Lead Teacher, BCBA

Rebecca Phillips is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst who has been working in the autism treatment field since 2002. Rebecca has extensive experience providing and supervising Behavior Analytic treatment for individuals aged 2-30 years across all levels of autism diagnosis, in educational and home settings. Rebecca studied behavior analysis at the University of Washington, graduating with a Masters in Special Education in 2009. Rebecca’s orientation is to provide assent-based, neurodivergent accepting and client-centered intervention to arrive at outcomes that are the most meaningful and impactful for clients and their family members. She has additional training in the areas of precision teaching, fluency-based instruction, instructional design, and nonlinear contingency analysis. Rebecca is a Licensed Behavior Analyst in Oregon.

In her personal and professional life, Rebecca is dedicated to spreading the message that “there is no such thing as a bad kid” (Dr. Pat Friman), that all children are “good inside” (Dr. Becky Kennedy). Rebecca believes that the most effective, sustainable change comes from building on our strengths. In her spare time, Rebecca loves spending time with her spouse, two children and friends. She loves to be outdoors, read and cook as well as serving on an advisory board at her children’s neighborhood school.

Substitute

Jewel was born and raised in Eastern Washington with her large blended family. She grew up with an older autistic sister who showed her that her passion is making the world more accessible for everyone. Jewel moved to Oregon in 2019 to get her degree in Music Therapy. After graduating from Pacific University, Jewel worked as a teaching assistant at Victory while awaiting an internship. Jewel now is a substitute teacher while she finally finishes her internship to complete her Music Therapy degree. Jewel loves coming to Victory as a sub and getting to meet and work with all the students!

In her free time, Jewel likes to spend time with her fiance, write songs, and cuddle her cat.

Finance Manager

Karen grew up in Kirkland, Washington spending her summers sailing, canoeing and hiking with her family and skiing in the winters with her father. After graduating from the University of Washington (BA 1985) Karen spent two years back east working for nonprofit conservation organizations, first in Connecticut and then in Massachusetts. It was there that Karen discovered her passion for working as an advocate on conservation issues and for underserved communities. She moved back west to attend Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland Oregon where she met her husband, Karl.

After graduating law school in 1990 Karen spent 16 years working for the non profit WaterWatch of Oregon as their Senior Staff Attorney, with a brief stint as Interim Executive Director. As Interim Executive Director, Karen was responsible for all aspects of fundraising, budgeting, staff management and working closely with the organization's board of directors. Since 2006 Karen has worked as a Nonprofit Consultant advising organizations on all aspects of nonprofit organizational management, with a focus on financial management and accounting. She also works part time as Budget and Financial Administrator for Earthrise Law Center, Lewis & Clark Law School's domestic environmental law clinic. Karen also teaches Water Law as an Adjunct Professor at Lewis & Clark Law School and an Environmental Law and Policy course at Lewis & Clark College.

Karen enjoys telemark skiing, hiking, kayaking and canoeing with her husband Karl, her son David and daughter Kinsey. She also enjoys knitting and reading books the old-fashioned way.

Teaching Assistant

Jacob Folsom joined Victory in August of 2025. Jacob grew up five minutes away from Victory (in Sherwood, Oregon) before he left to pursue a degree in psychology at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Not only has Jacob studied Autism through his degree program, but he has also worked with many individuals with Autism through his time as a swim coach. Jacob believes that his time spent coaching has made him realize his end goal: To work in the field of education. Jacob has always felt a pull toward the educational field, but he always felt like something was standing in the way of this pursuit - until was he found Victory. Jacob now plans to return to graduate school and obtain his MAT, furthering his knowledge and understanding.

When Jacob is not working, he is either swimming, playing video games, or hanging out with his wife, daughter, dog, cat, or combination of all these family members.

Support Teacher

Ashley is originally from Beaverton, Oregon and earned her BS in Elementary Education from Western Oregon University in 2023. Ashley spent her first two years out of college teaching second grade in the Corvallis School District.

In addition to her teaching experience, Ashley has worked in various roles with individuals with learning differences, including time as an Inclusion Assistant, Counselor at Camp Rivendale, and a Direct Support Professional. These roles led her to seek out Victory Academy in July 2025.

Outside of her professional life, Ashley enjoys thrifting, visiting the beach, reading, and spending time with her cat, Popoki.

Teaching Assistant

With over 20 years of experience working with children, Jessica has dedicated her career to supporting their growth and development. She spent five years as the Director of a daycare center, followed by seven years providing behavior support at Tualatin Elementary School. Now at Victory, she has truly fallen in love with the world of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Currently, Jessica is furthering her education in Behavioral Disorders in Youth and Teens, with the goal of becoming a Behavioral Specialist. As a passionate advocate for children and their unique needs, she strives to create positive, supportive environments where they can thrive.

Outside of work, Jessica is a proud single mom of two amazing daughters. She loves spending her free time camping, paddleboarding, and enjoying live music. She also jumps at any opportunity to explore new local food spots with friends.

Support Teacher

Tara grew up in the Portland area and received her undergraduate degree in Child & Family Studies from Portland State University. Discovering a deeper love for teaching, she earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from George Fox University. Her capstone project was an in-depth study of the benefits of the Read to Dogs program, combining her passions for literacy and animals in the learning process.

In 2018, after many years teaching in the classroom, Tara became a Behavior Therapist and has been working closely with children on the Autism spectrum and their families for several years. At Victory Academy, Tara has found a place where all of her experiences come together.

Tara is active in the local dog sports community and can often be found traveling around the US and Canada with her 4-legged athletes.

Compass Lead Specialist, BCBA

Monica is a compassionate Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over two decades of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She began her journey in ABA in 2002 while completing her undergraduate program in Psychology at Loyola Marymount University. Driven by a passion for supporting individuals with developmental and behavioral challenges, she went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, ultimately becoming a BCBA in 2009.

She has worked tirelessly to implement evidence-based practices that promote positive behavioral change and enhance the quality of life for her clients and their families. It has been a part of her life's purpose, and she is thrilled to contribute to Victory Academy's incredible efforts to support the growth and development of each student.

Monica lives in Lake Oswego with her husband, three young children, and her golden doodle, Chewbacca. She enjoys walks in the neighborhood, playing games with her family, and supporting her children's interests and activities within the community.

Music Therapist

Ashley is board-certified and licensed music therapist and experienced music instructor from Hillsboro, OR. With two undergraduate degrees in Child Development and Music Therapy, Ashley uses music to engage and inspire her clients in multiple areas of development and growth. She has trained in voice and piano from an early age and quickly developed a love for music, theater, and performing.

Ashley completed her internship at St. Luke's Children's Hospital in Boise, Idaho in the pediatric oncology unit. After internship, she opened up her own private practice where she served individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities for over 5 years. It is through this journey that led her to Victory Academy where she now runs the music therapy program. In music therapy, Ashley utilizes the energizing and empowering aspects of music to help communicate with her clients and allow them to fully express themselves in a safe and warm environment. Ashley believes that through strength-based interactions and a strong therapeutic relationship, children can thrive and grow in music.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and 1 year old daughter, lounging around with her cat and enjoying a good book. She looks forward to the time when her daughter is old enough to be her theater pal and music jam partner.

Support Teacher

Joanna Gutierrez joined Victory in August of 2024. Joanna has been a Behavior Interventionist since 2021 after graduating with an Associates of Applied Sciences. She has a younger brother on the autism spectrum who has been a big influence in her career pursuits. Joanna has worked across various ABA settings like clinics, homes and schools.

Joanna hopes to go back to school and work towards becoming a BCBA. Her favorite thing about her job is being able to build interpersonal relationships with students and supporting them towards their increased independence.

Outside of work, Joanna enjoys building Legos and going to the beach, especially when it’s cold. She also likes to visit the aquarium and loves to try new local restaurants.