Mrs. Wagner holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento, and a Master of Arts in Teaching and Applied Behavior Analysis from National University. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), she works diligently to promote Applied Behavior Analysis and ensure that those working with her organization are qualified professionals. Mrs. Wagner has been working with individuals with a variety of developmental disabilities for more than 28 years. She has provided behavior intervention services in public school settings, family homes, center-based programs, and non-public schools for consumers ages 18 months to 45 years. She has worked most extensively with individuals with autism, providing in home programs, center based programs and a non- public preschool. In 2000, Mrs. Wagner established Advance Kids with the intention of changing the course of the future for young children with autism without forgetting the needs of adolescents and adults who still need support and intervention.

Mrs. Wagner was featured in The Business Journal and was also awarded “Business Woman of the Year” by the National Association of Women Business Owners in 2008.

Mrs. Wagner founded Opportunity Acres in 2013 in response to a clear need for better services for adolescents and adults diagnosed with Autism. After spending so many years in the field and watching some of her very first clients enter adulthood only to find there were no specialized supports, she decided to stretch and grow as a professional and begin and Adult Day Program (ADP) and Non-Public School for middle school and high school students. The vision for this project was to give these individuals a very special environment and Opportunity Acres is just that. This 56 acre ranch is buzzing with visitors, horses, sheep, goats and a donkey and a motivated clinical team working to change lives every day.

Mrs. Wagner is the proud parent of five adult children; Jake, Clayton, Dylan, Gavin, and Morgan.

Sarah received her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco in 2006 and a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2009. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (since 2009) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (since 2015).

She began working with children on the autism spectrum in 1998 and within the field of ABA in 2005. Sarah has worked in a variety of settings, including a local high school where she worked as part of an interdisciplinary team, providing individual, family, and group counseling for teenagers. She joined Advance Kids in 2005, starting as a school aide and in-home paraprofessional. Sarah has worked in all departments and held varying clinical positions within Advance Kids.

Currently, she holds the position of Senior Clinical Director and Director of Kala. As Senior Clinical Director, she works closely with the CEO and department Directors aiding in overall quality control. She spearheaded the development of Kala, our crisis intervention program, and has been managing this one-of-a-kind service for individuals with severe challenges since its inception.

She has a strong sense of dedication to her patients, students, and staff, with the goal of motivating each and every individual to their highest potential.

I am married with 3 grown children. Born and raised in Alaska, however love living in the sunshine and warmth of California! I like to garden, be outdoors, sew, paint and be with family and friends. I am excited to be working at Advance Kids.

Alessandra was born and raised in Verona Italy. She graduated from “Ca’Foscari” University of Venice with a bachelor’s degree in “Tourism Economic and Management” in 2004. She moved to the United States right after graduation. In 2005 she joined Advance Kids as the executive assistant to the CEO. After 3 years Alessandra moved back to Italy where she worked as an administrative assistant for an international winery. She returned to the US with her family in 2013 and rejoined Advance Kids as the company Insurance Specialist.

Nancy started with Advance Kids ready to take on a challenge. While working in our Natomas Center Based location for 7-years as a paraprofessional and lead paraprofessional, she developed a love and passion for what we do for our clients and their families. In 2020, she began her new journey as the Assistant Scheduler and in the summer of 2023, she was promoted to the Scheduler for Advance Kids. In the scheduling department she is able to work with families and colleagues to continue to bring the best therapy and services to our clients.

Aimee has had the desire to work with children for as long as she can remember. She has over 19 years experience working with children of all ages. She began her career here at Advance Kids in 2007 as a Paraprofessional in the Bradshaw Center Based program. In 2008 Aimee was promoted to a Lead Paraprofessional and then in 2012 Aimee took on the role as the Sacramento Field Trainer. As the Field Trainer, Aimee works with new Paraprofessionals to help them assist their clients in reaching their full potential.

Scott’s career has mostly involved developing large-scale financial software, straddling the worlds of both technology and finance. Following his undergraduate degree in psychology and economics, he was a nuclear operator and officer with the US Navy. He held a variety of trading and financial engineering positions at Bank of America, culminating in a few years as Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Bank of America’s U.S. Division. He has since worked for a variety of medical and financial firms as an outside consultant in finance, software development, and general management, and has been the part-time CFO for Ecohaul, a demolition and hauling company, for over a decade. Recently he founded and acted as Executive Director of SAVS, a nonprofit in Sonoma County specializing in low-cost homelessness solutions.
Scott was a certified project manager (PMP) for many years. He holds an MBA with an emphasis in quantitative finance from UC Berkeley. In his spare time, he enjoys writing, music, his kids and grandkids, and physical fitness.

Brenda joined the Advance Kids team in March 2018 as a registered behavior technician in our crisis program, Kala No Limits. She has implemented programs throughout each of Advance Kids departments and transitioned into the role of Assistant to the Directors of Kala and In-Home services in June 2021. She graduated from the University of La Verne in 2014 with her BA in psychology before gaining her RBT certificate in 2017. Brenda is highly driven by the successes of the individuals we serve and is excited for the impact she will have through her role as an assistant to Kala and In-home.

Jorge joined Advance Kids in 2009. He graduated from San Jose State University in 2008 with a B.A. in Design Studies (emphasis in Graphic Design) with a minor in Photography. After managing the front desk at our Bradshaw Center Based Program, Jorge was promoted to Executive Assistant to the CEO in 2010. His attention to detail and his strong desire for organization has made him a perfect teammate for our CEO.

In his position, Jorge has also been able to use his background in art and his creative talents to produce flyers, brochures, business cards and to revitalize the business website. Jorge continues to learn on the job and his determination allows him to thrive in a position that requires versatility.