About ACES
We provide ABA the ACES way. Our leading, research-based therapy is enjoyable, respectful, and unique for each child.
We Help Children Make More Meaningful Progress
Our intentional and individualized approach makes the most of your ABA therapy hours that accelerate lifelong change.
ACES is dedicated to improving quality of life for individuals with autism and other special needs by delivering comprehensive, compassionate care that helps them thrive at home, in school, and in their communities—throughout every stage of life.
We are recognized for effective early intervention programs that accelerate communication, social, and daily living skills. As children grow, our services evolve with their changing needs and extend seamlessly into real-world environments.
At ACES, families experience genuine inclusion, collaboration, and respect—combined with engaging, fun, and evidence-based services that deliver measurable, meaningful outcomes.
ACES has changed tens of thousands of lives, and it all started with a great idea of an innovative special education teacher
In 1996, Kristin Farmer had an idea to try something different. She built the first-of-its-kind model classroom with the needs of autistic children at the forefront. She used environmental arrangement, clear visual structure, and child-friendly spaces to consistently and clearly communicate to students that they are welcome, respected, and capable of meeting their own goals.
After seeing progress in the children during their school days, she knew they could excel even further with similar support in their natural environments. Her dream was to support families and caregivers in arranging their environments and their own behavior to maximize her students’ potential and help them thrive in all areas of their lives. Her motivation to see results in real time made her a leader in the services we now know as center-based and in-home ABA.
Supporting these families and children in and out of the classroom became Kristin’s purpose, and ACES was born.
The influence of her model classroom, grounded in research and designed for each student's success, can still be seen in every ACES Learning Center today.
Our Approach
Thoughtful structure and individualized support help our clients make the most meaningful progress.
Support at All Stages
Our clinical model supports children at every stage of development, with a strong emphasis on early, intensive intervention—when learning is most impactful and long-term outcomes can be maximized.
Individualized, play-based, and family-driven ABA
We combine evidence-based ABA with engaging, play-centered strategies to build communication, social, and daily living skills. Care plans are tailored to each child, progress is closely monitored, and families remain active partners throughout the care journey.
Supporting Lifelong Growth
Care that grows alongside your child
While ACES specializes in early intervention, we are proud to be one of the few providers that continues supporting individuals across every stage of life. As children grow, our services evolve to build independence, confidence, and practical real-world skills.
Family involvement remains central at every stage of care, ensuring progress carries into daily routines, school environments, and community life—where meaningful change truly happens.
We’re proud to partner with other organizations that, like us, are on a mission to create a more inclusive and welcoming world.
ACES has joined with KultureCity, a nonprofit dedicated to making the impossible possible, to make some of the world’s greatest stages more accessible, including the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, the World Series, concerts, and festivals.
We’re also proud to be the clinical support and training partner of Lighthouse Immersive, which puts on sensory-friendly immersive Disney shows featuring reduced sound volume and capacity, comfortable gallery lighting at all times, sensitivity warnings for content, and quiet areas outside where you can take a break from the show.
We love connecting with people who work to make life even better for those living with autism. If you have an idea for a partnership or a way we can help support your community, please reach out.
Collaborative care that supports better outcomes
We invite partnerships with payers, providers, employers, and community organizations that align with our mission. Together, we can use our expertise to support care coordination, network expansion, employee benefits, and anything that can make a difference in the lives of autistic individuals. If you are ready to expand your positive impact with ACES, reach out today.
We work closely with physicians, educators, and community partners to ensure children receive coordinated, thoughtful support. Our teams prioritize clear communication, shared goals, and continuity of care across settings.
ACES Leadership
ACES is guided by our extensive experience in healthcare, education, and autism care, working together to best support families, clinicians, and communities with intention, respect, and results.
Alex brings over a decade of accounting and consulting experience to ACES. She oversees the financial operations and reporting of the organization, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and transparency. Alex is an expert at aligning our financial goals with the mission and vision of ACES to ensure we stay healthy and strong.
Dan brings a wealth of financial expertise and strategic vision to the organization. With a strong background in financial management and a commitment to fostering sustainable growth, Dan ensures ACES remains fiscally robust while continuing to expand its services and impact. His leadership is instrumental in driving the financial health and operational efficiency that enable ACES to support individuals and families affected by autism.
Attracting and retaining the very best talent is always top of mind for Jill. She drives the ACES' Talent Acquisition, Training, and HR teams to deliver the best possible team member experience so our clinicians can focus on their clients. Jill believes that team members should feel confident bringing their authentic selves to work, where they will be heard, supported, and encouraged.
Leah is ACES' payor relations expert, guiding our Program Management team in advocacy for our clients. Leah sets a high bar for being detail-oriented which helps ACES maintain compliance within our operating model. She is known for driving high performing teams that maintain a large scale of knowledge and expertise.
Lisa is a visionary leader with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation in the healthcare sector. Her strategic mindset and passion for empowering teams have been instrumental in delivering exceptional results. Lisa inspires those around her to achieve their potential - in service of improving the quality of life for as many individuals and families impacted with autism and other special needs as possible.
ACES maintains productive and positive payor partnerships under Luke's guidance. As ACES' General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer, Luke ensures we can accept a diverse range of insurance providers, enabling us to serve more clients. Luke's work is central to our growth strategy as we look to expand into more markets, and he elevates our compliance and employment standards.
Zach Goldman is the Chief Operating Officer at ACES, helping expand high-quality ABA services that enhance lives and support people in reaching their potential. Before joining ACES, he held senior leadership roles at Optum Care and worked on operating model initiatives at Deloitte Consulting. He earned his MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on his sons at the little league fields in Long Beach.
Take the Next Step With Confidence
Whether you’re just starting to explore care or ready to begin, we’re here to help.