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Greater Springfield

Our Learning Center and Offices

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      Serving You Close to Home

      Life is busy — we get it. And every child is different. In greater Springfield, we offer therapy in the place that meets your child’s needs, whether in your home or community, at our Learning Centers, in your child’s school or preschool, or through telehealth.

      Our Services

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      Diagnostics

      We specialize in assessing and diagnosing autism spectrum. 

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      Learning Center

      Here, children thrive in a supportive play-based atmosphere.

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      Home & Community

      Our Home and Community Services take place in your child’s natural environment.

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      Early Intervention

      Helping infants and toddlers reach developmental milestones through early intervention.

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      TeleABA

      We can provide remote ABA therapy via your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

      Our Team

      Maria Tessier, MA, BCBA, LABA
      Clinical Director

      Maria Tessier, MA, BCBA, LABA

      Clinical Director

      “Seeing others learn and thrive gives me the biggest satisfaction.”

      Maria Tessier is the regional clinical director for Behavioral Concepts (BCI) in the western part of Massachusetts, where she focuses on helping children with autism and their families find success.

      Maria started working at BCI providing center and home-based services to clients and families as a supervising board certified behavior analyst (BCBA). After a few years, she became the assistant clinical director at BCI’s Learning Center in Springfield, MA. In this role, Maria continued supporting a small client caseload with the additional responsibility of supervising others. Currently, she oversees the region’s clinical operations.

      Previously, Maria was the senior clinical director of a group home for individuals with intellectual disabilities and has worked with students with autism in a school setting. She also has experience in the nursing field.

      She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bay Path University and a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis (ABA). She became interested in the field of ABA while working with children with autism.

      Maria says she enjoys being able to make a positive difference in others’ lives, whether it is helping a child reach a milestone or working with families and caregivers on overcoming everyday challenges.

      Tiffany Zayas, M.S., BCBA, LABA
      Senior Clinical Director

      Tiffany Zayas, M.S., BCBA, LABA

      Senior Clinical Director

      “I love supporting and empowering my team to provide the families that we serve the best quality care we can give them.”

      Tiffany is the Senior Clinical Director of the Central and Western regions in Massachusetts and Vermont. After joining BCI in January 2010 as a behavior analyst, she quickly progressed to Clinical Coordinator, and in 2016, she became Clinical Director. Over the years, she has held multiple director positions, including Director of Scheduling and Intake and Director of the Northeast and Fitchburg regions. In 2020, Tiffany became Senior Clinical Director. Tiffany is a graduate of Kaplan University with a concentration in applied behavior analysis. She is a Massachusetts Professionals in Behavior Analysis member and serves as an ABA supervisor for a local university.

      Resource Library

      Sensory Overload at School

      Learn about sensory overload in children, its causes, signs, and strategies to support kids on the autism spectrum with sensory sensitivities.

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      What’s Next After Early Intervention Services?

      At BCI, we ensure continuity in care after Early Intervention Services in Massachusetts end at age three. Learn how we bridge the gap and help early learners smoothly transition as they prepare for kindergarten.

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      Join Our Team of Behavior Analysts at BCI

      Join our team as a Behavior Analyst! Lead a clinical team as a BCBA supervisor. Mentor and train behavior technicians, […]

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      5 Holiday Blogs Every Parent of a Child with Autism Should Read 
      5 Holiday Blogs Every Parent of a Child with Autism Should Read

      Explore our top holiday-themed blogs for families with children with autism. Discover practical tips for a joyful and stress-free holiday season.

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      Living a Full Life with Autism with Martin Slyngstad

      Martin Slyngstad a Behavior Specialist, and currently in school to become a Speech Pathologist, joins us to discuss his multitude of interests and accomplishments as a young autistic adult.

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      Understanding Your Career Path with BCI

      Growth is a personal journey, and we’re here to support you as you explore your path. Take the time to discover the direction that feels right for your career with us by your side.

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      Early Intervention Services with BCI

      At BCI, early intervention sets us apart. Learn about our experience in offering treatment that sets up our early learners for success.

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      Reducing Behavior Technician Burn Out

      Melissa Furman, a Clinical Director for Total Spectrum, joins us to discuss the field of ABA and to share her recent research that is looking to improve staff satisfaction and reduce turnover.

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      Moms Roundtable: Autism, Wellness, and Motherhood

      Three dynamic women and mothers share their perspectives on how to best care for yourself and your family while raising a child with autism.

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      Nashua Learning Center Grand Opening

      Our new Nashua, NH Learning Center had a successful grand opening! 🎉 We are so excited to offer ABA services in a clinic-based setting at our new center in Nashua.

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      Autism: Symptoms and Signs

      Dr. Genevieve Marshall, BCBA, breaks down myths about autism, the early signs of autism, and what you can do to keep yourself informed on best practices.

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      The Silent Battle: Caregiver Mental Health in the Realm of Autism
      The Silent Battle: Caregiver Mental Health in the Realm of Autism

      In countless homes, caregivers of individuals with profound autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities face a silent battle that rivals the intensity of war veterans’ struggles. The constant stress from caring for these individuals can lead to PTSD symptoms, highlighting the need for better support and recognition of caregiver burnout within the autism community.

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