Directors & Administration
Bryan Hebert, MS, BCBA
Executive Director / Co-Owner
Bryan Hebert received his master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from California State University, Los Angeles. He is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Since 2001, he has been working with children and young adults with developmental disabilities and has been supervising staff in the implementation of behavioral programs. Bryan has consultation experience with various school districts and regional centers throughout Southern California. He has experience in the following: conducting functional assessments and developing behavior interventions plans, providing consultation and trainings to parents, school teams, and other service providers, supervising staff in their roles as 1:1 interventionists for children in special education and full inclusion settings, and conducting new staff orientation and training as well as ongoing staff trainings. Sage is an authorized continuing education provider through the BACB. Bryan also serves as Sage’s ACE Coordinator.
Bryan was previously the Southern California Student Representative to the California Association for Behavior Analysis (CalABA) from 2005-2007. He served as the Volunteer Coordinator at the 2005, 2008, 2009 annual CalABA conferences. He has previously served on the Board of Directors for CalABA as the Conference Co-Chair (2009-2012) and on the CalABA Conference Committee for several years. Bryan enthusiastically heads the Training Department at Sage. He has also served occasionally as an adjunct professor at National University, teaching graduate-level ABA classes to future BCBA’s in the field.
Cindy Hebert, MSW, BCBA
Executive Director / Co-Owner
Cindy received her master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in Children, Youth, and Families and her Pupil Personnel Services Credential from California State University, Long Beach. Cindy also has a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas. She has worked with children and adults with developmental disabilities since 1998 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2005. Cindy has experience in supervising staff in the implementation of behavior plans, conducting functional assessments and developing behavior intervention plans, providing consultation and trainings to parents, school teams, and other service providers, supervising staff in their roles as 1:1 behavior support with children in special education and full inclusion settings, and supervising early intervention programs.
Cindy has also presented at the California Association for Behavior Analysis conference and has been a member of their Conference Committee. Her professional interests include early intensive intervention services, supporting children with disabilities in both full inclusion and mainstreaming settings, and mentoring future BCBA’s in the field.
Kareem Khouri, BS
Business Director / Co-Owner
One of the many ways Kareem shows his support to children with developmental disabilities is by managing Sage’s Business Department. Kareem completed his university business studies in the 1990’s, but he had a change of heart before graduating and decided to work 1:1 with individuals with developmental disabilities. It was a whole new adventure for Kareem, and he found it so rewarding that he decided to make it his career path. When Kareem is not snorkeling in the local Orange County beaches or playing softball or golf, he enjoys brainstorming ideas for developing different aspects and areas for growth within the company.
Alyssa Cabrera, MA, BCBA
Clinical Director, California
Alyssa Cabrera joined Sage Behavior Services in 2010, and currently manages a team of Program Supervisors and Behavior Interventionists providing services across North Orange County. Alyssa received a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Cross-Cultural Language and Academic Development from California State University, Long Beach and a M.A. in Teaching with a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and facilitates Sage Behavior Services’ five through seven year old Social Skills Group. Alyssa continues to be motivated by a persistent passion for supporting others through the creation of quality ABA programs that are tailored to the individual needs of the children and families she serves.
Kimi Thornburgh, MA, BCBA
Clinical Director, California
Kimi received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine and received her master’s degree in Teaching, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis, from National University. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Kimi is experienced in conducting functional behavior assessments, developing individualized behavior intervention plans, supervising behavior interventionists, collaborating with various professionals and conducting consultation with parents, family members, and school teams. Kimi has a personal interest in video modeling and increasing the use of technology throughout client programs. Her passion lies in the daily successes seen in her clients and their family members. In her eyes, there is no doubt that the rewards outweigh the challenges. In her free time, Kimi enjoys traveling, baking, and giving back to the community.
April Young, MS, BCBA, LBA
Clinical Director, Washington
April Young received her bachelor’s degree in Child Development from California State University Fullerton and her master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction. She has a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University and has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since 2013.
April has worked with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families since 2010, and has experience in the following: conducting functional behavior assessments, consultation and training to parents, school teams, and other service providers, supervision of staff implementing behavior intervention plans with children in special education and full inclusion settings, researching and implementing social skills programs, as well as developing and conducting staff trainings in the principles of ABA. April is a current member of the Washington Association for Behavior Analysis (WABA). She values collaboration with 1:1 staff, families, and caregivers to provide individualized and culturally responsive care that meets the unique needs of each child.
Emily McDowell, MS, BCBA, LBA
Clinical Director, Washington
Emily McDowell has been a member of the Sage Behavior Services family since 2012. She received her bachelor’s degree in Child Development with a minor in Natural Sciences and her master’s degree in Education with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction from California State University, Fullerton. She has a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University and earned her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential in 2015. Through evidence-based practices, Emily strives to bring meaningful behavior changes to her clients that are functional and important to increasing their quality of life. She has a passion for developing individualized programs for her clients and celebrating client successes along the way. Emily values her experiences in mentoring Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) and BCBAs, in collaborating with various professionals and service providers, and in conducting consultations with caregivers and professionals in a variety of settings. Emily considers herself a lifelong learner and enjoys mentoring others in providing compassionate care and offering the support needed to help improve the overall well-being of children and their families. At the end of each day, Emily is fulfilled by the constant collaborative efforts she and her teams make towards making a difference in the lives of those with whom she works.
Hazel Tongco, MA
Operations Manager
Hazel received her Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Los Angeles. She serves as the intermediary between families and funding sources to coordinate timely access to ABA services. Hazel assists new and current clients with the intake process and accessing ABA through a variety of funding sources. Her other responsibilities include scheduling and office management. She is constantly inspired by the work the clinical staff perform each day and their dedication to each child’s progress. In her spare time, Hazel enjoys spending time with her family, trying new recipes, and watching movies.