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

Hello! My name is Helena Francisco, and I am a Talent Acquisition Specialist at LIFE. I have extensive experience in Human Resources and in behavioral-based services, having worked as a Registered Behavior Technician and a 1:1 Intervention Specialist. I am a proud alumna of the University of California, Merced, where I earned my BA in Psychology. I am currently pursuing my MA in Clinical Psychology with a focus on Marriage and 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.

In my current role, I leverage my administrative and behavior-based experience to recruit highly qualified and passionate individuals who are dedicated to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). My hands-on experience in this field has shown me the profound impact ABA can have on individuals on the autism spectrum. I am grateful for the opportunity to support the team at LIFE in making a difference in our clients’ lives. I am committed to uplifting others and ensuring our employees feel supported so that our clients receive the best possible care. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, and watching the latest horror movies.

Laura Marquez

Hi! I’m Laura, the Clinical Training Coordinator and Scheduler here at L.I.F.E. I was born and raised in Hollywood, CA, and moved to Merced in 2018 to attend UC Merced and start my college journey.
I’ve always had a heart for working with individuals with special needs, though for a long time I couldn’t decide if I wanted to be a teacher or a psychologist. Eventually, I found my path in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and never looked back.

Over the past four years, I’ve been lucky enough to work with individuals of all ages, from toddlers as young as one to adults- and each experience has only strengthened my passion for this work. I started as a Behavior Technician with my BCAT certification, where I learned so much hands-on. Later, I stepped into a Clinical Supervisor role, where I trained new BTs, supported families, and created individualized programs to help clients thrive.

Now, in my role as Clinical Training Coordinator and Scheduler, I get to combine all of that experience. I train and support our new hires, manage staff schedules across Merced, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin counties, and handle referral requests from VMRC. What I love most about my job is helping people grow, whether that’s team members learning new skills or clients reaching their goals.

When I’m not working, I’m a bit of a homebody. You can usually find me cooking, lounging with my three cats (and my husband), or going down rabbit holes of conspiracy theory videos just for fun.

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

Michael Rascon

Hi! I’m Michael Rascon, and I’m an Administrative Assistant here at L.I.F.E.
I was born and raised in Modesto, CA, and graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. My academic background deepened my understanding of people, communities, and the importance of equitable access to resources, values that continue to guide my work every day.

In my role, I assist the L.I.F.E. team by preparing materials and documentation for clients, coordinating logistics, and ensuring that both our clinical and administrative operations run efficiently. I take pride in being someone my team can rely on for organization, communication, and support, especially when it comes to helping clients receive the care they deserve.

I’m passionate about helping others and making a lasting impact in my community. My long-term goal is to attend law school and use my education to advocate for and empower underrepresented individuals and families throughout the Central Valley.

Outside of work, I enjoy cheering on the 49ers, spending time with my pug Kenobi, and going to the movies.

I’m proud to be part of the L.I.F.E. team and excited to continue contributing to our mission of promoting growth, inclusion, and positive change for the individuals we serve.

Diana Ruiz

Hi! I’m Diana Ruiz, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst here at L.I.F.E. After high school, I attended Sacramento State University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Food and Nutrition with a concentration in Dietetics. I worked in that field for a couple of years before deciding to go back to school. During that time, I discovered a significant need for behavioral support services in the Central Valley, which inspired me to pursue a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis.

Over the past six years, I’ve gained extensive experience in behavior-based services—starting as a Registered Behavior Technician for two years and then working as a mid-level supervisor for four years. Now, as a BCBA, I’m excited to continue supporting individuals with special needs by using my knowledge and experience to make a meaningful difference in their lives.

When I’m not working, you can usually find me hiking, running, or watching Criminal Minds.

I’m thrilled to be part of the leadership team here at L.I.F.E. and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of our clients.