HI, MY NAME IS… Gabriela Salcido and I’m the CEO and Co-Founder of Roman Empire ABA AGENCY. We opened our doors in 2011 to provide individualized services to clients with various developmental disabilities, including but not limited to down syndrome, autism, and epilepsy.
I’VE LIVED IN PARADISE VALLEY FOR 8 YEARS AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… We moved our family from California, where we founded Roman Empire Agency in Los Angeles, and moved the headquarters to Scottsdale. I love it here because I get year-long warm weather, amazing people and spectacular views!
A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE INCLUDES… Getting the kids ready to go to school, calling my Roman Empire Agency staff to check on them and ensure they are in a good spot, prepping and cooking for the kids, picking them up at school and having a nice family dinner in the evening.
MY FAMILY IS… My family includes my husband, 6 year old son, 10 year old daughter, 12 year old daughter, 28 year old son. They are everything to me.
ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… My phone and my family.
MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF WATCHING AND WHY… I have a few movies I love, but “50 First Dates” and “Phantom of the Opera” are two of my faves! I never get tired of watching them because they always put me in a good mood. Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore are a comedic duo, and I love the music in “Phantom of the Opera.”
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… A secret service agent for the United States. I interned for the Secret Service during the Clinton Administration while I was in college in 1995.
THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS… Probably Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” It’s such a happy song, and the 80’s were the best!
THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… Believe it or not, my kids and husband! I like learning new things from them and I’m always striving to become the best mom and the best wife for my family.
THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD WERE… my friends! We were just being silly and having fun in Las Vegas, and they always keep a smile on my face.
THE PERFECT DAY IS… When my kids just do everything I say with no pushback, when my business is going well as far as staffing cases to starting services, and when my husband is in a loving mood! My perfect day would also include some type of shopping.
MY FAVORITE NONPROFIT IS… Families for Effective Autism Treatment, or FEAT, based in Las Vegas. It’s a small nonprofit that provides information on treatment resources for families with children diagnosed with autism, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and related disorders.
MY LIFE IS… always busy, whether it’s work or kids. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS… A diamond ring. Each one of my children’ s birthstones are included on the inside of the ring, making it unique and one-of-a-kind. I keep them close at all times.
MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… traveling to and exploring Europe with my children.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS… Never give up and make things happen.
