Founders & Team Members

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 Dr. Saba Torabian is the founder and CEO of ICAN. Her passion and inspiration to help children and families affected by autism came after both of her sons, Cameron and Ryan Bassiri, were diagnosed with autism. Living with autism with her two children over the years made her learn and understand what an autism family really needs. Over the years, Saba sought out almost all possible treatments for her kids to notice the lack of effective treatments and services not only for the children who are affected by autism but also for their families. She kept daily journals of her daily observations she experienced not only as a mother of two boys with autism but also as an autism researcher and professional. These observations turned into ideas and these ideas later on turned into a center she called Intervention Center for Autism Needs LLC (ICAN).Saba received her PhD in Child and Human Development at the University of California Davis where she worked with children between the ages of 8-16 who were affected by autism and ADHD. She received her first Master’s degree from San Francisco State University in Social Psychology and her second Master’s degree from UC Davis in Child Development. She is currently a psychology faculty at San Jose State University where she has formed her own autism research lab focusing on epidemiology and etiology of autism. 

 My name is Eduardo Ibarra. My passion for working with kids began at an early age. Always volunteering with youth and helping be part of their lives and providing positive change. I wasn’t introduced to the field of autism until college. I embarked on a journey as a behavioral therapist and I enjoyed every single moment of it. After graduating from San Jose State University, I began working full time in the field of ABA therapy. I provided 1:1 support at homes, community, and schools. Through my previous company I was given the opportunity to grow within the field and became a mid-level supervisor and eventually began my Master’s Degree program. I earned my Masters from National University in 2019 and became a BCBA soon after. Now nearly 7 years in the field, it has become more than just a career, it is a lifestyle. Everyday enjoying new adventures with the little ones and helping them grow and advance. My goal is to begin my PhD program and eventually start my own company in Mexico to continue to spread awareness and help provide support to areas of higher need. 

Hello, my name is Badreddine (Dro) Smati. I graduated from SJSU with a BA in Behavioral Science. I recently passed my BCBA exam and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. I have worked with ICAN and have been on this incredible journey since the conception of the company back in 2018 as one of its first hires. I started as a behavioral interventionist and worked my way up to a registered behavioral technician. My personal mission aligns with that of the company to help and work closely with children and families with ASD providing client centered applied behavioral therapy. This includes working with the families and children to incorporate an individualized treatment plan that is aimed to effectively reduce challenging behaviors.  This will be accomplished by teaching replacement skills and socially significant behaviors that will have a meaningful and long-lasting change that enhances the independence and/or quality of life for the individual and families.  

Hello! My name is Mackenzie Peterson, and I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Prior to my time in the ABA field, I worked as a swim instructor for 5 years and taught infants through adults. This is where I was first introduced to working with the special needs population. After completing my bachelor's degree in 2019 at Portland State University, I moved back home to San Jose and began working in the ABA field as a behavior therapist and eventually a mid-level supervisor. I completed my Master of Arts in Special Education in 2022 at Arizona State University and became certified in January 2023. I believe in a person-centered approach to ABA that follows the child's lead and motivation to increase their success. It is my pleasure to work with my clients, their families, and the ICAN team to empower our clients and help make meaningful changes to better their lives.

 My name is Luz Frias, I have received my Associate degrees in Psychology and Child and Adolescent Development from Evergreen College. I am currently attending San Jose State University to further my knowledge in Child and Adolescence Development. I am a mid-level supervisor and have been part of ICAN since June 2020. During my journey at ICAN I have been very fortunate to observe the progress that children have been framing with specific behaviors such as social skills, communication, and adaptive learning skills. ICAN has become like my second home and I will continue to dedicate my time to the children and their families to make sure they receive all the support they need.

 Hello all! My name is Alec! Here are some things about myself so you know what you're getting into if I'm your child's supervisor. 

I graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in molecular and cellular developmental biology. This might sound like an odd educational background for an ABA supervisor, but I want to be a psychiatrist in the future.

I have been with ICAN almost since its inception. I bring a lot of energy and a good deal of experience to my sessions. My major philosophy for treatment is that therapy should be fun and that it is important to not only address a child's areas of improvement, but also recognize and cultivate a child's pre-existing strengths. 

Since Dr. Torabian gave me the opportunity to work for ICAN in 2020, my major goal in life became to help as many children/teenagers and families as I CAN. My therapy style is completely individualized, focused in building/improving social skills, and 100% Play based. "Before I earn the right to start my session and do work, I make sure the kiddo is Happy, relaxed, and engaged".

I am currently concluding my B.A in Psychology at SJSU, and in 2023 I will start my Masters in ABA in order to become a BCBA. I began working as a BT in 2020, and after 10 months I passed my board exam and became an RBT (Registered Behavior Therapist). In the end of 2021 I was nominated the "Motivator Therapist of the Year" award given by providing excellent services not only to my clients but to all Therapists, children and families. Improving the work environment. In May 2022 I was promoted to be a program supervisor.

Hello everybody! My name is David Heredia and im a former Spartan with a degree in psychology. I’m a former soccer player who started playing at UCR and finished with SJSU. I’ve been with ICAN since 2019 and the journey has been nothing but a growing experience that makes me the therapist that I am today. Every case and child that I’ve worked with and will plan to work with are all unique and need to be constructed in their own unique way to create the best possible learning environment with fun experiences. Seeing kids work on their social skills, develop ways to communicate, and learn a skill that they never had before is what makes me want to continue in this field. I plan on going for my BCBA to help the field of ABA and ICAN  progress and continue to change life of those on the autism spectrum.

My name is Jasmin Cabello and I am a recent graduate from San Jose State University. I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Applied BehaviorAnalysis at National University. I was first introduced to the world of Autism when I turned 12. My two-year-old brother was

diagnosed with ASD due to verbal delays and my family was left with few resources to help. Since this day I have sought to help my family acquire the right resources, strategies, and services to help my brother succeed in all areas of life. As an undergraduate, I was given the opportunity to work for Dr. Torabian and use my own experiences to help out families like my

own. I became a mid-level supervisor in June of 2022. I hope to continue this journey of providing support through play-based intervention as I pursue my BCBA license in 2023. I fell in love with the field at a very early age and I am incredibly grateful to work with an amazing team who inspire me on a daily basis.

Hello, my name is Osmin Quijano. I graduated from SJSU in 2022 with a BS in psychology. I was introduced to the ABA field my junior year in college but it was not until my senior year that I decided to get involved in the field; I started working at ICAN in August 2021. I am attending National University to obtain my master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and become a BCBA. In the future, I am looking forward to attending medical school and becoming a psychiatrist. I will use my experience in psychology as well as ABA to directly work with children. I started working with children at age 19 as a soccer coach. I love working with children because they are the future of the world and we as adults are their guides. Working in the ABA field, I have observed the high positive impact we have not only on the children’s lives but also on the families. I have observed children improving in all aspects of their lives such as communication, social, and daily living skills. This also positively impacts the community and society they are living in in the short and long term. As a mid-level supervisor, I want everyone to feel supported and comfortable around me. Therefore, I always carry myself as a friendly person and open to discussing different ways to support the BIs, children, and families at ICAN.

Billing and Office Manager

 My name is Cristal Arebalo. I graduated from SJSU in May of 2018 with my B.S in Psychology. I started here at ICAN In August of 2018 as a BI. I quickly obtained my RBT certificate a couple months later and began my journey as an RBT for the next 2.5 years. I was then given the opportunity to become a mid-level supervisor where I provided support to other BI’s, their clients and the families. A few short months later I became a front deck office manager where I work alongside Clara and Dr. Torabian to continue to advocate for families with children on the spectrum who are in need of services. I hope ICAN can reach as many families as possible and continues to grow!