Staff
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The ELIJA School prides itself in the quality of our teaching staff. Each instructor has a minimum of a B.A. degree in related fields and extensive backgrounds in working with children with Autism utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The staff and classrooms are continuously monitored and supervised throughout the day by the Clinical Director who has an extensive background in ABA and developing curriculum for children with Autism utilizing research-based teaching procedures. We encourage and offer opportunities to our instructors looking to further their educational development in ABA and Autism treatment. This staff development support adds to the uniqueness and quality of our program.
Click here to download the ELIJA School Employment Application.
MEET THE ELIJA STAFF
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Co-Founder & Director of The ELIJA School & Foundation
Debora received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Hofstra University and is a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst. She is the Co-Founder of the ELIJA School and the ELIJA Foundation. She also serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the ELIJA School and Co- Director of a behavioral clinic serving the needs of individuals with autism. Debora volunteers with numerous autism groups such as Nassau County's Department of Health Early Intervention Coordinating Council, the New York State Association of Behavior Analysis, and the Nassau County Autism Coalition run by the County Executive. She currently serves as a board member of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). For the past 11 years, Debora has been providing advocacy and conducting training workshops to promote evidence-based instruction for families and educators. She has a son with Autism.
Clinical Director
Justin DiScalfani received his M.A. from Hofstra University and is currently completing his Ph.D. in combined Clinical-School psychology at Hofstra. He is a certified NYS School Psychologist and has been utilizing the principles of behavior analysis in a variety of capacities to treat and educate children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities for over eight years. He completed his pre-doctoral training at the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta, GA with a focus on severe behavior problems, verbal behavior and pediatric feeding disorders. Justin has presented on behavior therapy and research at both national and international conferences.
Clinical Supervisor
Sana earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Media Studies in 2005 and a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Behavior Application in May 2008 from Queens College, CUNY. Sana is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She has been practicing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis with students with autism and their families for 7 years in home and educational settings. Sana loves to travel and enjoys the annual Association for Behavior Analysis International Conference, hosted by a different US city each year.
Allison Schear, M.S., BCBA
Clinical Supervisor
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Allison Schear has been a clinical supervisor at The ELIJA School since 2010. Allison has her BA in Psychology from Stony Brook University, a MS in education and special education from Touro College and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Aside from devoting her time to the student’s at ELIJA, Allison enjoys kickboxing and cheering on her favorite teams in football.
Clinical Supervisor
Julie Anzel is a clinical supervisor at the ELIJA School. She joined the ELIJA team in September of 2011. Prior to her position at the ELIJA School, she worked for agencies and both public and private school settings in Massachusetts and California with individuals on the Autism spectrum ages 1-23. She received her Masters degree in Behavior Analysis from Simmons College and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in November 2009. She received her Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Julie feels so rewarded to be able to teach and learn from her amazing students everyday.
Michael Lee is a videographer at The ELIJA School. Michael has been with the ELIJA team since 2010. He graduated from high school at Syosset High School. Michael’s hobbies include listening to music, watching television and reading comics.
Megan is a classroom 1 Instructor at The ELIJA School. Megan is a certified childhood education teacher and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in special education as well as her Board Certification in Behavior Analysis. Megan says, “working here at ELIJA has provided me with an enriching learning environment where I feel that I am able to help the students progress as individuals and support my own growth in the field of ABA simultaneously.”
Matthew Weik
Joining the team in late 2011 as a clinical supervisor, Matthew has an extensive educational background with a BA in psychology, MA in liberal studies and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Outside of ELIJA, Matthew has quite an adventurous side – he loves exploring new restaurants and cheering on his favorite sports teams.