Behavioral Analysts in Pembroke Pines, Florida

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.