CAF Leadership operates under a model of constant innovation, and “whole life” service structures for all who seek CAF services.

Executive Team

Valisha Fullard
Executive Director

Valisha Fullard is the Executive Director of the California Autism Foundation, a leading non-profit organization that focuses on providing people with autism and other developmental disabilities with exciting opportunities to grow and thrive within a supportive residential community. Fullard joined CAF in the spring of 2006 as the Director of Human Resources, where she instantly connected with the passion and purpose of CAF. As an experienced non-profit professional, Fullard’s strengths and skills include crisis management, empathetic leadership, relationship cultivation, business administration, and community building.

During her tenure as Executive Director, Fullard had established herself as an indispensable leader. In 2008, Fullard successfully guided the company through the largest reorganization in CAF’s history. Over a two-year period, Fullard and CAF reduced the workforce by more than 50%. During this time, Fullard promoted management structure by improving engagement from Executive Director reports, increased on-site Executive presence, and enhanced senior leadership focus.

Her crisis management skills have helped CAF recover from a period faced with financial challenges, thus ensuring that the non-profit could continue to make an impact within the local Richmond community. With CAF looking forward to a bright and exciting future, Fullard is aiming to enhance the organization’s mission by increasing opportunities for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.

In her role as Executive Director, Fullard has managerial oversight for CAF’s corporate audits, Business and Code of Ethics conducts, and related regulatory and compliance matters. Fullard also has responsibility to maintain a comprehensive risk management system that supports a compliant, accountable, and transparent environment.

Before working with CAF, Fullard began her career with the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, where she was influential in developing a new HRIS system. After her term with the Packard Foundation, Valisha became a Recruiter for an Executive Search Firm in the Silicon Valley area, where she recruited mid-to upper-level management candidates for several Fortune 500 companies, including Cisco Systems, Sun Microsystems, Quantum and BEA Systems.

Fullard has a passion for serving the disabled community and volunteering with women’s shelters. In addition to her volunteer work at the Shelter for Battered Women and Children, Fullard has received an Outstanding Achievement Award from the I Will Survive Women’s Organization of San Joaquin Valley.

 

Edith Molinier, PhD
Director of Special Education and Trainings

Edith Molinier, PhD, has been working for the California Autism Foundation since she moved to the United States in October 2004. As the Director of Special Education and Trainings at CAF, Dr. Molinier has created exciting and challenging programs for students at the ABC School. Her passion for working with students with developmental disabilities is evident in her classroom, as she helps students develop emotional intelligence, compassion, mindfulness, strong ethics, and team spirit, all while providing the best clinical care.

In 2009, Dr. Molinier received a Moderate to Severe Teaching Credential, Level 2, from California State University Sacramento. And after six years of research on Emotional Intelligence at ABC School, she received her PhD with Honors.

Before becoming the Director at ABC School, Dr. Molinier was the lead teacher of Classroom 5 where she taught non-verbal adolescents diagnosed with severe autism. These students also displayed significant health-related issues and complex developmental delays, which induced challenging behaviors.

Much of Dr. Molinier’s success in the classroom can be attributed to her blend of holistic philosophies with cutting-edge therapies. Her educational approaches are inspired by a myriad of therapies, including ABA, sensory integration, music therapy, nature therapy, and even art and music therapy. Dr. Molinier pioneered a unique guitar and percussion therapy, and a transitional program, which helps bridge the School and Adult Day program.

Outside of her work for CAF, Dr. Molinier is an Adjunct Professor at California State University, Sacramento and teaches classes in the Mild to Moderate and Moderate to Severe Teaching Credential Program at the College of Continuing Education. She has published several research articles and collaborates regularly with Dr. Benedicte Gendron, who developed the concept of Emotional Capital© in Europe. A passionate international scholar, Dr. Molinier teaches seminars on Autism, Special Education and Emotional Intelligence in the U.S., South America, Thailand, and Europe.

 

Ramsay Mashy
Director of Quality Assurance and Community Services

Ramsay Mashy is the Director of Quality Assurance and Community Services for the California Autism Foundation. In his role, Mashy is responsible for developing departmental assessment systems, as well as develop community relationships that help the growth and development of services provided by CAF.

Mashy brings forty-one years of direct experience with people with intellectual and developmental challenges. He works with both children and adults, helping them develop success skills and self-esteem so as to enhance their ability to integrate in all phases of society.  Mashy has been with California Autism Foundation for the last seven years as an Adult Residential Facility Administrator and Director of Community Relations.

Mashy’s dedication to serving others stems from a personal experience. In 1973, when his daughter was undergoing emergency surgery, Mashy saw an infant that had been born missing some toes. When doctors told the parents that the child would be intellectually delayed, they immediately put him up for adoption. Outraged at what he saw, Mashy and his now-deceased wife opened a six-bed facility in their home to take on children with developmental disabilities.

Mashy is the proud father of two wonderful adult children. In addition to his work with CAF, Mashy coaches youth leagues and watches his grandchildren compete. He is a lifelong Bay Area sports fan.