Institute for Autism and Related Disorders Staff

Sarah Minner

Executive Director
210-784-2452 | Madla 139
sarah.minner@tamusa.edu

Sarah Minner joined the staff at Texas A&M University-San Antonio in July 2022, as the Inaugural Director of the Institute for Autism and Related Disorders Ms. Minner is a native San Antonian with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from The University of Texas at San Antonio and holds a master's degree in Special Education with an Emphasis in Autism and Behavioral Disorders from Our Lady of the Lake University.

Prior to joining TAMU-SA, she was a public educator for 17 years, serving students from PreK to young adults in South San Antonio. Ms. Minner has served as a special education teacher, Autism Itinerant, Program Specialist, and 18+ Transition Coordinator preparing young adults with disabilities for workforce entry, post-secondary access, and to live independently in the community.

Yvette Herrera 

Administrative Associate IV
210-784-2449 | Madla 344
yvette.herrera@tamusa.edu

Yvette Herrera is an experienced Administrative Associate IV with a distinguished career spanning over two decades across the private and educational sectors. Her deep appreciation for the autism community is rooted in her personal journey as a parent of a child on the autism spectrum. Yvette is dedicated to supporting families navigating autism-related challenges, driven by her passion for making a positive difference in their lives.

“I appreciate and love assisting families who need assistance for their loved ones with autism.” ~Yvette Herrera

Jessica Rangel

Care Coordinator
210-784-2508 | Madla 348
jessica.rangel@tamusa.edu

Jessica Rangel is a TAMUSA Alumni with a bachelor’s degree in English and a previous RBT. Jessica’s love for community and social work came from providing one-on-one Behavioral therapy to children and Adults on the Autism Spectrum.

“I enjoy connecting families with our community partners for needed resources and Autism Services.” - Jessica Rangel

Dr. Rebecca Lopez, Ph. D.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA)
210-784-2664 | Madla 347
Rebecca.Lopez@tamusa.edu

Dr. Rebecca E. Lopez is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at the Institute for Autism and Related Disorders at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. She holds a PhD in General Psychology with a focus on education from Walden University and has completed multiple post-graduate certifications in areas such as BCBA and Educational Leadership. Dr. Lopez has a diverse professional background, including roles as a Behavior and Discipline Consultant at the Education Service Center, Region 20, and as an Assistant Principal and Dean of Students in various school districts. She has extensive experience working directly with individuals with autism and related disorders using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Additionally, she provides indirect services, including training and coaching for educators and parents, to help them implement effective strategies for improving behavior and learning outcomes. Dr. Lopez is passionate about fostering collaborative relationships between families, schools, and communities to support positive youth development and academic success.