Who we are
The ELIJA Foundation is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization serving parents, educators, professionals and caregivers of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) on Long Island, New York. The Foundation was established in the spring of 2002. Founded by two parents who were determined to provide the most effective interventions for their children on the Autistic Spectrum. Utilizing research based treatment, Applied Behavior Analysis (A.B.A) as their firm foundation of intervention, they strive to keep their educational programs for their children effective, exciting, enjoyable, well-rounded and based on the most current research findings. They are constantly researching and making themselves knowledgeable in interventions they feel would be an enhancement to their existing programs. Wanting to share their enthusiasm, they have created this foundation to unite with other highly motivated parents and professionals who may also want to keep themselves EMPOWERED, ENCOURAGED and ENLIGHTENED with knowledge of quality interventions for children with autism. The Elija Foundation is also committed to providing services that support the social and emotional needs of families who have been touched by Autism.
Our Board
Mrs. Debora Harris
President/Founder
Mrs. Harris received her BA in Sociology from Hofstra University. and is a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst. She completed her coursework and received her certificate in Professional Development in Autism through Penn State University. She serves as the Co Executive Director of The Elija School ,a school for children with Autism, as well as the Co Director of Effective Interventions Clinic, a behavioral clinic/agency serving the needs of individuals with autism. Mrs. Harris is actively involved in the Association for Behavior Analysis at the State and National capacity. She provides advocacy and workshops for families and educators who have been touched by Autism. She has a 9 year old son, on the Autism Spectrum and a 8 year old daughter, and resides on of Long Island.
Mrs. Nicole Dibra
Vice President/Founder
Mrs. Dibra received her coursework in Behavior Analysis and her certificate in Professional Development in Autism through Penn State University, Bureau of Special Education.She serves as the Co Executive Director of The Elija School ,a school for children with Autism, as well as the Co Director of Effective Interventions Clinic, a behavioral clinic/agency serving the needs of individuals with autism. Mrs. Dibra provides workshops and staff training and development geared toward improving the competency level of educators and available quality services for individuals with autism. She is married for 13 years and has 3 children, including a 9 year old son with Autism and lives on Long Island New York.
Mr. Howard Balley
Secretary
Mr. Balley received his BS/BA in business management at the University of Hartford. Since 1988 Mr. Balley has been a Managing Director of Taylor & Ives a Corporate Communications firm where he specializes in communicating with Newspapers, Lawyers, Shareholders, and Board of Directors during Corporate crisis, such as Mergers Acquisitions, Corporate Restructuring & Crisis situations. Mr. Balley is a former board Member of the American Committee of the Weitzman Institution one of the leading Institutions in science and medical research; and an advisor to the Bowery Residence Committee and organization that helps homeless people regain their lives. Mr. Balley has turned his energy and attention to bringing Autism Awareness to the community
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Mrs. Lisa Bistakis
Board Member
Mrs. Bistakis obtained a B.S. from St. John’s University and a law degree from Touro Law School. She is a Managing Member of a family owned Property Management Company. Lisa has 2 beautiful children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
Mr. George Bistakis
Board Member
Mr. Bistakis has worked in a family owned construction company for over 10 years. He is the father of a daughter and a son, both diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. He is thankful for the Elija Foundation, which has been instrumental in the progress his children.
Mr. John Carpente MA,MT-BC,NRMT,LCAT
Board Member
John A. Carpente, is a licensed and Board Certified Music Therapist. He serves as the director and founder of The Rebecca Center for music therapy. Mr. Carpente received his Master of Arts Degree in Music Therapy from New York University and completed his post-graduate advanced clinical training at The Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy at New York University. He is currently completing a PhD. in music therapy from Temple University in Pennsylvania.
JoAnn Scanlon Fiesel, MS BCBA
Board Member
Ms. Scanlon Fiesel, is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and the Director of Behavioral Services Marion K. Salomon and Associates , a Long Island NY agency providing evaluations , training and services to children with autism and other related disabilities in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Ms. Scanlon Fiesel has a master's degree in special education and serves as an Adjunct Professor of Early Childhood Special Education at Adelphi University. She is the mother of a young adult with Asperger's Syndrome.
Mr. Michael Harvey
Board Member
Mr. Harvey received a B.A. from Hofstra University. currently a Commodity Broker at UBS Investment Bank specializing in the Energy Markets. Also a licensed stock broker. Married since 1984 with 4 children including a 7 year old son with Autism
Mrs. Kathleen Harvey
Board Member
Mrs. Harvey received a B.S. degree from C.W. Post college in Medical Biology. Worked for over 15 years in hospital as Laboratory Technologist. Medical Sales Rep for Bristol Myers Squibb for 2 years. Married for over 20 years with 4 children, including a 7 year old who has Autism.
Mr. Michael Lee
Board Member
Mr. Lee graduated from high school in 2001, he is a high functioning young adult with Autism. He volunteers his time at the foundation as well as works as a laborer in a large steel fabrication company. He lives independently with minimal support with a roommate.
Dr. Bobby Newman, BCBA
Board Member
Dr. Newman,Ph.D. was New York's first Board Certified Behavior Analyst and is a Licensed Psychologist. Dr. Newman is a world re known consultant for individuals on the Autism spectrum, and is the author to several books on behavior analysis and how it applies to individuals with autism and direct service providers. He served as an Adjunct Professor in Queens College NY, and is the Past President of The New York Association for Behavior Analysis. He resides in the Long Island area with his wife and son.
