About

EveryDay ABA Staff:

 

Paola Ortiz, Ed.M., B.C.B.A, NADD-CC

Board Certified Behavior Analysts | Podcast Host

Paola Ortiz is a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), college professor, and executive leader with over 20 years of experience in applied behavior analysis, mental health, and clinical operations. She holds a Master of Education in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University and is certified by the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD-CC). She also holds a certificate in Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) from the Florida Institute of Technology, which fuels her strengths in systems thinking, change management, and sustainable performance improvement.

Paola has led large-scale clinical operations as an Executive Director, managing complex programs and teams across residential, in-home, clinic-based, and community-based settings. Her leadership emphasizes trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally responsive care, grounded in regulatory compliance and operational excellence. In her role as Director of Behavioral Health, she oversaw suicide prevention initiatives, therapy and counseling services, and substance use disorder programs—bringing an integrated and equity-focused lens to behavioral health systems.

Paola is also a dynamic speaker and trainer, delivering professional development workshops on topics ranging from ABA and trauma-informed care to equity in leadership and parent education. Her engaging style and ability to translate behavioral science into real-world solutions make her a trusted voice across clinical, academic, and community settings.

An educator at heart, Paola has taught college-level psychology courses for over a decade, including Principles of Learning and Behavior Modification, Social Psychology, Statistics, and Research Methods. Her classroom approach emphasizes accessibility, inclusion, and real-world relevance—values that deeply inform her consulting and leadership practice.

In addition to founding Everyday ABA, Paola serves as Co-Secretary of the First Generation Harvard Alumni Board of Directors, where she helps support access to higher education and advocates for equity and representation. She also leads a Lean in Circle for women BCBAs, creating space for mentorship, empowerment, and leadership development for women in behavior analysis.

Enthusiastic about guiding the next generation of leaders, Paola is a champion of women’s leadership, culturally responsive care, and service to under-resourced communities. Her work is grounded in the belief that behavioral science, when applied with compassion and cultural humility, can transform not only individual lives—but entire systems.

 

 

 

Leslie Carter, MPH, RBT

Behavior Consultant | Podcast Co-Host 

Leslie Carter is a dedicated mental health professional with over 13 years of experience in the behavioral health field. She holds a master’s degree in public health with a concentration in Mental Health from National University and is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) through the Behavior Analysts Certification Board.   Leslie is currently completing coursework requirements for the BCBA credentials.

Leslie has worked as a behavior supervisor, program administrator, and a behavior consultant throughout her professional career, helping individuals and families apply evidence-based strategies to improve everyday functioning and quality of life. She is a   founding co-host of the Everyday ABA podcast, where she and her team break down Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles into practical tips that listeners can use in real-life situations.

Leslie’s passion for behavioral health drives her mission to make ABA accessible, relatable, and impactful for everyone. Whether working one-on-one with clients or sharing insights through her Everyday ABA podcast, she is committed to helping others thrive through compassionate and data-driven care.

 

 

 

 

 

Brittanny Lyles, RBT

Training & Development Consultant | Podcast Co-host

Brittanny has over five years of experience as a Registered Behavior Technician and ten years in the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) field. She began her career working on the front lines as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) and worked her way up to supervising and managing Enhanced Behavioral Support Homes for both adults and adolescents.

Throughout her journey, Brittanny has trained staff on rules and regulations, CPI, CPR and First Aid, and Ukeru, while leading safety drills and developing systems that support meaningful, lasting change. She’s passionate about creating safe, respectful, and effective environments for both clients and teams. With a deep understanding of behavior support in high-need settings, Brittanny brings both practical knowledge and heart to every conversation.

As one of the founding co-hosts of EveryDay ABA, she helps listeners connect science to real life—sharing tools, stories, and insights that make behavior change doable, relatable, and even fun.

 

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