Our Company

Executive leadership for Advanced Crisis Solutions in Anderson and Chico, California

Advanced Crisis Solutions medicine ball at office in Chico, California

Our Mission

Advanced Crisis Solutions is a behavior analytic organization passionate about crisis stabilization and committed to supporting people with developmental disabilities to live their best life by partnering with and training stakeholders.

Our Purpose

To provide solutions and sustainable change for people with challenges beyond the scope of traditional services.

Our Vision

To provide superior behavior analytic and crisis stabilization services throughout California.

'Make an impact' graphic representing Advanced Crisis Solutions in Chico and Anderson California

Officers

Dr. David Lopez

M.B.A., J.D., Chief Executive Officer

David Lopez's extensive career is marked by a series of prominent roles that showcase his proficiency in Law, Economics, Communication, Team Building, Public Speaking, Estate Planning, and Management. Since 2005, he has been the General Counsel at Alliance Centers of Legal Advocates, LLC, and concurrently served as an Adjunct Professor at Simpson University until 2020. David's commitment to social causes is evident from his tenure as General Counsel and Board Chair at Hope Alive Inc from 2012 to 2019, and in a similar role at Sisters of Hope International during the same period. Earlier, he honed his skills in academia as a Professor and Team Leader at Wuhan University from 2004 to 2005.
Beyond his professional endeavors, David is deeply passionate about supporting marginalized and disenfranchised clients. His personal interests include playing tennis, learning pickleball, sailing, and maintaining a vibrant, healthy lifestyle. Additionally, David channels his creativity into writing, particularly in the genre of Thrill-Spense novels. His light-hearted approach to life and dedication to assisting those who are marginalized, oppressed, and disenfranchised, offering them hope and indispensable support, are integral to his character and professional ethos.

Rayna Rush

M.Ed., President

Rayna serves as the President at Advanced Crisis Solutions and holds a master’s degree with a concentration in Social Emotional Learning. Her professional background reflects a strong foundation in education, leadership, and organizational systems.
She specializes in building relationships and supporting growth for clients, staff, and the organization. She began her career as a Behavior Technician within the public school system and later transitioned into a teaching role in elementary and middle school settings at an alternative education school. During this period, she developed experience supporting individuals with diverse needs and strengthening skills in behavioral assessment, behavior management, and crisis intervention.
Rayna joined ACS as a Behavioral Case Manager and advanced into her current role through demonstrated leadership and organizational impact.

Ryan Tucker

M.S., BCBA, Chief Clinical Officer

Hello! I'm Ryan, the co-founder and current Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Advanced Crisis Solutions. Our agency is dedicated to providing crisis stabilization services, behavioral services, transitional services, training to families and providers, through in-home, and in-facility support to Shasta, Tehama, Humboldt and Butte County’s most vulnerable citizens.
Having graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University in 2019, I became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in 2020. With over 15 years of experience in the field, I have worked across various settings, including in-home, adult residential facilities, vocational programs, youth residential facilities, and school settings. My close association with the Far Northern Regional Center (FNRC) has deepened my expertise and passion in this industry.
Throughout my career, I've specialized in treating severe problem behavior, conducting functional behavioral assessments, creating behavior intervention plans, and overseeing client stabilization. My skills also encompass conducting comprehensive and dynamic training, thereby bridging behavioral understanding and educating others on behavior principles and their application to those in need.
As CCO at Advanced Crisis Solutions, my primary responsibility is to ensure the creation and maintenance of seamless systems, streamline services, and align operational strategies with the company's overarching goals. By focusing on stabilizing our clients, maintaining their placements, and reducing future crisis incidents, we aim to set benchmarks for excellence. We take immense pride in reaching out to individuals with developmental disabilities, especially those who are underserved by other providers. Cultivating a company culture that promotes employee success, engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion remains a priority for us.
On a more personal note, I'm fortunate to share my life with my lovely wife, Natalie, who devotes her time to raising our two beautiful daughters, Abby and Noa. Our family also includes our adorable dog, Lia, who's always up for a playful moment. Outside of my professional realm, I cherish time spent with my family, relishing a game of golf, enjoying sports, and constantly seeking new adventures and hobbies.

Directors

Kimberly Congdon

M.S., BCBA Director of Operations

Kimberly serves as a Director of Operations at Advanced Crisis Solutions and holds a Master of Science in Psychology. She is currently completing a post graduate certificate program toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Her professional background reflects a strong foundation in behavioral science, leadership, and clinical support.
She began her career with ACS as a Behavior Technician and progressed into her current leadership role through expanding responsibilities and continued professional development. She brings specialized experience supporting the current population and has developed strong clinical insight through collaboration with BCBAs and interdisciplinary teams.
Her focus includes supporting staff, strengthening service quality, and promoting collaboration. She is committed to helping teams exceed expectations while contributing to a compassionate, growth focused organizational culture.

Blake Moyer

B.A., Director of Program Operations

Blake Moyer is the Corporate Project Manager at Advanced Crisis Solutions. He joined the team in 2023, bringing over 14 years of experience in prehospital emergency medicine and six years as a post-secondary educator. With a B.A. in Anthropology, Blake blends clinical expertise with a passion for teaching and developing others in high-stakes environments.
His professional focus centers on leadership, professional development, and project management. He has a proven track record of driving team growth, improving operational efficiency, and leading strategic initiatives. Blake is experienced in designing and delivering training programs, managing cross-functional projects, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement across teams.
Outside of work, Blake is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and backcountry skiing. When he’s not exploring the wilderness, he can often be found blacksmithing or fabricating in his shop. He’s also the proud owner of three dogs who rarely miss out on an adventure.
What Blake finds most rewarding about his role is the meaningful impact it has on others. He’s motivated by the opportunity to face new challenges each day and values the chance to train, learn, and take ownership in the work he does.

Riley Vest

M.S., Director of Operations

Riley serves as a Director of Operations at Advanced Crisis Solutions and holds a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. He is currently working toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst to further his impact in the field of behavioral health.
His professional background is rooted in behavioral management and crisis intervention. He previously served as the licensed administrator of a residential community crisis home, supporting adults with dual diagnoses and developing extensive experience in crisis stabilization, medication management, staff training, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. His earlier work in supportive living services further strengthened his ability to address complex behavioral needs and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
He excels in building strong connections, motivating teams, and solving complex behavioral challenges. He finds the greatest fulfillment in direct client interaction and supporting meaningful progress for individuals and families.

Nix Nichols

M.S., Director of Operations

Nix Nichols serves as the Director of Operations at Advanced Crisis Solutions and brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across large and diverse organizations. He holds a Master of Science degree in Management and Leadership, along with advanced training in organizational development. His professional background includes extensive experience in program management, personnel development, safety operations, logistics, and quality oversight.
Prior to joining Advanced Crisis Solutions, Nix served as a Human Resources and Operations Manager for the Boys and Girls Club, where he oversaw multiple sites and supported staff, safety, and program operations serving hundreds of children. His leadership approach emphasizes strategic planning, operational efficiency, and collaboration across teams.
Nix is committed to operational excellence, supporting strong teams, and achieving measurable outcomes that positively impact individuals, families, and the communities ACS serves.

Erik Flores

M.S., BCBA Clinical Director

Erik Flores is the Director of Clinical Development and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, and a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University. Erik brings over 13 years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, with a diverse background that includes in-home ABA therapy, community-based day program services, and residential group home settings.
In addition to his professional work, Erik is actively involved in community service as a volunteer with The Sanctuary, a 503(c) nonprofit organization that provides therapeutic, employment, and community integration services for individuals with disabilities. He holds specialized certifications in Ecotherapy, Organizational Behavior Management, and the Professional Crisis Management Association (PCMA). Erik is dedicated to advancing quality care, clinical excellence, and fostering meaningful outcomes for individuals and communities he serves.

Ryan Cater Associate Director at Advanced Crisis Solutions

Ryan Carter

M.B.A., Associate Director

Ryan Carter is an Associate Director with Advanced Crisis Solutions (ACS). He holds a Master of Business Administration and brings experience in behavioral services, leadership, training, and team development.

He joined ACS as a Behavioral Case Manager, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through crisis stabilization, behavioral intervention, and caregiver support. In 2024, he was honored as ACS Case Manager of the Year. Prior to ACS, Ryan built nearly two decades of experience guiding teams and developing people in corporate settings.

Throughout his career, his greatest passion has always been people. He believes leadership is about serving others, helping people recognize their potential, and creating an environment where they feel valued and supported. He is dedicated to developing strong teams and ensuring ACS provides compassionate, meaningful support to the people it serves.

Clinical

Stacey Neff, employee at Advanced Crisis Solutions in California

Stacie Neff

M.S., BCBA Consulting Supervisor

With a BS in Psychology from Florida State University and an MS in Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas, Stacie Neff has carved a niche in the field of behavior analysis through a journey that began in the child welfare system. Utilizing Dr. Glenn Latham's "The Power of Positive Parenting," Stacie and her team developed a curriculum for various stakeholders in children's lives. Her role evolved from working directly with children and caregivers to training new employees, marking the start of her illustrious training career.
Stacie's expertise has been integral to organizations like the University of South Florida, Florida Institute of Technology, and the Professional Crisis Management Association. Her most recent role before joining our team involved being an instructor and curriculum designer at the Clemson Center for Behavior Analysis, where she contributed for 11 years.
Her specialty lies in public speaking, training, teaching, building relationships, and imparting the art of training to others. Stacie's passion for tennis shines through in her personal life as well; she plays on three competitive teams and coaches varsity boys' high school tennis, applying her behavior analytic skills to coaching.
The most gratifying aspect of Stacie’s job is forging connections with learners of varying skill levels and witnessing their confidence and abilities flourish. She takes immense pride in seeing her learners and supervisees evolve into teachers, supervisors, and leaders themselves.
A fun fact about Stacie: She has been a high school tennis coach for nine years, coaching both girls and boys, including her own children during their high school tennis careers.

Bailey Tompkins

M.S., BCBA Clinical Supervisor

Bailey Tompkins, Clinical Supervisor, holds a B.A. in Psychology from Simpson University and an M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University. With a career commencing post-undergrad in diverse settings including a residential treatment program, Bailey has since honed his expertise in behavioral management and crisis intervention, particularly in the public school system. Since joining Advanced Crisis Solutions (ACS) in 2022, he quickly ascended from Behavior Technician to Behavioral Case Manager by January 2023. His commitment to professional growth is evident in his completion of a Master's program and his pursuit of Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. Bailey's specialty lies in forging strong, empathetic relationships, aiding others in overcoming both work and personal challenges, and ensuring individuals feel acknowledged and valued. His hobbies, such as rock climbing and motorcycle riding, reflect his dynamic and adventurous spirit. Bailey's favorite aspect of his role is the collaborative work with colleagues and witnessing the tangible results of collective efforts. An interesting personal quirk: he enjoys coffee, but strictly decaf, due to caffeine sensitivity. Bailey's professional journey and personal interests combine to paint a picture of a dedicated and multifaceted professional, constantly striving for excellence in both his career and personal life.

Lauren Burlingham

M.A., BCBA Clinical Supervisor

Lauren Burlingham serves as a Clinical Supervisor at Advanced Crisis Solutions and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She holds a Master of Arts in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis, completed with distinction. Her professional background reflects over a decade of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities across educational, social service, and regional center systems.
Her experience includes regional center coordination, family support services, foster care, and state preschool programs. She brings a comprehensive understanding of California’s healthcare and education systems, using this knowledge to develop practical, individualized plans grounded in clinical integrity.
Her work emphasizes realistic, family-centered solutions that meet regulatory standards while supporting meaningful progress for those served. She values collaboration, clinical excellence, and long-term positive outcomes for individuals and families.

Dave Beltz

M.Ed., BCBA Clinical Supervisor

Hi, I'm Dave! As Clinical Supervisor at Advanced Crisis Solutions, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. I hold a Bachelor's degree from Western Kentucky University and a Master's in Education from the University of Cincinnati. In addition, I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
My professional journey began in special education, where I taught and provided services to adults and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Over the years, I have conducted caregiver training, worked as a senior consultant establishing procedures for Community Crisis Homes across California, and developed creative programming tailored to empower individuals to make meaningful changes in their lives.
What I love most about my role is being a catalyst for change—not only for the individuals we serve but for their families and caregivers as well. Seeing the ripple effect of our work, as it fosters stronger relationships and new possibilities, is incredibly rewarding.
When I’m not at work, you can find me spending time with my two children, cooking with my wife, or strumming my guitar (even if I’ve yet to master a full song). I also enjoy snowboarding, albeit cautiously, and cheering on my favorite hockey team, the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Fun Fact: Each year, I drive about 238,900 miles chauffeuring my kids to their sporting and social events—the equivalent of traveling to the moon!

Taylor Smith