About us
Meet Our Team
Different stories. Shared values. One beautiful purpose.
Founder & CEO | M.Ed., BCBA
Frances Fishman
A dream rooted in connection and compassion
Frances's journey began as a young dance teacher and summer camp counselor, where she discovered the power of play, connection, and the extraordinary lessons children have to teach us.
As she entered the field of ABA, she fell in love with the science of behavior but dreamed of an approach that looked beyond behavior to understand the whole child.
That dream became The Play Base, a place where science meets compassion, individuality is celebrated, and meaningful relationships create opportunities for growth.
Frances believes children aren't here to be changed into someone else. They're here to be understood, supported, and given the tools to share their unique brilliance with the world.
At The Play Base, her greatest pride is the team she's built, an extension of her heart and vision, who bring this philosophy to life every day.
Beyond The Play Base: Frances is a mom of three, host of The Play Base Podcast, and a lifelong learner who loves fitness, exploring human behavior, and meaningful conversations.
Her guiding belief“Every child deserves to be understood, celebrated, and supported in becoming more authentically themselves.”
Read her full story
Family Welcome & Operations Lead
Susana Castro
From feeling misunderstood to helping others feel seen
Originally from Venezuela, Susana moved to the United States in 2014 and began her ABA journey in 2015, spending six years as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). But it was motherhood and her own experiences of feeling misunderstood that truly transformed her perspective.
As the mother of a son with cerebral palsy and ADHD, Susana discovered how understanding the nervous system, emotional regulation, and trauma could change the way she supported her son and herself. This journey led her to step away from traditional ABA practices that focused more on changing behaviors than understanding the child behind them.
At The Play Base, she found an approach that aligned with her beliefs: every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and accepted for who they are.
Today, Susana combines her background in ABA, yoga, and nervous system education with her passion for leadership. As Family Welcome & Operations Lead, she welcomes families with compassion, guides them through their first steps, and helps build a team and culture rooted in connection and authenticity.
Having walked a similar path herself, she understands how overwhelming a diagnosis can feel. Her greatest hope is that every parent who reaches out feels heard, supported, and a little less alone.
Beyond The Play Base: Susana is a proud mom of two boys, a mountain biker, and dog mom to Dulce, her Jack Russell and Chihuahua mix.
In Susana's own words“I don't want to be fixed. I just want to find places that I can express myself and be seen as I am, and be loved and accepted just as you are.”
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Danielle Goodman
Where compassion meets connection
Danielle's passion for supporting children began in high school through Best Buddies, where she discovered how meaningful relationships and inclusion can change lives.
Today, as a BCBA, she believes the most meaningful growth happens when children feel connected, understood, and supported in their everyday environments.
Danielle focuses on building social connections, strengthening family relationships, and helping children develop confidence through natural learning experiences.
Her favorite moments are the little breakthroughs when a child independently uses a new skill or discovers just how capable they are.
At The Play Base, she values the collaborative environment and the shared belief that human connection is at the heart of meaningful progress.
Beyond the therapy room: Danielle enjoys baking, Pilates, discovering new restaurants with her husband, and spending time with her four fuzzy critters.
Her guiding motto“Compassion is at the heart of connection.”
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Diana Puentes
Leading with purpose and respect
Diana's greatest inspiration for working with children and families comes from her own son, whose influence continues to shape her passion for compassionate care.
Her clinical philosophy is rooted in neurodiversity-affirming practices, where every child's safety, dignity, and individuality come first.
Diana believes in combining evidence-based strategies with a naturalistic approach that respects each child's needs and celebrates their strengths.
What brings her the greatest joy is seeing the pride children experience when they accomplish their goals. She equally loves watching RBTs gain confidence and parents discover new ways to support their children.
At The Play Base, Diana values the supportive community and the opportunity to make meaningful connections.
Beyond the therapy room: Diana loves learning new things, taking walks, spending time with family, and enjoying good food.
Her favorite motto“Move with purpose.”
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Katrina Abutog-Manon
Inspired by family, guided by compassion
Growing up alongside her brother, who has cerebral palsy, shaped Katrina's understanding of the importance of patience, compassion, and believing in every child's potential.
Today, as a BCBA, she brings that same understanding into her work, recognizing that meaningful learning begins when a child feels safe, loved, and regulated.
Katrina believes in following each child's lead, discovering what motivates them, and celebrating progress in all its forms, even something as simple as communicating the need for a break.
At The Play Base, she loves being part of a team that looks beyond behavior and considers the whole child. She's equally passionate about mentoring RBTs and helping families recognize their children's growth.
Beyond the therapy room: Katrina enjoys reading, camping, watching anime with her teenager, and exploring new foods.
Her guiding belief“Before learning can happen, a child needs to feel safe, loved, and regulated.”
Behavior Consultant
Jennifer Leonard
A mother's journey that became a passion
Jennifer's journey into ABA began with her own son, who was diagnosed with autism. As a mother searching for answers and support, she discovered a passion that eventually became her career.
Today, Jennifer strives to be the person she once needed: someone who listens, understands, and helps families feel empowered.
Her approach focuses on understanding the whole child, building on their strengths, and teaching meaningful skills that support communication, independence, and confidence. She believes progress isn't about changing who a child is, but helping them thrive as themselves.
At The Play Base, Jennifer loves being part of a team that values compassion, connection, and individuality.
Beyond the therapy room: Jennifer enjoys family time, music, and coloring, preferably inside the lines!
Her guiding belief“Every family deserves to feel heard, supported, and never alone.”
Behavior Consultant
Wendy Dominguez
Connection first, learning through play
Wendy's journey began as an RBT, where she discovered the power of connecting with children through play and understanding their unique ways of experiencing the world.
That passion grew into her work as a behavior consultant, supporting not only children but also the families, teachers, and caregivers who surround them.
Wendy believes meaningful learning begins with trust, connection, and meeting each child where they are. She's especially passionate about communication, independence, and celebrating the little moments that become big milestones.
At The Play Base, she loves getting down on the floor, following a child's interests, and making learning feel natural and joyful.
Beyond the therapy room: Wendy loves the beach, working out, exploring new places, and spending time with her dog, Zeus.
Her favorite motto“Progress, not perfection.”
Behavior Consultant
Moises Medina Aslan
Every small step is a big achievement
Moises's passion for helping children began with his love for psychology and understanding human behavior. Through his studies, he discovered the importance of early intervention and how meaningful support can make a lasting difference in a child's life and the lives of those who love them.
His approach is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and connection. Moises believes that every child learns in their own unique way and that meaningful progress begins with building trust, creating a sense of safety, and following the child's interests through play.
What brings him the greatest joy is celebrating the little moments that become big milestones, whether it's a child finding a new way to communicate, developing independence, or discovering a new skill.
At The Play Base, Moises loves being part of a team that values individuality, connection, and learning through play. His hope is that every family feels understood, supported, and confident knowing they have someone who genuinely cares about their child's journey.
Beyond the therapy room: Originally from Cuba, Moises enjoys traveling, exploring different cultures, going to the beach, working out, and reading about psychology and human behavior. He also loves spending time with his family, friends, and his adorable Cavapoo, Brownie!
His favorite motto“Every small step is a big achievement.”
Operations & Billing Support
Gilberto Salazar
Making every family's journey easier
Gilberto's professional journey began in hospitality, where he developed a passion for helping people, solving problems, and creating positive experiences.
At The Play Base, he brings those skills into a new purpose: supporting families and the clinical team behind the scenes.
From insurance and authorizations to scheduling and daily operations, Gilberto believes that clear communication, teamwork, and a genuine willingness to help can make even complicated processes feel manageable.
What he enjoys most is knowing that his work allows families to focus less on paperwork and more on their children.
His goal is simple: to help every family feel welcomed, supported, and confident that someone is there to guide them.
Beyond the office: Gilberto enjoys cooking, mountain biking, inline skating, surfskating, and spending time outdoors.
His favorite quote“No one is wise enough to not need others. — Seneca”
Our therapists
Matched to your child, not assigned at random
All of our therapists have a background in behavioral sciences and/or education or early childhood education. Each one receives direct supervision and training from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
- BCBAs and Registered Behavior Technicians on staff
- Directly supervised and trained by BCBAs
- Ongoing professional development for every team member
- Criminal background checks on file
Meet the Team
Let's find out what your child needs
A friendly, no-pressure conversation with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. We'll listen, answer your questions and tell you honestly whether we're the right fit.