Meet Our Team
Next Level Connections' mission is to empower individuals to appreciate the uniqueness of their personalities and discover new ways to develop meaningful connections. Through skill-building therapy sessions, educational training, and social skills programming, individuals learn how to build, establish, and maintain successful positive relationships for a more fulfilling life.
Julie Richards, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Julie Richards is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and oversees the operations of the ABA Clinic to include implementing and overseeing the day-to-day operations, processes and strategies towards the overall mission and vision of NLC. In addition to providing direct services to clients and families, she meets regularly with the ABA Co-Director and Supervisors to ensure all programs meet the standards for quality ABA. Julie obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Michigan State University and a Master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in autism and applied behavior analysis (ABA) from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Julie has worked as an elementary and secondary classroom teacher in both general education and special education in Michigan and Nevada. She also served as an Autism Itinerant Specialist for the Clark County School District to provide student specific interventions and comprehensive training to staff with a focus on the successful utilization of evidence-based practices for autistic students. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Licensed Behavior Analyst in Nevada and Texas.
Karen Machay, MS, MEd, BCBA, LBA
Karen Machay is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with several years of ABA experience working with autistic children and adults. Karen conducts individual and group sessions with the client(s), client-specific supervisions with the RBT(s), and family sessions. In addition to providing direct services, she also provides direction, mentoring, and ongoing training for Supervising Therapists. As co-owner, Karen is responsible for implementing and overseeing the day-to-day operations, processes and strategies towards the overall mission and vision of NLC. Karen received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in Special Education. She began her work in the field of special education in 1997 by working as an early childhood special education teacher with students with developmental disabilities for the Clark County School District. In 2009, Karen completed her Master's degree in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Differentiated Instruction. In 2017, Karen obtained her second Master's degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis through the University of Nevada, Reno. Karen's expertise ranges from working with elementary to post graduate school students with various disabilities. Karen is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst whose passion lies with providing the skills needed for individuals to become active members in society to include competitive employment opportunities.
Director of ABA Clinic and
Programming
she/her
karen@nextlevelconnections.org
Jacklyn Murphy, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Jacklyn aka “Jack” is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with extensive knowledge and experience in ABA. They conduct individual sessions with the client, client-specific supervisions with the RBT(s), and family sessions. They are also actively involved in adult group and vocational group services. They are also responsible for actively pursuing advancements in ABA specific to Social-Sexuality. In addition to active research, they lead advanced staff trainings and conduct individual sessions, group sessions, and provide individual and group family services to assist the navigation and education of Social-Sexuality in ABA. Jack has been working in the field of applied behavior analysis for the last 13 years as an advocate, teacher, and behavior analyst. Their work has brought them all across the valley—providing support and training within the school district, teaching skateboard and bike lessons, volunteering at summer camps, and building systems to help support social and vocational skills for adolescents and young adults—as well as across the globe. In 2019, they joined the Global Autism Project and volunteered in India to participate in the global dissemination of ABA. After spending four years abroad in Guam participating in opening the territory’s first ABA clinic, they are excited to be back home and give back to their community while working on their doctorate in human sexuality in an effort to improve the quality of life for disabled individuals. When they are not working or at school, they are looking for outdoor activities to do with their four rescue dogs.
Clinical Director of Operations
she/her
julie@nextlevelconnections.org
Adult Education Transition Coordinator /
Social-Sexuality Specialist
they/she
jack@nextlevelconnections.org
Luke Dumaran, M.Ed., BCBA
Luke is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who provides both direct and group ABA services. He is also responsible for the development and implementation of family education specific to ABA and community resources. Luke received his Bachelor of Education degree in 2012 from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, where he was dual certified in Elementary and K-12 Special Education. In 2017, Luke completed his Master's degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis through the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Luke has worked as an elementary special education teacher in Hawaii and Nevada. He also served as an Autism Itinerant Specialist and Behavior Interventionist for the Clark County School District (CCSD) providing student specific interventions and comprehensive training to staff with a focus on the successful utilization of evidence-based practices for students with autism and other disabilities. Luke was also a non-violent crisis intervention instructor for CCSD. Luke is currently a developmental specialist with the State of Nevada Aging and Disabilities Services Department and has experience serving individuals with disabilities with the Desert Regional Center. He seeks opportunities to support families with information and resource connections that meet the needs of their child. As a Judo black belt and lifelong practitioner, Luke loves to share his passion for martial arts with others. When not working, he is spending his time in the garden or in the kitchen.
Family Services & Community
Resources Specialist
he/his
luke@nextlevelconnections.org
Natalia Borquez, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Natalia is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who provides direct services to clients and families. As a bilingual BCBA she is able to facilitate translation, ensuring a deeper understanding of ABA for Spanish speaking families. She is also responsible for client-specific supervisions with the RBT(s) and the development of NLC Client Special Events. Natalia earned her Bachelors of Science from California State University in Child and Adolescent Development in 2009. In 2015 she earned her Masters in Education from the University of Phoenix and began teaching in a Primary Autism classroom at CCSD. It was in that first classroom where she found her passion for working with autistic individuals. She has also worked as a KIDS program teacher. She enjoys working with all ages emphasizing the importance of social skills and community-based experiences. When she is not at Next Level Connections she is spending time with her husband, four children, and two dogs.
NLC Client Event Senior Coordinator
she/her
natalia@nextlevelconnections.org
Angela Paskowski, BCBA, LBA
Angie is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with several years of ABA experience working with children and adults with autism. In addition to providing direct and group services to clients and families, she is also responsible for client-specific supervisions with the RBT(s) and BCBA Mentees. Among her various roles, Angie is the Senior Coordinator for NLC Staff Development. Her primary responsibility is ensuring all agency staff are well prepared to provide the highest quality services for all NLC clients and families. Angie acquired her Bachelor’s degree as an Intervention Specialist from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. She began her career in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina teaching a multi-categorical special needs classroom that included students with autism, learning disabilities, and behavioral and emotional disabilities. Angie moved to Las Vegas in 2007 and worked for Clark County School District, first as a resource teacher, then as a Special Education Facilitator, and finally as an Autism Itinerant Specialist. During this time, she earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Northcentral University. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Licensed Behavior Analyst in Nevada with extensive experience providing in-home and clinical based Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy Services (ABA). Angie hopes to bring meaningful behavior changes to clients that are functional and important to increase the quality of life by collaborating with parents and other professionals. In addition, she’s interested in staff training on ABA applications in order to ensure client success and generalization of skills across multiple settings. In her spare time, Angie is a book nerd who enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and two pugs.
Staff Development Senior
Coordinator
she/her
angie@nextlevelconnections.org
Jourden Brown, BSc, MA, RBT
Jourden is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) who provides both direct and group ABA services. She is actively involved with the adult group, social skills group, stress management group, and ACT group. Jourden Brown completed her Bachelor of Science from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2019 and her MA in ABA at Ball State University in May 2023. Jourden began working with the autistic population in 2020 as an RBT and is currently a BCBA candidate. After working with the younger population for a couple of years, Jourden shifted focus towards assisting an older clientele through NLC. She is incredibly passionate about mental health and working on stress management and personal development. Learning and delivering ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Training) and DNA_V models has been Jourden’s main focus of service for clients. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out, sports, hiking, traveling, roller skating, and reading. She is very excited to continue her professional development in ABA through NLC!
NLC Rethink and Client Event Assistant Coordinator
she/her
jourden@nextlevelconnections.org
Pamela Maranan Parker M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Pam is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who has several years of experience in the ABA field. She started her behavior journey at Nevada Early Intervention Services, then obtained her master's degree in special education with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis. Since then, she has had three years of clinical supervision, running social groups, creating over 100 programs, and working with clients one-on-one at the Behavioral Learning Solutions clinic. Pam specializes in working with clients ages 0-11 and loves working on social-emotional literacy. In her spare time, Pam works on her art, some of which she uses as teaching materials for her clients. She also enjoys being creative through hoop dancing and karaoke. Additionally, Pam loves her three fur babies and tries to spoil them as much as she can. Pam and her partner have a lifelong dream of starting a rescue for geriatric dogs one day.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
she/her
pamela@nextlevelconnections.org
Delaney Mendoza, M.Ed., RBT
Delaney is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) who provides both direct and group ABA services. She is actively involved with the NLC Social Club and social skills groups for elementary, middle school, and high school clients. Additionally, Delaney organizes and assists with client assessment and interventions. Delaney obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Chapman University located in Orange, California, and a master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) from Brandman University located in Irvine, California. Delaney has over 10 years of experience working with children through adults with autism and other developmental disabilities in a variety of settings including schools, in -home, and in-clinic. Delaney found her passion for working with individuals to develop those higher level social and life skills. Delaney is currently in the process of pursuing to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. Delaney recently moved to North Las Vegas Nevada to be closer to family. Delaney has two dogs, a cat and enjoys spending time with her husband and son on the weekends attending family functions and other events.
Supporting Assessment
Interventionist
delaney@nextlevelconnections.org
Alexander “Alex” Lindamood, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Alex is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) since 2014. Alex began working with children ages 3-7 providing direct care as a registered behavior technician (RBT) before becoming a behavior analyst. After working with young children for many years Alex shifted focus to working with older clientele where he discovered his true passion. His interest lies in teaching stress reduction techniques through mindfulness training via Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) and the DNA-V model. When a child, adolescent or adult applies these teachings in their lives there is room for profound change, personal development and self-upliftment. Alex brings experience as a Social Skills Director conducting individual and group therapy for elementary, middle and high school aged children. Groups conducted by Alex often focus on the teaching of social-emotional skills rooted in metaphor and mindfulness. During these groups, members are asked to share about the successes and challenges of childhood and adolescence and are encouraged to provide support to one-another. Alex is committed to providing family guidance aimed at helping families integrate, maintain and generalize beneficial behavior changes in the home. Alex is an RYT-200 certified yoga instructor and has experience teaching various styles of yoga to the neurodivergent populace. Outside of work Alex is a devoted husband and father to two young girls. He has practiced vegetarianism for seven years and prioritizes spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing via meditation, exercise, yoga, hiking and frequent park visits with his family.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
he/him
alex@nextlevelconnections.org
Andrea “Andi” Hastings, BA, RBT
Andi Hastings is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) who comes from a diverse background in ABA, having provided behavior intervention services in a variety of different areas. Andi received a Bachelor's degree in Community Psychology from the University of Washington in 2015. She began her career in Seattle at a group home for CPS clients. After moving to Los Angeles, Andi received her RBT certification in 2017 while providing in-home therapy for clients on the autism spectrum. She then moved near Yosemite National Park where she worked as a Behavior Technician for the school district, providing support and training in ABA techniques to teachers and staff. Andi transitioned to a group home that served teens on probation and supported them with gaining tools needed for rehabilitation and community integrations. Finally, Andi moved to the Las Vegas area where she hopes to continue to support her community, hone her skills, and complete a masters program in special education with the goal of becoming a BCBA. When she's not moving locations, she likes to physically move and enjoys activities like hiking, weight lifting, and paddle boarding.
Registered Behavior Technician
she/her
andi@nextlevelconnections.org
Fiona Padilla, RBT
Fiona graduated from Ed W. Clark High School in 2023, making her the youngest team member of Next Level Connections. She has worked with clients as young as infants all the way up to adults. She has shown an interest in the ABA field all throughout high school and started working with autistic clients in 2020 as a peer mentor. She is actively involved with coordinating logistics and creative ideas for special client events. Additionally, Fiona assists with team building events for NLC staff and NLC clients. Fiona attends the College of Southern Nevada and is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). When she is not at school or work she is spending time with friends and family. She is very excited to be working and growing connections with the clients.
NLC Staff and Client Events
Assistant Coordinator
she/her
fiona@nextlevelconnections.org
Davelys Diago-Sanchez, RBT
Davelys is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) who has worked with diverse populations in various roles, showcasing a broad range of experiences. She has been a caretaker since 2017, focusing on children primarily aged 2-10, including those with special needs. Currently, she is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her educational background, combined with her practical experience, demonstrates strong preparation for working in the field and highlights her dedication to making a positive impact on various populations. In her free time, she loves spending time with friends and family, traveling, and working out.
Registered Behavior Technician
she/her
davelys@nextlevelconnections.org
Shardae Gill, A.A.
Shardae is on the path to becoming a RBT in the state of Nevada, while concurrently studying to attain her BCBA certification with a focus in psychology and neuroscience. Shardae began working with children as a teacher’s assistant after graduating high school, where she worked closely with high school students on their academics. She then began her ABA career in California, where she was a behavior interventionist, gaining experience and knowledge in the field while working in-home with clients. She then moved to Las Vegas and began working on her Bachelor’s degree in the psychology field at UNLV. Shardae has always had a passion for working with children and individuals and assisting them in their learning and development. When she’s not teaching and studying, Shardae enjoys playing with her dog Einstein, creating art, and dancing.
she/her
shardae@nextlevelconnections.org
Justin Harden
Justin is the voice most NLC families become familiar with during their introduction to NLC. He serves as the Intake Coordinator helping families get through the initial process of coming onboard for services. He started with NLC as a peer mentor and remains an active member of the team. Justin is currently studying Botany and Chemistry at Cal Poly Humboldt in Northern California. As a research assistant, he conducts fieldwork, collects and tests plant samples, and records observations. He has a passion for conservation of the environment and loves all things outdoors.
Intake Coordinator
he/him
info@nextlevelconnections.org