Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks 

for Decades of Wisdom, Growth and Impact on the lives of learners and families.

Last week longtime members of the TUCCi family and several client families gathered for an event created to honor and appreciate them. Read on to learn more about the role Tucci Learning Solutions has played in the lives of staff and families.

For over three decades, Tucci Learning Solutions has been more than just an organization – it’s been a family. This family is bound together by its mission to foster growth, provide support, and make a difference in the lives of individuals with autism, and their families.

Giving Thanks to Staff

Mary Salazar reflects on her 18-year journey at TUCCi, a career marked by continuous learning and evolving roles. Starting as a Behavioral Specialist for 11 years, transitioning to Coordinator, and eventually finding her place in the HR department, Mary describes her time at TUCCi as an enriching experience. “TUCCi has always fostered a supportive, family-like environment where colleagues genuinely care for one another,” she shares. “I am grateful to be part of the TUCCi family.”

Kimi Villalobos offers another perspective, combining personal and professional insights. As both a mother of a grown son on the autism spectrum and an employee, she brings a unique empathy to her work. “I am incredibly grateful every day that I have a job I love,” she says. “Meeting new families who are just beginning the ASD journey allows me to offer guidance and hope from a genuine place.” Her dual role as a former client and current team member underscores the impact TUCCi has on individuals and families.

For Eliana Perez, the heart of her decade-long dedication to TUCCi lies in the relationships she’s built. “What has kept me engaged at TUCCi for over 10 years is I love working directly with the children and their families,” she says. This connection is a testament to the organization’s commitment to making a tangible difference.

Families touched by TUCCi’s programs also share their gratitude. The Salazar family credits and is giving thanks to TUCCi’s Early Start Team, led by Brandy Berry, with transforming their son Victor’s development. “They’ve made a remarkable difference, especially in his speech and social skills,” the family shares. “This progress has helped him thrive in preschool. We highly recommend their early start and Competent Learner Model based services to any family looking for effective and compassionate support.”

Michele Saleh, a long-time collaborator, offers a historical lens on TUCCi’s impact. Having worked with Vicci Tucci during the early days of the Competent Learner Model (CLM), Michele recalls how the model transformed special education instruction throughout Monterey County. “The CLM is truly the most powerful and effective individualized program I’ve ever worked with,” she states. Rooted in behavior analysis, the model equips instructors and families with tools to help their children achieve their fullest potential.

These stories paint a vivid picture of Tucci Learning Solutions as a place of innovation, compassion, and deep personal connection. From pioneering an educational model, to creating a family-like work culture, TUCCi continues to change lives – one student, one family, and one employee at a time. Giving Thanks.