At Behavioral Initiatives, our dedicated team of seasoned professionals takes great pride in working with individuals and families to help them attain a higher quality of life. The success of our clients is our utmost priority. We not only teach our clients skills that can help them be successful in the present, but we also assist them in developing skills that will have lasting effects and make positive, long-term changes in their lives.
STAFF BIOS
Meet the people behind the quality service Behavioral Initiatives is known for.

Edmund Bartlett
Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer
Edmund Bartlett is the Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer of Behavioral Initiatives. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration. He is also experienced…
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Edmund Bartlett
Edmund Bartlett is the Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer of Behavioral Initiatives. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration. He is also experienced and trained in leadership, management, and process improvement for over a decade.
“We are here to serve by bringing positive value to all who are involved. Ideally, self-actualization is what we seek, and that’s what we support.” This is a passion both Ed and Sarah share to bring high-quality ABA services to those in need. This is their life purpose.

Sarah Bartlett, M.S., BCBA
Co-founder & Chief Clinical Officer
Sarah Bartlett is the founder, and Chief Clinical Officer for Behavioral Initiatives. She graduated from Florida State University with a Master’s of Science degree in Psychology, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis. She…
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Sarah Bartlett, M.S., BCBA Chief Clinical Officer
Sarah Bartlett is the founder, and Chief Clinical Officer for Behavioral Initiatives. She graduated from Florida State University with a Master’s of Science degree in Psychology in 2004, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst who has worked with a diverse population, including children, adolescents, and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. She has also worked with children with varying exceptionalities, typically developing children with behavioral problems, and adults with various disabilities.
She has provided services in settings that include family and group homes, center-based facilities, and schools through regular and special education classrooms. Sarah has conducted training, supervision, and management of verbal behavior therapists, as well as provided supervision for BCBA and BCaBA applicants. She has also provided behavioral acquisition and reduction services to individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities and their families. Throughout her career, she has conducted training for parents, teachers, and professionals in behavior management and teaching language skills to children with autism.

Janelys Castro, M.Ed., BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
Janelys Castro is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Clinical Supervisor at Behavioral Initiatives. She has a Master’s degree in Education Curriculum and Instruction of Applied Behavior Analysis…
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Janelys Castro, M.Ed., BCBAClinical Supervisor
Janelys Castro is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Clinical Supervisor at Behavioral Initiatives. She has a Master’s degree in Education Curriculum and Instruction of Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. She has experience working in various home, school, and community settings, specializing in the treatment of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.
Janelys has experience in developing and implementing behavior plans to help reduce problem behaviors and increase a variety of adaptive coping mechanisms, including functional communication, life, and social skills. She has provided training to parents, caregivers, and staff on the implementation of ABA procedures and how to teach functional communication skills to promote better living across different settings.

Myrtho Charles, MS., BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
Myrtho Charles is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Behavioral Initiatives. She graduated from Florida International University (FIU) with a Master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education…
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Myrtho Charles, MS., BCBAClinical Supervisor
Myrtho Charles is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) at Behavioral Initiatives. She graduated from Florida International University (FIU) with a Master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education with an Autism Endorsement. She completed her BCBA coursework at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT)
She is a certified teacher and has taught in an autism cluster with students from grades K-6. She provides ABA services to individuals in the home and community settings by assisting with verbal behavior programming, behavior acquisition and implementing reduction programs.

Maria Santiago, M.S., BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
Maria is originally from Springfield, Massachusetts. She moved to the Fort Lauderdale area after completing her Bachelor’s degree in 2004 from Westfield University. She joined Behavior Initiatives in September 2015.
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Maria Santiago, M.S., BCBAClinical Supervisor
Maria is originally from Springfield, Massachusetts. She moved to the Fort Lauderdale area after completing her Bachelor’s degree in 2004 from Westfield University. She received her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2012 from Kaplan University and attained Board Certification in 2018.
She has experience working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, as well as children who have been diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome. Maria has been working with this population group since 2012. She joined Behavior Initiatives, LLC in September, 2015.

Jonathan Frias, BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
Jonathan Frias is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with Behavioral Initiatives. He obtained his Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analyst (ABA) at Florida Institue of Technology…
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Jonathan Frias, BCBAClinical Supervisor
Jonathan Frias is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with Behavioral Initiatives. He obtained his Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analyst (ABA) at Florida Institue of Technology.
Jonathan has a huge passion for helping kids with special needs, particularly those with behavioral challenges and developmental disorders. He has always loved to help those around him, but really discovered his calling a few years ago when he was first exposed to the science of ABA and the positive effects it has on individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities. He enjoys seeing the growth of the individuals with whom he works with through his dedication and compassion. He has sought every opportunity to work with this population, while furthering his education and applying the science of ABA.

Kristine Britton, M.S., BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
Hi my name is Kristine Britton. I am a Clinical Supervisor/BCBA with Behavioral Initiatives….
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Kristine Britton, M.S., BCBA Clinical Supervisor
Hi my name is Kristine Britton. I am a Clinical Supervisor/BCBA with Behavioral Initiatives. I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Professional Behavior Analysis at Florida Institute of Technology and I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. I have always had a passion for working in the health care field, specifically with children. I was first introduced to the field of ABA through my sister who worked with children diagnosed with ASD, I fell in love with the field and have never looked back.
I have several years of experience working with early intervention children and have provided services in home, clinic, school, and community settings. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the growth our clients make and the positive impact our services have on improving their lives.

Mercedes Diego, BCaBA
Assistant Clinical Supervisor
Mercedes Diego is an Assistant Clinical Supervisor at Behavioral Initiatives. She obtained her Bachelors in Psychology at Florida International University and completed her coursework and supervision fieldwork to…
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Mercedes Diego, BCaBAAssistant Clinical Supervisor
Mercedes Diego is an Assistant Clinical Supervisor at Behavioral Initiatives. She obtained her Bachelors in Psychology at Florida International University and completed her coursework and supervision fieldwork to become a BCaBA. In the future, she has plans to obtain her Master’s Degree.
She has worked with individuals with developmental disabilities in the school, home, clinic, and community settings. Mercedes is particularly interested in Feeding Therapy. Among her other passions include helping children overcome food aversions and improving the eating habits and behaviors of children.

Alondra Lugo
Administrative Assistant
Alondra Lugo is the Administrative Assistant at Behavioral Initiatives She was born in Puerto Rico and speaks English and Spanish. She recently graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology…
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Alondra LugoAdministrative Assistant
Alondra Lugo is the Administrative Assistant at Behavioral Initiatives She was born in Puerto Rico and speaks English and Spanish. She recently graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a focus in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. She is passionate about students and the education system. Thus, she aspires to continue her education, and obtain her Master’s degree in order to make positive changes in the education system that can improve the lives of students and families.

Michelle Labiste, RBT
Behavior Therapist
Michelle Labiste is a Registered Behavioral Technician at Behavioral Initiatives. She is currently finishing her Bachelors in Psychology at Florida International University with plans of…
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Michelle Labiste, RBTBehavior Therapist
Michelle Labiste is a Registered Behavioral Technician with Behavioral Initiatives. She is currently finishing her Bachelors in Psychology at Florida International University with plans of obtaining her Masters in ABA.
Michelle has always been passionate about working with kids, especially those with special needs. She discovered her calling a few years ago while participating in an annual walk for the cause. After taking a course in ABA, the science of it truly fascinated her and sparked her passion even further.

Yadira Machado, RBT
Behavior Therapist
Yadira is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), who is pursuing a psychology degree at Florida International…
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Yadira Machado, RBTBehavior Therapist
Yadira is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), who is pursuing a psychology degree at Florida International University. Her passion for working with kids with disabilities started in high school where she volunteered to work with these kids in different environments. She plans on getting her BCaBA and then work towards her BCBA. The most rewarding feeling in this field is seeing how much kids learn and improve with the services we provide!
“The most rewarding feeling in this field is seeing how much kids learn and improve with the services we provide!”

Alexandra Nekhankin, RBT
Behavior Therapist
My name is Alexandra Nekhankin, I am 28 years old, I graduated from FIU with a degree in Psychology. I am originally from Philadelphia…
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Alexandra Nekhankin, RBT Behavior Therapist
My name is Alexandra Nekhankin, I am 28 years old, I graduated from FIU with a degree in Psychology. I am originally from Philadelphia, moved down to Florida for the beautiful weather and school. I have always loved working with children from my babysitting and camp counselor days growing up. I became interested in ABA therapy during a presentation at FIU and have been passionate about making a positive difference in children’s lives and providing them with the tools needed to thrive, ever since. I love to be at the beach, rollerblade, hike, go camping, and do anything outdoors. I have a huge love for animals, and I do all types of activism for them. Originally born in Ukraine, I am bilingual in English and Russian.

Lisa Torres, RBT
Behavior Therapist
Lisa has always had a passion for working with children, especially at a young age, which led her to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education.
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Lisa Torres, RBT Behavior Therapist
Lisa has always had a passion for working with children, especially at a young age, which led her to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. As the lead teacher in a preschool setting, she felt the need to give extra attention to those who were out of the ordinary. A family friend spoke to her about ABA and it caught her eye. After further research, she became a board-certified RBT and ever since joining Behavioral Initiatives, it has been life changing. She is so energetic with the kids and loves seeing their growth. She is a team player and overall, truly enjoys making a difference.

Ashley Soto, RBT
Behavior Therapist
I graduated from Florida International University, with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Behavioral Initiatives has opened their doors to me…
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Ashley Soto, RBT Behavior Therapist
I graduated from Florida International University, with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Behavioral Initiatives has opened their doors to me, as well as opening my eyes to what truly inspires me. Working with children with ASD has turned into a rewarding passion. Seeing the impact, I make on their progress keeps me motivated to keep working and brings me happiness.
I have decided to keep pursuing a career in ABA and will be attending FSU for my masters in ABA.

Charlene Monestime, RBT
Behavior Therapist
Hi! My name is Charlene, a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at Behavioral Initiatives…
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Charlene Monestime, RBT Behavior Therapist
Hi! My Name is Charlene, a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at Behavioral Initiatives.Currently, I am pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in psychology at Florida International University. I love children, and along my journey, I always knew that I would have a career that involves children. Prior to working for Behavioral Initiatives, I had experience working at a school for children with disabilities, ages 3-21, as a Teacher’s Assistant. Seeing how children develop to reach their full potential and become independent, was an enjoyable feeling for me. Then I knew I grew a specific passion. What better way to work with children than providing quality services to help children with disabilities reach their full capability physically and mentally. Eventually I’ll become a BCBA and open my own center for children with disabilities! Until then I’ll continue providing quality services and making positive impacts for our children of the future, while furthering my education in ABA.

Jeffrey Jerviss
Behavior Therapist
Jeffrey Jerviss is a Registered Behavior Technician at Behavioral Initiatives. He is currently finishing his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice…
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Jeffrey Jerviss Behavior Therapist
Jeffrey Jerviss is a Registered Behavior Technician with Behavioral Initiatives. He is currently finishing his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice and will be getting his Master’s degree from the University of Miami.
Jeffrey has always been interested in the social services and mental health field. His goal is to help people wherever he is which led him to find the field of ABA. After taking a class in ABA Jeffrey knew this is where he belonged.

Marina Paula, RBT
Behavior Therapist
Marina Paula is a Registered Behavior Technician and graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor’s in Recreation and Sport Management…
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Marina Paula Behavior Therapist
Marina Paula is a Registered Behavior Technician and graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor’s in Recreation and Sport Management. She was born in Brazil and speaks Portuguese, English, and Spanish.
She has a passion for helping others and has always known that she wanted to work with children. She was introduced to ABA through a close friend and ever since then, has been in awe of how much this field helps improve the lives of those with ASD. Seeing all the progress and small accomplishments her clients have made has been a huge fulfillment for her and has influenced her to continue her education to obtain a Master’s in ABA.

Agilda Gomez, RBT
Behavior Therapist
Agilda Gomez is a Registered Behavior Technician at Behavioral Initiatives. As a young child, Agilda knew she wanted to work with kids and now she is working in this beautiful field…
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Agilda Gomez Behavior Therapist
Agilda Gomez is a Registered Behavior Technician at Behavioral Initiatives. As a young child, Agilda knew she wanted to work with kids and now she is working in this beautiful field. She graduated from Florida International University with a degree in Health Services Administration with honors. She was born in New York and came to Florida when she was about 7 years old. Agilda is pursuing a Master’s in ABA at the University of West Florida.

Maylin Cordero, RBT
Behavior Therapist
Maylin always knew she wanted to work with children and has done so for most of her career. She was exposed to ABA while working at a daycare and was impressed by how much children receiving the service were improving…
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Maylin CorderoBehavior Therapist
Maylin always knew she wanted to work with children and has done so for most of her career. She was exposed to ABA while working at a daycare and was impressed by how much children receiving the service were improving. She decided she would become an RBT to help more children improve and help the families understand their children. Maylin has never looked back and loves what she does.

Gabriela Laurel, RBT
Behavior Therapist
Gabriella ‘Gaby’ Laurel is a Registered Behavior Therapist here at Behavioral Initiatives. Gaby graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education…
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Gabriela Laurel, RBTBehavior Therapist
Gabriella ‘Gaby’ Laurel is a Registered Behavior Therapist here at Behavioral Initiatives. Gaby graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education.
She decided to look into the field of Applied Behavior Analysis after speaking to a close friend. Once in the field, she realized how much passion and interest she has in ABA. This newfound passion has been a deciding factor in going back to school for a Master’s degree in Special Education with the intent to be a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Estrella Alvarez
Behavior Therapist
Estrella Alvarez is a Registered Behavioral Technician at Behavioral Initiatives. She graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Art.
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Estrella AlvarezBehavior Therapist
Estrella Alvarez is a Registered Behavioral Technician at Behavioral Initiatives. She graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Art. She is passionate about art and how it can help children living with Autism. She aspires to continue her art education to hopefully earn a second degree focused on Studio Illustration. Estrella has been passionate about working with children after her internship at a local elementary school, where she assisted teachers with their curriculum and student education.

Ashley Andino
Coming soon…
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David Kim
Behavior Therapist
David Kim is a Registered Behavioral Technician at Behavioral Initiatives and graduated as a triple major from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science, Psychobiology, and Psychology.
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David KimBehavior Therapist
David Kim is a Registered Behavioral Technician at Behavioral Initiatives and graduated as a triple major from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science, Psychobiology, and Psychology. In graduate studies at FAU, he obtained three years of combined research and education in Clinical Neuropsychology and Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology before working in the drug addiction field as a therapist.
Working in both detox and residential settings for three years with patients from multiple age groups battling alcohol and substance abuse along with mental health disorders, he then focused on early developmental disorders, specifically children living with ASD. Driven with a passion in hopes of starting a family soon personally, he embraced the opportunity to work with children diagnosed with ASD. Similarly, while working in the field, he was amazed at the progression seen from children he worked with through ABA principles. Subsequently, he wished to continue his studies in the field and is now aspiring to become a BCBA with a Master’s in ABA.

Juliette Rodriguez
Behavior Therapist
Juliette is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at Behavioral Initiatives. She has always had a passion for working with children, which led her to work as a Teacher’s Assistant for almost 5 years.
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Juliette RodriguezBehavior Therapist
Juliette is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at Behavioral Initiatives. She has always had a passion for working with children, which led her to work as a Teacher’s Assistant for almost 5 years. While working there, she always seemed to have a strong drive for working with small groups of children with an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). These children required extra help and attention, and they always seemed to excel over time. Juliette has always been fond of learning about the functions of the brain, which is why she pursued and graduated with her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology degree as Cum Laude from Florida International University. While pursuing her degree, she took an Applied Behavior Analysis class, and upon learning about the field, she felt this is where she belonged. After passing her board exam and working with Behavioral Initiatives, she has seen lots of children thrive, and her heart has grown fonder of this beautiful field. Juliette has plans of obtaining her Master’s in Psychology in Behavior Analysis in the near future.