About Me
I was born and raised in Canóvanas, Puerto Rico, where I completed all my education up to an associate degree at the University of the Sacred Heart. At the age of 4, I was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), which had a significant impact on my development during childhood. I exhibited behaviors such as task avoidance, interrupting the class, and not staying in my seat, which were highly disruptive and affected my relationships and ability to connect with my classmates.
It was due to my personal experience that I decided to pursue a career in behavior analysis. My commitment is to provide the support and tools necessary for children to fully develop in an environment that respects and celebrates their individuality.
In 2014, I began my career in the mental health field as a certified behavioral technician, under the supervision of one of the pioneers of ABA in Pennsylvania. I worked with children aged 2 to 6 through the IBHS (Intensive Behavioral Health Services) program, which provides individualized behavioral health support in home, school, and community settings. I also collaborated with, a nonprofit organization in Philadelphia that offers services for children with developmental and behavioral needs. These experiences provided me with invaluable knowledge and skills, which I further honed through advanced education.
I hold a master’s degree: one in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis, which I completed in 2017. While pursuing my studies, I was already working in the mental health field, which allowed me to directly apply the knowledge I was acquiring to my professional practice. I became a Licensed Behavior Specialist in Pennsylvania in 2018 and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2022.
I have collaborated with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and specialized instructors throughout my career. My approach is based on innovation and a neuroaffirmative perspective, dedicated to closing the gap in providing quality services to the Latino community.
I founded ABAparaTI LLC with the mission to offer effective, ethical, and culturally relevant support to Latino families. My approach focuses on the holistic development and well-being of my clients, prioritizing the acceptance and understanding of each child as a unique individual. Through neuroaffirmative practices, we are dedicated to identifying and promoting the acquisition of socially significant positive behaviors that help children navigate the world. Additionally, we educate parents, caregivers, and any individuals who want to understand and learn how to adapt environments to encourage desired behaviors. I recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach; every child and family is different, and our services are designed to reflect that diversity.