Team Uniquely
At Uniquely, we believe in the power of learning across all aspects of our work. We uphold a culture of ongoing education and growth.
We learn through actively listening and empathizing with our clients and always striving to understand their needs and aspirations. In doing so, we gain insights that help us better support them on their journey towards success.
We learn through prioritizing joy and kindness. We know that when people are fulfilled and enthusiastic about their work, they are more motivated to continue learning and pursuing their goals.
We learn through empowering others. We empower our clients, team members, and community by recognizing and valuing each team member’s uniqueness and contribution. When we empower each other, we create opportunities for personal and professional development.
Finally, we learn through teaching. We believe that teaching is not just a one-dimensional, one-way experience, but a mutual and symbiotic one. When we share our knowledge and expertise, we do so humbly, recognizing that our role is not only to teach others, but to be open to gaining new insights and perspectives ourselves.
Our team understands that learning is a lifelong journey. We encourage our team members to embrace every opportunity to expand both personally and professionally, and we are here to support that every step of the way.
Meet us! We’re cool people. And we’re human! Just like you.
Carolyn Newman, M.S., Applied Behavior Analysis
Founder, Director of Operations
As a native of the small beachside town of Bauang, Philippines, Carolyn grew up with a keen interest in psychology and aspirations of helping young children with special needs. Carolyn went on to achieve her B.S. in Psychology from St. Paul University in Manila.
In 2002 Carolyn moved to New York City where she spent 10 years running the finance and consumer affairs departments respectively at Emirates Airline. Feeling a strong desire to fulfill her passion for working with children diagnosed with autism and related conditions, Carolyn shifted direction and moved to Los Angeles with her then 6-year-old son to pursue the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Carolyn has spent the last decade continuously learning and applying ABA in various settings such as schools, homes, communities, and clinical environments. She has dedicated her career to helping children with autism.
Founding Uniquely has been a dream come true for Carolyn. She is incredibly passionate about providing exceptional care and support to individuals with autism, and she firmly believes that the clinicians in this field are our greatest asset. This is why she strives to create a work environment that values and appreciates them.
Creating a positive and supportive work environment is of utmost importance to Carolyn. She strongly believes in investing in staff, employee empowerment, and promoting self well-being. Carolyn has experienced first-hand how a positive work environment ultimately leads to better outcomes for the clients and a more fulfilling workplace for all clinicians.
Carolyn enjoys spending time with her partner of 15 years and son, who is now in his 4th year at State College, Penn State pursuing a law degree.
Milagros Cima, Ed.M, BCBA
Clinical Director
Mila comes to us from Buenos Aires, Argentina, although she spent her childhood living in various countries. She has been in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for 12 years. She began as a therapist herself but has been in supervisory positions for eight years and has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst for five years. She has experience working in school, clinic, and home settings with neurodiverse toddlers, children, teenagers, and adults. In the last three years, Mila’s focus has primarily been caregiver training, as she believes this to be a critical component in ensuring treatment effectiveness.
Mila got her Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, and Psychology from New York University. She completed her Masters of Education at Harvard University, where she studied Language and Literacy Development with a concentration in Neuroscience. Her graduate thesis focused on bilingual language development in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and this continues to be a passion of hers in her clinical work.
As Uniquely’s Clinical Director, Mila is responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction to the clinical team. Mila develops and oversees the implementation of behavior intervention plans and treatment programming as well as clinical policies, procedures, and protocols, in alignment with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
Mila also oversees staff training for RBTs and BCBAs, and is responsible for performance management of all clinical staff. Her goal in performance management is to foster a culture of curiosity and intrinsic motivation for professional development. She provides ongoing supervision and strives to create safe, secure, and supportive relationships with every member of her team. Creating therapeutic alliances with clients as well as with staff is Mila’s priority as Clinical Director.
Mila is an animal lover, calling herself a mother to her dog, cat, and fresh-water turtle. She loves spending time at the beach, surfing, and sky-diving.
Audrey Marco, B.S. Business & Criminal Justice
Administrations Director
Audrey, a native New Yorker, brings 30 years of executive business development, strategy, and marketing experience in her role as Administrations Director at Uniquely. Audrey's past roles include 12 years as founder and VP of Sony Pictures Digital, Director of Partnerships at CBS Corporation, and head of business development at Digital Media Management among others.
As Administrations Director at Uniquely, Audrey is responsible for HR relations, development and implementation of administrative policies, procedures, and systems to improve overall efficiency and effectiveness of the business end. Alongside this, Audrey oversees and manages the day-to-day administrative operations of the organization, including but not limited to office management, leadership and guidance to administrative staff, management of effective record-keeping systems and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
In her free time, Audrey enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking to waterfalls, cooking and travel.
Cristina Dunn, M.Ed, BCBA
BCBA
Christina spent most of her life moving around South America and the Caribbean before attending the University of Virginia where she received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She began her career in education teaching Special Education in D.C. Public Schools where she received a K-12 teaching license.
Christina also holds a Masters of Education in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Pennsylvania State University. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 12 years of experience working with neurotypical, neurodiverse, and disabled individuals from birth to adulthood in school, clinic, and home settings.
Christina’s passion for person centered planning and collaboration across disciplines began as she worked within a variety of programs such as Adaptive Physical Education, Riding Therapy, and Social Skills Enrichment groups. She specializes in adaptive and executive functioning skills, community integration, and caregiver training. She has extensive experience working directly with neurodiverse individuals empowering them to actively identify their own values, develop agency in goal setting, and self-monitor their progress.
Christina’s treatment approach incorporates mindfulness training across all team members. Her hope is to make transitions throughout the lifespan not only efficient, but also infused with joy. Cristina is filled with gratitude for the families and colleagues with whom she has the privilege to work and learn. She is committed to helping build more structure, ease, and fun into their days.
Cristina lives in Redondo Beach in a cottage by the sea with her black cat, Jean-Luc Picard.
Jocelyne Diaz Munoz, M.S. Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Born and raised in Pasadena, CA, Jocelyne Diaz Munoz brings over five years of experience working with neurodiverse individuals, including those with developmental disabilities. Her passion for working with children began during her undergraduate studies, where she initially aimed to pursue a career in child development or neonatal nursing. She earned two Associate of Arts degrees-one in Social and Behavioral Sciences and another in Natural Sciences-from Pasadena City College.
While pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Public Health at Cal State LA, Jocelyne unknowingly began her career working at an adult day program serving individuals with developmental disabilities. Rather than pursuing a career in public health, she chose to continue working with these individuals and became RBT certified. Since then, she has gained extensive experience working with individuals across various age groups, from elementary school to adulthood, in school, clinic, day program, and home settings.
Jocelyne holds a Master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Nevada, Reno. Her dedication lies in improving the quality of life for the individuals she serves through a compassionate and supportive approach.
In her free time, Jocelyne enjoys traveling to new places and exploring national parks. She cherishes spending time with her partner, family, friends, and two beloved fur babies-Janie, a Jack Russell Chihuahua mix, and Goomba, an English Bulldog.
Sofia Kakleas, B.S. Psychology
Registered Behavior Technician
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sofia recently moved to the Westside of Los Angeles to continue pursuing her passion for working with special needs children. With a growing interest in psychology, Sofia attended Saint Mary’s College of California, a small liberal arts college, where she obtained her Bachelor's of Science degree in Clinical Psychology with a minor in Sociology.
She began working as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) during the fall of 2021, where she found her love for working with autistic and special needs children. Through her work as a RBT, she developed a strong interest in assessment for learning differences, implementing behavior and crisis intervention plans, and ensuring quality and compassionate care for all children.
Sofia is dedicated to continuing this work and is currently planning to attend graduate school for School Psychology, aspiring to become a School Psychologist in an elementary or middle school setting.
In her free time, Sofia enjoys spending time with family and friends, thrifting, exploring new places, crafting, and hanging out with her cat, Mona.
Maira Cervantes
Behavior Technician
A native of Los Angeles, Maira is the youngest of six in a big loving family with lots of nieces and nephews. Maira has witnessed firsthand the beneficial impact that behavioral therapy can have on the lives of children and young adults.
With a passion of working with children with special needs, Maira decided to pursue a career in the field of behavioral technician. With experience working in the middle school environment, Maira focuses on providing support and guidance to incredible kids with learning disabilities. In addition, Maira is pursuing her AS in Early Childhood Education with focus on obtaining her BS in psychology.
Maira is super passionate about helping others and making a positive impact as a behavioral technician. She is excited to bring her skills and experience to Uniquely Behavior Health and help create a nurturing environment for children, as well as continue to make a positive impact in their lives.
On her free time, Maira enjoys spending time with family and her French bulldog Bluey, going on walks and teaching her new tricks.
Michelle Mejia B.S., Psychology
Behavior Technician
Michelle Mejia was born and raised in South Central, Los Angeles. Throughout her academic experience since high school, she has enjoyed volunteering in after-school programs and working with youth of all ages in school settings.
From mentoring first graders to helping first-generation high school seniors prepare for college, Michelle's dedication to supporting the youth has been unwavering. As a first-generation college student, she attended the University of California, Irvine, where she obtained her bachelor's degree in Psychological Science. During her four years in college, she naturally gravitated toward continuing her work with children.
As a behavioral technician, Michelle looks forward to combining her passion for working with children and her interest in behavioral therapy.
Michelle is committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for all the children she works with, helping them develop essential social and executive functioning skills while ensuring they have fun and enriching experiences.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature, reading, spending time with friends, and engaging in arts and crafts.