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 am currently in my master’s program working towards a degree in Behavior and becoming a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). 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. I am now currently a mid-level program supervisor working towards becoming a BCBA. 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.  

 My name is Madison Milroy and I am currently attending San Jose State University studying Psychology. I previously attended and graduated from Cabrillo College with two Associate Degrees; Psychology and Liberal Arts. Beginning in January 2022, I will be attending National University to pursue my Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. I plan to sit for my BCBA exam after graduation at National University. I am lucky enough to be a part of the ICAN team as a program supervisor. I have worked with ICAN since September 2020. Throughout my work at ICAN, I have not only seen the amazing opportunities that ABA provides, but also the many children and families' lives that have been impacted. I have seen children’s lives improve through communication skills, their social relationships improve, and learning functional play skills. It is through ABA, ICAN, and the many dedicated team members that many children and families' lives are being impacted so greatly. 

 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. 

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!