PALS Inc. began providing services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 1999 with an emphasis on therapeutic supports for people with a history of mental health challenges, trauma and/or challenging behaviors.  Our assessment and treatment approaches are rooted in behavioral psychology and trauma informed tools to assist us in developing a positive behavior support plan.  At the core of our philosophy is the knowledge that the adults we support are the subjects of their own experience, and getting to know them is a critical aspect of of our success.  Our motto is "...Because behavior modification begins with a smile" and it directs us to the fundamental acknowledgement that behavior change begins with the first small step: a smile is a great place to start!

Otieno Okatch, M.A.

President and Executive Director 

Mr. Otieno Jafri Okatch serves as the President and Executive Director of PALS, Inc. Within the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities, he has over 30 years of experience. Previously, Mr. Okatch attended the University of California, Santa Barbara for his undergraduate education. Furthering his education, Mr. Okatch attended the University of California, Los Angeles where he graduated with a Masters of Arts. He continued his education at the Pepperdine University; where he earned a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology.

Once completing college, Mr. Okatch served as a Therapist for adolescents in foster care settings and as a behavior consultant. He managed residential, adult day care programs, and now he is directing PALS since its founding. Mr. Okatch has extensive experience in conducting functional assessment, formulating behavioral support plans/protocols, and providing behavior modification training for people (individuals and families) in a variety of work settings.  Mr. Okatch is fluent in  English, Kiswahili, and French languages.

Christina Buth-Okatch, B.A.

V.P. & Director of Operations 

Christina Buth-Okatch serves as Vice-President and Director of Operations for PALS, Inc. Ms. Buth-Okatch has provided 16 years of service for people with intellectual developmental disabilities in residential, school and day program setting.  Previously, Christina Buth-Okatch  attend and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching from California State University of Long Beach.  During Christina's association with teaching, she has been given opportunities to teach students with low academic performance. In addition, Christina supported and connected families with community resources (Section 8, Cal Fresh, free childcare/afterschool, WIC, and parent training classes)  in under served communities.   

Ms. Buth-Okatch has extensive knowledge in curriculum development, cultural recognition and needs assessment for at-risk students.  Christina uses her teaching experience along with Person-Center practices to oversee program development at PALS, Inc.  Christina is a certified Instructor for Crisis Prevention Intervention  Specialized Trauma Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI)  and First Aide/CPR  for Children /Adults.   Currently, Christina Buth-Okatch is completing her course work on becoming a Person-Centered Trainer, Facilitator and Planner.  Christina is bilingual in English and Khmer language.

Salvador Avila, M.A.

Director of Workforce Development 

Salvador Avila serves as the Director of Workforce Development (DWD) of PALS, Inc. Mr. Avila implements Person-Centered practices, including training and strategies. For the past 7 years, Mr. Avila has provided services for adults with intellectual disabilities, as well as directed PALS Simi Valley, with a focus on community outreach. As the (DWD) Mr. Avila assists staff and management in attaining their work goals. Supporting PALS employees through encouragement and appreciation is a priority.

Mr. Avila earned his Master’s Degree in history from California State University at Los Angeles (CSULA) and his Bachelor of Arts from California State University at Northridge. Mr. Avila began his career as an educator, teaching seventh grade medieval history. Mr. Avila is fluently bilingual in English and Spanish.  Currently Mr. Avila is completing his course work in Person-Centered Trainer, Facilitator and Planner. In his free time, Mr. Avila enjoys hiking, reading history books, and droneography. 

Winfred Narh, MBA

Program Director 

Winfred Narh serves as the Program Director for PALS  Behavior Management Day Program in Hawthorne, CA. Mr. Narh earned his Bachelors of Art in Sociology from University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).  Following his degree he worked as a Residential Counselor who provided treatment, guidance, and in-depth living skills for adults with disabilities.

He continued his education and received a Masters of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Mr. Narh has worked as a Job Developer for the Goodwill to help people obtain jobs. In continuation with his efforts to help this population, he was a Service Coordinator at the Harbor Regional Center for 8 years. With the array of experiences Mr. Narh has working with this population, he is a great contribution to PALS Inc.  Currently, Mr. Narh is completing his course work for Person-Centered Facilitator.

Gloria Gallegos

Program Director 

Ms. Gloria Gallegos is an experienced Program Director with 20 years of working experience in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Ms. Gallegos started as a Direct Care Support in residential and day services setting (WAP, SLS, ILS, TDS and  BMP).  She was promoted from Direct Care Staff Support to Program Manager and is now Program Director for PALS EL Monte Behavior Management Day Program. Ms. Gloria Gallegos has extensive knowledge and insight of day program services.   Ms. Gallegos is a skilled certified trainer in both emergency intervention techniques thru the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), and First Aid/CPR. Ms. Gallegos is fluently bilingual in English and Spanish language.

Aaron Vindel

Program Director 

Mr. Aaron Vindel serves as the Program Director of PALS Behavior Management Day Program in Downey, California.  He has over 17 years in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Mr. Vindel started working in this field as a Instruction Assistant for Autism services in school setting to a Behavior Specialist for adults with psychiatric support at College Hospital and currently directing  PALS Downey Program. Aaron has great success in collaborating with agencies to transition adults from treatment centers to community life.  

Arnold Hernandez, M.A.

Program Director 

Mr. Arnold Hernandez serves as the Program Director of PALS Santa Barbara Autism Center.  He has over 18 years in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mr. Hernandez received a Bachelor's of Art in Psychology from California State University of Northridge. Once completing undergraduate, Arnold was Acting Director of Behavior Services, where he supervise the implementation of  Applied Behavioral Analyst, Adaptive Adapt Skill Training, social skills training in residential treatment centers. Arnold worked closely with agencies to transition people from residential treatment center and/or the Development Centers to community living. Furthering his education, Mr. Hernandez attended the  National University, where he received a Master's of Art in Teaching with a emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis.  Current, he is completing his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Capella University. Mr. Hernandez has extensive experience in conducting functional assessment, formulating behavioral support plans/protocols, and providing behavior modification training for people (individuals and families) in a variety of work settings.  Mr. Hernandez is fluent in  English and Spanish languages.  

Christopher Romero

Program Director 

Mr. Christopher Romero  serves as the Program Director for PALS Working Training Center in Simi Valley, California.  Mr. Romero has great success in supporting adults in the community with the implementing of technology and Person-Center practices at day program.  He has over 9 years in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mr. Romero started in this field as a Direct Care Staff Support  and promoted as Supervisor at ARC program--and now is directing PALS Simi Valley Program.

​