Hi, I’m Claudia.
I’m a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who specializes in supporting individuals with special needs and their families during the transition from school to adulthood. Claudia has a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Special Education and maintains teaching credentials for both the special and general ed populations.
Realizing that this population faces unique challenges and requires special attention, I sought out to create an agency that places clients and their families at the center of the transition process. I provide tailored secondary transition services for students approaching the end of high school, as well as positive parenting services for families seeking behavioral intervention through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
In addition, I can work directly with school and government entities to provide services to families who qualify for school-sponsored assessments and public funding. As a certified Independent Facilitator (IF), I can create and implement your child’s Person-Centered Plan and help them enter The Self-Determination Program. And if you’ve been granted an Independent Education Evaluation (IEE) through your child’s school, I am qualified to perform transitional/vocational IEEs, as well as Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA).
Having started my career as a special needs teacher and then working my way through both the private and public sectors—including as a director developing and supervising adult programs through the Regional Center and Department of Rehabilitation—I am highly knowledgeable of the many options your family has to ensure a smooth transition for your child.
My customized approach honors the story of every client and takes each family’s unique circumstances into consideration. And I help my clients to thrive by empowering them to cultivate the individual skill sets, strengths, talents, and dreams that will set them up for success.
Hi, I’m Ariela.
I received my Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University in 2015 with a concentration in Advanced Clinical Practice. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and licensed to provide therapy in the state of california.
I have worked in a variety of settings including schools, community agencies, and outpatient and inpatient medical settings over the past 8 years as a mental health professional. The majority of my experience is working with Transitional Aged Youth in Community Mental Health settings in Los Angeles and New York. I am certified in a number of evidence-based practices and have extensive experience supporting clients as they find their way through various systems. I have provided individual and group therapy to adolescents and youth adults ages 15-26 as well as adults of all ages. Additionally, I served as a transplant social worker on the hematology/oncology unit at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center for three years.
I have been providing Person-Centered Planning and Independent Facilitation with Claudia Cares Consulting, Inc. since 2021. I received a certificate to provide sexuality education for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities through Elevatus Training in 2022.
As a social worker, I view each client as a unique individual who is influenced by all parts of their environment. My background and training enables me to provide individualized Person-Centered Planning services, advocacy, and support to families navigating government systems. I strive to meet each client with empathy and openness, so that we can reach your goals together.
Hi, I’m AnA.
I RECEIVED MY MASTER'S IN SOCIAL WORK IN 2022 AND I AM WORKING TOWARDS BECOMING A LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER (LCSW) TO FURTHER ENHANCE MY SKILLS AND EXPERTISE.
One of my primary areas of interest is working with individuals with special needs and I am committed to providing them with the support and resources they need to thrive.
I have gained valuable experience working in both school settings and community-based programs. In schools, I have worked closely with students, families, and educators to develop personalized plans and interventions. This experience has allowed me to understand the unique challenges and strengths of individuals with special needs in an educational context.
Additionally, my work in community-based programs has given me the opportunity to collaborate with diverse populations and provide comprehensive social/emotional learning support to individuals with special needs both individually and in a group. By working in this setting, I was able to foster my creativity and provide individualized services to cater to each client's needs.
I hope to use the skills I acquired both from my experience and in my educational journey to empower participants and families to achieve their full potential.
Hi, I’m Rebecca.
I am thrilled to be the newest member joining the Claudia Cares team. I hold a degree in Educational Theatre from New York University, with a 3-year concentration in Special Education. Inclusive education has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I completed upward of a thousand hours of student teaching and volunteering in inclusive classroom settings. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with families as a private tutor in recent years. My approach is rooted in supporting individuals to gain more confidence and authority over their learning process.
As a parent of two school-aged children who are neurodivergent, I have navigated and advocated within many systems, including the school district, Medi-Cal, IHSS, and the Regional Center. My personal experience has helped develop a deeper, functional understanding of how these systems intersect to provide support to individuals with disabilities and their families. I believe deeply in equity, and that all people should have access to information and resources that enable them to live their very best lives.
As an Independent Facilitator, I will draw upon my background in education and project management, to work with you and your family to develop the Person-Centered Plan, help participants enter the Self-Determination Program, and provide on-going support if desired. In addition to communication and problem-solving skills, collaboration is essential to my process – I enjoy working with individuals and families to find pathways to meet and exceed their goals. I look forward to working with you and your family!
Our Approach
We believe that each client is unique and deserves a fresh assessment based on their circumstances and needs.
Claudia Cares Consulting, Inc. has been providing Person-Centered Planning, Transition Services, Independent Facilitation, and Concierge support since 2018. We bring our robust experience and expertise to each client interaction. We strongly value the personal connections we make with our clients and strive to provide excellent service.
1:1 cONSULTATIONS
We always work individually with our clients. You can rest assured that your family will receive specialized attention and support.
mULTI-fACETED fRAMEWORK
Claudia and Ariela have different training and backgrounds, work histories, and certifications. Together, they are able to provide information and recommendations about a wider swath of resources available to your child.
