Michael A. Pereira (Executive Director)

Michael A. Pereira has been working in the field of Special Education and Disability Services for nearly 20 years. Mike received his undergraduate degree in Secondary Education and English at Boston College, and entered into the field starting as a Special Education Teacher, then Educational Coordinator for a Non-Public School in Massachusetts.  There he earned Board Certification as an Associate (then Assistant) Behavior Analyst and provided service within educational settings- non-public, public school districts, and assisted in the formation of another non- public school specializing in serving students then identified or diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Mike also continued pursuit of clinical work serving Early Intervention and School Age children on the Autism Spectrum for a Non-Public Agency offering direct ABA service, consultation, and parent training. In 2007, Mike returned to California to grow another Non- Public School, and to acquire a Masters of Education degree in Educational Leadership.  In 2009, Mike moved to the Bay Area to serve as Clinical Director of an organization, overseeing clinical and programmatic service delivery to students and participants being served in an Adult Behavioral Day Program, three Adult Residential Facilities, a Supported Living Program, and a Non- Public School. Mike has been the Executive Director of Ala Costa Centers, since November 2015.  He does not currently hold Board Certification in Behavior Analysis, though he is eligible to sit for the BCBA exam.  He is passionate about providing service to the IDD community and opening avenues to support equality, access, opportunity, and advocacy.

Tanya Coffield (Program Director - Adult Programs)

Tanya Coffield is the Designer and Director of Ala Costa’s Adult Transition and Adult Community Training Programs. She identifies as Autistic, multiply Neurodivergent; She is a grassroots researcher and educator, as well as advocate for disability rights.

LaTae’ J. Willis, MA Ed. Sr. Administrative Specialist

Tiffany Oakes (Program Administrator)

Kelly Copeland (Program Director - Berkeley After School Program)

Ames Yang (Supervisor - Adult Programs)