About Us

The mission of The Sharon Sigesmund Pierce and Stephen Pierce Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at Touro University Nevada is to provide our clients and their families with the support and services they need to reach their full potential. We use an evidence-based, team-centered approach designed to meet each client's unique needs.

Certified Autism Center

In December 2023, The Pierce Autism Center became the only Healthcare Certified Autism Center™  in Nevada with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. This is the top accreditation an autism center can earn, showing our team's commitment to ongoing training and using the best practices to support children with autism.

Our History

In 2007, the Touro University Nevada senior leadership seized the opportunity to provide autism services to young children and hired an Occupational Therapist, launching a clinical autism center at Touro University Nevada in December of that year. Also, in 2007, the State legislature passed a bill requiring autism spectrum disorders to be covered as a medical benefit rather than a behavioral benefit.

The Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities was the first to contract with the Health Plan of Nevada insurance plan in 2008 to cover autism as a medical benefit. The need for services for children with disabilities grew quickly, and additional providers were hired in speech and language pathology, neuropsychology, and behavioral therapy. This created Nevada’s first multidisciplinary center for autism and developmental disabilities.

On June 29, 2016, Touro University Nevada’s autism center unveiled its new name and newly renovated space. In honor of the major donors, the center was renamed the Sharon Sigesmund Pierce and Stephen Pierce Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (Pierce Autism Center).  

On April 30, 2021, Pierce Autism Center was fortunate to receive a generous gift of $3M from the State of Qatar to benefit families with autistic children. Pierce Autism Center is extremely grateful to the Al Thani Qatari royal family and His Excellency Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani for their foresight and kindness in establishing this most vital fund to aid the development of autistic children.

Our Team

Our team is comprised of registered behavior technicians, board-certified behavior analysts, and licensed behavior analysts who are devoted to serving the children and families who utilize the center.
 
All staff and providers are CPR trained, in case of a medical emergency, and CPI model trained, which teaches techniques to safely manage disruptive behavior.  

Lisa Kunz

Director

 “I combine my passion for helping others with my expertise in medical office management. My commitment to excellence in operations not only enhances the center's efficiency but also enriches the lives of those it serves.”

Jennifer McConnell

Board Certified Behavioral Analyst

“As a parent of a child with autism, I understand the challenges that families face. I am passionate about empowering parents by providing them with the skills and tools they need to connect with their children and support their development.”

Manuel Diaz

Registered Behavior Technician

“My younger brother has autism, seeing how ABA therapy helped him become a powerful motivator for me to pursue this career, with the goal of offering the same transformative support to others.”

Iliana Fuentez-Osuna

Registered Behavioral Technician

“I have family members with developmental disabilities, which inspired me to pursue a career that helps uplift others in a positive and compassionate manner.”

Morgan Hicks

Registered Behavior Technician

"The most rewarding part of my job is getting to be a part of these children's lives and being able to see small wins and moments turn into really big wins. That is something I cherish every day and don't take for granted."

Luz Sanchez

Front Office Specialist

 “I love to help people, and work to make each patients visit stress free, from scheduling appointments, handling paperwork, or just being the support system to that family.”