Maven in Behavior

Maven in Behavior is a BCBA-founded and owned company providing high quality Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Maven in Behavior is center-based and we work with children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism as well as individuals exhibiting maladaptive behaviors and social deficits. At Maven in Behavior, we strive to provide high quality therapy by using evidence-based approaches and interventions.

Maven in Behavior offers a variety of services at our therapy center. We offer 1:1 ABA therapy, parent training and consultations, school consultations, potty training, as well as treating picky eating and food refusal. Home and school visits may be available, upon request.

Maven in Behavior works with several insurance companies, please contact us to verify if we are in network with your plan.

To schedule a free 30 minute phone consultation, please call (305) 586-2953 or email Maven In Behavior Inc.

Services

ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding behavior. Maven in Behavior’s individualized therapy programs incorporate verbal behavior and natural environment teaching to target skills such as such as communication, daily living skills, social skills, and work on decreasing problem behaviors.

The Launchpad

The Launchpad is a specialized school readiness program founded by Maven in Behavior. The Launchpad is a comprehensive ABA based school readiness program for learners ages 3-5. This program runs through the school year and also offers a summer intensive program.

Parent Training and Consultations

Trainings are always provided alongside with your child’s individualized intervention plan. Maven in Behavior provides trainings and consultations aimed to help parents better understand their child’s programming and successfully generalize acquired skills to their child’s day to day life.

School Consultations

School consultations include teacher and staff trainings as it relates to Applied Behavior Analysis. Maven in Behavior also offers classroom behavior supports to help improve classroom management strategies.

Potty Training

Potty training is a necessary life skill and critical for independent living. Maven in Behavior uses an ABA based and individualized protocol to teach the skills necessary to successfully use a bathroom independently.

Picky Eating & Food Refusal

Picky eating and food refusal are commonly seen amongst children today. Maven in Behavior uses a behavioral approach to target individualized goals such as decreasing food refusal behaviors and increasing variety in diet. To intervene successfully, it is important that all medical causes for food refusal or evaluated prior to treatment.

Team

Alana

Usategui Guilarte, M.S.,BCBA, Owner and Founder

Owner & Founder

Alana is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and the founder and owner of Maven in Behavior Inc. For the last 15 years Alana has been working with children on the Autism Spectrum. In 2015, Alana received her Masters Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Nova South Eastern University. In 2017 Alana became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and opened the doors of Maven in Behavior in December 2021.

Prior to her work as a BCBA, Alana was a special education teacher in New York City, as well as in Miami. Alana’s interest in this field began when her younger twin brothers were diagnosed with Autism and she saw first-hand the success of a well implemented ABA program. Alana also received a double bachelors degree in Psychology and Special Education from New York University.

Alana’s personal background as well as her experience in a variety of special education settings gives her a unique approach in not only how she personally tailors programs for her clients, but as well as how she relates to the staff she works with and the families she serves.

Christina

Rodriguez, M.S.,BCBA, Clinical Director

Christina is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst since 2021 and has been working in the field since 2007. Before becoming a BCBA, Christina was a special education teacher for over ten years and as an autism specialist at the University of Miami. Christina’s vast experience in both education and behavior analysis help her to provide quality information to families and best practices to clients. Christina is the owner and founder of OJM behavioral services. Maven in Behavior and OJM will be working collaboratively to provide behavioral services and educational supports that will include: IEP support, classroom observations,and trainings.

Sury

Maria Boutros Arias, RBT

Sury, originally from Camagüey, Cuba, has dedicated her career to supporting children with special needs. Her passion for this field emerged early in life, guiding her to pursue a bachelor's degree in Special Education from the University of Camagüey, where she graduated with honors.

During her university years, Sury was actively involved in initiatives to raise awareness about autism, most notably leading the "Esperanza Azul" project in 2014. She also gained practical experience by working part-time at a school for children with autism during her final two years of college.

In 2017, Sury relocated to the United States, and by 2019, she had achieved certification as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Over the past five years, she has worked with numerous clients, continually enhancing her skills and commitment to her profession. In March 2022, Sury joined the Maven in Behavior team, where she continues to apply her expertise and passion for helping children with special needs.

Gabriella

Herrera, RBT

Gabriella has been a dedicated Registered Behavior Technician since 2020. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Behavior Analysis at Florida International University, where she is expanding her expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis. Gabriella is passionate about using evidence-based practices to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. She finds great joy in working with children, celebrating their unique strengths, and helping them achieve their fullest potential. Gabriella is inspired every day by their resilience and progress and feels incredibly fortunate to go to work each day to see their smiling faces and make a difference in their lives.

Gabriela

Villena, RBT

Gabriela Villena is a Registered Behavior Technician at Maven in Behavior. She has graduated from Florida International University, with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Currently, she is in graduate school studying to become a BCBA. Before Gabriela joined the Maven in Behavior team in December of 2023, she worked as a preschool teacher/assistant. She is passionate about making a difference in each child's life. Working and building positive relationships with her clients brings her fulfillment and joy.

Lya

Lauture, RBT

Lya is an RBT here at Maven in Behavior. She is continuing her education to obtain her master’s in applied behavior analysis to gain her BCBA certification. Her enthusiasm for watching children learn and thrive drives her commitment to providing compassionate and effective support in every session.

Yazmin

Perez, RBT

Yazmin is passionate about working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Since 2022, she has been helping individuals with autism and other developmental disorders as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). She holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in ABA at Ball State University, with plans to graduate in December 2025. Before transitioning to ABA, Yazmin was a preschool teacher, starting in 2016. She discovered that ABA was the perfect blend of her love for Early Childhood Education and her passion for helping children who need it the most. Witnessing the significant impact of ABA on people's lives inspired Yazmin to continue learning and growing in this essential field.

Paola

Guareschi, RBT

Paola is a dedicated professional in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), with a robust academic background and hands-on experience. Originally from Venezuela, Paola earned her Master’s degree in ABA from the University of Miami. Since entering the field in 2021, she has been committed to applying her expertise to improve the lives of those she serves. Her work is driven by a passion for behavioral science and a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact in her community.

Melissa

Marrero, RBT

Melissa is a Registered Behavior Technician at Maven in Behavior. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a track in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida International University in Spring of 2024. She is now pursuing a graduate certificate in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Florida International University to further prepare her for future career as a Speech Language Pathologist. Her favorite aspect of working in this field is the fulfillment that stems from being able to help create an environment where your children are able to thrive. Melissa is driven by the opportunity to help individuals grow and succeed by implementing effective, personalized strategies that promote their development and well-being.