Our Team

Aline Echavarria:
Aline is a behavior therapist who has worked with children in a child development center and preschool setting for years. Aline has also worked as a Behavior Assistant implementing Behavior Service Plans focusing on diminishing disruptive or maladaptive behaviors and teaching necessary life and communication skills. She received her Bachelors degree in Psychology from Florida International University in 2008. Since then she has been continuing her education in the field of psychology within the realm of behavior analysis. Aline enjoys both the experimental analysis of behavior and applied behavior analysis in clinical settings. Aline is currently working as a research assistant in a graduate experiment intended to research and implement interventions for non compliant behavior in young children before bedtime. This experiment will address an area not well covered in behavior analytic research thus far, and will therefore, be of significant value in the progression of the experimental analysis of behavior. Aline will be graduating from the Florida International University Masters Program of Behavior Analysis in 2012. After Graduation she plans to become a board certified behavior analyst. 

Claudia Devia:
Claudia Devia is a Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She has a Master's Degree in Applied Psychology with a concentration in Behavior Analysis. For more than 7 years she has worked with children with developmental delays and their families increasing all areas of development such as communication, social, and daily living skills. She is also an Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist (ITDS).

 

Elizabeth Keeler:
Elizabeth received her B.A. degree in psychology from Florida International University in 2008, where she is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Psychology with a specialization in mental health counseling as well as applied behavior analysis. She came to Progressive Behavioral Science with 4 years of experience from other sites, one of which included the Center for Children and Families at FIU. She has worked with several different populations within home, school, and agency-based settings, where she has provided interventions and treatments under supervision. Presently, she is working towards becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor as well as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. As part of her experience, she is working towards furthering her knowledge in providing ABA services and helping children become more successful in maintaining the implementation of behavior programs.

Itzel Mendez:
Itzel is graduating in December 2011 with her Bachelors degree in Psychology with a focus in Behavior Analysis. She will start her masters in Occupational Therapy in 2012. She wants to obtain her BCaBA certificate before she begins her graduate program. She has had experience working in pre-schools, clinics and since she started with PBS, more than a year ago, she has been providing ABA services at home. She teaches academic skills, increasing social behaviors, increasing communication and reducing problem behaviors. Itzel is very excited to be part of the PBS family and enjoys each day with her little ones. She hopes to continue in this path of bettering children’s lives.

 

Ivis Muniz:
Ivis received her B.A. in Psychology from Florida International University in 2003 and her M.A. in Mental Health Counseling with a Specialization in Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis from Nova Southeastern University in 2008.  She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and brings 10 years of experience, working with children and families that are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders, to PBS.  She has worked in various settings, including homes, schools, day programs and summer camp programs, and has experience working with children ranging in ages from 18 months to 15 years of age.  Since she is fully bi-lingual, she has also been a part of ABA seminars in Puerto Rico in order to increase awareness and teach ABA principles to those who do not have access to this information.  Ivis specializes in developing behavior programs to address behavior reduction, teaching academic skills, increasing verbal behavior and functional communication, social skills and any other area that would make the lives of her clients a more enjoyable one.  Helping children and their families has always been such a passion for her and she approaches every case as if they were part of her family.  She believes that if we all work together as a team we will achieve much more than we can ever dream of.  The more we expect from our children, the more they will be able to accomplish in their lives.  It is this belief that motivates her to get up every morning and do the best she can to help families put the puzzle together, piece by piece. 

Kimberly Courrau:
Kimberly received her Bachelor of Psychology degree from the University of Florida in 2010. She is currently completing her graduate education at Florida International University where she will be awarded a Master of Science in Behavior Analysis degree. Kimberly volunteered during her undergraduate education with elementary students and is grateful for the opportunity to continue working with young children. She considers being part of the PBS team an absolute privilege and is extremely enthusiastic about applying her knowledge. Kimberly’s dedication to the field of behavior analysis is founded in helping children overcome behavior barriers so that each child may reach their true potential. She is honored to supply such a valued and necessary service.  

 

 

Larry Moreno:
Larry has a year and a half of experience in the Applied Behavior Analysis field. He has years of experience in working with children from an entertainment company as he organized various activities, comforted the children to enjoy the events, and motivated children to participate. Larry has worked with clients and families of various ages and backgrounds. He specializes in reduction of problem behaviors, increasing verbal behavior, and teaching social and daily living skills. He has received an Associate in Arts Degree in Psychology in Miami Dade College and is currently attending classes at Florida International University with the goal of graduating with a Bachelor in Psychology and becoming a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA).

 

Maria Arizmendi
Maria Arizmendi, BCBA is the proud founder and director of Progressive Behavioral Science, known by its family of clients and therapists as PBS. From the moment Maria came to the United States and worked as a nanny for a child with Autism, she knew her calling was to dedicate herself to helping families in need. Years later, she is now a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with almost a decade of experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities in the home, school and group settings.  Maria created PBS to implement her dream of delivering and implementing the most effective and financially accessible behavior interventions to children and families. Her studies include a degree in psychology at Florida Atlantic University and then a Masters degree in Behavior Analysis from Florida International University under Dr. Jacob Gewirtz, one of the pioneers of behavioral analysis. Since then, Maria has taught behavior analysis to the next generation of practitioners at FIU, worked in all capacities in the field, and has also pursued a wide range of charitable activities in pursuit of aiding children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Maria is fully bilingual in English and Spanish and her practice has included clients in several countries throughout Central and South America. Recently, she presented an international conference in Guatemala about the latest developments in behavior analysis.

Melanie Fernandez
Melanie Fernandez has been part of the PBS team since 2009. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from FIU and is working towards obtaining her BCaBA certification this Fall. Melanie's biggest goal when working with our children is to implement procedures in innovative and exciting ways, making therapy sessions both fun and enriching for the kids. Melanie has worked in various settings including schools, homes, and centers. She also has experience with a wide range of children on the Autism spectrum and has taught academic, communication, social, and functional skills, in addition to reducing problem behaviors. Melanie's passion for the job is evident and she is proud to be part of a team that plays such a vital role in many children's lives

Melissa Castro:
Melissa graduated with honors from Florida International University with a Bachelor in Science, in Psychology. She is currently working in the ABA Master’s Program in Florida International University. Behavioral Analysis is her living passion; she loves working with children. Melissa is currently very involved with children of different ages and cultures; being a mother herself. She has given several parenting seminars for parents of toddlers to the second grade; implementing a great amount of behavioral analysis techniques. She is extremely happy with the opportunity of working in this field and being a member of the PBS team.    

 

Melissa Lovio Sanchez:
Melissa received her B.A. in Psychology from Florida International University in 2002, and her M.A. in General Psychology from the University of West Florida in 2008. She has always enjoyed working with children, but what sparked her passion was her time working with autistic children as a cognitive therapist at the Carrie Brazer Center. Prior to joining the PBS team, she worked as a clinical coordinator at Florida Mentor, a therapeutic foster care agency, where she advocated and conducted individual therapy for both children under government care, as well as developmentally disabled adults. She is currently pursuing her BCBA certification at Nova Southeastern University.

Monica Gilbert:
Monica has been working with children, adolescents and adults for 8 years.  She is a BCABA. She graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor degree in psychology and a minor in behavior analysis and is in the process of obtaining her Master’s Degree in education with a mental health track and a minor in behavior analysis and will be graduating December of 2011. Further on she plans on completing a doctorate degree. She is fluent in English and Spanish and understands French. She enjoys working in this field since she feels a great deal of satisfaction when she knows that she has the dedication and patience as well as the knowledge to help individuals excel first in their homes and later in life. She is deeply passionate about what she does as a professional and looks forward to using her expertise as well as gaining further experience in this field. She has experience developing behavior programs and has presented several at the local review committee for approval. She also has experience implementing programs such as; ABLLS (Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills), PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), American Sign Language Training, NET (Natural Environment Training), DTT (discrete trials training), PRT (pivotal response training), PMR (progressive muscle relaxation), and verbal behavior protocols. She has extensive experience conducting behavior assessments and supervising staff as well as conducting parent training. Monica is an approved CMS Infant Toddler Development Specialist.  Monica is an active member of ABAI (Association for Behavior Analysis International) and the American Counseling association. 

Patricia Shinde:
Patricia received her B.S. in Special Education from The Ohio State University in 1991 with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis and her M.S. in Special Education with Specialization in Moderate to Severe Disabilities from National University in 2001. She currently is pursuing her BCBA certification and doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has worked in numerous states and settings, including public and private schools (pre-k-12th), graduate school, residential facilities, private homes, mental health and developmental agencies, and early intervention programs. She joins the PBS team with several years experience in ABA and TEACCH methodologies while working with children in all severities of the Autism Spectrum and other developmental disabilities. Patricia has worked as a teacher, professor, mentor, autism specialist, and head of department, evaluator/testing coordinator, coordinator of specialized services, advocate, and behavioral specialist. She has been a member of the National Autism Society, Council for Exceptional Children, and Council for Children with Communication and Behavioral Disorders for a number of years.

Shirly Dorilas:
Shirly graduated at Florida International University with a Bachelors in Psychology and a minor in music. She is currently completing two degrees, her Masters in clinical psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis and also her doctorate degree in Pediatric Neuropsychology. She is a proud believer in Clinical Psychology and would like to further help individuals overcome challenges as soon as possible. Shirly has experience working with children from ages 4-12. She has held positions working at school, home and clinic settings providing ABA services. She has also had the opportunity to intern at Child Anxiety & Phobia and the Center for Children and Families Clinic. She took part in hands on federally funded, experience working directly with at risk children at clinical/research treatment programs. Shirly is very happy to have joined PBS team and is looking forward sharing and gaining knowledge about further helping children to be independent and successful. She hopes to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst by 2012.

Siomara Vallejo:
Siomara received her B.A in psychology from Florida International university where she was instilled the principles of behavior science by the most knowledgeable and experienced behavior analyst in the nation. She brings to the team experience with a wide variety of populations including children with Autism Spectrum disorder, ADHD, Down syndrome, and Apraxia among other disorders. She has focused on teaching academics, communication, social, and functional skills, as well as reducing problem behavior in most type of settings. She is fully bilingual in both Spanish and English and has worked with clients and families of various ages and backgrounds. Siomara is very devoted to the field and is applying for the Masters Program of Applied Behavior Analysis at Florida International University where she hopes to expand her knowledge to better serve her clients.

Tatiana Alba:
Tatiana is a BCaBA and is currently pursuing her M.S. from Florida International University in Industrial Organizational Psychology. She has taken graduate level coursework for the BCBA examination to be taken at the completion of her Master’s degree. She graduated in 2008 from F.I.U. with two B.A. degrees, Psychology and one in International Relations with specializations in Behavior Analysis, and Latin American and Caribbean studies, respectively. She is a certified public school substitute teacher since January 2009 and has been working as a behavior therapist for over three years. She has worked in various settings including schools, homes, educational centers, and both day and summer programs with children of all sorts of backgrounds (including abused/neglected), ages (2-14), and developmental levels such as learning disabilities, ASD, ADHD, Asperger, Down’s Syndrome, and Fragile X. She has experience with teaching pre-academic, academic, social, functional (behavioral and verbal), and vocational skills, as well as reduction of problem behaviors in both English and Spanish.  

Yanell Sanchez:
Yanell Sanchez received her Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Liberal Arts from Saint Thomas University in 2010. Yanell was the Vice President of the Political Science and History Club for one year, and then elected President the following year. She was also one of the two students specifically selected by St Thomas University to attend the 2010 National Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Value in Tallahassee, FL. At the forum she met with keynote speaker U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, and participated in a large community service project which gave out food to the less fortunate.  It was from this experience that Yanell knew she wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. Yanell is excited to be a part of the PBS team and feels very lucky to have the opportunity to work in this rewarding field with children. She has been with the team since September of 2010, and her passion for children is the reason behind her commitment on improving the lives of the children she works with.