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.

Carole Shelton, Vice President

Brandon Fox, Treasurer

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.

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, M.A., LMFT

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.

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.

Velia Soto

Michelle Goldstein

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.

Our Staff

Megan Meadows - Executive Director

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.