What they call their work
What they do
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Supported Employment for Developmental Disabilities 2 activities
- Operating social enterprises for vocational trainingRuns the Just cAUse Granola Enterprise and the ELIJA Farm CSA to provide hands-on training in inventory control, product development, order fulfillment, sales, agriculture, and food distribution for individuals with autism.
- Providing employer training and workplace integration supportDelivers didactic and hands-on training to employers on supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities in mainstream workplaces, including coordination with career coaches and program staff to support workplace integration.
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Program Monitoring & Evaluation 1 activity
- Conducting research and program evaluationConducts external evaluations to monitor the quality and effectiveness of its educational and treatment programs, ensuring alignment with scientifically validated practices.
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Day Habilitation Services 1 activity
- Delivering a formalized life and vocational skills curriculumProvides a structured 35-course curriculum covering life skills, vocational training, recreation, leisure, social skills, and independent living for individuals with autism.
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Workforce Readiness Training 1 activity
- Delivering vocational and transition-to-adulthood programsOffers a 12-month Transition to Community Life program at LIU Post with two tracks focused on 11 skill domains including employment, financial literacy, health, and civic knowledge. Conducts Level I–III vocational assessments and provides job placement support, including resume development, interview preparation, and workplace communication training. Career coaches support individuals in volunteer or paid roles, with coordination between employers and program staff.
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Autism and Neurodiversity Family Support Services 1 activity
- Offering family and caregiver support servicesProvides private consultations, emotional support, intervention strategies, educational planning, and CSE/IEP preparation for families of children with autism, regardless of school enrollment. Also offers training, workshops, and resources for parents, caregivers, and professionals.
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Special Education Day Schools 1 activity
- Operating a specialized school for children with autismProvides a 12-month individualized educational and therapeutic program for school-aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorders using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and evidence-based methods such as discrete trial instruction, natural environment teaching, and behavior chaining. The school delivers daily programming across developmental domains including communication, social interaction, academics, self-help, motor skills, and pre-vocational skills in a center-based setting with intensive student-to-teacher ratios.
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Autism & Neurodiversity Education Workshops 1 activity
- Providing community education and professional outreachOffers year-round workshops, training series, and custom presentations for the public, schools, SEPTAs, and specialty organizations on autism and ABA therapy. Hosts an annual two-day LIBAC conference attended by over 300 people, featuring presentations by professionals in behavior analysis, and participates in local and national conferences to share treatment designs and knowledge.
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Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy Services 1 activity
- Providing individualized ABA-based instruction and progress monitoringDelivers one-to-one ABA instruction tailored to each student’s needs, with daily data collection and systematic program review conducted by on-staff behavior analysts to track skill acquisition and adjust individualized programs accordingly.
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Professional Training and Certification in Mental Health 1 activity
- Providing professional development and certification trainingOffers RBT certification training for newly hired instructors, monthly supervision, in-house workshops, conference attendance, and BACB-approved Type II continuing education hours for behavior analysts to support staff capacity building.
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Who runs it
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEBORA THIVIERGE | CEO | 32 | $250K |
| SUSAN WISNEWSKI | DIRECTOR OF FINANCE | 26 | $110K |
| KAREN CHIN | DIRECTOR ESOP | 40 | $102K |
| MONICA HOWARD | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $97K |
- JOANN SCANLON — BOARD MEMBER (RESIGNED 12/
- MELISSA NEGRIN-WIENER — BOARD MEMBER
- MICHAEL GIANGREGORIO — BOARD MEMBER
- SUZANNE LETSO — BOARD MEMBER
- VINCENZA POLITO — BOARD MEMBER
Who they work with
- BACB Government — BACB-approved provider of type II continuing education hours
- Debora Thivierge Partner — Founder and Executive Director of The Elijah School
- Dr. Karen Chin Partner — Outreach Director of The Elijah School
- Human Rights Committee Government — Independent committee that reviews the school's treatment protocols for effectiveness and ethical standards.
- LIU Post Partner — Hosts the Transition to Community Life program courses at its campus in Greenville.
- Long Island Marriott Partner — Host venue for the Long Island Behavior Analysis Conference (LIBAC).
- Long Island's News 12 Partner — Media partner featuring The ELIJA School in news coverage.
- Monica Howard Partner — Associate Executive Director of The Elijah School
- Pine Hollow Country Club Partner — Host venue for the annual Sy Schwartz Golf Outing.
- SEPTAs Partner — Receives custom presentations from The ELIJA School on autism and ABA therapy.
- The Carltun Partner — Host venue for the Annual Unmasking Autism Masquerade Gala.
- The ELIJA Foundation Network — Related entity that operates in conjunction with The ELIJA School to advance a shared mission for individuals with Autism.
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Evidence-Based Practice Using Applied Behavior Analysismethodology: evidence_based_practiceBy implementing scientifically validated treatments grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), we produce measurable skill development and behavioral outcomes in children with autism because ABA provides a structured, data-driven methodology proven effective in autism intervention.
- Family and Professional Capacity Building Through Trainingmethodology: capacity_building_through_educationBy providing advanced training in treatment and educational strategies to families and professionals, we improve long-term support ecosystems for individuals with autism because empowered caregivers and skilled providers extend the reach and sustainability of effective interventions.
- Individualized Program Designmethodology: individualized_program_designBy designing educational and treatment programs tailored to the specific needs, strengths, and goals of each child and young adult with autism, we improve developmental outcomes and quality of life because personalized support is more effective at fostering growth and independence.