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.

Jewels Biro

Clinical Supervisor

M.A., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

From the beginning Jewels has always known that she had a passion for helping people and enjoyed working with kids. Jewels earned her BA in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of San Diego. She discovered the wonderful world of ABA ABA while interning at an Autism therapy clinic in college. After graduating college, she jumped in head-first and became an RBT, working for an early intervention autism clinic in the California Bay area. Jewels decided to make the move up to Oregon to start working at another children’s’ Autism clinic and begin earning her Master’s degree in ABA from Ball State University. She has previously worked with children ages 2-9, both in-clinic and in-home. In May of 2022, Jewels graduated from Ball State University earning her Masters’ in Applied Behavioral Analysis with an emphasis in Autism.  

In her free time Jewels enjoys traveling, exploring the Pacific Northwest with her dog Lucy and partner, staying active with friends and spending quality time with family.

Sarah Cabala

Clinical Supervisor

M.S., BCBA, LBA

Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Sarah has always been motivated to help people. 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 March of 2020, Sarah packed up and moved across country to Portland where she plans to pursue a Masters in ABA. Sarah is excited to continue her journey with the Lindegard Team! 

 In her free time Sarah enjoys hiking and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest, traveling, and spending time with friends.

Jeany Cabanilla

B.S., RBAI

Clinical Fellow

Jeany has always been interested in human behavior and loves being around kids. She discovered her passion when she was studying at the University of the Philippines, where she majored in Family Life and Child Development. In 2013, she moved to U.S. and continued her studies at the University of Washington where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Family Studies. She began working as an Assistant Teacher at Touchstone Preschool in Oregon and in 2019 she became a Registered Behavior Analysis Interventionist for another ABA Therapy clinic. Jeany is planning to expand her studies in either Applied Behavior Analysis or Occupational Therapy.

 In her spare time, she likes to work out, bake pastries, make candles, and spend time with her sister and friends. 

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.

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.

Hannah Waardenburg 

B.S., RBAI

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.

Kumulani Kaai

B.S., RBAI

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.

Clair 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.

Nicholas DiNaris

B.S., RBAI

Behavior Interventionist 

Nick is an Oregon transplant from Indianapolis, IN. After graduating with his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Graphics Technology and working 2 years in a related field, Nick quickly discovered his passion was elsewhere. Nick began his journey in working with children as a Family Case Manager at the Department of Child Services in Indiana. Nick realized that although his work was making a positive impact in children’s lives, he wanted to work more directly in teaching children skills. Nick swiftly fell in love with the science of ABA, and has been working in the field since 2017. Nick has a vast amount of experience working with a variety of clients ranging in age and diagnosis.

In his free time, Nick enjoys gardening, the outdoors, digital illustration, reading and gaming.

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.

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.

Michele Leon

B.S., RBAI

Behavior Interventionist

Michele graduated from Portland State with a bachelors degree in Psychology and a certification in Chicano/Latino Studies. While in college Michele took part in a student group were she held various conferences for students and advocated for her community. She also visited middle and elementary schools to mentor kids. She realized how much she enjoyed helping others and decided after college that she wanted to work with kids. She stumbled upon her first ABA position right before graduation and has been in the field for over 4 years now. 

When she’s not working you can find Michele at a show rockin’ out to her favorite bands. Michele also enjoys getting creative with all types of mediums such as painting, crocheting and beading. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends and trying new food and coffee around the Portland area. 

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.

Joseph Reames

B.S., RBAI

Behavior Interventionist 

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.

Alexa Roberts

B.S., RBAI

Behavior Interventionist

Alexa was born and raised in Oregon. In 2021, she graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in child development.

Prior to joining Lindegard Therapy, Alexa spent some time traveling and had the opportunity to work as a nanny, which relit her love for working with kids. She discovered the world of ABA and thought it would be a great way to help others and get started in the industry. She considers it an honor to be able to help children in the ASD community reach their full potential.

In her free time, Alexa enjoys exploring new places, spending quality time with friends, and cuddling with her pup.

Adriana Mendoza Silva

B.S., RBAI

Behavior Interventionist

Adriana was raised in McMinnville, Oregon. As an older sister she developed care taking skills
and has always wanted to work with kids. In high school, she had the opportunity to work in the daycare center – this where her love for teaching took off!

Adriana also started playing rugby in high school, which paved the path for world adventure. Adriana was contracted to play for Mexico in 2018 and played in the 2018 Rugby World Cup. Through this, she has had experience playing as a professional rugby player, getting to travel all over the world and coach at multiple children’s camps and develop youth rugby. When Adriana received a rugby scholarship to Life University in Georgia, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology where she began to develop an interest in behavior modification and ABA therapy.

In her down time Adriana loves spending time with my family, especially her 2 younger siblings! She also enjoys cooking, reading, listening music and hanging out with friends!