About us

Who Are We?

The Autism Society Ventura County was founded in 1994 by local parents, educators and professionals to help support newly-diagnosed families and develop needed local resources.

Our Mission

The mission of the Autism Society Ventura County is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism Community to live fully. We work to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum and their families to be fully included members of the community.

We achieve this through education, advocacy, a variety of programs, increasing public awareness, and collaboration with other agencies.

ASVC programs are primarily for individuals, families and caregivers who have people in their lives with autism of all ages. We also collaborate with service providers, agency staff, educators and teachers, and professionals who are interested in furthering the mission of ASVC.

Our programs are open to any individual, family, or community member impacted by autism. Our Board consists of all dedicated volunteers.

*If you would like to inquire about joining the board, please see the Join Us page. If you are interested at volunteering at one of our events, please use the form on our Contact Us page and we will get in touch with you!

Our Dedicated Volunteer Board of Directors

Ashley Pope, President

Parent of an elementary school aged child with ASD, Membership Development Manager at Ventura Chamber of Commerce, Ventura County Affiliate for Autism Society of California, Elmhurst Elementary School Affiliate for Ventura Unified School District’s Special Education District Advisory Committee.

Raymond Gonzales, Vice President

Nidia Rodriguez , Treasurer

PHR, SHRM-CP Associate Director of HR at Meissner Filtration Products

Experienced Human Resources Professional with a demonstrated history of working in the various industries from manufacturing to non-profit. Strong human resources professional skilled in Interviewing, Succession Planning, Recruiting, Employee Relations and Performance Management.

Vivian Nguyen, M.Ed. BCBA, Secretary

Vivian Nguyen, M.Ed. BCBA, is a licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has been working with families and individuals with special needs in a variety of settings since 2013. Vivian received her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. Vivian enjoys spending time with her family and pets, singing karaoke and traveling.

Grant Lavigna

Grant is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist in private practice. He has worked with individuals with ASD and their families for over 30 years. Grant is passionate and dedicated to supporting our community.

Karen Campbell

Realtor, Certified Negotiation Expert, Certified Distressed Property Expert, SFR Certified, HAFA Specialist.

Michelle Murphy

Brandon Begg

Lauren Richards

Traci Ultreras

Traci Ultreras, Ph.D. is a dedicated professional working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 2010, for a company that provides supported living services and teaches independent living skills. Traci enjoys spending time with her family, playing sports, and reading.

Our Staff

Megan Blackburn - Project Director

Katrina Maldonado - Development & Community Relationship Coordinator

Parent of a child with Autism, Assistant Program Director at KFYV.

Jasmine Duron- Advocacy & Community Impact Coordinator

Erin Westendorf - Social Media Coordinator

Autistic Self-Advocate, Awesome in Autism Volunteer of the Year Award Winner 2019