Welcome to Learning Beyond the Spectrum!
Learning Beyond the Spectrum provides parent training, assessments, behavior plans, 1:1 ABA services for children with developmental disabilities, typically developing children, and their families.
Our program aims to offer support to the whole family with access to ABA and traditional therapy services. We offer Marriage and Family Therapy in addition to traditional ABA services.
New to ABA? Recently receive a diagnosis? Looking for some help and support? Let us help you navigate your options and make the best decision for you and your family, in the comfort of your own home.
Stephanie Ross, MA, BCBA, LBA
Stephanie Ross is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who received her BA in Psychology from the University of San Francisco. She then studied clinical psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology where she received her M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Stephanie worked as an ABA therapist in Southern California while completing her education and became a Clinical Managing Supervisor of a small, private ABA company. After moving to New York City, Stephanie worked for a medicaid service agency to help build a model program for the state of New York, providing in-home and community services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
After her youngest child was diagnosed with autism, Stephanie went back to school to pursue her PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis where she studied burnout in the autism caretaker and direct care staff. She is expected to graduate in Fall 2024.
Stephanie and her family have settled in Santa Barbara where she now brings her expertise in behavior intervention and family services to Santa Barbara County. Stephanie focuses on a collaborative environment where everyone is understood, trained, and has their needs met using evidence-based practices to promote lasting change.
Dakota Gutierrez, M.A., BCBA
Dakota Gutierrez is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who received her BA in Psychology at Sonoma State University where she volunteered weekly at the non-profit organization Forget Me Not Farms where she supported and mentored children and pre-teens with autism through animal-assisted and horticultural therapeutic activities. She went on to graduate from the Teacher’s College at Ball State University with an MA in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis in Autism. Dakota started working for Learning Beyond the Spectrum as a Behavior Technician in November 2021 where she provided support for clients in-home and in-school. Her love for the science of Applied Behavior Analysis has grown and continues to grow as she now works for Learning Beyond the Spectrum as a BCBA.
Ian Rodriguez, M.S., BCBA
Ian Rodriguez is a bilingual (English / Spanish), Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who received his B.A. in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Barbara. He then studied Psychology at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, where he received his M.S. in Behavioral Psychology. Ian is dedicated to collaborating with families, schools, and community members to reach their goals and promote meaningful behavioral and environmental change within his community.
While completing his undergraduate degree at UC Santa Barbara, Ian worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT); where he provided ABA therapy to children and adults with developmental disabilities in Santa Barbara County. It was during this time that Ian fell in love with the life-changing science of Applied Behavior Analysis. Ultimately, serving as the impetus for Ian to pursue a graduate degree, and receive his M.S. in Behavioral Psychology from Pepperdine University.
While completing his graduate degree, Ian worked as a Program Coordinator for a private ABA company; where he provided ABA therapy, staff supervision, social skills training, and parent training. After several years providing in-home, center-based, and community-based services, Ian took his experience and expertise to his hometown school district (MUSD) in Manteca, California.
While working for MUSD, as a Special Education BCBA, Ian served as a behavior consultant and trainer for Special and General Education Teachers, Administrators, and School Staff. Ian was also responsible for providing behavior services to Kindergarten through High-School age, Special Education students, in the school setting.
After gaining valuable experience working as a Special Education BCBA, Ian has followed his passion for providing meaningful, client-centered ABA services, back to Santa Barbara County. Ian is committed to teaching skills through play, socialization, evidence-based practices, and a trauma informed approach to better equip individuals and their families with the skills they need to successfully navigate their lives.
Courtney McLean, Lead RBT
Courtney McLean is a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) who is a fourth-year at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She expects to earn her B.S. in Psychological and Brain Sciences as well as minors in both Applied Psychology and Feminist Studies in March 2025.
Courtney has worked as an RBT at Learning Beyond the Spectrum for almost two years, and recently began a new position as Lead RBT. In addition to her role at Learning Beyond the Spectrum, Courtney works on research teams through both the Koegel Autism Center and the Close Relationships lab at UCSB.
Courtney has worked with children for the past 8 years and is passionate about continuing in this field of work in the future. She plans on continuing her studies after graduation in the field of behavioral science and interventions.
Fathiah Bauman, MA, LMFT
Fathiah Bauman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who received her BA in English Literature from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She then studied clinical psychology at Antioch University where she received her M.A. in Clinical Psychology.
Fathiah worked as a group and individual therapist in a small nonprofit Substance Abuse Treatment Facility in Santa Barbara while completing her education. After graduation she became the Clinical Manager of the treatment facility before leaving to pursue a career with Child Welfare Services (CWS). The work with Child Welfare Services was demanding, and exhausting but rewarding. Fathiah then left CWS to work in the Santa Barbara Elementary School System as a school-based therapist. She now currently works with Santa Barbara Counties youth providing services and resources, assessing for suicide and involuntary hospitalizations, as well as supporting the community with a small private therapeutic practice.
Fathiah works as client centered therapist focusing on goals and treatment plans created by the client. She supports a collaborative effort and works with the client’s family and other professionals if appropriate, utilizing CBT therapy, family systems and solution focused theories when appropriate.
