Speranza Behavior & Educational Consulting

verb: Speranza {Italian} ~ Hope {English}

“Empowering learners and families through insight and strategy.”
Alex DeSantis

Alex DeSantis, M.Ed., BCBA

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.

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.