Board of Directors
Emily Poulos
President
Emily Gonzalez Poulos grew up in the Coachella Valley. Her introduction to the field of special needs began when she was young, as she frequently observed her mother who worked as a para-professional for a School District. Emily grew to follow in her mother’s footsteps by providing in-home behavior services to those with developmental disabilities, such as autism. Emily holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Professional Counseling with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy. Currently, she works as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) providing virtual mental health services.
Maria Martinez
Co-founder and Secretary
Maria Martinez is a mother of 3 and a mother of children with special needs. She is known for her persistence and for seeking out knowledge to benefit her children and to strengthen families in the community as well. She is passionate about sharing knowledge with others and seeing them prosper as a result. Maria Martinez has been known for her problem-solving skills and has participated with several parent groups in the Coachella Valley. Her knowledge-seeking personality led her to earn a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Her self-made goal is for all caregivers to truly understand applied behavior analysis.
Mariela Escobar
Vice-President
Mariela Escobar grew up in the Coachella Valley. She completed her Bachelor’s degree and returned to her community to begin working with children with special needs. Seeing the impact she made with her families’ progress made her excited about the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. She decided to pursue her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and has since been recognized for her dedication to the families she serves. She prides herself on providing quality services and making a positive impact. Mariela is passionate about serving her community and looks forward to her future as a board member.
Amanda Galindo
Treasurer
Amanda Galindo was born and raised in the Coachella Valley. She has a BS in Criminal Justice and a MA in Psychology. She currently works as the Program Director for a local non-profit that provides free services to those with special needs and is focused on preparing teenagers for success before they age out of programs. Amanda's passion to make a difference in her community extends to a second career she has by providing psychotherapy. In the past, Amanda has worked as a domestic violence case manager/volunteer coordinator at Shelter from the Storm as well as a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee/Professional Clinical Counselor Trainee at ABC Recovery Center. Amanda’s experiences and community involvement now reach GANAS where she is excited to continue to make positive impacts on her community.
Michelle Salgado
Member At Large
Michelle grew up in the Coachella Valley, surrounded by a close-knit community that shaped her values. When her younger brother was diagnosed with autism, it was a pivotal moment that sparked a deep desire to understand and support not only him but also others facing similar challenges. Driven by this newfound purpose, she pursued an associate degree in psychology. For five years, she worked as an ABA therapist, providing support in both clinical and home settings. Each day presented unique challenges, but witnessing the progress of her clients was profoundly rewarding. She learned the power of patience, empathy, and the importance of tailored approaches in fostering growth.
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As her experience in the field deepened, she felt a strong call for advocacy and transitioned to a role as an advocate and case manager for a local nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families affected by autism. In this capacity, she worked tirelessly to connect families with resources, navigate complex systems, and raise awareness about autism. These experiences fueled her desire to continue her education, leading her to obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology. This academic journey enriched her understanding and equipped her with the tools to make a broader impact. Today, she remains committed to her work in advocacy and continues to support individuals and families navigating similar paths.