Meet the People Guiding the Change.
At RIZO, we believe the right people make all the difference. Our team is made up of passionate professionals, educators, and therapists who lead with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to meaningful growth. Whether we’re supporting a child in their home, collaborating with a school district, or walking with parents through difficult moments—our hearts are in it.
The
Visionaries
Behind
RIZO
Together, we bring not only experience but empathy. This is more than a job for us—it’s a calling.
Jonathan Rizo, Clinical Director & Licensed Educational Pshycologist
From his early years in education to launching RIZO alongside his wife, Dr. Rizo has always believed in the transformative power of structure, love, and belief in people. Dr. Rizo is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and holds a Master’s degree in School Psychology and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, bringing a strong foundation in both academic and clinical practice. With deep roots in classroom instruction and psychological evaluation, his mission is clear: to help families break cycles, build connection, and believe that change is possible. His leadership style is grounded in empathy and action—and his vision is helping others find theirs.
“I walk into every home knowing that even the smallest shift can create a ripple that changes generations.”
Melissa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the social services field. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential, allowing her to effectively serve in both school-based and community settings.
Known as a problem-solver and systems thinker, Melissa is a passionate advocate for equity. Her approach is hands-on, humane, and hopeful—meeting clients where they are and guiding them toward meaningful, lasting change.
Melissa Rizo, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Director of Operations
Miguel Flores
Miguel Flores holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and brings more than 22 years of experience working with children and youth facing a wide range of behavioral and mental health challenges, including moderate to severe mental health disorders.
Throughout his career with Kern County Probation, Miguel served as a Senior Youth Services Officer at the Youth Detention Center (YDC), where he played an integral role in the early development of the Re-entry ADA and Programming Unit. He also served as an Institution Training Officer and departmental instructor, specializing in communication and de-escalation techniques for fellow officers. In addition, Miguel contributed to the profession through his service as a board member of the Kern County Probation Officers Association (KCPOA).
Passionate about learning, teaching, and leadership, Miguel is dedicated to creating meaningful and lasting impact. Whether supporting children and youth, mentoring colleagues, or collaborating with therapists, program managers, and clinical supervisors, he is committed to helping others grow, succeed, and reach their full potential.
“Hoy Semillas, Manana Flores.”
Mental Health Director
Carla Garcia
Carla Garcia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and holds a Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC). As the Mental Health Director at Rizo Psychological and Behavioral Services, she is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that supports lasting emotional wellness and personal growth.
With experience spanning community mental health, school-based services, and private practice, Carla has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges. She is passionate about building strong therapeutic relationships and empowering individuals with the tools and support they need to thrive.
Carla is committed to fostering resilience, promoting healing, and creating meaningful, lasting change for every individual and family she serves.
Clinical
Supervisors
Allison Martinez
These experienced leaders oversee our behavioral programs and therapeutic services, ensuring that each family receives customized, compassionate care grounded in best practices.
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Allison is a credentialed school psychologist with over eight years of experience in education, including six years focused on special education. She is passionate about empowering families with the knowledge, strategies, and tools they need to support their child’s development and long-term success.
Bryant Calderon-Torres
Bryant is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) whose passion for Applied Behavior Analysis began during his final semester at California State University, Bakersfield. Since entering the field, he has been dedicated to helping children and families achieve meaningful progress through compassionate, evidence-based care. Bryant is committed to empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential while providing families with the guidance and support they need to thrive.
Courtney Roberts
Courtney is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 12 years of experience supporting children with exceptional needs through behavioral analytic work, particularly in school and home settings. She holds a Master’s degree in School Psychology and a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential. Courtney is deeply committed to providing effective, compassionate care that empowers both children and families to thrive.
Angelica is a credentialed school psychologist with two years of experience in the field, committed to working with children and families to support meaningful behavioral and developmental progress. Her role involves closely collaborating with behavior therapists and program managers to ensure consistent, high-quality implementation of ABA strategies. Angelica provides training,
supervision, and support to promote a unified, data-driven approach that maximizes outcomes for clients and fosters a positive team environment.
Angelica Gomez
Jessica is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 20 years of experience supporting children with diverse needs. She holds a Master's degree in Special Education and an Education Specialist Instruction Credential for students with moderate to severe disabilities.
Jessica is passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers children and families to thrive in everyday life.
Jessica Acevedo
Program
Managers
Leslie Martinez
These team members bridge the gap between clinical plans and daily in-home support. They train and mentor therapists, support families, and ensure consistency in service delivery.
With two years of experience in this field, my journey began from a deeply personal place. As a mother, I struggled with my son’s developmental deficits and didn’t even realize he was delayed. I felt overwhelmed, alone, and judged, unsure of how to support his growth. That experience became my motivation to help other families feel seen, supported, and empowered, because it truly takes a village to raise a child, and we are honored to be part of that village.
“To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” – Dr. Seuss
With a Bachelor’s degree in Social Ecology and a background in special education, Emmanuel brings both expertise and heart to his role as an ABA Program Manager. Passionate about
making a difference, Emmanuel believes in leading with patience, faith, hard work, and
compassion qualities he brings to every interaction with his team, the families he supports, and the clients he serves.
¡Hablo español!
Kylee has several years of experience in the field of ABA and currently serves as a program manager. She plans to pursue her master’s in ABA to become a BCBA. Kylee is passionate about supporting children’s growth, celebrating their milestones, and equipping families with the tools and guidance to help their child thrive.
Emmanuel Valle
Kylee Ryan
Joanna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and brings experience from six years of working with children in school and foster care settings. Her firsthand exposure to the need for Autism, Behavioral Health, and Developmental Disability services led her to this field. Joanna is passionate about building strong relationships with children and families, reminding them they are not alone in their journey toward growth and support.
“It takes a big heart to help shape little minds.” – Unknown
Michael earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from California State University, Bakersfield, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Counseling at National University while working toward dual licensure as an LMFT and LPCC.
Passionate about helping others grow, Michael is committed to supporting individuals, couples, and families with empathy, authenticity, and a belief in every person's capacity for resilience and lasting change.
The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.
— Carl Jung
Joanna Falcon
Michael
Sanchez
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Trainers
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and have two years of experience working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). I am passionate about seeing the progress clients make through the work we do and find great fulfillment in helping parents engage more effectively with their children. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is witnessing the joy and pride parents feel as their children grow and achieve their goals.
Emmanuel Almanza
Jada earned a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology with a focus on human behavior and biology. They believe meaningful progress begins by understanding each family's unique needs and building strong, trusting relationships.
As a Program Manager, Jada is committed to leading with empathy, curiosity, and compassion while empowering families to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and foster greater independence.
No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship. — James Comer
Jada
Ochoa
We’re proud of the diverse cultural, linguistic, and educational backgrounds that make up the RIZO team. Many of us are bilingual, bicultural, and come from the very communities we serve. We understand firsthand the cultural nuances of parenting, schooling, and mental health—and we lead with that understanding every step of the way.
We’re not just professionals. We’re parents, teachers, mentors, and community builders. This is why families trust us—and why our work continues to grow.
Diversity + Heart in Action
Work With Our Team
