About

Edward Miguel, Ed. D., is the Co-Founder and President of Port View Preparatory® School. He was the Chief Operating Officer and Board Certified Behavior Analyst at Beacon Day School in Orange County, where he was responsible for all internal operations. Prior to that, he was the Assistant Director of the Olive Crest Academy, Therapeutic Education Centers, a private school for secondary students. His responsibilities included the evaluation and implementation of a positive behavior intervention program.

Dr. Miguel has spent his entire career serving individuals with special needs. He has worked in a variety of settings including domestic violence shelters, residential treatment centers, group homes, and non-public schools. He has extensive experience in special education administration, organizational development, special education instruction, and applied behavior analysis.

Dr. Miguel brings his leadership skills to Port View Preparatory® in an effort to participate in the mission of discovering and providing a quality educational program that fits each individual student’s strengths, needs, interest, and lifestyle.

Education

Dr. Miguel received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from National University in 2008. He also holds a master’s degree in teaching with specialization in applied behavior analysis from National University, 2012. He became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board in 2013. He recently earned his doctorate of education at Fielding Graduate University.

Honors and Awards

Affiliations

California Association for Behavior Analysis, 2010 – present
Association for Behavior Analysis, 2008 – present

Presentations

“Reducing Severe Challenging Behaviors Without Restraint: An Examination of Non-Invasive Behavior Analytic Supports.” CEU Presentation, Hawaii Association for Behavior Analysis Annual
Conference, Honolulu, HI. (October, 2014)

Publications

• “The Dynamics and Ramifications of Severe Challenging Behavior: Daring to reduce challenging behavior in schools without physical restraint and seclusion (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from ProQuest. (11030) (2016)
  

  Personal

  Dr. Miguel spends his time away from Port View Prep with his family and keeps busy with projects around the house. Dr. Miguel also trains extensively in responding to severe challenging behaviors on his own time, focusing on fitness, self-awareness, and the management of aggressive behaviors.

About

Melaura Erickson-Tomaino, Ph.D., is the Co-Founder and Principal of Port View Preparatory® School. Her prior positions include Director of Clinical Services for Beacon Day School in La Palma, CA, and Behavior Program Supervisor for the Center for Autism Research, Evaluation, and Service in San Diego, CA.

Dr. Tomaino has more than 13 years of experience in serving students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. Dr. Tomaino has conducted extensive research in ASD with a focus on using communication as the basis for successful teaching and behavior strategies to eliminate the use of restraint in children with autism.

Dr. Tomaino has been an Assistant Professor in the School of Counseling/Psychology at Azusa Pacific University, and has taught numerous graduate courses at Claremont University. She has published multiple articles.

Education

Dr. Tomaino received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2002, a master’s degree in clinical psychology from California State University, Fullerton in 2007, and a Ph.D. in applied developmental psychology from Claremont Graduate University in 2011. She was qualified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board in 2010 and became a licensed psychologist in 2017 (PSY 29562).

Honors and Awards

• SABA Student Presenter Grant, Association for Behavior Analysis International, 2010
• Dean’s Fellowship, for outstanding work in research and academics as a first-year graduate student, Claremont Graduate University, 2008
• Fellowship Recipient, Claremont Graduate University, 2007-2009
• Scholarship, for outstanding academic achievement, Tylenol Foundation, 1998

Affiliations

• California Association for Behavior Analysis, 2008 – present
• Society for Research in Child Development, 2009 – present
• Association for Behavior Analysis, 2008 – present
• Sigma Xi, 2009 – present

Presentations

• “Reducing Severe Challenging Behaviors Without Restraint: An Examination of Non-Invasive Behavior Analytic Supports.” CEU Presentation, Hawaii Association for Behavior Analysis Annual Conference, Honolulu, HI. (October, 2014)
• “Teaching conversation to children with autism: A parent implemented script procedure.” “Minimizing the Research to Practice Gap in Autism Treatment Research.” Symposium at Association for Behavior Analysis International Annual Convention, Seattle, WA. Tomaino, M.E., M.H. Charlop, Chair (May, 2012)
• “An analysis of the effects of PECS training on vocalizations in children with limited speech.” “Assessing the Picture Exchange Communication System across the lifespan: An evaluation of PECS generalization and concomitant increases in vocalizations.” Symposium at Association for Behavior Analysis International Annual Convention, San Antonio, TX. Erickson, M.A., Greenberg, A.L., & Charlop, M.H., Chair. (May, 2010)
• “Evaluating generalization of the Picture Exchange Communication System in children with autism.” “Assessing the Picture Exchange Communication System across the lifespan: An evaluation of PECS generalization and concomitant increases in vocalizations. Symposium at the Association for Behavior Analysis International Annual Convention, San Antonio, TX. Greenberg, A.L., Erickson, M.A., & Charlop, M.H. (May, 2010)
• “An analysis of parents’ use of evidence-based treatments in four different populations.” “Parents’ adoption of evidence-based treatments for their children with autism.” Symposium at the California Association for Behavior Analysis Annual Convention, Irvine, CA. Erickson, M.A., Berquist, K., & Charlop, M.H. (February, 2010)
• “Is evidence based treatment important to parents of children with autism? A comparison of CAM use between parents of children with Cerebral Palsy and Down Syndrome. In D. B. Malmberg (Chair). “Evaluating interventions available for children with autism: The Importance of Evidence Based Treatments.” Symposium at the Association for Behavior Analysis International Annual Convention, Scottsdale, AZ. Erickson, M.A., Berquist, K., & Charlop, M. H. (May, 2009)
• “Does the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) result in speech acquisition? An assessment of language development in children learning to communicate with PECS. In D. B. Malmberg (Chair). “Using Visual Strategies to Promote the Acquisition of Communication and Social Skills of Children with Autism.” Symposium at the Association for Behavior Analysis International Annual Convention, Chicago, IL. Erickson, M. A., Greenberg, A.L., & Charlop-Christy, M. H. (May, 2008)
• “Is the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) Functional? An Assessment of PECS Generalization. In D. B. Malmberg (Chair). “Using Visual Strategies to Promote the Acquisition of Communication and Social Skills of Children with Autism.” Symposium at the Association for Behavior Analysis International Annual Convention, Chicago, IL. Greenberg, A.L., Erickson, M.A., Charlop-Christy, M.H. (May, 2008)

Publications

• “Social Skills: What are they and how are they taught at the Claremont Autism Center?” Charlop, M.H. & Tomaino, M.E. (Manuscript in press)
• “Teaching conversation to children with autism: Assessment of the efficacy of a parent-implemented script procedure” Tomaino, M. E. & Charlop, M.H. (2011)
• “Assessing generalization of the Picture Exchange Communication System in children with Autism,” Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 24, 539-558. doi: 10.1007/s10882-012-9288-y. Greenberg, A. L., Tomaino, M. E., & Charlop, M.H. (2012)
• “Adapting the Picture Exchange Communication System to Elicit Vocalizations in children with Autism,” Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities. doi: 10.1007/s10882-013-9344-2. Greenberg, A. L., Tomaino, M. E., & Charlop, M.H. (2012)
• “Social Skills: What are they and how are they taught at the Claremont Autism Center?” Charlop, M.H. & Tomaino, M.E. (Manuscript in press)
• “Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Comparison to Children with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and No Diagnosis.” Tomaino, M.E., Berquist,K. & Charlop, M. H. (Manuscript in preparation)
• “Increasing Vocabulary through Question-asking for Children with Autism.” Charlop, M.H., Le, L., Tomaino, M.E. (Manuscript in preparation)preparation)

Personal

Dr. Tomaino spends her free time playing with and caring for her two children. She loves to cook and volunteer at the preschool when she is not at Port View Prep. When she needs to decompress you can find her running or at pilates.

Lisa Odendaal received her Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Studies from Cal State University Fullerton. Lisa began working with students with disabilities as an instructional aide for mainstreamed students for Anaheim Union High School District in their Resource Specialist Program (RSP) and has been in the non-public school setting taking on various roles since 2010. Lisa began her career in the non-public school setting as a behavior interventionist in the classroom setting. This is where she gained a true passion for working with students with disabilities. Lisa’s background in bookkeeping is what brought her into an administrative role in the non-public school setting. Lisa has been serving as a liaison between the school districts and the non-public school, as well as an administrative assistant since 2011. She enjoys being a valuable resource and support to our students and their families, staff and the school districts that we serve.

F: 714-485-3048
Jennifer Goldman received her Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Resources Development from the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and her Bachelor’s in English Literature from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. Jennifer brings over 20 years of human resources expertise from a variety of corporate industries, including retail, financial services, and medical devices, to PVP. Her competencies include employee relations, leadership development, and talent management. A self-proclaimed science fiction and fantasy fiction nerd, Jennifer enjoys reading and movie-watching, as well as spending time with friends and family.

Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology with an emphasis in Educational Psychology from Azusa Pacific University. She went on to obtain a Master of Science Degree in Special Education and a multiple-subject teaching credential specializing in moderate to severe disabilities. She is currently working towards her Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on Special Education at Northcentral University, with an expected completion date of 2023. Melissa’s professional and educational journey sparked an interest in building collaborative relationships between parents, students, and educators, to encourage student success. Port View Preparatory® further encouraged this through their positive mindset and the collaborative relationships they develop with students and parents.

Prior to joining Port View, Melissa worked in public-school settings with diverse populations of both general and special education students. Her desire to help students showcase their strengths and the spark that exists in all individuals led her to Port View. Seeking a school that focused on collaboration and what students can do rather than what they can’t, Melissa found her home at Port View. Coming in each day and making meaningful connections with Port View students brings Melissa a tremendous amount of joy. Witnessing individual growth and the development of peer relationships continuously inspires her. When Melissa is not at Port View, she enjoys traveling with her family, reading, and having movie nights at home.

About

Sarah Ann Kagawa-Purohit is an Assistant Principal of Behavior-Analytic Programs who has been working in the field for 7 years. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.  During her undergraduate career, she worked as an after-school program director.  Upon graduating, she began working as a behavior interventionist for various profit and non-profit agencies that provided services for children in both the home and school settings. 

Sarah continued her academic development by concurrently obtaining her Masters of Science-Counseling with an option in Applied Behavior Analysis at California State University Los Angeles, after which she passed the BCBA certification exam and was promoted to a supervisory role. She possesses an innate passion for her work with children that stems from her childhood relationships.  Sarah is especially interested in the topic of interpersonal communication and social skills, due to its tremendous impact on an individual’s ability to integrate with society and maintain quality of life. She enjoys spending her time exploring new hiking trails and different types of restaurants with her husband. 

 CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

09/29/2015 and 05/30/2016: Overview of the Functional Behavior Assessment Process and the Translated Indirect Functional Assessment Interview – Japanese for ABAI’s Eighth International Conference in Kyoto, Japan/ ABAI’s 42nd Annual Convention in Chicago, Illinois

Maria Swanson holds a dual credential in both Multiple Subjects and Mild/Moderate education. She attended Capital University in her hometown state of Ohio. In addition, Maria recently received her Autism Authorization from Alliant University. Maria will be starting her Master’s program in the winter, in order to further her education in the field of special education. Maria has worked in the field of education for the past 7 years and has experience working with a variety of students of various backgrounds. She has been a part of the Port View Preparatory® team for several years. Maria says the best part about working at Port View Prep is the amazing students and facility. She loves seeing the kids grow both intellectually and socially every day. Maria is passionate about creating opportunities for the students to learn in a fun and welcoming setting. Maria feels she is lucky to work in such a supportive and caring environment.  Maria enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new hiking trails and being outside.

Bio coming soon

Caitlin (“Caity”) McGinley joined the behavior team at Port View Preparatory® in 2016. She has been working in the field of special education since 2007 with individuals in a variety of school, community and home settings and became a Board Certified Assistant BBehavior Analyst (BCaBA) in 2014. She received her Masters in Education from Arizona State University in 2018 and continued on to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2019. Caity enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 sons, watching movies, and trying new restaurants.

bio coming soon

Lori Spear OTR/L has been with Port View Preparatory® since its establishment and has 30 years of experience working with children from infancy through young adults. She has extensive experience and advanced studies in the treatment of sensory processing disorders, feeding deficits, fine motor deficits and other developmental delays. Ms. Spear also has a substantial background and special interest in meaningful transition from school to community living. Ms. Spear has worked in various school districts, county programs and specialized non-public schools. She believes strongly in providing parents with techniques and support to carry over at home for a student’s optimal progress.

Rachel began her career at Port View Preparatory® as an Occupational Therapy Assistant and shortly after decided to continue her academic development to earn her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Belmont University. She is now serving Port View as an Occupational Therapist Registered/Licensed (OTR/L) and has been working in the field since 2015. Rachel loves being able to address physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and sensory components in a fun, engaging way. She believes in reducing barriers for all students in order for them to reach their maximum potential inside and outside of the classroom. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors and traveling.

Jill holds a Master’s Degree as a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the International Dyslexia Association. She has been practicing for over 25 years in Orange County and joined the PVP team in 2017. She specializes and is passionate about providing students with complex communication needs and the ability to freely and effectively communicate and engage within their community. As a specialist in Assistive Technology, Jill strives to equip our PVP students with tools necessary to reach their true potential. Additionally, she is a certified provider of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) program, a social skills program developed out of UCLA Semel Institute. In her free time, Jill enjoys hanging out with her family and friends listening to music, eating good food or planning for the next adventure.

Chad Lolmaugh has over 10 years of experience working with students with disabilities ranging from mild to severe disabilities. Eight of those years were working in a non-public school setting and 2 of those years were working in a group home setting where Chad has been able to work with a variety of students as well as with other professionals in the field. Chad has received his Registered Behavior Technician Credential as well as training related to the reduction of severe challenging behavior without restraint. At Port View Preparatory®, Chad oversees the safety of students on transportation as well as on site. For Chad, the best part of working with our students is seeing the positive changes in a student’s behavior and life with the help of individualized programs to meet the student’s needs.

Bio Coming Soon

Rachael is a Licensed Vocational Nurse who graduated from American Career College and went on to sit for the board of nursing where she passed the NCLEX PN and got her license through the state of California. Rachael has always had a heart to work with children. When she learned about Port View Prep she was extremely excited to join the team and expand her experience in working with children with learning and health differences. Outside of work Rachael loves spending time with her husband and two kids as well as the rest of her family. She also loves to volunteer at church where her husband is a Pastor.