Developed by experts,
delivered to your home

Our mission is to help individuals build strong, meaningful relationships with their peers by addressing and enhancing any social skills deficits they may have

Evidence-Based Peer Group Therapy

Ascent Autism provides social skills group therapy. We help individuals with autism develop their social skills and grow social and emotional bonds with peers. Our expert-designed program from UCSF and Stanford Medical School has fostered lasting social abilities and friendships for over a thousand participants.

Ascent Autism’s program curates groups of peers on the spectrum and creates a safe and conducive space for them to practice their social skills in order to unlock deeper social and emotional bonds with one-another - and it works.

 

Where Science, Data, and Medicine Intersect

Ascent Autism brings together the latest advancements in science, data, and medicine to provide group therapy for individuals with autism. Our expert facilitators lead groups that leverage artificial intelligence to collect metrics on each learner's social skills development and create personalized care plans.

Our science team, headed by Dr. Bennett Leventhal and Dr. Young Shin Kim, conducts research on the efficacy of our Peer Group Therapy and measures the significant improvements our learners experience. Dr. Leventhal is a Professor of Psychiatry with 50+ years of experience working with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Dr. Young Shin Kim is a Professor of Psychiatry at UCSF and Director of the Center for Autism. She has received awards for her scientific achievement and is a key member of our science team in our evidence-based, innovative approach to peer group therapy.

 
 
Dr. Young Shin Kim

Young Shin Kim, MD, MPH, PhD

 
Dr. Bennett Leventhal

Bennett Leventhal, MD

 

Tackling Big Challenges

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, Ascent Autism was founded by Hye Ryeon Lee, PhD to tackle the biggest challenges individuals on the spectrum face.

Individuals with autism have unique life experiences that can make it challenging to connect with members of their local community. Ascent offers individuals with autism the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers to socialize, learn, and laugh with one another.

 
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Meet Your Peer Group Facilitators

The mission of every Ascent Autism peer group facilitator is to create a safe and conducive space for their peers to be able to practice their social skills in order to unlock deeper social and emotional bonds with one-another.

In addition to having years of experience providing therapy to individuals on the autism spectrum, Ascent Autism’s peer group facilitators go through Ascent’s Facilitator Training Program, where they become adept at applying Ascent’s program and tracking peers’ progress.

 
Featured Facilitators
Tracy Tang, M.Ed.
Tracy Tang, M.Ed.

Tracy holds a Master's degree in Education from Stanford University. Her extensive research experience in graduate school informs her innovative approach to supporting children with special needs. With a deep passion for helping every child achieve their full potential, Tracy brings unwavering dedication to her work as a learning specialist at Ascent Autism.

Brenda Gonzalez, B.A.
Brenda Gonzalez, B.A.

Brenda holds a BA in Social Work and Spanish from San Diego State University. With 8+ years' experience, she has supported children with autism and their families in various settings, including classrooms, clinics, and homes. As a Peer Group Facilitator at Ascent Autism, Brenda focuses on enhancing communication and social skills in a welcoming setting, showcasing her commitment and diverse expertise in the field.

Marissa Ross, M.A., Ed.S.
Marissa Ross, M.A., Ed.S.

Marissa holds a B.S. in Biobehavioral Health from Penn State and M.A. degrees in Professional Counseling and School Counseling from Seton Hall. With six years of experience, she has worked with children to young adults on the autism spectrum as a behavior technician, behavioral therapist, and social skills group leader.

Amy Cervantes, M.A.
Amy Cervantes, M.A.

Amy holds a Master's degree in Educational Psychology, specializing in Early Childhood Education, from California State University, Northridge. With approximately nine years of experience, she has been working with both children and adults with autism, ranging in age from newborns to 35 years old.

Catherine Donndelinger, M.A.
Catherine Donndelinger, M.A.

Catherine holds a Bachelor's degree in English from Marquette University and a Master's degree from Washington Theological Union in Washington, DC. She has 14 years of teaching experience across different grade levels, with a focus on customizing lessons to suit the unique needs of children facing learning difficulties. Before joining Ascent Autism, Catherine worked in the behavioral health sector as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT).

Michelle Miller, B.S.
Michelle Miller, B.S.

Michelle received her Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science from University of California Santa Cruz and in Communication Science and Disorders from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She has worked with children on the autism spectrum as a Board Certified Autism Technician, ABA clinic supervisor, and instructional aide for 6 years.

Merci Hercules, M.S.
Merci Hercules, M.S.

Merci received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Purdue University. Both degrees in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has worked as a behavioral therapist with children diagnosed with ASD for 4 years. Merci is dedicated to helping children and their families overcome any challenge.

Nicole Zuniga
Nicole Zuniga

Nicole graduated from California State University Northridge with her Bachelors in Psychology. She has worked with children, teens and young adults on the autism spectrum for more than 6 years as a Registered Behavior Technician. Nicole has a passion for helping families and their loved ones overcome any challenge.

Faraz Fadavi
Faraz Fadavi

Faraz graduated from Stanford University with Honors in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence Track). Faraz has previously led an Artificial Intelligence-driven Electronic Medical Record company and is deeply passionate about applying technology to radically improve people’s lives.

We’re Hiring

We are a group of ambitious, creative, outcomes-obsessed individuals dedicated to the mission of creating a safe and conducive space for peers to be able to practice their social skills in order to unlock deeper social and emotional bonds with one-another. Join us and you’ll be surrounded by passionate team players who are top performers in their field.

  • Ascent Autism is looking to hire diligent, warm-hearted facilitators to work with individuals with autism. All candidates must have a bachelors degree in a related field, 5+ years of experience as an RBT or BCBA, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Ascent Autism is looking to hire dedicated Program Managers to manage peer group facilitators and develop programming. All candidates must have a masters degree in a related field, 5+ years of experience as a BCBA, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Our customer success team supports families as they onboard onto Ascent’s service and help families navigate service plans, billing, and other needs. All candidates must have a masters degree and excellent verbal and written communication skills.