a McMenamins concert or skiing on Mt. Hood!

Mckenzie Gilberts

B.S., RBAI

Behavior Interventionist

McKenzie graduated from Oregon State University with a BS in Human Development and Family Sciences. It was there, that she connected with a passion for learning how to contribute to the welfare of communities through human services. Her background includes working as an in-home caregiver for individuals living with developmental diversities. It is her joy to empower others and to see her clients flourish and thrive in their daily lives. She finds ABA therapy deeply inspiring because it presents the opportunity to support children with ASD in developing their own voice, building confidence in their abilities, and acquiring social and educational skills for
their future. 

In her free time, she enjoys live music, movies, art, being outdoors, reading, taking her Boston
Terrier to the dog park, and spending time with loved ones.

Maria Camila Hernandez Betancur

B.S., RBAI

Behavior Interventionist

Maria Camila is from a little town in Colombia where she used to live with her mother and younger brother. She has always enjoyed playing with kids and soon realized she wanted to work with children as a career.  In 2019 she received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Colombia. In 2021 Maria moved to the United States through an interexchange program and lived in Colorado with a host family.  She was a caretaker to their daughter and was able to learn many new skills when joining in for therapy appointments. She has experience working with individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. She is eager to continue in the field of ABA and is interested in pursuing a career as a BCBA, SLP, or OT. 

Maria loves traveling – in her free time she is always thinking about her next adventure! She enjoys watching movies, dancing, and trying new foods.

Grant Jumamil

B.A., RBAI

Behavior Interventionist

Grant received a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing while also studying Chinese at Portland State University. He originally had intentions of going into international business, but changed course in order to help his local community. Grant has worked in various positions helping teens and kids diagnosed with autism for the past 10 years.

In his free time, Grant collects vinyl and mixes music. He is also a competitive yo-yo player who has medaled in regional contests. 

Alexandria Le

B.S., RBAI

Behavior Interventionist

Alex was born in Klamath Falls and has lived in the Pacific Northwest her entire life. Her love of
working with children started at a young age and led her to pursue an associate degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked as a lead teacher in Reggio Emilia and as a teaching assistant in Montessori classrooms in Washington state. In 2018 Alex moved to Oregon to attend Portland State University where she earned her BS in Speech and Hearing Sciences with a focus in Speech Language Pathology.

She is passionate about social justice and for the past few years has volunteered in organizations who serve the houseless community in Washington County and the Portland metro area.  In addition to volunteering Alex loves to cook, read, hike, sing, and go on weekend adventures to
check out the local art scenes.

Juniper Peterson

B.A., RBAI

Behavior Interventionist

Juniper discovered their love of making kids smile at an early age working as a clown for the Ringling Brothers Circus. After graduating with a degree in English and anthropology from the University of Northern Colorado, Juniper briefly worked as a wilderness guide and outdoor educator before discovering ABA and moving to Oregon. 

In their spare time, you can find them practicing violin, crocheting, or helping out with puppet shows.