Maria (Grace) Luna LMFT, BCBA

I attribute my success to a combination of experience, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving others. My professional journey began in 2006—not as part of a long-term plan, but with a genuine desire to support children with autism and their families. I started as a behavior technician, working directly in the field and gaining firsthand insight into the challenges faced by individuals with complex behavioral and mental health needs. Those early years shaped both my career path and my values as a leader.

Over time, I progressed through roles of increasing responsibility—from direct care to supervisory positions, and eventually into senior leadership. Today, I serve as a Division Director overseeing residential and crisis services, with a focus on autism services and supporting children and individuals whose needs often intersect behavioral health, developmental disabilities, and systemic gaps in care. Each step forward has been grounded in learning from every experience, embracing challenges, and staying committed to growth.

A core lesson I’ve learned is that professional development is rarely the result of a single mentor or moment. While I didn’t have a formal mentor guiding my path, I learned from supervisors who challenged me, colleagues who collaborated with me, and clients who trusted me. Being open to learning from multiple sources has been essential. My involvement with professional organizations and community initiatives, including leadership and advocacy groups, has further broadened my perspective. I’m particularly proud of helping develop and lead workforce development programs, including pipeline training initiatives in underserved regions like Imperial Valley. Through these efforts, we secured a grant, and the program has continued to grow and multiply even after I stepped away, which remains a source of deep fulfillment.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to be willing to try different things and step outside your comfort zone. Don’t feel confined by what you think your career path should look like—sometimes the most rewarding opportunities come from directions you hadn’t imagined. Embracing new experiences can open doors to growth and possibilities that exceed your expectations.

One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in our field right now is workforce development. With ongoing staffing shortages, funding cuts, and political pressures that directly affect services, building strong, values-driven teams is no longer optional—it’s essential to sustaining quality care. I am deeply committed to investing in people, supporting bilingual and inclusive initiatives, and creating pathways that allow professionals to grow while staying connected to their purpose. By strengthening the workforce, we can not only address current gaps but also ensure that the next generation of leaders is prepared to carry the mission forward.

The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are integrity, compassion, and acceptance. I place a high value on connection and giving back, and I prioritize opportunities to build meaningful relationships and support others. These principles shape how I lead, collaborate, and make decisions, ensuring that my actions reflect both purpose and care.