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.

Maria LaBianco , BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
Maria is originally from Springfield, Massachusetts. She moved to Fort Lauderdale after completing her Bachelor’s degree in 2004 from Westfield University
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Maria LaBiancoClinical Supervisor
Maria is originally from Springfield, Massachusetts. She moved to Fort Lauderdale after completing her Bachelor’s degree in 2004 from Westfield University. She received her Master’s degree in Psychology with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis in 2012 from Kaplan University while parenting an infant and a 2 year old toddler and attained her Board Certification in 2018.
She has 10 years of experience working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder between the ages of 18 months and 12 years old. She also worked for 2 years on a project to enhance social skills with children diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome. She joined Behavioral Initiatives in September, 2015 as a behavioral therapist and advanced to become a Behavior Analyst and Clinical Supervisor when she achieved her Board Certification in March of 2018.

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.

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.

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.

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.

David Kim, RBT
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.

Juliette Rodriguez, RBT
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.

Mia Virtue , RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Mia Virtue is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at Behavioral Initiatives. Mia developed an interest in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) when her younger…
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Mia VirtueRegistered Behavior Technician
Mia Virtue is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at Behavioral Initiatives. Mia developed an interest in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) when her younger brother was diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Since then she become extremely passionate about making a difference in the lives of those who have exceptionalities.
Prior to becoming a RBT, Mia was in the field of education for 3 year where she worked closely with children with ASD and other developmental disabilities. Mia implemented IEP’s and facilitated small group while teaching. Outside of her interest for ABA, Mia loves animals and is a dog mom of 2.
Mia obtained her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering and is currently a candidate for a Masters Degee in Applied Behavioral Analysis at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT). Mia is working towards the BCBA credential and very passionate about Science, Education and Behavioral Analysis.

Samintha Jeudy , RBT
Behavior Therapist
Samintha Jeudy is a Registered Behavioral Therapist at Behavioral Initiatives. She graduated with her Bachelors in Health Science with a concentration in Behavioral and a Mental….
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Samintha JeudyBehavior Therapist
Samintha Jeudy is a Registered Behavioral Therapist at Behavioral Initiatives. She graduated with her Bachelors in Health Science with a concentration in Behavioral and a Mental Health at Florida Atlantic University. She aspires to get her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis to become a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst.
Samintha has always had an interest in helping others, specifically children. Growing up in her spare time, she use to babysit toddlers, and volunteer at Broward General Hospital. It wasn’t until she was indulged in her studies about Human Growth and Development that she realized what it is exactly that she wanted to do. It was because of that her passion ignited towards ABA to make the little changes … into BIG changes!

Yarizol Almelo Ramos, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
Yarizol “Yari'” Almelo is a Registered Behavior Technician with Behavioral Initiatives. Yari is Cuban American and fluent in English and Spanish…
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Yarizol Almelo RamosRegistered Behavior Technician
Yarizol “Yari'” Almelo is a Registered Behavior Technician with Behavioral Initiatives. Yari is Cuban American and fluent in English and Spanish. She is dedicated to assuring a positive and unforgettable client experience, as well as working with her team to improve quality, safety, and service.
Yari is attending the University of West Florida in pursuit of her Bachelors degree in Psychology with Concentration in Child and Adolescent Psychology. Her goal is to continue to grow in the ABA field and become a BCaBA. On her free time she enjoys spending time with her two daughters and husband.

Elisa Valero, RBT
Behavior Therapist
Elisa Valero is a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) working with Behavioral Initiatives.
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Elisa ValeroBehavior Therapist
Elisa Valero is a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) working with Behavioral Initiatives.
She currently has her Bachelor’s in Supervision and Management with a minor in Psychology. She is planning on beginning her Master’s Degree soon. Elisa’s passion in this field started when she was 16 years old volunteering in a nonprofit organization for children with disabilities ranging from the autism spectrum to cerebral palsy. Ever since she knew she had to pursue a career that helped these children thrive as best as possible. She plans on furthering her education to become a BCBA.
Thanks to Behavioral Initiatives, her goals are being achieved one step at a time.
Her personal mission statement is:
“To positively impact the lives of every person I encounter.”

Gabriela Garces, RBT
Behavior Therapist
Gabriela’s biography will be posted soon.
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Jennifer Obregon, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
My name is Jennifer Obregon and i am a registered behavior technician(RBT). Since i was little, i always said i wanted to work in the medical field with kids.
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Jennifer ObregonRegistered Behavior Technician
My name is Jennifer Obregon and I am a registered behavior technician(RBT). Since i was little, i always said i wanted to work in the medical field with kids. I went to school for nursing and finished my first year. I knew after i graduated for my first year, that being a nurse isn’t what i really wanted. I heard about ABA services through a family member and i decided to give it a chance and become an RBT.
Working with children with special needs is something truly special to me. They uplift me everyday and motivate me to be the best version of myself for them.

Jocelyn Muralles, RBT
Registered Behavioral Technician
Jocelyn Muralles is a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) at Behavior Initiatives since 2020. Jocelyn previously received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Florida…
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Jocelyn MurallesRegistered Behavioral Technician
Jocelyn Muralles is a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) at Behavior Initiatives since 2020. Jocelyn previously received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Florida International University. Jocelyn found her way back to the rewarding field of behavior therapy after being away for more than 9 years. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Jocelyn is passionate about seeing the progress kiddos make and impacting the lives of those kids and parents alike.

Linnette Vazquez, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
My name is Linnette Vazquez, I graduated from FIU with a bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. I have always loved working with children. They bring out my creativity and imagination.
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Linnette VazquezRegistered Behavior Technician
My name is Linnette Vazquez, I graduated from FIU with a bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. I have always loved working with children. They bring out my creativity and imagination. They really show love in the purest form. I knew that I wanted to help kids since my teen years. I volunteered at daycares and summer camps all the way through high school, and I also babysat children. A classmate introduced me to ABA and I couldn’t have been happier. I fell in love right away, so I decided to get my RBT certification in 2021. I am currently starting my master’s to become a BCBA.

Valerie Cespedes, RBT
Registered Behavior Technician
My name is Valerie Cespedes. I have always had a profound attachment and love towards children. I began my career early on by babysitting. Furthermore, I moved on to pursue my career in education and graduated with a bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
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Valerie CespedesRegistered Behavior Technician
My name is Valerie Cespedes. I have always had a profound attachment and love towards children. I began my career early on by babysitting. Furthermore, I moved on to pursue my career in education and graduated with a bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. After teaching for some time, I decided I wanted to focus and give more of my attention to autistic children and children who just simply require more of one on one therapy in order to grow and develop more educational and everyday life skills. That lead me into becoming an RBT. I truly love what I do, and I have a passion for making kids grow, learn, and be their true selves through play