Meet The Team

Terra Oehler

My Name is Terra Oehler, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, mother of two, and the Owner of L.I.F.E. I have been working in ABA since 2002. I received my Master of Science degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2015 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2016. I started L.I.F.E. with one goal in mind: to build a company that provides a caring, nurturing environment for its staff, so that the children and families we serve could receive the best possible care. I’m dedicated to ensuring that all our clients receive cutting-edge, evidence-based services that put the FUN back in functional! Here at L.I.F.E., your child will receive dedicated, personalized intervention that blends play-based learning with discrete trial teaching and behavioral management. Our amazing staff has allowed us to build and grow; we have expanded past our original boundary of the Modesto/Salida area, and now serve clients across two different counties and twelve different regions. Please feel free to use the “contact us” form if you have any questions, we are always ready to help new children blossom and grow in their independence, and to work with parents and families to help facilitate that growth!

Anabel Partida

My Name is Anabel Partida, LIFE’s HR and Operations Manager. I joined the team in 2021 as an HR Generalist and was determined to reshape Human Resources and amplify employee engagement. I came to LIFE with years of invaluable HR experience and knowledge along with a BS in Business Administration, specializing in Human Resources from CSU Stanislaus. After two years with LIFE, I was promoted to HR and Operations Manager. Everyday I come to work on a mission to ensure our entire team is equipped with the tools and support needed to deliver nothing short of excellence for our clients. I’m super passionate about the work we do here, and I’m here to support our employees every step of the way. A great day at work for me is when I know our employees feel valued, happy and proud to be part of the LIFE team. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me exploring new places with my family, organizing fun events, or kicking a soccer ball around with my boys!

Rebecca Meyer

My Name is Rebecca Meyer, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), wife to a disabled Veteran, mother to three adult children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren. I am also an auntie to two amazing nephews who have a diagnosis of Autism. I have been working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2009. I received my Master of Science degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2013 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2015.

I started my career working in the Early Intensive Behavior Intervention field with the Merced County Office of Education in the Infant Autism program that had helped both of my nephews with early intervention. From there I became a Behavior Support Specialist and then a BCBA working with students with moderate to severe disabilities in special education. I met Terra in 2016 while working a second job at an in-home ABA service provider and became great colleagues!

My daughter started a career at Central Valley Regional Center last year and she would share with me the struggles that parents had in Merced County finding in-home ABA services. I reached out to Terra to see if she would be open to hiring me part-time to launch L.I.F.E. in Merced County. I was so excited that she was on board! I started working at L.I.F.E. initially part-time to fulfill the great need for behavioral services and support in Merced County. In June 2023, after careful thought, I leaped from the education world and started with L.I.F.E full-time! We now have been able to help multiple families in Merced County and continue to grow! I am passionate about providing quality ABA services for those in need within my community and across the Central Valley.

Helena Francisco

My name is Helena Francisco, Talent Acquisition Specialist for LIFE. I have years of experience in Human Resources, and in Behavioral Based Services as a Registered Behavior Technician and as a 1:1 Intervention Specialist. I am a proud alumni of California Merced graduating with my BA in Psychology. I am currently pursuing my MA in Clinical Psychology with a focus in Marriage Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. I am Passionate about helping underserved communities and plan to use my knowledge and experience to make a positive impact in the Central Valley community. 

In my current role as Talent Acquisition Specialist I am utilizing my experience in both administrative, and behavior based roles to recruit the most qualified, and passionate individuals who have a heart for ABA. Being hands-on in this field has exposed me to how truly impactful ABA can be in the lives of those on the Autism Spectrum. I am grateful that I have the opportunity to support the team here at LIFE in making invaluable impacts in the lives of our clients. I am dedicated to uplifting others, and to ensuring all of our employees feel supported so that our clients receive the best care possible. In my free time I like to travel, spend time with my family and friends, or enjoy the newest scary movie to hit theaters.

Laura Marquez

Hi! I’m Laura, the Clinical Training Coordinator and Scheduler here at L.I.F.E. I grew up in Hollywood, CA, and moved to UC Merced in 2018 to kick off my university journey. Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a passion for working with individuals with special needs — I just wasn’t sure if I wanted to be a teacher or a psychologist!

With over 4 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and a Bachelor’s degree in Psycholog from UC Merced, I’ve built a strong foundation in supporting individuals with autism and behavioral challenges. I’ve had the privilege of working with clients as young as 1 year old all the way into adulthood, and every experience has deepened my love for this field. I started my journey as a Behavior Technician (BT) with my BCAT certification, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience. From there, I moved into a Clinical Supervisor rol, managing cases, training new BTs, leading parent training, and creating individualized programs that met each client’s unique needs.

Today, as the Clinical Coordinator and Scheduler, I get to do what I love most — helping people grow! I train and support our new hires, manage staff schedules acroos Merced, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin counties, and handle referral requests from VMRC.

Outside of work, I’m a total homebody — I love cooking, hanging out with my three cats (and husband), being a couch potato, and diving into conspiracy theory videos for fun.

I’m excited to continue growing with L.I.F.E. and making a difference, one team member and client at a time.