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 Master of Science in Communicative Disorders from Eastern New Mexico University in 2016. She began her career at Autism Specialists that same year and has been a committed member of the team ever since. Valentina’s passion for working with individuals with autism began in high school,
when she babysat for a speech-language pathologist and was inspired by the meaningful impact of the work. Additionally, she has experience working PRN for skilled nursing facilities and home health services.
Over the years, Valentina has worked with a wide range of clients—from toddlers as young as two to adults over the age of 60—gaining valuable experience across the lifespan. She has appreciated the diversity of her caseload and the professional growth it has offered. Valentina now serves as the Director of DD Waiver Services at Autism Specialists. In this role,
she oversees daily operations and supervises a multidisciplinary team of SLPs, OTs, and BSCs who support individuals on the DD Waiver. She remains deeply committed to expanding and refining these services to ensure they are as effective, supportive, and person-centered as possible. In addition, she supervises incoming clinical fellow SLPs as they begin their journey as practicing clinicians in the field. Outside of work, Valentina enjoys spending time with her husband and two young childre —often on the sidelines for soccer or gymnastics. She also loves to travel and create lasting memories through shared family adventures.
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 over 30 years of experience helping children and adults improve communication, social interaction, and independence across medical and educational settings. Since 2016, she has worked at Autism Specialists, supporting clients of all ages with communication, language, and executive functioning needs. Margaret also serves as an autism consultant for the Technical Assistance Program (TAP) through Cooperative Educational Services, presenting The Autism Toolbox Series—free workshops offering practical, evidence-based strategies to educators, therapists, and families
across New Mexico (www.cestap.org). She is passionate about equipping individuals and their support networks with the tools and confidence to foster meaningful communication and connection. Margaret’s free time is filled with many ventures focused on faith, family, and food. She treasures spending time with her husband, adult son and daughter, large extended family, and dear friends. Margaret enjoys cooking a variety of cuisines and blessing her loved ones with the fruits of her labor.
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 received his M.S. in speech-language pathology from the University of New Mexico in 2022. While earning his degree, he worked as a research assistant in the UNM augmented and alternative lab delivering technology-based language intervention services with nonspeaking preschool-age research participants. Prior to graduate school, Steven worked as an educational assistant at the Highland Special Education
Complex, where he developed a passion for adapting curricula to the
varied strengths, challenges, and motivators of individual learners.
Outside of work, he may be found trying to devise the perfect trivia night team name with friends, enjoying a good book under a shady tree, or competing in local old-school arcade game tournaments.
Patricia Vigil, M.S., CCC-SLP
Hi, I’m Patricia Vigil, a licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). I completed my master’s degree at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in 2023.
I’ve spent the past three years working in the school setting, where I’ve had the privilege of helping students ages 6-22 with a variety of speech and language disorders. My experience includes treating articulation disorders, as well as expressive, receptive, and pragmatic language disorders. Most of my clients are in the autistic community, though I also have experience supporting individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), Down syndrome, and other developmental disorders.
In addition to my work in schools, I’ve been working part-time at Autism Specialists, where I continue to deepen my expertise working with the autistic community. I’m passionate about creating tailored, individualized approaches to help my clients thrive.
When I’m not working, I love spending time with my husband and our two cats. I enjoy hanging out with family and friends, playing games, going to concerts, reading books and staying active through fitness.
D. Jack Gleghorn, MOTR/L
Jack earned his degree in Occupational Therapy in 2015 and has since gained experience across a wide range of settings, including a hospital in Zuni Pueblo, pediatric clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and schools. He is proud to be part of the ASLLC team, where he provides occupational therapy services to clients of all ages—both in the clinic and through the Developmental Disabilities Waiver program.
Jack maintains a diverse and well-rounded practice by continuing to work at a skilled nursing facility on weekends. He values the opportunity to serve a variety of clients and is committed to continually broadening his skills and knowledge.
Outside of work, Jack enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. At home, he is an avid woodworker and DIY enthusiast, having refurbished much of his own furniture. He takes great pride in his craftsmanship and enjoys building and creating with his hands.
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 both her Bachelor's and Master’s degrees in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of New Mexico, graduating in May of 2024. During her graduate training, Barbora completed the NM LEND traineeship through UNM’s Center for Development and Disability, gaining advanced expertise in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), family-centered care, public policy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She also participated in Project SCENES, a specialized program focused on social communication interventions for young children with ASD, emphasizing naturalistic methods and culturally responsive practice. Since August 2024, Barbora has been serving individuals of all ages at Autism Specialists, where she continues to advocate for neurodiversity-affirming, developmentally appropriate care across diverse communities.
Barbora has deep roots in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where her lifelong passion for supporting children first took shape through early roles as a babysitter and summer camp counselor. She brings a rich cultural perspective to her work, shaped by her Slovak heritage and bilingual upbringing—her name reflects her family's origins, and she spent summers visiting relatives in Slovakia. Outside of her professional life, Barbora enjoys scrapbooking, exploring antique shops, taking walks, and spending time with her beloved Goldendoodle, Ruby.
Ninel Hernandez, M.S., CCC-SLP
Ninel is a dedicated and compassionate Speech-Language Pathologist who earned her Master's degree from the University of New Mexico (UNM) in May 2024. During graduate school, she gained valuable clinical experience in an outpatient facility, specializing in therapy for individuals with tracheostomies. Since July 2024, Ninel has been an integral part of the team at Autism Specialists. In this role, she works with a diverse caseload of clients, including children, teens, and adult populations, providing both clinic-based services and community support for adults under the DD waiver. Ninel is bilingual in English and Spanish and is passionate about creating access and connection for the Spanish-speaking families she serves.
Outside of the clinic, Ninel enjoys spending quality time with family and exploring new places through travel. This commitment to both professional growth and personal enrichment informs Ninel's patient-centered approach to care.
Horace Hackney, LPCC, NCC, BSC
Horace joined the Autism Specialists team in 2025 as a Behavior Support Consultant for the Developmental Disabilities Waiver. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University in 2011 and a Master of Education in Couples and Family Counseling from the University of Montevallo in 2013. In 2016, Horace became a certified Professional School Counselor.
He has experience in residential, school, and agency settings, and he specializes in men’s issues, OCD, couples counseling, and autism spectrum disorder. Horace believes in a whole-person approach to treatment, incorporating systems work to support lasting change.
Outside of work, Horace enjoys the outdoors and spends every Sunday during the winter on the ski slopes.
Marlie, Neish, M.S., CFY-SLP
Marlie Neish, M.S., CF-SLP, is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist with a passion for helping individuals of all ages find their voice and communicate with confidence. Marlie has received a bachelors degree from NMSU and Master's degree from UNM. She has always had a special interest in serving the Autistic community after a close family member was diagnosed with ASD. Each step of her educational and life journey has been to move towards helping others with ASD grow their communication skills. This unique perspective along with practical education shapes her therapy techniques to better serve her clients. When not in the clinic, she enjoys staying active by playing volleyball, cultivating her garden, and exploring new cultures
hrough travel. These hobbies, much like her work, are all about growth, connection, and discovery.
Kaylie Leekela, COTA/L
Kaylie graduated from Brookline College in January 2025 as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and joined Autism Specialists shortly after. She brings over eight years of experience in the medical field, including roles as a CNA, an educational assistant in special education, and a medical assistant at UNMH Neurology.
Kaylie is passionate about working with individuals on the autism spectrum and those with developmental disabilities. She sees clients of all ages in both clinic and community settings through the Developmental Disabilities Waiver program.
Outside of work, Kaylie enjoys spending time with her family, staying active at the gym, and diving into a good book.
Jannia Cohn, Office Coordinator
Hi, I’m Jannia! I’m a proud graduate of the University of New Mexico and have been with Autism Specialists since 2024 as the Office Coordinator. Each day, I welcome clients and families into the clinic with a smile. I love being the first person they see and strive to ensure everyone feels comfortable, supported, and cared for from the moment they walk in.
In my role, I coordinate daily schedules, handle phone calls and emails, manage intakes, assist with scheduling ASD evaluations, and assure a smooth running clinic.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends, family, and my dog—and I’m always up for a good coffee shop hangout!
Terri Werner, Insurance Coordinator
Terri is the newest member of the Autism Specialists team, serving as our Insurance Coordinator. She brings a diverse background in healthcare, education, and social services. Terri earned her nursing degree in 2015 and went on to complete her Bachelor’s in Sociology with an emphasis in Social Work in 2023. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Social Work, with a focus on supporting children’s mental health and developmental needs.
Terri has worked in both clinical and educational settings, including UNM Children’s Inpatient Psychiatric Center, and she currently serves as a Pre-K teacher at a local private day school. Her passion lies in working with young children, particularly those with autism and other developmental or emotional challenges. She is committed to helping families navigate the insurance process and ensuring children receive the support and care they need.
Outside of work and school, Terri enjoys spending time with her children—especially cheering them on at their many sporting events.