Jessica Donaldson PhD, CCC-SLP
Jessica Donaldson obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech and
Hearing Sciences, her Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology, and her PhD in Special Education from the University of New Mexico. She taught “Introduction to Assistive Technology” at the University of New Mexico and is a guest lecturer in graduate level university courses on the following topics: autism spectrum disorders, sensory integration, and language development. Jessica has presented at several national conferences (see list below). She was a New Mexico LEND fellow in 2006-2007, an interdisciplinary leadership training program, and has served on a grant review board for HELP-NM in 2010.
In addition to her professional degrees, Jessica has received additional training in the following areas:
- Social Thinking: Social Thinking Clinical Training Level-1
- Sensory Integration: USC/WPS Sensory Integration Certification #303
- “How Does Your Engine Run?” The Alert Program for Self-Regulation
- Every Move Counts
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
- The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
- TEACCH method
- Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
- Pivotal Response Training (PRT)
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Literacy Instruction
- Fraizer Water Protocol: Safety, Hydration and Quality of Life
Presentations
“Evidence Based Social Skills Intervention in Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders”
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Convention, November 2010, Poster Presentation
“Social Skills Intervention in Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Review of Research”
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Annual Conference, June 2010
Poster Presentation
Violet Bustillos, COTA/L, Clinic Director
Violet is a highly experienced Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) with more than 10 years of experience serving both pediatric and adult populations. Her background includes working in diverse environments such as skilled nursing facilities, home health, public schools, and private clinics. Joining the Autism Specialists community in 2019, Violet quickly proved her leadership abilities and was promoted to Clinic Director in 2024.
She is passionate about staying current with best practices and continuously developing her skills in areas like sensory processing, reflex integration, and motor skills development. Her goal is to empower clients to build regulation and daily living independence through engaging, meaningful activities. Outside of her professional life, Violet enjoys relaxing with her husband and kids, exploring new places through travel, and enjoying movies and gatherings with friends.
Valentina Hardison, M.S., CCC-SLP, DDW Director
Valentina is a speech-language pathologist who earned her MS in Communicative Disorders from Eastern New Mexico University in 2016. She began her career at Autism Specialists the same year and has remained a dedicated team member. Her passion for supporting individuals with autism began in high school and has since grown through wide-ranging experience with clients from age two to over 60, as well as PRN work in skilled nursing and home health.
Valentina now serves as the Director of DD Waiver Services at Autism Specialists, overseeing daily operations and supervising a multidisciplinary team of SLPs, OTs, and BSCs. She is committed to strengthening person-centered services and mentoring new clinical fellow SLPs. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her husband and two young children, especially at soccer or gymnastics, and loves traveling and creating family memories.
Monica Acee, MOTR/L
Monica is a dedicated occupational therapist who earned her degree from the University of New Mexico in 2011. She has been with Autism Specialists since the very beginning and has embraced the diverse opportunities the role offers - working with children and adults with developmental disabilities. Currently, she focuses on providing services for adults on the DD Waiver and provides services in clinic and out in the community.
In addition, Monica has extensive experience working with inpatient adults in various rehabilitation facilities. Outside of her clinical work, Monica channels her passion for movement and wellness into her
own business, BodyLanguage Studio. Whether leading a muscle-toning barre class, guiding clients through balance-focused yoga, or riding to the rhythm in spin, she blends her therapeutic knowledge with fitness expertise to support whole-body health and well-being.
Margaret Wood, M.S., CCC-SLP
Margaret Wood is a seasoned Speech-Language Pathologist with 30+ years of experience supporting children and adults in medical and educational settings. Since 2016, she has worked with Autism Specialists, serving clients of all ages with communication, language, and executive-functioning needs. She also consults for the Technical Assistance Program (TAP) through Cooperative Educational Services, presenting The Autism Toolbox Series, a free workshop series providing practical, evidence-based strategies to educators, therapists, and families across New Mexico.]
Passionate about empowering individuals and their support networks, Margaret focuses on fostering meaningful communication and connection. In her free time, she enjoys faith, family, and food—treasuring moments with her husband, adult children, extended family, and friends, and sharing home-cooked dishes from a variety of cuisines.
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Shannon Balue, M.S., CCC-SLP
Shannon is a speech-language pathologist who has been proud to be part of the Autism Specialists LLC team since completing her graduate program at the University of New Mexico in 2020. She enjoys working with a diverse range of individuals across the lifespan, including children, teens, and adults, who benefit from speech-language therapy.
Shannon specializes in providing individualized, strengths-based care for those seeking support in social and pragmatic skills, expressive and receptive language, and speech. Her therapeutic approach centers on creating a nonjudgmental, supportive, and respectful environment where clients feel empowered to develop strategies that make their communication more effective and functional across different settings and relationships.
Steven Tise, M.S., CCC-SLP
Steven earned his M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from UNM in 2022. During graduate school, he worked as a research assistant providing technology-based language interventions for nonspeaking preschoolers. Before that, he was an educational assistant at the Highland Special Education Complex, where he developed a passion for tailoring curricula to individual learners’ strengths and needs.
Outside of work, Steven enjoys creating clever trivia team names, reading under a shady tree, and competing in local arcade game tournaments.
Patricia Vigil, M.S., CCC-SLP
Patricia Vigil is a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist who earned her master’s degree from UTEP in 2023. She has three years of experience in school settings, supporting students ages 6–22 with articulation, expressive, receptive, and pragmatic language disorders, primarily within the autistic community, as well as individuals with TBI, Down syndrome, and other developmental disorders.
Part-time at Autism Specialists, Patricia continues to refine her expertise, creating individualized approaches to help clients thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her husband and two cats, family and friends, games, concerts, reading, and staying active through fitness.
D. Jack Gleghorn, MOTR/L
Jack earned his Occupational Therapy degree in 2015 and has experience in hospitals, pediatric clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and schools. At ASLLC, he provides OT services to clients of all ages in both clinic and community settings through the Developmental Disabilities Waiver program, while maintaining weekend work at a skilled nursing facility to broaden his practice.
Outside of work, Jack enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and trail running, and is an avid woodworker and DIY enthusiast, taking pride in building and refurbishing furniture.
Barbora Basista, M.S., CCC-SLP
Barbora is a speech-language pathologist specializing in inclusive, evidence-based care for individuals with developmental disabilities. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Speech and Hearing Sciences from UNM, completing the NM LEND traineeship and Project SCENES for advanced training in ASD, family-centered care, and culturally responsive practice.
Since August 2024, she has served clients of all ages at Autism Specialists, advocating for neurodiversity-affirming, developmentally appropriate support. A lifelong Albuquerque resident, her passion for helping children grew from early roles as a babysitter and camp counselor. Influenced by her Slovak heritage and bilingual upbringing, she brings a rich cultural lens to her work. Outside the clinic, she enjoys scrapbooking, antique shopping, walking, and spending time with her Goldendoodle, Ruby.
Ninel Hernandez, M.S., CCC-SLP
Ninel is a compassionate Speech-Language Pathologist who earned her Master’s from UNM in May 2024. She gained outpatient experience working with individuals with tracheostomies and joined Autism Specialists in July 2024. She serves children, teens, and adults, providing clinic-based services and community support through the DD waiver.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, Ninel is dedicated to creating access and connection for Spanish-speaking families. Outside the clinic, she enjoys spending time with family and traveling—experiences that enrich her patient-centered approach to care.
Marlie, Neish, M.S., CFY-SLP
Kaylie graduated from Brookline College in January 2025 as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and joined Autism Specialists shortly afterward. She brings eight years of medical experience, including work as a CNA, special-education educational assistant, and medical assistant at UNMH Neurology.
She is passionate about supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and those with developmental disabilities, serving clients of all ages through the Developmental Disabilities Waiver program in both clinic and community settings. In her free time, Kaylie enjoys family time, staying active at the gym, and reading.
Kaylie Leekela, COTA/L
Kaylie graduated from Brookline College in January 2025 as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and joined Autism Specialists soon after. She brings eight years of medical-field experience, including roles as a CNA, special-education educational assistant, and medical assistant at UNMH Neurology.
Passionate about supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and those with developmental disabilities, she serves clients of all ages in clinic and community settings through the Developmental Disabilities Waiver program. Outside of work, Kaylie enjoys family time, staying active at the gym, and getting lost in a good book.
Jannia Cohn, Office Coordinator
Jannia is a proud UNM graduate and has served as Office Coordinator at Autism Specialists since 2024. She welcomes clients and families with warmth and ensures they feel supported from the moment they arrive. Her responsibilities include coordinating schedules, managing calls and emails, handling intakes, assisting with ASD evaluation scheduling, and keeping the clinic running smoothly.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her dog—and never turns down a good coffee shop hangout.
Terri Werner, Insurance Coordinator
Terri is the newest member of the Autism Specialists team, serving as Insurance Coordinator. She brings experience in healthcare, education, and social services, holding a nursing degree (2015) and a Bachelor’s in Sociology with an emphasis in Social Work (2023). She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work focused on children’s mental health and development.
Terri has worked in both clinical and educational settings, including UNM Children’s Inpatient Psychiatric Center, and she currently teaches Pre-K at a local private day school. She is passionate about supporting young children—especially those with autism and other developmental or emotional needs—and is dedicated to helping families navigate the insurance process.
Outside of work, Terri enjoys spending time with her children and cheering them on at their many sporting events.