International Development Committee

Christine DerSarkissian, QBA, BCBA, IBA, is the co-founder and general manager of at Karim- Early Behavioral Intervention Specialized Ambassadors (EBISA). The center aims to train paraprofessionals to provide evidence-based behavioral services and improve the behavior and abilities of individuals with special needs. Christine is the former president of the Association for Behavior Analysis-Lebanon (ABAL). She is also the project coordinator and consultant with Autism-MENA, Jordan. Her responsibilities focus on designing the Autism Technician Developmental Program and on training special educators to become Autism Technicians. She has also participated and presented several lectures and seminars in Lebanon, Syria, Armenia, Dubai, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.

Aida Tarifa Rodriguez, QBA, is the Assistant Director of ABA España and has worked with children with autism spectrum disorder for 14 years delivering ABA. She has worked in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, among other settings in different countries of the world. Her passion is working directly with clients and supervising students and early-career professionals.

Dr. Geetika Agarwal, QBA, is an Assistant Teaching Professor (ABA) at Ball State University and an Associate Director of Stepping Stones Center, an ABA based school in Bangalore India. She is committed to making the science of behavior analysis accessible to parents and caregivers of children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Dr. Ivana Krstovska, Licensed Psychologist, conducts behavioral and psychological evaluations and provides training in behavior modification and classroom management for early intervention, preschool and school-based organizations and programs. Her clinical and research interests focus on building early social-communication skills in young children with ASD, such as teaching, requesting, joint attention, developing play skills, replacing problem behavior with functional communication, and providing parent and staff training.

Dr. Mariela Feldman is an educator and Behavior Analyst certified by the BACB since 2002 and by QABA since 2020. She co-founded and directed A Change in Trajectory, Inc. (ACT) in California for 16 years, leading services for thousands of families and staff. She currently serves as Chair of the International Development Committee for QABA, advancing ethical and globally accessible professional standards. Dr. Feldman is the founder of Armonía Coaching, offering CEUs for ABA professionals and consultation for families. She frequently presents on ethics and leadership in Applied Behavior Analysis. With a balance of research, clinical expertise, and lived experience, she continues to inspire and empower the next generation of ABA practitioners worldwide.

Dr. Tanaka's son was diagnosed with autism at age four and began receiving Early Intensive Behavior Intervention (EIBI) while she was in her post-doctorate residency. Dr. Tanaka is the honorary chairperson of ABA Speaks (formerly “Parents for Public Funding for Children with Autism”) in Japan and an approved QABA coursework provider.

Dr Eziafakaku Nwokolo is an autism and intellectual disabilities specialist. She holds a PhD in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities from the University of Kent, where her research focused on “Screening for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities Amongst the Nigerian Adolescent Population.” She is the Founder and CEO of Shades of Life Care Limited (SOL), a centre that provides assessment, diagnosis, and intervention strategies to families with children that have behavioural challenges, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through her work with SOL, she is helping improve access to ASD and IDD support in Nigeria. She is an NGO that was created to give indigent families the financial support needed to provide their children with autism and other neurodivergent needs, access to the best therapy and resources.

Fareeha Kashif, QBA, is the founder of Learning Chip Center for Autism and Related Exceptionalities. She holds a Master's degree in Special Education and has been providing professional support to individuals with special needs and their families since 2017. As the mother of two adults on the autism spectrum, Fareeha is a firm believer in the transformative potential of ABA principles to improve the lives of individuals with special needs.

Gina Bermudo, MAED Sped, QBA, BCBA, holds two Master’s degrees—one in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on ABA from the University of Massachusetts, and another in Special Education from the University of the Philippines, where she graduated with distinction. A certified QABA coursework provider, Gina has made notable contributions to behavior analysis and was honored with the 2019 Most Outstanding Alumna Award and a "Gold Medal" for her exceptional work in Special Education. Inspired by her experiences raising two children with ASD, she is a sought-after speaker on Autism Awareness and Behavior Analysis. As the founder of SHAPES International School, Gina is committed to empowering children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families.

Maribel Stikeleather, QBA, desires to support individuals with exceptional needs enhancing their quality of life and integration into society. She provides services to organizations, institutions, families, and individuals diagnosed with autism and other developmental disorders, including intervention in the home, community-based, or school setting.

Mina El Qalli, M.Psych, QBA, is a secretary general in ICDR. She is an ASD and developmental disorders consultant at the Consultancy House. She has worked with children with autism and mental disabilities for more than 22 years. She was a supervisor of the Resource Hall for Rehabilitation and Support for Children with Developmental Disorders. She also engaged with schools to improve inclusive education for children with disabilities in Morocco. Her mission is to ensure the dissemination of applied behavior analysis and empower families and caregivers in the field to create significant impact and ensure well-being for families and children.

Narine Vardanyan, QBA, is the Executive Director at the International Child Development Center (ICDC) in Armenia, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With over 18 years of experience, Narine focuses on enhancing care and education quality for children with diverse needs. She serves as Education Program Supervisor at the Lousé Foundation and Source Foundation, overseeing program management and staff training for children with ASD. Narine has designed the Autism Technician Training Program to train special educators as Behavior Technicians with practical, hands-on approaches. She aims to empower parents through specialized training programs to support their children's development effectively. Narine holds a Master's degree in psychology from Yerevan State University and a certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology. She is a published author recognized for her contributions to early intervention strategies for ASD in professional journals and conferences.

Yun Hee Park is a seasoned professional serving as the Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Choonhae College of Health Sciences and the Director of Play & Jump Child Development Center. With extensive experience as a therapist specializing in sensory integration therapy for children with developmental disabilities, Yun Hee is committed to advancing child development through parent education and specialized therapeutic programs. She actively contributes to the education of undergraduate students in pediatric occupational therapy, emphasizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles. Yun Hee develops tailored programs to enhance the professional growth of clinical therapists and provides comprehensive QBA-related training and supervision across diverse fields. Her efforts aim to ensure high-quality care for children facing developmental challenges.

Zeinab Ghaddar, QBA, and School Psychologist, holds a Master’s degree in School Psychology and completed ABA courses at the Florida Institute of Technology. She is the founder and manager of The Right Road School in Lebanon, inspired by her journey with her autistic teenager. The school supports children with autism and developmental disabilities through a transdisciplinary approach, offering comprehensive care. With 10 years of experience, Zeinab has played a key role in revising Lebanese law for special needs individuals and regulating ABA practices. She is dedicated to advancing ABA and education in Lebanon.