About us

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.

Diagnosed with ASD at age 10, the society aided Brandon in his youth by giving him and his mother a safe space to better understand and overcome his unique challenges. Now an adult, he has returned to ASVC as a board member to advocate for parents and young adults facing similar challenges. Against all odds, he has cultivated a successful career for himself in Information Technology, and enjoys photography in his spare time.

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.

Velia Soto.

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 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.  

Michelle is a special education teacher that is passionate about supporting students with autism. She has been in the field for almost a decade and continues to further her education and expertise in supporting the community. She aims to end the stigma by empowering and advocating for those who are neurodivergent. Prior to ASVC, she was in the Peace Corps in Kazakhstan and the Philippines, where she taught English and volunteered with an international non-profit, One Billion Rising, to spread awareness against violence towards women and children.

Megan joined the ASVC team in September 2024. She had previously spent over 16 years in various leadership roles in the nonprofit sector. With a strong passion for serving the community and fostering a sense of belonging, Megan aims to lead strategic initiatives that will elevate ASVC’s mission of supporting individuals with autism and their families throughout Ventura County. Outside of work, Megan has participated in many years of volunteer roles with the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, Haven Hills Women’s Shelter, Actors Repertory Theater of Simi, and YMCA Sleep away camp programs. She loves spending time with her loved ones, camping, and enjoying a great theater production or concert.

Ivonne Torres.

Jasmine Duron is the Advocacy and Community Impact Coordinator at Autism Society Ventura County, providing part-time administrative support to the organization’s advocacy committee. She works as a Certified Peer Support Specialist where she utilizes her lived experience as a parent navigating systems in order to support other families navigating the Child Welfare System through wraparound services. As the parent of two neurodivergent children, including one diagnosed with autism at age eight, she discovered the Autism Society and became deeply involved in their advocacy efforts. She is an active parent volunteer in the Oxnard school community, serving on many committees such as PTA, School Site Council, Special Education Community Council, Parent Advisory Committee, and Family and Community Engagement Committee. Additionally, she is a member of the Executive Board for the Ventura County SELPA Community Advisory Committee, where she advocates for families with students who have disabilities, including autism. She is also a CORE Member of Ventura County Parents’ Voices, where she actively participates in several workgroups within Ventura County’s wellness system, advocating to amplify the voices of parents with lived experience navigating various county services.

Alex joined the ASVC team with a background in marketing & development for nonprofits and various industries spanning from Hospice programs to Mental Health Professionals, as well as public relations & communications for a diverse array of clients. Alex is most passionate about people and community, and strongly believes in providing inclusive, welcoming spaces and opportunities for all. Alex works closely with ASVC’s Executive Director to expand awareness of the ASVC mission through networking events, marketing strategies and pieces. Outside of work, Alex enjoys supporting local businesses, spending time outdoors, hanging out with her daughter, and enjoying live music.

Brian has supported individuals with Autism and IDD professionally since 2014, drawing from a lifetime of lived experience in the disability community. Raised by parents who served individuals with Autism and IDD as nurses, and with a mother who has epilepsy, Brian developed an early passion for advocacy and community building. Previously, Brian helped lead The Co-Advocates of Ventura County, where he combined his experience in activism, direct support, and nonprofit leadership to help individuals with Autism and IDD grow as self-advocates and engage civically. Brian is pursuing his bachelor’s in psychology at CSUCI, and in his free time enjoys film, theater, writing, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Molly Maurer joined the ASVC team with over five years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, where she has dedicated her career to advocating for underserved communities. With a background in mental health and lived experience supporting a sibling with disabilities, Molly brings both professional expertise and personal passion to her role. She is a certified Peer Support Specialist in California and a keynote speaker focused on mass violence advocacy and survivor empowerment. At ASVC, Molly serves as the Program and Administrative Coordinator, where she supports day-to-day operations, facilitates programming, and fosters meaningful community connections. She is especially passionate about peer support and creating inclusive, supportive spaces for individuals and families. Outside of work, Molly enjoys connecting with others, spending time in nature, and exploring local events in Ventura County.