Maria Lopez

Maria Lopez, M.A., BCBA is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over a decade of experience supporting children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental and behavioral needs across clinical, home, and school settings. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Northridge in 2015 and her Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2020. Since 2012, Maria has provided direct services and clinical oversight grounded in evidence-based, ethical ABA practices.

Maria has extensive training in Applied Behavior Analysis, including the application of behavioral principles and teaching procedures such as reinforcement, extinction, Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Natural Environment Teaching (NET), and Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT). She is a certified trainer and is proficient in assessment, programming, and implementation across a wide range of evidence-based curricula and tools, including PECS, VB-MAPP, PEAK, ABLLS-R, AFLS, Vineland, Essentials for Living, AIM, ACT, and PEERS. Her clinical experience also includes working with individuals with ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, OCD, depression, and social anxiety.

In addition to direct clinical work, Maria has developed autism and ABA programs, conducted professional and family trainings throughout California, and provides ongoing supervision to individuals pursuing RBT certification and BCaBA or BCBA credentials. She is committed to staying current with research and best practices through continued professional education, conference attendance, and review of peer-reviewed literature. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Maria is dedicated to providing culturally responsive services and building collaborative relationships with families.

Maria believes effective behavior intervention should be individualized, values-driven, and aligned with each child’s and family’s goals. Families can expect compassionate, data-driven care that prioritizes meaningful skill development, communication, and quality of life. Her professional passions include relational frame theory, verbal behavior, and language acquisition, as well as mentoring staff and empowering caregivers through education and support.