Monica Howard, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA- Executive Director, The ELIJA School
Monica began her career at The ELIJA School in 2006 as one of the organization's first Instructors. Through her exceptional clinical skills, dedication, and leadership, she quickly distinguished herself as one of ELIJA's most accomplished staff members.
She completed her BCBA supervision under Bridget Taylor, BCBA-D, before earning her Doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis at the prestigious Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center under the mentorship of Keith D. Allen, Ph.D., BCBA-D.
As part of her doctoral training, Monica completed intensive clinical internships in both the Severe Behavior and Early Intervention departments at MMI, working under the supervision of Michael Kelley, Ph.D., BCBA-D, and Wayne Fisher, Ph.D., BCBA-D, nationally recognized leaders in the field of applied behavior analysis. She also received two years of specialized training in the Behavioral Pediatric Psychology Department at the Munroe-Meyer Institute.
Monica's extensive clinical experience spans home-based, clinic-based, school-based, and community outreach programming. She has authored or co-authored 11 peer-reviewed journal publications and has presented her research and clinical expertise at Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) conferences both nationally and internationally. In recognition of her expertise, she has also served as a subject-matter expert for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Monica is committed to developing individualized, evidence-based interventions that improve outcomes for individuals with autism and related developmental disabilities while supporting families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams. Her work reflects a strong commitment to advancing the science and practice of applied behavior analysis through clinical excellence, research, education, and professional service.
Karen Chin, Ph.D. Director of Outreach Services
Karen is a licensed psychologist with a doctorate in Clinical and School Psychology. With extensive years of experience supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities, Karen is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based services and interventions that promote meaningful growth and long-term success.
Karen's professional expertise includes developing individualized home programming, providing consultation to school districts, parent education and training, conducting comprehensive psychological evaluations and offering individual therapy utilizing evidence-based interventions including CBT. Through close collaboration with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams, Karen strives to create practical, personalized strategies that support each individual's unique strengths and needs.
Passionate about making a meaningful impact, Karen is committed to empowering individuals and their families by fostering independence, improving quality of life, and helping them achieve their goals through collaborative, family-centered care.
Rachel Minkoff, Ph.D., LMSW, C-SWHC - Director of Family Support Services
Rachel is a licensed social worker with specialized expertise in intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rachel has extensive experience completing comprehensive diagnostic evaluations across the lifespan with a focus on a person-centered approach. She is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate diagnostic evaluations, accessing appropriate services, and building on each person's unique strengths.
Rachel earned her Ph.D. in Social Work with a focus on intellectual and developmental disabilities and has contributed to research and professional publications in the field. Her clinical experience includes conducting psychosocial assessments, collaborating with multidisciplinary diagnostic teams, providing parent education and training, and helping families navigate OPWDD eligibility, Medicaid Waiver services, and other community supports.
