Meet Our Team

Coordinators

Justine Gersberg

Coordinator

Justine is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst working as Coordinator of Behavioral Services and supervising ABA programs at CTLC. Having practiced ABA internationally since 2009, Justine found CTLC while looking for a change from “one-size-fits-all” ABA companies. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and History from UC Santa Barbara (go Gauchos!) and received her M.Ed. in Special Education with an emphasis in Autism and Developmental Disorders from University of British Columbia. As a behaviorist, Justine uses a logical yet compassionate approach with clients and their families. She is especially interested in emerging language, teaching theory of mind, and empowering parents to implement behavior management techniques at home. Justine is fascinated by the science of behavior, but also really enjoys playing and laughing with her clients. When not working, she spends time with her quirky yet adorable schnoodle and cuddly, vindictive cat. Justine takes full advantage of San Diego’s great outdoors and restaurant scene.

Erin Petri

Coordinator, Early Intervention Services

Erin is the Coordinator of Early Intervention Services, liaison to San Diego Regional Center, and a supervisor at CTLC. She is a native of our nation’s capital and has lived in San Diego for 3 years. Erin went to Mercyhurst University for her undergraduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy prior to earning her master’s in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development from Capella University. She has 14 years of experience in the field of education and has worked in a variety of settings, including group homes, schools, and a rehabilitation center. She now specializes in working with children under 3 and their families, taking a unique approach that draws on her knowledge of child development and sometimes sign language. Erin’s positive attitude and vivaciousness are contagious. Erin is the only CTLC staff member who can be heard from over a mile away. Erin is working towards becoming a BCBA while also learning to surf and providing on-call affection to her two cats. She enjoys dancing, crafting, and hiking.

Supervisors

Kristina Zion

Supervisor, Early Intervention Specialist

Kristina is an Early Intervention Specialist with an immense passion for helping others. She graduated summa cum laude from San Diego State University with a B.A. in Psychology. Continuing her education at SDSU, Kristina went on to complete a one-year certificate to become an Early Childhood – Social Emotional Behavioral Regulation Specialist and then earned her M.S. in Child Development with an Emphasis in Early Childhood Mental Health. Kristina is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with the CA Board of Behavioral Sciences. Working towards licensure, Kristina’s goal is to provide psychotherapy services to children, adults, and families. At CTLC, Kristina supervises ABA programs and provides parent education during Project ImPACT. A unique clinician, Kristina offers an approach that is child-centered, play-based, and holistic. She incorporates sensory integration, movement, music, and art into her work with children and their families. She is also certified in Kids Yoga, ages 3-5, and will be certified in Kids Aerial Yoga in August 2019. Outside of work, Kristina fills her life with yoga, aerial arts, and dance.

Gabrielle Fountas

Supervisor/Behavior Interventionist

Abby is a Supervisor and Behavior Interventionist at CTLC. After working at a summer camp for individuals with special needs, she discovered her passion for working with kids and using play to teach and shape behavior. Abby quickly changed her major from "Female Indiana Jones" to Special Education. In her undergraduate studies, she gained experience working with teachers and families in school settings, but there was something missing: Behavior Analysis! Thereafter, Abby worked as an interventionist in home, school and clinical settings before returning to school to earn her master’s degree in Education and Applied Behavior Analysis. Abby strives to apply scientific knowledge and evidence-based strategies to teach new skills in fun and creative ways that make socially significant changes for clients and their families. During sessions, you'll find Abby jumping like a monkey, crafting flawless Play-Doh statues, or competitively participating in Candy Land. If she's not working, you can find Abby at the zoo, teaching the gorilla gross motor imitation or helping the Orangutans plot their escape.