A Personal Approach to Care
At NOVA, we believe that real change starts with a genuine connection
Our philosophy is simple: we honor the unique person in front of us, empowering their independence and building relationships based on trust and respect
We use proven, science-backed methods, but we always look at things through an empathetic lens. We tailor every plan to fit the strengths, goals, and experiences of the individuals and families we serve
For us, success isn't just about clinical progress. It's about helping people connect meaningfully with the world around them, at home, in school, and in their communities
Who We Serve
Proudly serving families across the Eastside including Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Juanita, Woodinville, Bothell, Snoqualmie, and Snohomish
NOVA provides individualized, ABA therapy and behavioral health support services in-home and in-clinic to neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults
We partner with caregivers, physicians, and educators every step of the way
Cara Downing, B.A.
CEO, Owner
With boundless energy and a profound kindness, Cara is dedicated to building a culture of compassion at NOVA.
Her unique insight as a mother of three neurodivergent children, combined with her studies in business administration from the University of Washington, has enabled her to create a company grounded in empathy and respect for every team member. She believes this authentic, team-wide culture is the key to providing every family with the genuine care they deserve.
In her free time, Cara is an avid gardener, aspiring botanist, and a volunteer steward for Green Kirkland, where she helps restore community forests.
Cassandra Schmid
Executive Director
Cassandra is a recent graduate of the University of Washington Seattle with a B.A. in Marketing and a Professional Sales Certificate. She comes from a consulting and SEO background and loves working one-on-one with clients. She was drawn to NOVA because of its meaningful work, the energy and positivity of the clinic, and the adorable kids!
Outside of work, Cassandra loves to stay active with running, hiking, pickleball, and walking her pet husky, Axel. She loves learning new things and is constantly reading books and listening to podcasts. Additionally, she is an avid music listener and you can often find her at a concert.
Mario Zelaya
Billing & Revenue Cycle Manager
Mario is a Healthcare Revenue Cycle Manager with 26 years of experience and honestly, and he still loves what he does.
His sweet spot is transforming medical billing, coding, and collections into smooth, efficient systems that actually work. He thrives on streamlining workflows, boosting reimbursement rates, and cutting down AR days, not just by fixing denied claims, but by building smarter processes that prevent them from happening in the first place.
When he's not geeking out over revenue cycles, you'll probably find him outside with his hands in the dirt as he loves growing vegetables and all kinds of flowers. There's something magical about watching a seed turn into a tomato or a bloom. He also has a soft spot for carnival glass vases; each one tells a story, and he enjoys hunting for unique pieces to add to his collection.
Patience, attention to detail, and a little bit of joy works for gardening, glass, and revenue management alike!
Judi VanDyck, M. Ed., BCBA, LBA
Director of Clinical Services
Judi brings a unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience as a BCBA and Clinical Director at NOVA Neuro Network.
As a former tech professional and a parent of a neurodivergent child, her journey fuels her passion for providing inclusive, affirming, and culturally responsive care. She leads with a focus on equity, trauma-informed practice, and unwavering support for LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and other underserved communities.
In her free time, Judi is an ardent soccer mom to two young athletes and a band mom to a neurodivergent child, loves to crochet, read and enjoys experimenting in the kitchen with exotic dishes from around the world.
Maya Nuno Sargent M. Ed., BCBA, LBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Maya has been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2022 and is enthusiastic about its continued growth and evolution. She holds a Master of Education in Special Education with a focus in ABA from the University of Washington. Throughout her career, Maya has provided care across diverse environments, including public schools, Non-Public Agency (NPA) alternative schools, and clinical settings.
Maya prioritizes an assent-based, trauma-informed approach to ABA that fosters lifelong learning, communication, emotional regulation, autonomy, self-advocacy, and self-determination. Her favorite part of the job is building authentic connections with children and their families, and celebrating the tangible, everyday progress they achieve together.
In her free time, Maya enjoys staying active, getting outside, and spending time with her friends and family.
Vance Hunter, BCBA
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Bio Coming Soon!
Aloka Shah, BCaBA
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst
Aloka is a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst with a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and over a decade of experience in the field. Her career is rooted in a lifelong passion for psychology, sparked by her brother’s autism diagnosis and the lack of accessible care in India at the time.
After relocating to the United States in 2014, Aloka discovered Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She was immediately drawn to its unique intersection of rigorous science and compassionate, person-centered care. Since then, she has dedicated her career to mastering the discipline, combining a natural aptitude for working with children with a persistent drive for professional growth and creative problem-solving.
Driven by her personal history, Aloka’s long-term mission is to serve as a torchbearer for evidence-based ABA services in India. She is committed to raising awareness, increasing service accessibility, and providing a supportive roadmap for families navigating the autism journey.
Patrick Bertlein, LABA
Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst
Patrick brings nearly a decade of experience supporting neurodivergent individuals across a variety of educational and therapeutic settings.
He has spent over five years working in Applied Behavior Analysis, three years as a direct care provider, and currently holds licensure as an Assistant Behavior Analyst. Patrick has served in roles including Clinic Director, Classroom Paraeducator, and Behavioral Specialist in schools throughout the Pacific Northwest. His diverse background reflects a deep commitment to helping individuals thrive across home, school, and community environments.
Outside of his professional work, Patrick enjoys hiking, playing and listening to music, and spending quality time with his daughter.
Allison Moses
Lead Registered Behavior Technician
Alli has over eight years of experience working with individuals with disabilities. She is passionate about celebrating differences and helping others live their best, most fulfilling lives. Throughout her career, Alli has worked with a wide variety of clients across in-home, in-clinic, school, and community settings. She has extensive experience supporting individuals with trauma backgrounds and takes pride in building strong rapport and trusting relationships with her clients.
Alli believes that everyone has the ability to grow and thrive, it’s simply a matter of finding the right approach for each individual.
Outside of work, Alli enjoys spending quality time with friends and family. She also loves painting, puzzles, and listening to podcasts.
Julio Melendez
Registered Behavior Technician
Julio brings over nine years of experience working with individuals with special needs across clinical, school, and outdoor settings. His work focuses on helping people of all abilities discover the benefits of adventure recreation and develop skills that support active, fulfilling lives.
He has extensive experience in therapeutic recreation, ABA therapy, and behavior intervention, and has strengthened his leadership through service learning, internships, and work in schools. Outside of work, Julio enjoys running, biking, snowboarding, building LEGO sets, and watching movies.
Vince Chhean
Registered Behavior Technician
Vince is a dedicated special education professional with over 20 years of experience supporting students with diverse learning and behavioral needs. For the past seven years, he has specialized in behavioral support, utilizing structured strategies to foster emotional regulation, positive behavior, and academic success.
In his role as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist, he implements evidence-based, individualized interventions designed to build essential social and life skills. His approach blends decades of classroom expertise with a compassionate, science-driven methodology to help students reach their full potential.
An enthusiast of an active lifestyle, Vince spends his time away from work hiking, weight lifting, and playing basketball, finding balance through nature and physical fitness.
Doris Djorgee
Lead Certified Behavior Technician
"Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together, they make this world a beautiful garden"
A Lead Tech originally from Ghana, Doris brings four years of hands-on experience and deep passion to NOVA. She creates safe and nurturing spaces where every child’s unique abilities can shine and supports the growth of her fellow technicians.
"The goal is progress, not perfection, and I celebrate every little win with my kiddos,"
Doris is committed to making a meaningful difference in the daily lives of the children she serves, helping them build skills in communication and independence with understanding and patience. 🌍💛
Alana Marciante
Certified Behavior Technician
Alana is a student at the University of Washington studying psychology with the goal of pursuing neuropsychology. She has a strong background working with children in development focused environments. Alana is committed to fostering an encouraging and supportive environment.
Outside of work, Alana likes to stay active, travel, and listen to music.
Guadalupe Lucero Tapia
Certified Behavior Technician
With over a year of experience in behavioral health, Lupe is recognized for their patience, reliability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. She is deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of clients and their families while continuously seeking opportunities for professional growth within the field.
Olivia Stall
Certified Behavior Technician
Olivia is a student at the University of Washington studying psychology. She brings dedication, strong communication skills, and a passion of working with children to the clinic. She strives to create a welcoming community where everyone can learn and grow.
Outside of NOVA, Olivia enjoys cooking, music, and spending time with the people she loves.
Ritvij Garg
Certified Behavior Technician
Ritvij is a student studying neuroscience with the goal of being a physician. He has a passion for supporting children with neurodevelopmental differences. As a student, Ritvij brings an interest in understanding how the brain, behavior, and environment shape the way people learn and interact with the world around them.
Outside of work, Ritvij loves hiking and playing his viola and spending time with family and friends.
Savanah Clark
Certified Behavior Technician
Bio Coming Soon!
Tessa Burnett
Certified Behavior Technician
Bio Coming Soon!
Yousra Kemal
Certified Behavior Technician
Yousra is a recent graduate from the University of Washington with over a year of experience working with neurodivergent kids. She brings fun, positive energy to every day, making sure every child feels supported and happy. She loves this work and hopes to continue in the field while growing her knowledge and education along the way!
Outside of NOVA, Yousra enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and hanging out with her friends.
Our Kirkland Clinic
Our Kirkland clinic is the physical extension of our mission to provide compassionate, neuro-affirming care. Designed as a structured yet welcoming environment, this space allows our clients to build foundational skills and social connections in a setting that feels like home. It is where our community comes together for group sessions, workshops, and personalized growth
Want a walkthrough of our clinic? Contact us for a tour!