Who Are We?

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 Autism Society Ventura County is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism Community with the resources needed 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 or a committee, please see the Get Involved page. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, 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.
Velia Soto, Vice President
Brandon Fox, Vice President

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, Secretary

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.

Michelle Goldstein, Treasurer
Vivian Nguyen, M.Ed. BCBA

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.
Ryan Nolan

Ryan Nolan is a Camarillo resident and 16-year Navy veteran who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at age 38, an experience that shaped his perspective on neurodiversity and personal growth. He holds a BS in Psychology from the University of La Verne and is passionate about the ASD community. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys chess, racecars, and maintaining an active fitness routine.

Nikhil Dutta

Nikhil Dutta is a 22 year old Thousand Oaks resident currently attending California State University, Channel Islands with a major in Communication. He was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of five in the late 2000s and with Combined Type ADHD in 2025 at 21 years old. With his personal experience being an autistic person, he has an interest in advocating for the autistic community as a whole by being a part of the ASVC board and volunteering at events hosted by the nonprofit. In his free time, he enjoys reading and watching videos about psychology (often specifically about Autism, ADHD, and other disabilities), listening to and discussing music, working out at the gym, and other hobbies.

Aram Dakessian

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.
Ivonne Torres - Program and Events Manager

Ivonne Torres joined  ASVC  in 2019. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a background in Sales and Marketing. Ivonne is deeply passionate and committed to creating more inclusive, and  welcoming spaces for the Autism Community. At ASVC, Ivonne  serves as the Programs and Events Manager, where she is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing programs and events. Outside of work, Ivonne enjoys camping with her family at Rincon Beach in Ventura and cherishes returning home to Puerto Rico to spend time with her family and friends.

Alex Ayala - Marketing & Outreach Coordinator

Alex joined the ASVC team in November 2024. Her background includes 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, and by providing administrative support to the rest of the team. Outside of work, Alex enjoys supporting local businesses and learning about the history of Ventura County, hanging out with her daughter, and enjoying live music.

Brian Schumacher - Advocacy & Community Impact Manager

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 - Programs & Administrative Coordinator

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.