Who We Are

“The quality of people you have working at PALS is really amazing to me. I cannot say enough about what PALS’ team has meant to our family over the last several years. ”

Gregory Buch, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Senior Director

Dr. Buch has been working in ABA for forty years. He was trained at and directed services at the UCLA Clinic for the Behavioral Treatment of Children. He conducted the first research on providing early intensive ABA outside of a university research setting, trained the principal investigators for other research clinics, and has published on early intervention and the coordination of care between behavior analysts and medical personnel. Dr. Buch has served as a professional advisor and subject matter expert for public and private health care organizations, and served on the board of directors of the Alta California Regional Center.

I was born in Iowa, but moved around a lot before going to college (Idaho, California, New York). When my wife and I started our family, we planned to stay put in Northern California so that our kids could maintain a sense of community growing up. Now that our kids are out of the house, we foster animals for the local SPCA and have furry guests around most of the year. I love to cook, which works out great because no one else in my family does. Eating dinner on the couch with my wife, streaming a new British crime show or Taskmaster, is pretty much the perfect evening.  Seriously, watch Taskmaster. You will thank me. 

Mary Marquardt, MA, BCBA

Director of Clinical Services

I have been providing ABA therapy for children with autism for thirty years. I got my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with an emphasis in Child Development and Holistic Health, from San Francisco State University, and my Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Sacramento State University. Over the years, I have seen many changes in the field of ABA, which has made me even more passionate about maintaining the integrity of child-focused and evidence-based practices that will result in the greatest outcomes for our clients. I value the very important role that parents have in navigating the treatment plan for our clients and am so grateful for our team of dedicated and knowledgeable clinicians that help us achieve our goals! I was born and raised in the Bay Area, and moved to the Sacramento area in 2001. My husband and I have enjoyed raising our three children in this family-oriented community. I love playing games with my family and coworkers. I am super-competitive and have been told I could benefit from a “Winning / Losing” program, but I don’t agree ;).  I also enjoy the outdoors, backpacking, and traveling. Lately, I’ve been reading murder mysteries and binge watching comedy series. I always appreciate suggestions!

Emily Gershon, MA, BCBA

San Mateo Site Director

I am a Bay Area native. I moved to Colorado to attend the University of Colorado, Boulder where I received my bachelor's degree in Sociology. Then I moved back to San Francisco and began working with a student with Autism, which led me to pursue my master's degree in Special Education from SF State. With over two decades of experience in the field of ABA, I am passionate to help my clients grow and thrive. Outside of work I can be found in the mountains, on the beach, hiking, skiing, swimming or just relaxing with loved ones. Currently, I live in San Francisco with my husband, Matt. We love to travel together and explore new cultures.

Jessica Jeno, MA, BCBA

Rancho Cordova Site Director

I studied Early Childhood Development at California State University, East Bay and received my M.A. degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis at Florida Institute of Technology. I enjoyed my time so much at F.I.T. that I went back and am now a co-instructor teaching Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis and Ethics. I grew up right here in Citrus Heights and love that I now get to help serve the community that shaped me. My daughter has also caught the ABA bug and is now in a graduate program working towards becoming a BCBA.  I love to travel and experience new adventures. I also enjoy finding a good deal. Looking up prices and finding coupons on household items is like a game for me. Some may call it extreme couponing, but I call it a hobby. I always wrap up my day with a good book, never passing up on the latest mystery or crime novel. I do read the last chapter first. Knowing how it ends makes it more fun for me as I find all the hidden clues as I read along.

Nicole Kwiatkowski, MA, BCBA

Elk Grove Site Director

I have been at PALS for 17 years.  I received my Bachelor's degree from Sacramento State University, and my Master's degree from Arizona State University. I've had the opportunity to work with clients ranging in age from 23 months to adulthood. I love what I do,  and I am dedicated to making a positive impact on the children and families that I work with. I love being a mom to two wonderful boys and I'm grateful for my loving and supportive husband of almost 15 years. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family and friends. My favorite hobbies include camping, going to the beach, taking walks, swimming, barbecuing, watching my boys enjoy their sports and activities, and watching Giants games.

Shalea Karaban, MA, BCBA

San Mateo Assistant Site Director

I grew up in Southern California before moving to San Francisco, to attend San Francisco State University, where I majored in Psychology and Liberal Studies. I then obtained my masters degree in Counseling, with a specialization in Holistic Studies, from JFK University. I was originally on track to become an MFT until I began working at PALS while studying to get my masters degree. Inevitably, I fell in love with the field of ABA and my amazing clients. In addition, my nephew, who is on the autism spectrum, is the reason why I gravitated toward this field. I owe what I do, my future aspirations in the field, and my constant striving to make a positive impact on others, to him.

On a personal note, I love sports. I played soccer from childhood through college and I still love watching all things sports and attending sporting events. Go Niners! While San Francisco continues to be my home base, I still haven't gotten used to the fog and colder climate, so I love to be outside exploring the city and Golden Gate Park on nice sunny days. I am in a constant hunt to find good crime or psychological thrillers, or sci-fi shows to watch when I have some downtime.

Erina Muniz, MA, BCBA

Clinic Director - Roseville

I am a back and forth Bay Area transplant. I went to San Francisco State for undergrad (Child Development) and grad school (Special Education).  Pre-kids: Salsa dancing, reading books at the beach, discovering cool coffee shops to read/study at, watching 30-minute reno shows and believing I could do the same, in the same amount of time, only to be disappointed. Post-kids: laundry, taxi-car, podcast mom life. I love finding all the best restaurants with the best food!  I'm always in charge of the food at staff meetings!  During COVID, I discovered cutting hair is not as easy as it looks.  My son suffered one year of mom's experimental haircuts, thanks (or no thanks) to Youtube!

Kristin Wagshul, MA, BCBA

Clinic Director - San Mateo

I have been with PALS for 16 years. I love working with children and I am a mom of three children. I was born and raised here in the Bay Area. My husband Bryce and I have three kids (ages 6, 4 and 6 months). We also have two dogs and a cat. My interests include reading, working out, volunteering at our children's school, shopping, baking and spending a lot of time with our family. I love to read and enjoy reading about both World and American history, military history and thrillers.

Daniele Fuller, MA, BCBA

Clinic Director - San Mateo

I am a San Francisco Bay Area native. I moved to New York to attend Stony Brook University, where I received my bachelor's degree in Psychology, and received my Master's degree in Professional Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology. I love to sing and I have embarrassingly attempted to teach myself how to play an array of musical instruments. I also love to use a multitude of art mediums to destress after a long week. My current interest lies in creating embroidery canvas portraits of my loved ones. I love all my fur babies, which include my sassy black cat Ink, my fluffy white cat Jasper, and a spunky dwarf bunny Biscotti.

Madeline White, MA, BCBA

Clinic Director - Rancho Cordova/Roseville

I have been on the team at Pacific Autism Learning Services since 2016. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at California State University, Sacramento, and my Master’s degree in Professional Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. I have a passion for working with young children, and so taking a position at a company providing early intensive behavioral services was a natural fit. At PALS, I learned how to build connections with my clients and suit their individual needs, how to effectively communicate with parents and support them in their child's journey, as well as how to effectively collaborate with other professionals. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time with my pets. I have two very lazy cats, and one very energetic Aussie, named Badger. I have so many book, show, and movie recommendations, but lately some of my favorite authors have been Ocean Vuong and Sally Rooney (although I’m a sucker for classics, so anything Brönte or Austen is a must read). I’m currently working on getting to the second season of The Bear and the third of The Great (both are on Hulu).

Erin Gaspar, MA, BCBA

Clinic Director - San Mateo

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. I received my bachelor's degree in Psychology at San Francisco State University and my master's degree in Behavior Analysis Practice from Florida Institute of Technology. I started my career at PALS in 2014.  I enjoy making art in many forms, and am currently most interested in photography, jewelry making, and crochet. I love bringing my creativity to work, such as crocheting hand puppets of a client's favorite character, or using woodworking to make wands for a client who loves magic.  My husband and I are excited for our upcoming honeymoon in Sicily!