World-class expertise across language science, education, and academic research
PhD · BCBA · LBA-NY · LBA-CT
Founder & Director
Dr. Elle Kirsten is a Board-Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst with over two decades of clinical experience specializing in pediatric intervention. She earned her PhD in Relational Frame Theory (RFT) from the National University of Ireland, Galway, following advanced degrees from the University of Auckland and the University of Toronto. Her clinical and research initiatives focus on applied relational frame training, advanced functional language acquisition, reading comprehension, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). A frequent speaker at international conferences, Dr. Kirsten has published extensively on complex language development.
MS · BCBA · LBA-NY
Academic Director
Kaitlin LaBarbera is an educational leader specializing in data-driven instruction, learning acceleration, and individualized academic programming. Throughout her 14-year tenure directing case programming at a New York City-based center, she mentored instructional staff and partnered with families to deliver highly targeted educational services. An expert in Direct Instruction and Precision Teaching, Kaitlin translates complex data into actionable instructional strategies that drive measurable student outcomes in reading, mathematics, and logic.
PhD · BCBA
Research Director
Dr. Maithri Sivaraman is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. She earned her PhD from Ghent University, focusing her research on generative verbal behavior, early socio-emotional development, and cultural adaptations in support services. Dr. Sivaraman serves as an Associate Editor for The Psychological Record, sits on the editorial board of the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, and is the Treasurer for the Association for Science in Autism Treatment. She also co-authors an early childhood development column for Psychology Today.
MA · PhD Candidate
Faculty Development
Adam Hockman has a varied career in applying behavior and implementation science in corporate learning, occupational safety, education, healthcare, and the performing arts. Adam is co-author with Dr. Terry McSween of The New Values-Based Safety: Using Behavioral Science to Improve Your Safety Culture. Adam has received awards and grants for his research and dissemination efforts in behavior science. In 2023, Adam founded Wider Reach Incubator, a project that helps behavior analysts write for mainstream media and supports state and international affiliates to improve their dissemination efforts.
MA · BCBA · LBA · SPED Teacher
Special Education & Behavior Analysis
Caitlin LaBarbera is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Special Education Teacher with more than 15 years of experience supporting students with autism and complex learning needs. She possesses comprehensive expertise in conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), designing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and leading multidisciplinary educational teams. Recognized for establishing collaborative, data-driven systems, Caitlin excels at implementing evidence-based interventions that maximize student outcomes and foster inclusive learning environments.
