TAMPA, Fla., April 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The Florida Autism Center of Excellence (FACE) (www.faceprogram.org), a program dedicated to the education of children and young adults with autism, today announced that Monica Maha has joined FACE as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Maha earned her master's degree in education, with an emphasis in mentally and physically challenged students, from California University and received her applied behavior analysis certification from Pennsylvania State University. She has more than 10 years experience in special education and academic support.
As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Maha conducts behavioral assessments and implements and supervises intervention methods. Previously, Maha worked with students as a public school teacher, life skills coach and career advisor. She has also provided Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans for students. Before relocating to Tampa, Maha was a member of an autism classroom team that was responsible for academic and behavioral support for students in Tulsa, Okla., public schools.
"Monica's extensive education background and field expertise working with students who experience behavioral challenges will be an asset to FACE," Preston Steele, director of FACE, said. "Her knowledge and understanding of children with autism will help our students be successful in and out of the classroom."
FACE is a non-profit corporation that serves students ages three to 22 with autism spectrum disorders. FACE is located on a 140-acre campus, which includes game rooms, computer labs, horse stables, a gym, basketball courts and a boat house with canoes.
"Students with autism can achieve social and academic goals with the right type of instruction, encouragement and tools for learning," Mark Claypool, president and chief executive officer of Educational Services of America, the company that manages the FACE program, said. "Studies prove the value of early intervention, and FACE enrolls students as young as three. Older students, too, benefit from our specialized programs for students through age 22."
For information on how to enroll your child in the Florida Autism Center of Excellence program, please visit t www.faceprogram.org or call toll-free 866-951-FACE (3223).
About Educational Services of America
Educational Services of America is the nation's leading provider of K-12 and post-secondary alternative and special education programs for students who are at risk of dropping out of school and for students with behavioral/learning disabilities.
ESA's leadership and staff are experts in educating children with special needs. ESA is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., and operates more than 130 schools and programs in numerous states. It is listed among the Inc. 5,000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America. ESA provides highly personalized academic and behavioral services for students through the following divisions: College Living Experience, College Living Prep, Ombudsman Educational Services, ESA Exceptional Schools and Spectrum Center Schools.
ESA is accredited by the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA), an international alliance of premier accrediting organizations including the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Council on Occupational Education. For more information, visit www.esa-education.com.
SOURCE Florida Autism Center of Excellence
