Judy Koutal - Clinical Director
Judy Koutal, our esteemed co-founder, brings a wealth of expertise as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, specializing in transformative interventions for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across a broad age range, from 18 months to 21 years, across diverse environments including homes, schools, and communities. With a career spanning back to 2008, Judy has been a stalwart advocate for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), employing evidence-based methodologies to enhance the lives of individuals with autism.
Judy's dedication to the autism community is unparalleled. Her professional journey has been marked by a steadfast commitment to collaborating closely with families and multidisciplinary teams to deliver personalized services aimed at unlocking the full potential of her clients.
Obtaining her Master's degree in Psychology from Argosy University in 2010 marked the beginning of Judy's profound impact in the field. Initially serving as a Behavior Therapist within school districts, she applied ABA principles to foster inclusive learning environments for children with diverse educational needs. It was during this time that Judy's passion for working with individuals on the autism spectrum crystallized, propelling her towards becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Undertaking rigorous BCBA coursework at National University, Judy successfully attained her certification, thereafter assuming roles of increasing responsibility as a Clinical Supervisor and Clinical Director. Her dedication to professional growth and excellence has been further exemplified through active engagement within the ABA community, including memberships in esteemed organizations such as the California Association of Behavior Analysis (CALABA) and the Applied Behavior Analysis International Association (ABAI).
Judy's unwavering commitment to the advancement of evidence-based practices in autism intervention underscores her role as a transformative leader within our organization and the broader ABA community. Through her tireless efforts, countless individuals and families have found hope, support, and the opportunity to thrive.
Sam Koutal - COO
Meet Sam Koutal, our esteemed Chief Operating Officer, whose journey epitomizes a fusion of academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering compassion for those in need. Sam embarked on his academic pursuits at UCLA, where he earned a Bachelor's of Science in Psychobiology, laying the groundwork for his multifaceted career trajectory.
Following his graduation, Sam ventured into the realm of education, founding a highly successful tutoring service tailored to high school students seeking to excel in standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT, as well as improve their academic performance. Notably, both Sam and several of his students achieved perfect scores on these exams, with many students gaining admission to prestigious universities, including Ivy League institutions.
However, despite the fulfillment derived from his 26-year tenure in the test-preparation industry, Sam felt a profound calling to channel his talents towards serving individuals with special needs. Thus, alongside Judy, he co-founded ABC, Inc., an organization committed to providing essential services to children with diverse needs across Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.
Under Sam's astute leadership, ABC, Inc. has experienced remarkable growth and impact within the community, rapidly expanding its reach to cater to a growing number of individuals in need. His visionary stewardship continues to propel the organization forward, ensuring that ABC, Inc. remains steadfast in its mission to empower and uplift those it serves.