Most families arrive here having already been through a few systems. Evaluations, meetings, a plan somebody wrote that never quite matched the child in it.
​
Meaningful Metrics was built to work differently. We assemble a team around your child rather than assigning whoever is available, and the people on that team talk to each other and to your child's school so one plan travels between the kitchen table and the classroom.
Our clinicians teach graduate students, supervise other BCBAs, chair doctoral committees, and sit on CSE subcommittees. That depth is what lets us move quickly on things that have stalled elsewhere.
Sarah Heller is an accomplished behavioral analyst, educator, advocate, and executive leader with extensive experience in shaping educational programs, behavioral interventions, and organizational development. She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision, a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education – Early Intervention, and a Master of Science Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology.
Dr. Heller is a licensed and board-certified Behavioral Analyst with a Special Education Certification for birth through 2nd grade. She is an Authorized Continuing Education Provider for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, International Behavior Analysis Organization, and The Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board. She also holds multiple certifications in areas such as project management, fundraising, and crisis intervention.
Dr. Heller has authored and co-authored numerous research articles on autism treatment, treatment access, and perceptions of ABA among educators. She is a sought-after speaker, having presented at the Autism Conference by the New York State Regional Centers for Autism Spectrum Disorders (NYSRCASD), NY CEC, DADD, and public and private agencies. Additionally, she has facilitated various staff and family training programs on behavior management, neuro-affirming care, positive behavior strategies, and social-emotional learning. She has also worked as an Adjunct Professor at Fordham University and served as a Committee Chair at Long Island University. Dr. Heller also supported the curriculum updates of the NYC Teaching Fellows educational programming for Fordham University.
Dr. Heller serves on the Board of the World Behavior Analysis Day Alliance, LLC and as an Advisory Board Member of The Groden Network. With a passion for advancing inclusive education, Dr. Heller continues to mentor interdisciplinary teams, organizations, families, and behavioral analysts, ensuring the development of best practices and evidence-based interventions that promote academic and social success. Now, as the Founder and Executive Director of Meaningful Metrics, Dr. Heller continues her mission to empower families and schools with the tools, knowledge, and systems needed for success.
Meet the Founder & Clinical Director
Dr. Sarah Heller, Ed.D., BCBA, IBA, LBA-NY
What we believe
Neuroaffirming practice. We treat neurological differences as natural variations in how people experience the world, and we build toward skills a learner actually wants and can use.
​
Family strength. We start from what already works and treat caregivers as the people who know the most in the room.
Systems that talk to each other. Educators, clinicians, and families work from one shared plan with clear communication, so progress in one setting shows up in the others.
​
Dignity in every plan. Assent matters. If a program feels like it is working against a learner, we want to hear that and we will change it.
​
Support that outlasts us. We design systems teams can maintain long after our involvement ends.
The Team
Our team includes Board Certified Behavior Analysts, behavior intervention specialists, speech-language pathologists, school psychologists, and special and general education teachers currently working in NYC and Long Island public school classrooms. Many hold or are pursuing doctoral degrees. Several are current CSE subcommittee members. Together we work in English, Spanish, Korean, and Haitian Creole. Every provider here was chosen, and in most cases trained or supervised, by Dr. Heller.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Jillian Doran
Jillian Doran is a licensed and certified Behavior Analyst in New York State with over 10 years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). With a skill set in managing severe behaviors, she has partnered with individuals and families in crisis, developing customized strategies that help learners regain independence and transition back to less restrictive settings. Jillian received her behavioral training at the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta, Georgia; where she gained valuable experience in both the Language and Learning Clinic and the Severe Behavior Clinic. Her career has provided her with the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including group homes, telehealth, home-based services, schools, and behavior clinics. She holds a Master’s Degree in Neuroscience, Developmental Disabilities, and Mental Retardation, along with a certification and licensure in Applied Behavior Analysis. Jillian also earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. Outside of her clinical work, she is an active member of the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis (NYSABA) and the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Diana Guzman
Diana Guzman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst with over 15 years of experience in social services. Her professional practice is guided by a deep commitment to helping individuals thrive through a person-centered, strength-based approach. She believes that every person has unique abilities and works collaboratively with each client to foster meaningful, lasting change rooted in their strengths and goals. Originally from Colombia, Diana brings a culturally responsive perspective to her work, ensuring that the services she provides are respectful, inclusive, and reflective of the diverse backgrounds of the individuals and families she supports. She is fluent in both Spanish and English, allowing her to connect effectively with a wide range of clients and communities. With specialized training in Applied Behavior Analysis, Diana supports individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental needs across home, school, and community settings. She is especially passionate about empowering families and caregivers, offering guidance that is practical, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practices.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Joshua May
Joshua is a Board-Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst. He practices in Long Island and Manhattan. Joshua graduated with a master’s in science from the Sage Colleges Applied Behavior Analysis program.  Joshua has worked in a variety of settings across Long Island and Manhattan, including center-based, home-based, community-based, school settings (elementary through high school), pre-vocational programs, job sites and work-related settings. Joshua first worked with individuals that presented with ASD in 2001, volunteering for a weekend sports program in Westchester New York. He was first introduced to applied behavior analysis in 2006 while working with Dr. Cecelia McCarton at her center-based program for individuals with Autism aged three to twelve. Joshua then went on to work with Dr Peter Gerhardt providing 1:1 services to young adults in a high school and community program that focused on transitioning adolescents with autism into adulthood. After working with Dr Gerhardt, Joshua pursued his master’s degree in applied behavior analysis and became board certified. Since then, Joshua has focused on providing the highest quality of services to individuals with ASD in their home and the community. He has focused on using the principles of applied behavior analysis to help all his clients become more independent while also working closely with the parents and caretakers of the individuals he treats. Currently, Joshua consults with families and school districts in Long Island while also providing in-home care to individuals with autism with a focus on parent training.
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Dr. Suzzanna Javed
Dr. Suzzanna Javed is a behavior consultant, special educator (B-6), undergraduate and graduate, and disability advocate with more than 14 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, and behavioral health needs across educational, clinical, and community settings. Dr. Javed serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychology at Suffolk County Community College and as an adjunct professor at Long Island University where she teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses. She is a dedicated professional who provides continue education presentations, and has been a featured guest on several public engagement media platforms where she speaks on supporting individuals with disabilities through a lens of advocacy, healing and inclusion. Through her consulting work, she conducts psychological evaluations and is trained to administer the ADOS-2 and ADI-R. Her experience includes Vineland-3 adaptive behavior assessments, Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), behavioral consultation, parent training, staff development, healing circles, and psychoeducational support groups. Since 2023, she has served as an Authorized OPWDD Self-Direction Broker and has also provided community integration classes and healing circles for individuals with disabilities. Further, she supports families navigating guardianship paperwork (*not legal advice).
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Kye Han (Kyung Chang Han)
Kye Han (Kyung Chang Han) is a dedicated educator who serves as the Senior Head Teacher at a charter school in the Bronx specializing in education for students with autism. With over eight years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Kye has worked with learners ranging from ages 5 to 15, helping them build essential academic, social, and adaptive skills that support Independence and lifelong learning. Guided by a person-centered approach, Kye believes education should be individualized to each student’s strengths, interests, needs, and goals. Known for his energetic and engaging teaching style, he brings enthusiasm and creativity to every lesson, creating a classroom environment where students feel motivated and excited to learn. He integrates evidence-based strategies with empathy and flexibility to ensure each student can thrive at their own pace. Kye holds a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from CUNY Hunter College and has extensive experience collaborating with teachers, therapists, and families to promote consistency across school and home environments. In addition to his work in the Bronx, he also provides educational and ABA services to families and students in Queens and eastern Long Island, extending his individualized and person-centered approach to a broader community. Fluent in both English and Korean, Kye values cultural responsiveness and open communication, ensuring that all families feel understood and included in their children’s educational journey. His passion for inclusive education and his energetic commitment to his students drive his mission to create learning environments where every child can learn, grow, and thrive with dignity and purpose.
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Ludie Numa
Ludie brings joyful energy to every interaction and believes progress starts with connection. She has supported children, teens, and adults across OPWDD residential and community settings, as well as school-based programs, for more than a decade. Her approach is person centered and culturally responsive, and she loves helping teams turn strategies into simple routines that promote dignity, independence, and everyday wins. In practice, Ludie conducts functional behavior assessments, designs individualized behavior support plans, and coaches staff and caregivers so supports feel doable in real life. She focuses on community integration, self regulation, and building meaningful activities into plans so skill growth sticks at home, in school, and in the community. She uses clear data to track progress and adjust supports, always keeping quality of life at the center. As a Behavior Intervention Specialist Supervisor, Ludie guides teams on documentation, training, and fidelity so programs remain ethical, consistent, and effective. Colleagues describe her as bubbly, encouraging, and steady under pressure. She is highly hopeful for others and committed to creating spaces where people feel seen, capable, and ready to grow. Ludie holds a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism and is a BCBA trainee. She collaborates closely with interdisciplinary teams and families, and she is fluent in Haitian Creole, which helps her support inclusive communication across diverse communities.
Speech Pathologist
Daniel Fitch
With over 15 years of experience in both public school and private practice settings, Daniel Fitch brings a unique blend of perspectives to the families he serves. A lifelong learner, Daniel draws upon knowledge from diverse fields to deepen his understanding of learning, communication, and language development across a wide range of learners. His experience includes conducting specialized evaluations that address the specific concerns of caregivers and educational teams. Through his work in multiple settings, Daniel has developed extensive therapeutic expertise supporting learners with AAC needs, auditory processing disorders, phonological and phonemic awareness, apraxia of speech, and emerging speech development in children with complex communication needs.
Speech Pathologist
Tara May
Tara May is an ASHA certified and NYS state licensed speech-language pathologist. She has over 14 years of experience and is adept in the assessment and treatment of individuals presenting with varied diagnoses, such as receptive and expressive language delays, motor speech disorders and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Her professional experience includes working with individuals from ages 3 to 21 years-old who exhibit a wide variety of language skills ranging from limited verbal skills to independent verbal communicators. She also has extensive experience assessing and implementing various forms of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), including low-tech and high-tech speech generating devices and is PROMPT level I
trained. 
Tara graduated in 2009 with both her B.A. and M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Adelphi University. She served as the Director of Upper School Speech and Language Services from 2017 t0 2024 at a private, non-for-profit school on the Upper West Side of Manhattan that services individuals with ASD from ages 5 to 21 years-old. Currently, she practices privately by providing direct treatment, family and staff trainings on various topics relating to communication and consulting with school districts regarding AAC across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Tara values the benefits of multidisciplinary collaboration and demonstrates the ability to put evidence-based techniques into practice. She is a firm believer in making therapy a fun learning experience for learners of all ages by incorporating diverse tools and technology within sessions.
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Wissberline Rene
Wissberline is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Candidate with a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy. With a strong foundation in both behavioral science and clinical mental health, Wissberline brings a holistic, person-centered approach to supporting individuals across diverse needs and settings. In addition to their ABA credentials, Wissberline has completed over 700 hours of clinical internship experience in mental health services, working closely with individuals navigating challenges such as depression, ADHD, OCD, borderline personality disorder (BPD), emotional dysregulation, and more. This dual training allows Wissberline to integrate behavioral strategies with compassionate mental health support, tailoring interventions that are both evidence-based and emotionally attuned. Having Caribbean heritage and being bilingual in both Creole and English, Wissberline brings a well-rounded, culturally responsive lens to their work. Their background is further enriched by culturally diverse training in the mental health field, equipping them with the insight to recognize how cultural identity, values, and lived experiences influence behavior, intervention strategies, and treatment planning. This perspective ensures that the services they provide are respectful, inclusive, and tailored to the unique cultural contexts of the individuals and families they support. By bridging language and cultural understanding, Wissberline helps ensure that therapeutic interventions are both accessible and effective across diverse communities. Wissberline holds a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and is trained in adult and pediatric CPR, automated external defibrillation (AED) including child AED updates, and specialized resuscitation protocols for stroke, cardiac arrest, and other cardiopulmonary emergencies. This readiness reflects Wissbelrine’s commitment to safety and preparedness in every environment they serve. With specialized training in ABA, Wissberline supports individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental needs in home, school, and community environments. They are especially passionate about empowering caregivers through practical, compassionate guidance that promotes long-term success and well-being.
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Namra Shahzad
Namra is an emerging behavior analyst with a strong foundation in evidence based practice and a deep commitment to supporting children and families. With over five years of experience across public schools, clinics, and in home ABA services, she brings a practical and intuitive understanding of how to help learners thrive in their everyday environments. Namra’s clinical work focuses on building communication, reducing barriers to learning, and teaching meaningful skills that improve quality of life. She values collaboration above all, working closely with parents, teachers, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure strategies are consistent, culturally respectful, and easy to use across settings. Her calm demeanor and steady presence help families feel supported, heard, and confident in the process. As a BCBA trainee preparing for her certification exam, Namra integrates data driven decision making with compassion and flexibility in her daily practice. She is committed to providing ethical and individualized support that promote independence and long term success. Alongside her clinical work, Namra is completing her Doctorate in Education Leadership, where she is developing expertise in organizational systems, staff training, and effective program design. She plans to use her background to strengthen ABA service delivery and promote high quality practices across teams and organizations.
General and Special Education Teacher
Ashley Flynn
Ashley is a proud NYC public school teacher with over 18 years of classroom experience. She holds Master’s degrees in Special Education and in Gifted Education from Long Island University and Hunter College. A naturalistic, student-centered educator, Ashley believes in meeting the needs of each child in their own unique way and designing learning that honors individual strengths, interests, and identities. She has taught learners from age 3 through 17 across general and special education settings, including integrated co-teaching, small-group instruction, and gifted programs. Ashley has extensive experience supporting twice-exceptional students in her gifted and talented class. She provides rich academic enrichment alongside the practical skills students need to navigate a classroom community, including executive functioning, self-advocacy, and social-emotional learning. Her practice is collaborative and neuroaffirming, grounded in culturally responsive teaching, Universal Design for Learning, and partnership with families and multidisciplinary teams. A fierce advocate for her students, Ashley champions equality and access to any and all tools, services, and opportunities that help children thrive. She loves being an educator and a mother and brings that same care, curiosity, and commitment to every learner she supports. She is a true teacher through and through.
General and Special Education Teacher
Rebecca Friedman
Rebecca is a licensed General and Special Education teacher for grades 1-6, with a Dual Masters in General and Special Education. She has been pouring her love and passion for teaching into education and early childhood since 2017. Currently, Rebecca works for the New York City Public School District as a first grade special education teacher in an inclusive/ co-teach setting. She is also trained in practices congruent with the ASD NEST program established at NYU, specializing in students with Autism. Growing up in a family of special educators, she is thrilled to be living her passion of helping children learn in meaningful and memorable ways as well as creating joyful moments for every student she works with. When Rebecca is not teaching, she is spending time with family, or on stage fulfilling her second passion of performing arts.
School District Leader & Supervisor, Special Education Teacher
Susan Iannuzzi
Susan Iannuzzi is a certified Pre-K through 12th grade Special Education Teacher and School District Administrator and Supervisor. She has a Master of Science degree in Special Education and a Master of Science degree as an NYS School District Administrator. Susan has over 30 years’ experience in a Public School District at the elementary and middle school level as a Special Education teacher and has provided services as a Resource Room teacher, a consultant teacher, an integrated co-teacher, and an Executive Functioning Coach. Throughout her professional career, she also has extensive experience as a team member of the CPSE/CSE Committee and has served as a Committee Chairperson. She is certified and trained in the Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, Preventing Academic Failure, and Fundations Reading Programs. Susan also has extensive experience working in other academic programs, including 20 years’ experience as an ESL/ENL and HSE/GED teacher, testing coordinator, and data manager, specializing in Reading subjects in an NYS-approved Adult Education program. She also has experience in the field of Home Instruction, which has included working as a teacher/tutor and service coordinator, serving students who are homebound due to disciplinary or health reasons. As a Special Education Teacher and CPSE/CSE committee member, Susan’s focus is on providing social and academic services, on an individual, group, and family basis, as well as providing support to students and families as they participate in the educational realm. She provides a stress-free environment for the student and family, fostering knowledge, self-assurance, and enjoyment of the educational experience. Her approach to the successful achievement of her students’ and families’ goals includes a team approach to the evaluation of the student, as well as the interdisciplinary development of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Susan strongly believes that input from family members, school team members, and related service providers is essential to the attainment of the identified goals for each family and student and the continued progress in the school setting.
School Psychologist
Dana Levine
Dana Levine is a School Psychologist with more than five years of experience partnering with students, families, and school teams across Long Island. She specializes in translating comprehensive assessments into clear, practical supports that work in real classrooms and busy homes. Grounded in a neuroaffirming, strengths based lens, Dana focuses on building sustainable routines, simplifying next steps, and aligning goals across home and school so learners can thrive. Dana collaborates closely with educators and related service providers and has served on Committees on Special Education (CSE) subcommittees, helping shape IEPs that reflect each learner’s profile and priorities. Her approach is calm, thorough, and transparent: she removes jargon, coaches caregivers and staff, and makes complex processes feel manageable while keeping dignity and inclusion at the center. She holds M.A. and Ed.M. degrees and is actively pursuing Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. A lifelong learner, Dana continues to grow her practice through ongoing professional study as well as mentorship and supervision from experienced BCBAs, ensuring that the supports she designs remain ethical, evidence based, and person centered.
General and Special Education Teacher
Alexa Bernesby
Coming soon!
General and Special Education Teacher
Brett Allison
Brett Allison is a New York State–licensed Special Education Teacher. He graduated from SUNY Fredonia with a Bachelors of Science in Childhood Inclusive Education. Brett recently received his Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis and is currently working towards becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). With four years of experience in the field, Brett specializes in supporting students with diverse learning and behavioral needs through evidence-based, individualized instruction. Brett currently teaches a 12:1:1 elementary special education classroom. As a public school teacher, he is committed to creating inclusive learning environments that promote skill development, independence, and meaningful progress for ALL learners. Brett is thrilled to join the Meaningful Metrics Family and looks forward to helping families make Meaningful moves!
Who we work with
Families seeking advocacy, guidance, or individualized support at home or school.
Schools and districts building sustainable, neuroaffirming behavior systems and staff capacity.
Professionals pursuing BCBA, BCaBA, or RBT supervision grounded in ethical, evidence-based practice.
​
Executive-level consultation, clinical
supervision, and program-development
support for ABA agencies, residential
programs, and schools.
Who will actually work with my child?
After intake, Dr. Heller reviews the available providers with you and you select together based on skill set, schedule, and fit. You will know the people on your child's team by name.
What are your providers' credentials?
Our team includes Board Certified Behavior Analysts licensed in New York and other states, licensed speech-language pathologists, school psychologists, and New York State certified special and general education teachers. Several hold or are pursuing doctoral degrees, and several currently serve on CSE subcommittees. We also have behavior intervention service providers who are pursuing their BCBA credential.
How are providers vetted?
Every provider is personally selected by Dr. Heller, and most have been trained or supervised by her directly. All carry their own professional liability insurance and complete an extensive background check and observed overlaps before becoming a Meaningful Metrics Team Member.
Do you have providers who speak languages other than English?
Yes. Our team works in English, Spanish, Korean, and Haitian Creole.
Will my child work with the same person over time?
hat is the intent. We stay small deliberately, and continuity of provider is one of the reasons why. We focus on quality, not quantity.
Does Dr. Heller work directly with families?
She conducts every initial interview, consults with your team on an ongoing basis, and is available directly when something stalls. Direct consultation with Dr. Heller is also available separately.
Do you accept insurance?
At this time, Meaningful Metrics operates as a private-pay practice. This allows us to design flexible, individualized supports without the restrictions of insurance billing codes. We are happy to provide itemized documentation for families seeking reimbursement for out-of-network providers or using self-directed budgets by working directly with the client.
Where are you located and who do you serve?
Our community based office is at 125 Michael Drive, Suite 105, in Syosset. We work with families across Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens, and offer Zoom sessions globally.