Mariposa Autism Service Center

We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Johnny Soria, our dedicated Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at Mariposa Autism Service Center! 🌟

Johnny was selected for the Built on Values Spotlight because he exemplifies each one of our core values. “Getting to hear non-verbal kids say their first words is motivation to keep going,” he said. You can read more about Johnny below.

Thanks for all you do for the children we serve, Johnny. We appreciate you! 😄

Please join us in welcoming Shelly Langley to the Mariposa Autism Service Center! 😀

Shelly is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA.) Specializing in functional communication training, Shelly uses her expertise to support individuals with autism in developing effective communication skills. You can read more about Shelly here: https://aitkids.com/news-events/welcome_shelly/.

Welcome to the team, Shelly! 💜

Please join us in congratulating Gabriela Hallowell on her recent promotion to Lead Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for the Mariposa Autism Service Center! 🥳 Gabby has been with the Aprendamos Family of Services organization for over 8 years and uses her expertise to provide ongoing support and training for bilingual families and Registered Behavior Technicians.

Trisha Braecklein, Director of Autism Services at MASC, said, "Gabby's advocacy and passion for the bilingual community have been crucial for our department’s success, and we know we will continue to thrive with her insight and leadership. Gabby’s dedication and hard work have always set her apart, and we are confident that she will excel in this new role. Congratulations, Gabby, on this well-deserved promotion!”

You can read more about Gabriela here: https://aitkids.com/news-events/congrats_gabriela/
Congratulations, Gabby! 🌟

As a reminder, the Aprendamos Family of Services offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Friday, July 5. Have a safe and happy holiday! 🎉🇺🇸😀

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Como recordatorio, las oficinas de Aprendamos Family of Services permanecerán cerradas el jueves 4 de julio para celebrar el Día de la Independencia. El horario regular de la oficina se reanudará el viernes, 5 de julio. ¡Que tengan unas felices y seguras vacaciones! 🎉🇺🇸😀

Please join us in welcoming Julie Moosman to the Mariposa Autism Service Center! 😀

Julie is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) in the state of Utah. Julie uses her expertise to support Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) in implementing fun and productive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy sessions, collaborating with families to ensure they are receiving ABA services that best fit their child’s needs, and advocating for children’s needs within school, home, and community settings. She has been providing ABA services for over 8 years.

You can read more about Julie here: https://aitkids.com/news-events/welcome_julie/. Welcome to the team, Julie! 💜

Please join us in congratulating Sarah Flores on her recent promotion to Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for the Mariposa Autism Service Center! 🥳 Specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis, Sarah uses her expertise to promote socially significant behavior change in the lives of the families that she serves.

Trisha Braecklein, Director of Autism Services at MASC, said, “Both Sarah’s commitment to excellence and her passion for improving lives have been evident throughout her tenure with us. Her promotion is not only a recognition of her outstanding work but also a promise of even greater contributions to come. We are beyond proud of Sarah for this significant achievement and are excited to see the positive impact she will continue to make in her new role.”

You can read more about Sarah here: https://aitkids.com/news-events/congrats_sarah/.

Congratulations, Sarah! 🌟

Please join us in congratulating Alexus Fernandez on her recent promotion to Lead Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) for the Mariposa Autism Service Center! 🥳 Specializing in Applied Behavior Therapy, Alexus uses her expertise to support clients served through the MASC program.

Trisha Braecklein, Director of Autism Services at MASC, said, "Alexus consistently brings exceptional energy and compassion to her work. In this new role, she will have the opportunity to demonstrate these qualities to all incoming behavior technicians. We are proud of Alexus for achieving this milestone and look forward to seeing her continued growth at MASC!”

You can read more about Alexus here: https://aitkids.com/news-events/congrats_alexus/ Congratulations, Alexus! 🌟

As a reminder, the Aprendamos Family of Services offices will be closed on Monday, May 27 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, May 28.

Have a safe holiday weekend!

Our partners at Casa de Peregrinos (Emergency Food Program) have launched a special initiative to support families with school-aged children in our community! 👧👦 From May 24 to August 9, Casa de Peregrinos will offer bi-weekly food baskets to keep children energized and healthy throughout the summer break.

Check out the post below for more information. Many thanks to the Casa de Peregrinos team for all you do for the children and families in our community! ❤️

🌟 Exciting Announcement! 🌟 Starting May 24th through August 9th, Casa de Peregrinos Children's Relief Program is launching a special initiative to support families with school-aged children in our community! 🎒🍎

👩‍👧‍👦 We understand the challenges families face, especially during the summer months. That's why we're thrilled to offer food baskets twice a month to help alleviate some of the burdens.

✨ Here's what you need to know:
📅 When: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, starting May 24th until August 9th
⏰ Time: 9am-11am | 1pm-3pm
📍 Where: Casa de Peregrinos 999 W. Amador Building 1

🥕 Our baskets are packed with nutritious essentials to keep your little ones energized and healthy throughout the summer break! From fresh produce to pantry staples, we've got you covered.

Spread the word and tag friends and family who could benefit from this program! Together, let's ensure no child goes hungry this summer. See you there! 🌞 🛒🥦

Attention parents! 📣

The deadline to register your children for Hearts for Autism Fund Camp New Amigos is this Friday, May 3. Children ages 6-13 are eligible and they will be accepting 35-40 participants for this year's camp. Please check out the post below for more information! 😀

🌟 Don't miss out on the adventure of a lifetime! Registration for Camp New Amigos is closing soon on May 3, 2024. Secure your child's spot for a spectacular week-long journey filled with fun, friendship, and unforgettable memories. From thrilling outdoor activities to creative arts and crafts, our camp offers something for every young explorer age 6-13. Don't wait any longer—register today and give your child the summer they'll never forget! 🏕️🎨🌳

We are also looking for volunteers! So Please register to help such a great event!
Click here!
https://forms.gle/eN45xGiaPnT1ybAZ7

Are you in the Hatch, Arrey, and Truth or Consequences area and looking to make an impact for children diagnosed with Autism? The Mariposa Autism Service Center and Aprendamos Family of Services is now hiring Registered Behavior Technicians, Speech-Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, and Physical Therapy Assistants! 🌟

Please join us on Friday, May 3 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Arrey Elementary School to visit with our team members to learn more. Don't forget to bring a copy of your resume and a photo ID. We look forward to seeing you soon! 😀

Are you ready to make a difference? The Mariposa Autism Service Center is currently hiring a Board Certified Behavior Analyst! 🌟 💜

Our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) are instrumental in helping our clients with autism thrive. The position can be remote or in-person, and the ideal candidate will have experience in trauma-informed care. Looking to learn more or apply? Email [email protected] for more information or to submit your resume!

Our team has been busy celebrating Autism Acceptance Month. Thanks to everyone who joined us at the NMSU Papen-Aprendamos Autism Diagnostic Center Celebrate the Spectrum event this weekend! 😀🌈 We love connecting with our community.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 6 for the NMSU Papen-Aprendamos Autism Diagnostic Center's Celebrate the Spectrum 2024 event! 😀🌈

The event will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at NMSU's Preciado Park located at 1220 Stewart St. The event will feature free lunch and t-shirts, carnival games, low-stimulation activities, sensory calming areas, and MORE. Check out the post below for more info!

Check out how our friends at the Las Cruces Police Department are celebrating World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Acceptance Month! 💙

The decal shown below can be a tool to help officers identify that you, a loved one, a child, or family member have autism.

The stickers are free to residents and available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can pick yours up at the Las Cruces Police Department located at 217 E. Picacho Ave. in Las Cruces from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Please check out the post below for more information.

LCPD Supports Autism Awareness Month

The Las Cruces Police Department is celebrating World Autism Awareness Day by providing free window decals to anyone with autism spectrum disorder, or parents and caretakers of children with autism.

Tuesday, April 2, is World Autism Awareness Day and April is World Autism Month.

The decals, affixed prominently to a window, help alert police that an occupant within a motor vehicle or residence has autism spectrum disorder. Knowing an occupant has autism helps eliminate misunderstandings that police may have while performing a traffic stop or communicating with inhabitants of a home.

LCPD’s “Supporting Autism Awareness” puzzle-piece window decals are brightly colored and in the shape of the departmental patch that’s worn by all uniformed personnel. The decals are available for free to anyone with autism spectrum disorder or those who care for somebody with autism.

Persons with autism spectrum disorder, or those who care for someone with autism, can pick up a free decal at the Las Cruces Police Department, 217 E. Picacho Ave., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Decals are in short supply and are available on a first-come first-served basis.

Over the last several years, police departments across the country have increased training for officers on how best to interact with individuals with autism. Specialized training teaches officers to recognize the signs of autism and how to interact accordingly.

Please join us in congratulating Jessica Vanderpoorten on her recent promotion to Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for the Mariposa Autism Service Center! 🥳 Specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis, Jessica will utilize her expertise to craft tailored treatment plans and behavioral interventions for clients. She also provides training for parents and staff, fostering collaboration with her colleagues along the way.

When we asked Jessica what this promotion means for her, she said, "I have family members close to me that were diagnosed with autism, and I hope to help families like mine grow and thrive. I hope to grow professionally and help to provide other RBTs within this field with the support to grow and pursue any goals they may have of advancing in this field, as well.” You can read more about Jessica here: https://aitkids.com/news-events/congrats_jessica/.

Congratulations, Jessica! 🌟

The month of April kicks off Autism Acceptance Month and this year's theme is "Celebrate Differences." 🌈 💜

Mariposa Autism Service Center is honored to celebrate the unique perspectives of people with autism. Together, we can create a more inclusive world. 🤗🌎 To learn more, visit the CDC’s website for the latest autism data and resources for early identification and support services: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html.

Today, March 20, is World Behavior Analysis Day! 🌏🧠

World Behavior Analysis Day serves as a reminder of the invaluable contributions made by behavior analysts in our communities. On this day, we celebrate the tireless efforts of behavior analysts worldwide who work to improve the lives of individuals across diverse settings, including schools, hospitals, and businesses.

As we celebrate World Behavior Analysis Day, let us recognize and appreciate the dedication, passion, and expertise of behavior analysts worldwide, and the team at Mariposa Autism Service Center who transform the lives of children and families we serve through their work.

Happy World Behavior Analysis Day! 🌟🥳

Please join us in congratulating Kevin Tillinghast on his recent promotion to Lead Apprentice for the Mariposa Autism Service Center! 🥳 Specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and Registered Behavior Technician new hire training, Kevin will use his expertise to oversee MASC clinic operations and assist with community outreach events.

When we asked Kevin what this promotion means for him, he said “I’m excited to be involved in our wonderful community and being able to make a difference! I’ve always taken pride in helping people, which will always motivate me to do my best in my career. Being a part of Aprendamos has helped me grow so much with all the support from my colleagues and the opportunities that have been given to me. I’m looking forward to contributing to all the amazing things Aprendamos has done for New Mexico and surrounding areas!” You can read more here: https://aitkids.com/news-events/congratskevin/.

Congratulations, Kevin! 🌟

The NMSU Papen-Aprendamos Autism Diagnostic Center is calling all artists on the spectrum to participate in Artism, a celebration of neurodivergent artists! 😀🎨

Check out the post below for more information.

Join us for a night of creating art!

Please join us in congratulating Kari Hoskins on her recent promotion to Quality Assurance Coordinator for Mariposa Autism Service Center! 🥳 🦋

Kari is Level 5 credentialed in Skills Based Treatment, Level 2 in PEAK, and has over 30 hours of Acceptance and Commitment Training CEUs. She uses her expertise in these areas to achieve the best quality care for her clients and will be sharing her knowledge with other clinical supervisors in her new role.

When we asked Kari what this promotion means for her, she said, "I am so excited and very honored to be supporting MASC to ensure our clients are receiving the best quality care. We have the best supervisors and I look forward to working with each of them. One of MASC's best qualities is our collaboration; this role will be the epitome of that." You can read more about Kari here: https://aitkids.com/news-events/congratskari/.

Congratulations, Kari! 🌟

Please join us in celebrating Mariposa Autism Service Center's Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), Marlene Rivera, on all she does to go above and beyond to uphold our core values! 🥳 You can read more about Marlene below.

Thank you, Marlene, for all you do for our MASC families! 🦋💜 We appreciate YOU!

Check out this incredible "Neurodivergent STEAM" program offered by Las Cruces Museums! 🙌

On February 13, 2024, from 5:30-6:30 p.m., the museum will be offering a "Neurodivergent STEAM" program featuring Animal Dioramas at the Museum of Nature and Science. All children with IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities) are invited to participate in this fun and exciting program! 😀 The program is free and recommended for families with children ages 6-10.

Check out the post below for more information!

Inviting all children with IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities) for a fun and exciting "Neurodivergent STEAM" program at the Museum of Nature and Science!
Join us on February 13, 2024, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, for a program featuring Animal Dioramas.

The program takes place every second Tuesday of each month. We will explore exciting Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) topics geared toward children with IDD. Nourish your child’s curiosity through sensory hands-on activities, that differ each month, designed to increase your child’s involvement in the sciences.

No registration necessary. This program is free and recommended for families with children ages 6-10. Adult caregiver participation is required.

For more information, contact Andrew Colwell, Education Curator (Museum of Nature & Science), at [email protected] or 575-532-3372.

Please join us in congratulating Mariposa Autism Service Center’s Raven Mendoza on her promotion from Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) to Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)! 🥳 Raven recently passed her BCBA exam, and the Aprendamos Family of Services leadership team is thrilled to see her continue her professional journey at MASC.

When we asked Raven what this promotion means for her and the clients she has the honor of serving, she shared the following: “I began my journey as a Registered Behavior Technician in 2018, initially aiming to gain experience for pursuing a Speech-Language Pathologist certification. However, I soon fell in love with the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and decided to change my path. I went on to earn my MS in Psychology with an emphasis on ABA. After many hours of dedicated learning, I passed my exam and became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. Every day, as a neurodivergent professional, I use my passion and skills to help children and families succeed in a world that often seems limiting. As a behavior analyst, I am committed to helping them reach their goals and make positive changes in their lives."

You can read more about Raven here: https://aitkids.com/news-events/congratsraven/.

Congratulations, Raven! 🌟

The Mariposa Autism Service Center team would like to wish our children, families, and community a safe and happy holiday! 😀

As a reminder, our office will be closed December 25 & 26 for the holiday.

Please join us in welcoming Trisha Braecklein, BCBA, as the new Mariposa Autism Services Center (MASC) Director for Autism Services! 🙌 As the MASC Director of Autism Services, Trisha will provide visionary leadership to a multidisciplinary team to include RBT’s, BCBA’s and administrative staff. She will also monitor clinical quality, develop and modify department policies, oversee BCBA apprenticeship contracts and supervision hours, lead outreach and community engagement activities, and act as a liaison with government agencies, advocating for policies and resources that support individuals with autism and their families.

When we asked Trisha what she is most looking forward to in her new role, she shared, “I am excited about continuing to support the exceptional team at MASC." Ready more at https://aitkids.com/news-events/welcome_trisha/

Welcome to MASC, Trisha! 😀

The Aprendamos Family of Services leadership team would like to share our sincere appreciation for our Mariposa Autism Service Center (MASC) Director of Autism Services, Katrina Hille, BCBA, for her years of service. Katrina began her career with Aprendamos in June of 2010 as the Director of MASC where she led the organization for three years. Katrina returned in May of 2017 as the first remote Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Clinical Supervisor to begin telehealth services for MASC and was appointed Director of Autism Services in October 2020.

Katrina and her family will be relocating to Europe in the summer of 2024. Until then, Katrina plans to still be actively involved at MASC until she and her family move. “I am happy to be returning to a more hands-on role with the clients. The Director role is important, but I am looking forward to PLAYING with the kids and RBTs for the next few months until we move to Europe,” she said.

Visit https://aitkids.com/news-events/thank_you_katrina-2/ to read more!

"Holidays can be challenging for children with autism. Time away from school, disruptions in schedule, celebrations, and time spent with many people can be overwhelming," said a member of the Autism Speaks Autism Response Team.

Check out these tips from Autism Speaks to help your loved ones adjust to the change in routine, enjoy the decorations, make the most of holiday gatherings, and prepare for the present time. 🎁🎄

Home for the holidays: Ways to make sure your autistic child enjoys their break | Autism Speaks Autism Response Team member Martha C. shares tips she uses to help her autistic son adjust to the change in schedule during his break from school.

This weekend we were honored to host First Responders Day, an event that brought people with Autism together with first responders! 😀 It was an incredible celebration of inclusivity and understanding and a heartwarming occasion where barriers were broken down and individuals on the Autism Spectrum had the opportunity to engage with local police officers and paramedics. 👮‍♀️ First Responders Day demonstrated the power of community and the importance of bridging divides, ultimately forging a stronger, more compassionate society where everyone feels valued and safe. Many thanks to everyone who participated! 💙