MEET OUR TEAM
Dr. Shazia Hyder
Dr. Shazia Hyder is a Medical Doctor and a founder of Autism Heroes. She obtained her Medical Degree from Southampton, U.K in 1997. In 2002 she completed Family Practice residency in U.K. She has an Internal Medicine residency from Loma Linda University, in 2009. She worked at the VA in Loma Linda for 6 years. Dr. Hyder is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. She is currently working on obtaining her MAPS fellowship: Medical Academy of Pediatric and Special needs. She is passionate about helping children with special needs.
Xochitl Estrada, M.S.
Xochitl received her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University in 2018. She also received her Bachelor’s in Sociology, from the University of California, Riverside in 2011. Since 2010 she has worked in providing one on one ABA services to individuals with Autism and other disabilities, administering assessments, supervising cases and training staff.
Xochitl has two and a half years of experience working in early intervention where she worked with children under three years old implementing ABA strategies to modify behaviors. She also has experience working with adolescents diagnosed with moderate to severe Autism as well as individuals that are non-verbal. Witnessing her client’s small and big achievements motivates her to continue helping as many families as possible.
Marissa Congdon, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Dr. Marissa Congdon received her Ph.D in Special Education from the University of Washington with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis. Dr. Congdon is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst - Doctoral, specializing in the treatment of children with autism and related disorders. She has also trained teachers on how to successfully apply ABA in the classroom in order to increase access to academics and decrease problem behaviors. Currently, Dr. Congdon is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at the California State University, San Bernardino, where she teaches courses on educating learners with autism to future special education teachers. She also currently serves districts as a contract BCBA. Dr. Congdon has over 15 years of experience working with people with autism.
Nathaniel Smith, RBT
Nathaniel, is a well-rounded professional with more than 8 years of experience working with children and adults, of all ages that have been diagnosed with Autism. Nathaniel has worked in school, clinics, and in-home settings. He is continuing his education, with hopes of becoming a BCBA in the future.
Madeline Sanchez, RBT & Marketing
Madeline has nearly 10 years of experience working with children and adults of all ages. She has worked with both neurotypical and neurodivergent clients, and has had the privilege of fostering their life skills while assisting in education, independent living, social and behavioral skills, after-school care, and early childhood intervention all throughout the span of her career. She has recently obtained her RBT certification and is excited to work and grow within a field she is passionate about.
Madeline also currently works on Autism Heroes' social media, website, and marketing designs.
Alondra Macias, RBT
Alondra has hands-on ABA experience working with children and adults of all ages since 2018. She is a dedicated and motivated individual seeking to use her knowledge and interpersonal skills to help individuals grow to their outmost potential. She obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development Studies from Cal State Fullerton in 2023 and is currently enrolled in a graduate program to obtain her Masters degree in order to become a BCBA.
