Saba Torabian, M.A., M.S., PhD, BCBA Founder and CEO
Saba Torabian, PhD, BCBA 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, were diagnosed with autism. Living with severe autism with her two children over the years made her learn and understand what an autism family really needs. Over the years, Saba established multiple organizations, from non-profit foundation (CARE) to ABA organization, Intervention Center for Autism Needs (ICAN), to help the autism community. Saba received her PhD in Child and Human Development at the University of California Davis MIND Institute 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, her second Master’s degree from UC Davis in Child Development, and her third Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. She is the recipient of multiple awards and recognitions, including a letter of recognition from the White House for her contributions to the field of autism in general, autism advocacy, and autism research.
Eduardo Ibarra, M.S., BCBA Clinical Director
Eduardo Ibarra, M.S., BCBA is clinical director at ICAN. His passion to work with kids began at an early age. Always volunteering with youth and helping be part of their lives and providing positive change, he was not introduced to the field of autism until college. When he got to know children with autism closely, he embarked on a journey as a behavioral therapist and enjoyed every single moment of it. After graduating from San Jose State University, he began working full time in the field of ABA therapy. He provided 1:1 support at homes, communities, and schools. He earned his Master’s Degree from National University in 2019 and became a BCBA soon after. Now nearly 9 years in the field, working with the autism community has become more than just a career, it is a lifestyle for him. His goal is to begin his PhD program and he has dreams to establish his ABA practice in Mexico one day to continue spreading the awareness and help this very underserved community.
Maritza heredia, M.S., BCBA Clinical Supervisor
My name is Maritza Heredia. I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. I have been working in the ABA field since 2017. I graduated from San Jose State in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree major in Psychology and a Minor in Spanish. I received my Master of Science in 2021 from National University and also received my Board Certification in 2021. I started working at ICAN in July of 2021. I enjoy working with the kids and their families every day to bring meaningful changes that are functional and important to increase their quality of life.
Leah Arellano, Senior BCBA
I first developed an interest in autism while working at children’s hair salon as a receptionist. It was there where I was exposed to the different challenges that children with autism and their families experienced daily, like a simple haircut. An opportunity to work with a child with autism came up at my college’s bulletin board and I started working in the autism field in 2000 as a 1:1 aide in a special education classroom. I fell in love with the field and pursued working as an ABA therapist, while obtaining my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Behavioral Science from San Jose State University and my masters degree in Clinical Psychology/Marriage and Family Therapy from Notre Dame De Namur University. I completed my BCBA coursework from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and became certified in 2013. I am currently pursuing my PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis and PsyD in Applied Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. My goal in my work is to empower families impacted by ASD.
Badreddine (Dro) Smati, M.A., BCBA and Lead of the Clinical Training
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.
Mackenzie Peterson M.A., BCBA
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.
Christine Zeyen M.S., BCBA
My name is Christine Zeyen. I have held a passion for working with children for as long as I can remember; from babysitting my younger sister and volunteering in special needs classrooms throughout grade school. In college I began working as a habilitation and respite worker for a young boy with autism; within a month of working with him and his family, I changed my major and truly began my career in helping others. In 2016, I obtained double majors in communication and psychology from Arizona State University. I continue to share my school spirit as a Sun Devil through my position as Chapter President for our local alumni chapter. After moving to San Jose after graduation, I received my masters degree from National University in Applied Behavior Analysis. I then passed the board certification exam and became a BCBA in 2019. As I continue to learn and expand my skill set, I hope to one day open up a multi-disciplinary clinic to provide families with all-around care and support outside of a single diagnosis for their child.
Madison Milroy, M.S., BCBA
My name is Madison Milroy and I have been working for ICAN since the year 2019. I recently passed my board certification and became a BCBA. I feel very lucky to be part of the autism community and help this very underserved population. 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 and social skills, as well as their daily living and coping skills.
David Heredia, Mid Level Supervisor
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.
Luz Frias, Mid level Program Supervisor
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.
Jasmin Cabello, Mid Level Supervisor
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.
Osmin Quijano, Mid Level Supervisor
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.
Clara Perez
Billing and Office Manager
Cristal Arebalo Front 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!