Current Status: Alumni
Graduation Year: BA '15, M.Ed '17 & BA '14
Melina (BA '15, M.Ed '17) & Jordan (BA '14) Gipson have both found their passion in working with children, particularly those with autism. The couple are both Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) at The Autism Collaborative Group located in Orange County, California. Though they studied different subjects while at HIU - Melina studied Elementary Education while planning to become a teacher and Jordan had studied Business Management - their love for the autistic community and servant leadership unite them in their latest project, and as a married couple.
Aside from their working roles, the Gipsons and friend Markus Trujillio, have embarked on a new project to provide families with autistic children a place to vacation with their unique needs in mind. The group purchased and renovated a home in Joshua Tree that is now available for families to rent for a safe and inviting place to relax, called AUTxcapes. “AUTxcapes, to me,” Melina shares, “is an opportunity for families to relax, spend quality time together, and to decompress. It has been designed with safety and relaxation for autistic individuals in the forefront of our minds. It has been a passion project for me and my team.”
The home has safety features like gate alarms, cabinet latches, and tamper resistant outlets to give parents a peace of mind while on vacation. Other fun features specific to the autistic community are the foam floor in the kid’s room, backyard miniature golf, a theater room, and sensory lights.
“We love what we do and truly care about the individuals we spend time with day to day,” says Melina. “We saw a need for the families we serve to have a place to relax and unwind with their families, without the added stress of worrying about their housing accommodations and the lack of Autism-friendly considerations.” Majority of the families the Gipsons work with have mentioned they haven’t been on vacation as a family due to worry about how aspects such as change in routine or lack of sensory resources may affect their child.
While Melina has always had a servant heart, this was further instilled while attending Hope International University. “I never would've thought I would be in a place where I hold two credentials that both have helped me serve the autism community. I truly thank the educators that believed in me and pushed me at Hope. Without them I wouldn't have had the confidence to complete my master’s and teaching credential.” Melina goes on to say, “My professors modeled the importance of being willing to listen and learn, no matter how far you feel you have made it in your career. This especially rings true in the profession I am in.”
In the year the Gipsons were working on the house, which is located two hours away from their home, Melina also completed 1,500 clinical hours, passed the BCBA exam, and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. “I truly believed He gave us endurance because this house has the potential to bless many families.”
