About Us

Our team consists of behavior interventionists lead by Roxana Zakhary (Nedelcu), who is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a PhD in Psychology. The staff in our team are completing their BA and MA's respectively in psychology, education, and art therapy and are of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Our team works on building essential language, communication, play, social, and academic skills.

Our Team

Our team consists of behavior interventionists lead by Roxana Nedelcu, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a PhD in Psychology. Each member is completing their BA and MA's respectively in psychology, education, and art therapy.

Our Team

Roxana

Roxana started Compassionate Therapy for Autism in the beginning of 2020 when agencies offering services in the area withdrew their care due to COVID-19 and shelter in place regulations. Roxana started CTA because of her passion for working with children as well as her dedication to a considerate treatment and fair compensation of the behavior interventionists working in the Portland area. Roxana has 19 years of experience working with children, has a BA in Social Work from University of Bucharest, Romania, an MA in Behavior Analysis from University of South Florida, and a PhD in Psychology from City University of New York. At present Roxana is completing a Masters in Clinical Rehabilitative Counseling at Portland State University where she will learn to work with disabled adults and individuals with dual diagnosis. Roxana is dedicated to helping every child become their best selves, and to making every family feel heard. The children who have worked with Roxana made tremendous progress, learned to have a voice, to make their wants and needs met, to read, count, add, and to enjoy life with their loved ones. In her free time, Roxana loves listening to jazz, going on walks in nature, hanging out with friends, and discovering new books with her son. Recent discoveries are the Pippi Longstocking, and Harriet Tubman graphic novels.

Joanna

Joanna joined Compassionate Therapy for Autism as a registered behavior interventionist in the summer of 2020. Joanna is a thoughtful and caring therapist, and a fast learner. She has a nurturing personality and enjoys engaging children in creative and playful activities. She was born in Japan but primarily grew up in Northern Virginia, close to Washington D.C. She is a Japanese-English bilingual speaker. Joanna is currently a junior at Reed College studying Psychology and has taken classes in Learning and Behavior Analysis. Joanna has been working with children at Kindercare, Duniway All Stars Childcare, and a nursery at a local Sunday school. She has also volunteered as an assistant coach for a local youth track program and currently volunteers for CARES NW, where she offers support to families and does administrative work. She is empathetic, patient, and expressive. She is continuously impressed by the progress her client has made and remains excited for future successes! In her free time, Joanna likes to exercise: she enjoys cross country and track and kickboxing.

Frances

Frances joined Compassionate Therapy for Autism in the summer of 2020. Frances is a creative, active, and fun therapist. She is skilled at including movement, creative activities, and games in her sessions. Frances received a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from Loyola University Chicago and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling at Lewis and Clark Graduate School. She has been working with children and adults for over 10 years in settings such as Wisconsin Early Autism Project, Misericordia Heat of Mercy, and CARD. Frances has a passion for engaging with children’s imagination and their unique strengths. She is constantly amazed and inspired by the growth and success seen in her work with clients. She strives to help each child reach their full potential. In her free time Frances enjoys baking, paddle boarding, making pottery, and going to farmers markets.

Abigail

Abigail Mills joined compassionate therapy for autism in January of 2022. She is a thoughtful and creative therapist, often making her own games and activities that the children enjoy and can be continuously engaged in. Abigail was born in England and has lived in San Francisco for the majority of her life. She moved to Portland to attend Lewis and Clark College - pursuing a Psychology and Neuroscience degree. She has been working with children for over 6 years and has taken many classes pertaining to children’s psychology. Abigail loves to incite new skills and passions within her clients and watch them grow into who they want to be. In her free time she loves to read, go to the theatre, and swim.