Our ABA Team

Barbara Divino Founder

Barbara Divino - Owner BCBA

Barbara Divino is the founder of Divino ABA Services. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credentialed through Florida Institute of Technology. In addition, she has a B.S. in Behavior Disorders and a M.Ed. from the University of South Florida.

Barbara has been providing direct ABA therapy to individuals diagnosed with autism (ASD), intellectual disabilities and learning disabilities, as well as individuals with mental health diagnoses for 7 years. Prior to that she worked as a school-level and district-level behavior specialist for the Pasco County School Board. Barbara worked for 24 years in education, and in addition to her role as a behavior specialist she taught students diagnosed with ASD, emotional disabilities, learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities.

Geralyn Robinson - BCBA Clinical and Managerial Operations Director

Geralyn Robinson is the clinical operations director of the agency and of the Divino ABA Treatment Center. In addition, she is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).  As the director, she works closely with the owner to manage the day-to-day operations of the agency and the treatment center.  Geralyn has been working in the field of ABA since 2018 with children from the ages of 18 months through 13 years old. Geralyn graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a master’s degree in psychology, specializing in child and adolescent development in 2018, and earned her certificate in ABA from Capella University in 2020. Currently, Geralyn is enrolled in a doctoral program for behavior analysis at Capella University.

Cory Mangini -Lead RBT

Cory Mangini was born and raised in Inverness, Florida where he graduated from Citrus High School in 2012. He currently resides in Hudson, Fl and has lived in Pasco County since 2015. Cory has a plethora of experience managing children in various settings including sports and volunteering. In addition, prior to providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, Cory worked for 4-years in a 24-7, live-in, rehabilitation center with minors. Cory’s wide-range of experiences assisted him in gaining the needed skills to treat children diagnosed with Autism and related disabilities. Cory has been credentialed as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with Divino ABA services since 2019 and he has become an expert in his role.  Cory is also a team player who truly enjoys working in the field of ABA. We are excited that Cory recently became a father in February 2021,  and as a result he is going to further his education to become a credentialed behavior analyst through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.

Alix Williams -RBT

Alix Williams developed an interest in learning about behavioral analysis during her AP psychology class in high school. While volunteering at a youth summer camp in 2018, she immediately fell in love with working with children and looked into how she could help them in other areas. After graduating from St. Petersburg College with her Associates of Arts in Psychology in 2020, Alix became a Registered Behavior Technician. She enjoys working on social skills, group skills, and helping her clients feel comfortable expressing themselves in a healthy way. This year she will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology. She has 2.5 years of experience working in a clinical setting and is excited to gain more knowledge while working at the treatment center. In the future she would like to continue to hone her skills in ABA and eventually obtain a master’s degree in ABA and/or OBM.

Ashlyn Aitken - RBT

Ashlyn Aitken began working with the special needs population in 2018. Her first experience was working in ESE classrooms in Hernando County Schools. In July of 2021, she became a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Since then, she has provided direct ABA therapy in clinical, home, and school settings. Ashlyn has experience with a wide range of disabilities including sensory, intellectual, and neurological disabilities. Since starting her job as an RBT, she fell in love with the field of ABA. Now she is graduating with her Bachelor’s in Behavior Health with a focus in ABA, and she intends to begin her Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis by fall of 2024

Jayla Alfaro - RBT

Jayla Alfaro is an RBT who has a passion for advocating for individuals in need. Jayla graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology at St. John’s University in Queens NY, her hometown. It was attaining this degree where she found her passion for mental health and ABA. She has done extensive research on the intersectionality of juvenile delinquency, mental health, and autism. Jayla is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree at Nova Southeastern University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.  She heavily believes in the transformative power of understanding and nurturing the human mind and is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals, destigmatizing the fields, and continuing to learn and improve on providing the utmost care and support.

Joel Hernandez - BCBA - Regions Director (Brooksville, Spring Hill, Hudson)

Joel Hernandez is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). He earned his Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Healthcare at the University of South Florida and his Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) & Exceptional Education at the University of West Florida. He has an extraordinary breadth of knowledge surrounding the field of psychology and behavior analysis as well as 8 years of experience working with various individuals with disabilities. Within his time in the field of ABA, he has acquired clinical experience in developing treatment plans, conducting assessments, and training caregivers and staff within the home, school, and community settings. He has also displayed an exceptional competency in working with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), oppositional defiance disorder (ODD), and youth with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) requiring assistance with transitioning to adulthood. Joel is inspired to continue pursuing his education with hopes of adding to the body of science of behavior analysis, as well as continuing to practice in the field with a passion for advocating for those in need.

Ciaira Miles BCBA

Ciaira is a BCBA who was born in Illinois but was raised in New Port Richey, Florida. She graduated from Olivet Nazarene University with her bachelor’s in psychology. After working in a billing office for 5 years she saw a need in her community and completed the RBT training.  She began her journey into the field of ABA and has been an RBT since 2020. She graduated with her M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis from Purdue Global University in 2021 and recently passed her boards becoming a BCBA. She has experience working with 2-year old’s to 19-year old’s in-clinic and in-home. She plans on going back to obtain her doctorate in forensic psychology.

Tamberly Segert - BCaBA

Tamberly Segert graduated from the University of Florida in 2004. She received her BCaBA in 2007. She started her career in a psychiatric residential facility where she had the opportunity to work with adolescents in a variety of environments and with behaviors ranging from moderate to severe. She has worked in behavioral group homes, foster care, in clinic, and in-home services. Tamberly plans on attending the graduate program to obtain her BCBA in the near future.

Julianne Madera - RBT

Julianne Madera was born in Yauco, Puerto Rico, raised in Tampa, Florida. She has over 4 years of experience in the ABA field as an Registered Behavioral Technician. Specializing with a population of clients with diagnoses such as ASD, ODD, ADHD. She has a wide range of experience of working in Home, Public/Private school settings as well as in the Clinic to provide ABA services. Julianne is a kind, loving mom to a baby boy born in July, 2022. She has a passion for helping others succeed, build confidence, and express their thoughts/Needs. Julianne hopes to advance her career and learning in Applied Behavior Analysis in the future.

Reanah Gibson - RBT

Reanah Gibson has been working in the ABA field for 5 years. She started immediately after graduating from Columbus State University with her bachelor’s in psychology. Originally from Georgia, Reanah has made it her mission to help improve the lives of others and is excited to bring her experience to the Florida area. She graduated with her master’s in ABA from Florida Institute of Technology this year and is looking forward to completing her supervision hours and becoming a BCBA soon.

Eric Archelus - RBT

Eric has been an RBT for seven years, after working at a state college for 2 years. He has a wide range of experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) of varying ages and settings. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree, in Human Services from Indian River State College in 2016. He is also currently working on a Masters’s Degree in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis in hopes of becoming a BCBA.

Symphony Salcedo - RBT

Symphony Salcedo was born in New York, raised in New Jersey, and moved to Florida in 2014. She grew up around children her whole life because she was the oldest of her siblings and cousins. She is very passionate about working with children. All her jobs have been in childcare, working in multiple settings.  She also volunteers at church in the kids’ club. Symphony got into the field of ABA because of her stepbrother who is on the spectrum. She was amazed to see how he grew into the person he had become, as well as to see him accomplish his goals. Symphony has been an RBT for 2 ½ years. Her favorite part of the job is being able to see her clients reach their goals and to be part of a clinical team who assisted them in reaching them. Symphony graduated with her associate degree from Santa Fe College in education in 2021. She is currently studying at the University of Florida for her bachelor’s degree and will graduate in 2024. Her major is in education sciences with an early childhood specialization, and her minor is in event management. She also plans to become an event planner.  Symphony has a goal to open her own daycare soon. Symphony aspires to be a part of many different children’s lives to help shape them into the leaders she knows they will become.

Melinda Malkie - BCBA - Clinical Director (Holiday, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson)

Melinda received a master’s degree in 2001 in ESE education. Over the past 20 years, Melinda taught students with varying disabilities including autism, intellectual disabilities, neurological impairments such as traumatic brain injury, and behavioral disorders. Melinda began teaching 6th through 8th graders in Broward County in a self contained ESE classroom. After moving to Pasco County, Melinda taught 3rd-5th grade in a self contained ESE classroom. She then taught a combined class of k-5 in a self contained EBD class. Melinda transferred to a position as a behavior specialist at a school with 5 self-contained classrooms specializing in cognitive and developmental impairments ranging from VE PreK to fifth grade. This position involved developing behavior plans and implementing social instruction for all levels of functioning within the access points. Melinda collaborated with speech, occupational, and physical therapists as well as coordinated trainings for teachers and parents to implement individualized plans. After three years, Melinda transitioned to a position as a behavior specialist at Hudson Elementary School for a unit of three EBD classrooms. Melinda designed the behavior system in the program and developed individual behavior plans for each student. During this time, Melinda also trained basic education teachers to implement plans for the students in the mainstream as well as coordinated parent trainings and assisting them to navigate implementing plans in various settings. Prior to pursuing credentials for her BCBA, Melinda was working as a behavior specialist and intervention specialist at Sunray Elementary School. She facilitated behavior trainings, worked with school and district leaders to implement schoolwide token systems, developed individualized behavior plans for several students, and collaborated with families to develop behavior interventions for school and families. In 2021, Melinda began working at DABAS as an RBT while completing requirements to become a board certified behavior analyst.

Elisa Filardo - BCBA - Tutoring

Elisa Filardo was born and raised in Tampa FL. She is fluent in Spanish and English due to her parents being Cuban immigrants. She earned her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and Exceptional Student Education from the University of Western Florida. She started her journey in the field as an RBT which gave her extensive experience with children diagnosed with autism, intellectual disabilities and learning disabilities. Elisa has experience working with 2-year old’s to 22- years old’s. She has worked in different schools, clinics, and home settings. On her personal time, she loves spending time with her pets, going to the beach, hanging out with friends, and trying new restaurants.

Michelle Rabelo - BCBA

Michelle Rabelo was born and raised here in New Port Richey, Florida. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg in 2018 and is currently enrolled at the Florida Institute of Technology working towards an M.A. in Behavior Analysis Practice with the goal of becoming a BCBA. Prior to working as an RBT, Michelle worked as a special education teacher in the public school system where her passion for assisting those with severe behavioral disorders began to flourish. She made the jump from education to ABA with the hopes of being able to create meaningful changes that improve the quality of life for her clients. Michelle’s personal interests include playing softball – having played for local high school River Ridge as well as Pasco Hernando State College (then community college) – as well spending time riding ATVs and with her husband and 2-year-old son.

Kimberli Loumakos - RBT

Kim Loumakos is a registered behavior technician that has been working in the field for two years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies and Community Leadership Early Childhood Education. Kim has previously worked as a VPK teacher, Special Education teacher for 2- 6-year-old children, and a preschool director.  She is drawn to this field because it is so rewarding to see children progress in language, learning, and daily skills and see the positive impact that ABA has on families’ lives. Kim has lived in Florida for 31 years and has teenage twins. She enjoys working out and going to the beach.

Kyra McGee - RBT

Kyra McGee was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Florida in 2022. Kyra will return to get her master’s in behavior analysis with the goal of becoming a BCBA. She has been an RBT for two years, and before hearing about this field she knew that she wanted to work in the medical field to help people, and make impactful changes in their lives. Seeing their growth, and helping them through the use of coping skills was the most rewarding for her. Kyra ‘s personal interests include staying active, going to the beach, reading, and being family oriented.

Jami Inhofer - RBT

Jami Inhofer is a compassionate and dedicated mother who has always had a passion for helping others. After completing her bachelor’s degree in criminology at the university of South Florida, Jami decided to pursue a career as a Registered Behavior Technician to work with individuals of developmental and behavioral needs. She is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Jami is known for her patience, kindness, and ability to connect with her clients on a personal level. She feels that her work as an RBT is incredibly rewarding every day and is grateful to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of those she works with. Jami enjoys spending her free time outdoors with her family, gardening, and reading.

Rylie Caputi - RBT

Rylie Caputi was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2022 with a Bachelor’s of Science, Sociology of Public Health. Rylie moved to Tarpon Springs, Florida after graduating. Rylie is currently pursuing her master’s degree in ABA at Purdue Global University. Rylie has been an RBT for one year. Rylie has worked as an RBT in clients homes, schools, and clinic settings. Rylie has found this field to be extremely rewarding and her clients have inspired her to continue her education and career. She enjoys playing with her dog Romeo, going to the beach, and watching documentaries.

Avonti Holt - RBT

Dr. Marc Weeden - BCBA-D Lead (Tampa Team)

Marc earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from Western Michigan University M.S. in Behavior Analysis from Florida Institute of Technology. In addition, he was a postdoc at Juniper Gardens Children’s Project at the University of Kansas. He has taught graduate and undergraduate level courses in Behavior Analysis and has conducted both basic and applied research. He has extensive experience providing behavior analysis services to individuals with a variety of developmental disabilities in home, community, clinic, and school settings. Marc’s main areas of interest are teaching functional communication skills to individuals with autism, behavioral pharmacology, and staff training/management. From 2011-2016, he served on the editorial review board of Education and Treatment of Children, a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research concerning the development of services for children and youth. He served on the CalABA Board of Directors as the Northern California Liaison, has published a number of articles in peer-reviewed journals, co-authored a textbook chapter, and presented at state and national conferences.

Timali Wijesinghe - RBT

Timali Wijesinghe was born and raised in Sri Lanka. In her native country, she ran her own school for kids as young as two and as old as ten. Timali has been an educator for young children for over 14 years. She has worked with students of varying ages who have cognitive, neurological, and behavioral impairments.

Timali has a BA from Middlesex University in London and an MA from National University in California, both in the fields of administration and education. In addition, she is a Behavioral Intervention Certification Council-certified Autism Technician. Currently she is a student at Purdue Global University in the process of completing her coursework to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in the future.

Her goal in life is to have a positive effect on every child’s development by providing the highest quality care to children with special needs. She is thrilled to be an RBT and to contribute to the community in such a meaningful way. Timali’s mission with her clientele is to inspire actions that improve their daily lives and the quality of their lives overall.

Sara Petrik - RBT

Sarah was born in Connecticut and moved to St Petersburg in 2022. She has been working in the ABA field for 2 years in homes, schools, and clinic settings. She has always had a passion for helping children. She was a nanny and has volunteered at school events. She coached sports teams and worked at summer camps for many years. After she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of New Hampshire in 2021, she discovered ABA and immediately fell in love with it. The ability to help children achieve their goals and reach their highest potential was extremely rewarding. She has worked with children with disabilities of various ages and worked to help them improve their cognitive, developmental, social, and functional skills. She describes herself as patient, empathetic and supportive. She enjoys reading and spending time outdoors. Her goal is to get her master’s degree in behavior analysis and become a BCBA.

Kayla Harris - RBT

Kayla Harris was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. She graduated with a B.S. in psychology in 2019, from Bethune- Cookman University.  She had been an RBT for 3 years and hopes to become a BCBA in the near future.  Kayla loves to dance, travel, and spend time with her family.