*artist rendering
Welcome To Opal
Where every child is given the precious support to shine.
Our culture is rooted in genuine connections and longevity within our own Opal family of colleagues and our common desire to see your child thrive. We believe in excellence and compassion. Excellence in our knowledge and understanding of ABA and its application.
We strive to show respect and compassion in our day-to-day interactions with each other and the children and families we serve. The result is incredible transformations that you will feel, see and experience. That’s the real joy in what we do.
Our Core Values
Curiosity
The constant desire to seek out more knowledge to better ourselves and others
Achievement
A higher level of ambition to excel and grow in our profession
Authenticity
A genuine passion for bringing out the joy in each child
Impact
Strive to build deeper connections and support with our communities
Opal’s Story
We change little lives in big ways.
Opal is a child-centric organization founded by operational and clinical experts that genuinely love the science of behavior change and the impact it has on children and their families.
For many of us, the love of caring for others and seeing transformational outcomes came at an early age, being either born into or raised by a healthcare family. Our ambition, compassion, quest for learning and high level of expectations are in our DNA.
While the ABA of the past may hold some negative weight, we have been on a mission to change the industry standard and bring accessibility to this life changing therapy to all families, especially those in underserved regions and military communities.
Our goal is to significantly reduce the typical long wait times, alleviate stress for parents and get little learners in our programs as soon as possible. Early intervention is the key to helping kiddos excel in daily life and school.
Opal’s story is not just ours. It’s your story. It’s hundreds of real inspiring stories every day that make us proud to be at your side for the beginning of your child’s wonderful journey ahead.
*artist rendering
ABA Of Today Is Collaborative,
Customized + A Natural Approach
Once rigid, formal and clinical, ABA of the past has evolved into a much more tailored and naturalistic therapy method for children with autism.
Naturalistic, engaging, play-based and child-directed form of intervention using NET (Natural Environment Teaching).
Treatment takes place within the ordinary routines of daily living, occurring during mealtimes, playtime, bath time, and other natural parts of a child’s day.
Programs are customized to the needs, values, and culture of each child and family.
Strongly involves choice-making and child-centered planning, in which each family steers and helps make decisions about their goals and treatment plans with the specialists.
Meet Our Leadership
Driving Excellence at Opal Autism Centers
Alexandrya Rodriguez, CLSSBB
Chief Administrative Officer
As the Chief Administrative Officer of Opal Autism Centers, Alexandrya Rodriguez brings over 15 years of unmatched operational excellence to the table. Growing up in New York City, as the daughter of a diagnosing psychologist and an early intervention agency owner, Alexandrya’s journey in the field of ABA began early, fueling her drive to become a pioneer and advocate in the business. Her strategic mind paired with an unyielding passion has transformed Opal into a powerhouse of support, offering clients and staff alike an unwavering commitment to excellence. In her role, Alexandrya doesn’t just oversee; she leads with intention, managing everything from compliance, quality assurance, and Human Resources to client admissions, diagnostic services, payer relations, prior authorization, marketing, outreach, strategy and growth, and project management. Her expertise lies in crafting scalable operations across departments, ensuring that timely access to diagnosis and ABA services isn’t just a goal—it’s a reality. A true force of nature, Alexandrya is as dedicated to her work as she is to her family. A proud girl mom of three and wife to a retired Air Force veteran, she knows the value of balancing strength with compassion, both in her personal life and professional journey. Passionate about people and processes, she’s redefining what it means to be a leader in the ABA field.
Annika Davis, M.A., BCBA, LBA
Chief Operating Officer
Annika Davis brings over a decade of expertise as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to her role as COO at Opal Autism Centers. With 13 years in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and 8 years in operational leadership, Annika has navigated significant shifts in both legislation and the ABA landscape. She is deeply committed to cultivating a positive work culture, recognizing that a supportive and motivated team is crucial to delivering exceptional care. Annika’s passion lies in making a lasting impact on children with autism and their families by strengthening Opal's foundation, enabling the company to expand its services to communities nationwide.
Cheyenne Cody da Rosa, M.Ed., BCBA
Director of Compliance and Quality Assurance
Cheyenne brings 10 years of experience in mental health and ABA to her role as Director of Compliance and Quality Assurance at Opal. With 15 years of prior legal experience in healthcare, she's deeply committed to the quality of behavior analytic treatment, especially in early intervention. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst, she also focuses on applying ABA principles to organizational needs. Cheyenne holds two master’s degrees in Education and Family & Human Development and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Behavioral Health Management. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time on her mini farm in Ohio with her husband and children.
Kerby DeJesus, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA
Regional Clinical Director (RCD) - North Carolina
Kerby is the Regional Clinical Director at Opal, overseeing half of our North Carolina centers and serving as our liaison to university partnerships. With over 10 years of experience as a BCBA, she specializes in early intervention, functional communication, and social skills development. Kerby’s journey began during her undergraduate studies, where she discovered her profound passion for working with children with autism. This dedication has driven her to help each child reach their full potential. In her role, Kerby combines her extensive expertise with a deep commitment to fostering effective collaborations between Opal and our university partners, enhancing our clinical programs and educational initiatives. Outside of work, Kerby cherishes spending time outdoors with her husband and two daughters, reflecting the same warmth and dedication she brings to her professional endeavors.
Pamela Bartsch, M.A., BCBA
Senior Clinical Director- Idaho
Pamela is the Senior Clinical Director for Opal in Idaho, bringing over 11 years of special education experience to her role. Originally from Southern California, she now resides in Boise, Idaho, where her expertise and dedication have become integral to Opal's mission. Pamela's extensive background includes working with children with profound disabilities and mental health diagnoses. Her operational expertise and strategic involvement in expanding ABA services throughout the state have been crucial in reaching underserved areas. Pamela is passionate about working with families to support their children in transformative ways, often achieving outcomes that families did not previously believe possible. Outside of her professional role, Pamela enjoys a vibrant family life. In the summer, she and her family love camping; in the winter, they embrace the snow; and in the fall and spring, they are active on the sports fields. Her balance of professional dedication and family engagement enriches both her personal and professional life.
Jacqueline Yulick
Director of Talent Acquisition
Jacqueline is a seasoned Director of Talent Acquisition in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with a passion for finding and nurturing talented student analysts and BCBAs across the country. She is deeply committed to aligning professionals with positions that resonate with their passions and career aspirations, ensuring they can make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with autism and other developmental disabilities. With extensive operational expertise in ABA, Jacqueline excels in workforce planning, talent acquisition, and strategic growth planning. Her unwavering commitment to advocating for individuals with autism is matched by her unique ability to identify and develop talent ready to advance their careers in this vital field. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jacqueline is a devoted mother, community volunteer, and accomplished artist. Her genuine passion and dedication to both community and the arts make her a role model for those around her, reflecting the same commitment and care she brings to her work in ABA.
Jessica Bonilla, M.S., BCBA
Clinical Recruiting Specialist
Jessica is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a dedicated talent recruiter, skillfully blending her expertise in behavior analysis with a passion for connecting exceptional professionals with impactful opportunities. Her unique skill set is further enriched by her experiences in support services as a decorated Combat Army Veteran and in her work with some of the world's largest non-profits. As a proud military spouse and mom of four, Jessica adeptly balances the demands of her bustling family life with her professional responsibilities. Whether guiding career transitions or managing complex roles, she brings unwavering dedication, empathy, and a proactive mindset to every aspect of her work.
Vanessa Vega
Director of Human Resources
Vanessa is the Director of Human Resources at Opal, where she leads a dedicated team focused on retaining top talent and instilling Opal's values into every aspect of the organization. Her efforts in fostering a positive and supportive work environment are driven by a commitment to employee well-being and engagement, which in turn elevates morale and overall productivity. Vanessa is passionate about supporting employees as they work to transform the lives of children with autism and their families. With a bachelor’s degree in human resources and over 10 years of experience in military supply chain management and healthcare, Vanessa brings a diverse and unique skill set to her role. Her dedication to helping others, coupled with her extensive background, makes her an invaluable asset to the Opal team. Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys volunteering at her children’s PTO events and spending quality time with her family.
Christine Jones, M.S.
Director of Client Services & Growth
Christine is the Director of Client Services & Growth at Opal, with a decade of experience dedicated to supporting families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Her mission is to provide unwavering support, clear communication, and peace of mind every step of the way, ensuring that each family feels nurtured and empowered throughout their journey. Previously an RBT, Christine brings firsthand experience and a compassionate touch to her role. She leads a dedicated team of care coordinators, orchestrating seamless interactions between Opal and the families we serve. Christine also spearheads community outreach efforts across all Opal regions, expanding the organization's positive impact in the community. As a mother of three, holding a Master of Science degree in Behavioral Health, Christine combines her extensive expertise with her deep empathy to guide families through their transition into ABA services. Her commitment to enhancing the client experience and fostering community connections makes her a cornerstone of Opal’s mission.
