Our Team

Thomas J. Widger, Psy.M., BCBA

Thomas Widger received his Master of Arts in Psychology in 1995 from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York.  Tom began his career in 1996 providing home-based behavioral services to severely emotionally disturbed adolescents at the Ulster County Youth Advocate Program in Kingston, New York.  After moving to California, Tom began working at the California Autism Foundation in 2000. During his 9-year tenure, he served as a Special Education Teacher, Work-Ability I Director, and Supported Living Coordinator. After earning his certification as a BCBA (Board-Certified Behavior Analyst) in 2003, he was promoted to Clinical Director for the foundation's ABC programs.

Today, Tom is Founder, President, & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Thomas J. Widger Behavioral Consulting, Inc. in Oakland, California.  He is an active participant in his community and continues to provide behavioral services to adults, children, and families throughout the Bay Area. Thomas serves on the board of CISS, Inc. (Community Integrated Support) and as Vice President of the Board for ABC (A Better Chance) Apartments. He is also a loving dad to two rescue pups, a senior cat, and is a foster dad for medically fragile rabbits through Oakland Animal Services.

Taylor Bothe-Yates, Psy.M., BCBA

Taylor Bothe–Yates is a Behavior Consultant for TJW Behavioral Consulting, Inc. Originally from Antioch, CA, Taylor is a veteran who served 7-years active duty in the United States Air Force as a Security Forces member from 2011–2018. In 2019, Taylor received her Masters of Arts in Psychology from American Military University and quickly discovered a passion for Applied Behavior Analysis. In 2021, Taylor received her Board-Certified Behavior Analysis certification and gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.

Taylor strongly believes in treating everyone with dignity and respect regardless of their development disabilities and socioeconomic status. She believes that Applied Behavior Analysis should be practiced naturalistically and to only benefit the individuals she is servicing. Taylor is a passionate BCBA that advocates for progressive compassionate care of the community she serves.

Ashley Curtin, M.A., BCBA

Ashley Curtin completed her Master of Arts in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University in 2020.  Ashley first entered the world of Special Education in 2008 as a classroom aide working at a non-public school for students with severe behavioral challenges ages 5-22. 

After 7 years in the field, and having moved into a supervisory role, Ashley discovered her passion for training and program design.  In 2017, she enrolled in Arizona State University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Sociology followed immediately by her master’s degree. 

While wrapping up her graduate program, Ashley shifted from her position in non-public schools to a position as one of the first Behavior Support Specialists for Antioch Unified School District in January of 2020. 

As of 2023, Ashley is now a full-time behavior consultant whose focus is to educate and empower families and support staff who care for our most vulnerable populations.

Amrit Kaur, M.A., BCBA


Amrit Kaur is a Behavior Consultant for TJW Behavioral Consulting, Inc. She completed her Master’s degree in Professional Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology in 2019 and has been working in the field of behavior support and consultation since 2013.

Amrit believes in providing person-centered, trauma-informed services. She considers everyone’s experience, needs, strengths, preferences, and goals while also focusing on their trauma history. She believes in treating everyone with dignity and respect. Her top character strengths are creativity, love of learning, leadership, kindness, and love.

Polina Lyandres, M.A., BCBA 

Polina Lyandres received her bachelor's degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. During her time at UCSB, Polina took courses at Koegel Autism Center, where she was exposed to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT). Polina provided direct-care services for individuals and families of those affected by autism spectrum disorders. Polina received her Master of Arts in Psychology in 2013 from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.  After earning her certification as a BCBA (Board-Certified Behavior Analyst) in 2015, she was promoted to Clinical Director for home-based ABA programs. She strives to develop and disseminate evidence-based, strength-based, motivational interventions and supports; be culturally sensitive and responsive; provide ongoing outreach and education to families and professionals; and support the diverse needs of individuals with ASD across the lifespan. During her free time she enjoys attending dance classes, hiking, and spending time with her friends and family. 

Leigh Barnett, MSW

Leigh Barnett is a Behavior Consultant for TJW Behavioral Consulting, Inc. She completed her Master’s degree in Social Work from California State East Bay in 2011 and has been working in the field of behavior support and consultation since 2014. 

Leigh is passionate about serving and facilitating personal growth and change for individuals with developmental disabilities and advocating for their inclusion and participation in all life has to offer. Leigh is also the mother of two energetic and audacious children, who remind her every day to stay curious.

Chandra Hines, LMFT 

Chandra Elizabeth Hines is a Behavior Consultant for TJW Behavioral Consulting, Inc. In 2014, Chandra received her master's degree in Counseling Psychology with a Somatic Psychology concentration from the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in San Francisco, California. In addition to providing behavioral support and consultation, Chandra is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California.

A child of a social worker, Chandra has been a life-long advocate for supporting personal autonomy, growth and human potential. As a behavioral consultant, Chandra is passionate about helping individuals acquire the skills they need to feel safe, supported and connected within the world. Chandra is also a mother to a sweet and strong-willed child who inspires and challenges her to grow and evolve as a person.

Samuel Khasin, M.A.. 

Samuel has a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and almost a decade of experience working with individuals with special needs. Samuel has particular interests in the topics of electronic augmentative and alternative communication systems (AAC), social skills groups, and gamification.



Jessica Norelli Cox, M.A.

Jessica began working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders and neurological and developmental differences while earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1999.

Following her undergraduate education, Jessica provided in-home behavior therapy in San Francisco, where she served families of toddlers and young children with new autism diagnoses. In 2004, she joined her husband in opening a level 4I residential care facility which is still in operation.

Jessica completed a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis with emphasis in autism in 2014. During and prior to her graduate work, Jessica provided behavior consultation to clients of Regional Center of the East Bay and Golden Gate Regional Center, working with individuals aged 3 to 70 years in homes, residential facilities, day programs, and preschool and elementary school settings.

When working with clients, caregivers, and families, Jessica strives to achieve a balance between an evidence based, systematic, and goal-oriented approach to program development and problem solving with a friendly, comfortable, and fun working relationship.

Jessica enjoys RV travel with her husband and daughters. She loves coaching youth sports, teaching photography, and spending time in her gallery in Sausalito, CA.

Johanna Widger, MHRS, MPH

Johanna Widger is a Behavior Management Assistant and provides administrative support for TJW Behavioral Consulting, Inc.  She received her Bachelor of Arts in 2004 from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Georgia.  After moving to California in 2007, Johanna began working at the California Autism Foundation.  Originally hired as a classroom support for A Better Chance School, she was quickly promoted to Office Coordinator and later, Program Manager.

For 12 years, Johanna served the mental health community through her work with Seneca Family of Agencies.   She received her MHRS (Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist) in 2011, and graduated with distinction from San Jose State University with a Master of Public Health in 2018.  She is also the recipient of the Helen Ross Founders Award. 

Johanna deeply believes in the communities she serves, and the people she works with every day.  She spends her days advocating for the children, adults, and families of Oakland and San Francisco alongside passionately committed social workers and behavioral health professionals. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering as a mentor and foster for the small animal program at Oakland Animal Services. She is a loving mom to two rescue pups, a senior cat, and is a foster mom to medically fragile rabbits through Oakland Animal Services.