Speranza Behavior & Educational Consulting
verb: Speranza {Italian} ~ Hope {English}


Alex DeSantis, M.Ed., BCBA
Alex has been dedicated to supporting individuals with neurodiversity and learning or behavioral exceptionalities since 2006. She began her work in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in 2008, providing services to children on the autism spectrum and those with related developmental needs.
She earned a Master of Education in Special Education from Southern Oregon University in 2011 and completed the graduate coursework in Behavior Analysis at the Florida Institute of Technology, becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2016.
Over the years, Alex has held a variety of roles across clinical, home-based, private, and public medical and educational settings. Her experience includes positions such as Special Education Teacher, Registered Behavior Technician, Autism & Behavior Specialist, Lead Special Education TOSA, Special Education Evaluator, and Behavior Analyst. She has also provided training in Nonviolent Crisis Prevention and Trauma-Informed Practices, supporting educators in creating safe and responsive learning environments.
After several years of teaching and consulting in the Portland area, Alex returned to Southern Oregon, where she continues to serve learners, families, and schools. In addition to her fieldwork, she has shared her expertise as an adjunct professor in the Master of Arts or Science in Education programs at Southern Oregon University.
“From the moment Alex began working with our family, she brought warmth, compassion, and a true commitment to helping our child.
It was challenging navigating Arizona’s school system, but even before our first meeting, Alex went above and beyond—researching special education laws and district policies to ensure we had every available resource. Her support brought calm and confidence, and her expertise ensured our voices were heard and our son’s needs were clearly communicated. At home, she created a customized behavioral goal plan and provided effective, practical tools personalized for our son. Alex is incredibly knowledgeable, deeply dedicated, and a fierce advocate with a heart of gold. We couldn’t recommend her more highly.” -Parents of a 1st Grade Student, Phoenix Arizona
“We can’t thank Alex enough for her support as a family advocate during our child’s first IEP process. Her deep knowledge of behavior analysis and special education brought clarity, confidence, and compassion to a process that often felt overwhelming. What really stood out was the time she took to understand our child’s unique needs. Through this, we were able to clearly lay out accommodations and goals that will help our child succeed in school. We’re so grateful for Alex’s expertise and dedication. If you’re navigating special education, we highly recommend Alex—she is the advocate every family deserves.” -Parent of a Preschool Student, Talent Oregon
Trauma Informed Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis is a type of therapy and evidence-based science that focuses on improving various behaviors, including those for social interaction, communication, adaptive/independent living skills and employability. To support trauma-informed care in ABA, there must be a focus and commitment to building relationship and creating a safe learning environment to encourage empowerment, voice and choice of the learner and their family. Trauma Informed Practices (TIPs) recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in students, clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system; Responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices; and seeks to actively resist re-traumatization.

Educational Trainings & Community Partnerships
If you work with or care for children and/or adults with learning/behavioral exceptionalities, trainings and consultation are available for any and all of the areas of need mentioned on this site.
Those who could benefit from training:
Parents/Guardians
Foster Parents
Mental Health Care Providers
Educators
Child Care Providers
Social Workers
Contact to schedule a training in your area.

Functional Communication Training & AAC
FCT are interventions to teach learners how to communicate their needs and reduce challenging behavior.
The term AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) is used to describe the different methods that can be used to help people with disabilities communicate with others. As the term suggests these methods can be used as an alternative to speech or to supplement it.
Examples of high-tech methods include using iPad or tablet applications to produce vocal speech for those impacted by communication struggles.
An example of a low-tech method is using the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to exchange tangible pictures with communication partners.

Behavior Intervention Plans
A Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is a personalized, practical plan designed to help children improve challenging behaviors that may be interfering with their learning, relationships, or daily life.
The plan is based on an in-depth understanding of why a behavior is happening. Through a process called a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), we identify the triggers and purposes behind specific behaviors. Using that information, we create a plan that includes:
– Clear goals for positive behavior
– Proactive strategies to prevent problem behaviors
– Supportive responses that teach appropriate alternatives
– Consistent tools for parents, caregivers, and educators to use across environments
BIPs are collaborative, meaning your input as a parent or caregiver is essential. The goal is not to “control” behavior, but to teach and support your child in ways that are compassionate, effective, and tailored to their unique needs.

Educational Advocacy (504/IFSP/IEP Support)
I support families in navigating the school system as an educational family advocate, guiding you through IEPs, Section 504 plans, and interventions/referral processes.
With my background as a special education teacher, BCBA and special education evaluator, I can help you understand your child’s educational rights and work collaboratively with school teams to find effective, student-centered solutions. Services can include consultation and advising sessions, document review, school meeting attendance, and school communications.

Pricing
Speranza Behavior & Educational Consulting is currently in the process of partnering with medical insurance providers to offer ABA services, including Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) development.
In the meantime, please contact me directly to discuss private pay options, including package deals, flat fees, and hourly rates.
