Enroll Your Child for 2017-18 School Year
Enroll Your Child for 2017-18 School Year
At The Victory Center, each child’s program is specially designed to meet his or her specific needs and to take into account individual strengths and weaknesses. Our Individual Education Objective Program (IEOP) is based upon an in-depth assessment of the child. These programs include language, self-help, social skills, and life skills. In contrast to the more typical home-based therapy program, The Victory Center provides continuous opportunity for and the facilitation of social skills that children with an ASD diagnosis may typically lack.
Ages 2-13
EIBI and IBI offer individualized ABA-based instruction to children ages 2 to 13, 5 days per week across the school year. The individualized program and intensive 1:1 and 2:1 student-to-teacher sessions alternate with small group activities to help develop classroom skills and social skills. Children engage in activities that build relationships with classmates and expose them to diverse social situations. These efforts are one facet of the behavior intervention plans for students who struggle with compliance difficulties and/or exhibit maladaptive behavior. Each child’s schedule of learning activities is custom designed to meet his or her needs.
The goal is to foster and maximize students’ skills and learning at a critical stage in their development. Program activities include:
Ages 8-22
The focus of these programs is to implement individualized grade level instruction that adheres to academic standards such as the Common Core. These programs use curricula which are self-paced and highly interactive. The programs help prepare students to learn in mainstream and less restrictive settings and, when applicable, prepare graduates for post-secondary education and/or employment.
Students participate in small group instruction on various subjects such as math, science and reading. In addition, students practice social skills, life skills and job skills in the community and with neurotypical peers from local high school programs. The Academy programs include individualized fitness components, including swimming, yoga, cardio and strength training.
Ideal for students who are:
Ages 14-22
The Vocational Program, unique in the South Florida area, focuses on teaching functional skills that allow an individual to be more independent when he or she transitions to adulthood. A center-based program for students ages 14 to 22, the program is geared towards students who are unable to obtain a high school diploma and focuses on vocational training and daily living skills. This work is underscored by four primary principles: functional academics, domestic living, vocational training, and community skills.
All students learn self-care skills, health and hygiene, appropriate behavior in social situations, navigating public transportation, scheduling and attending doctor and dentist appointments, merchandising, office skills, and planning and participating in recreational activities. These skills are taught using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and include instruction in the classroom, in a home environment, and in community settings in order to promote generalization.
The program offers students a variety of experiences including community-based instruction (CBI), job training, and job placement. It offers a 3:1 student-to-teacher ratio and is staffed by professionals qualified in the areas of behavior analysis, education, and other related services. Each student is assessed using the Community Based Functional Skills Assessment and has an individualized education program that meets his or her needs as well as interests.
Ideal for students who are:
Ages 2-22
The Victory Summer Camp program is a 9-week camp for children with autism and related disabilities to learn and have fun with highly trained staff using ABA approaches.
Most school programs do not include the summer months which presents a great challenge for parents with a child with a developmental disability. The Victory Center Summer Camp gives a child and their family an opportunity to experience ABA approaches in a day camp setting. Further, parents take comfort in knowing that their child is under the care of highly trained staff who are supervised by BCBAs. For students enrolled in our school program, parents are assured that their child has the opportunity to continue learning all-year-round.
In The Victory Center Summer Camp Program, students continue to make gains toward their individualized goals and participate in weekly field trips and swimming lessons. These weekly field trips present valuable opportunities to ensure that skills taught in the classroom are generalizing to the community. For many campers, these trips would not be possible without the support of highly trained staff.
For outside students attending only the summer camp program, BCBAs evaluate and develop a program plan which is highly individualized to the child’s needs. This plan provides expert input for a parent participating in the public school Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process. Children who would not be able to access ABA in schools due to cost restraints, experience ABA in an intense 9-week program which is cost friendly to the family.
Ages 5-22
Research shows that parents and caregivers who have a child with autism experience increased stress. The Victory Center respite/ community programming recognizes these risk factors and the importance of reducing parental stress.
The Saturday Laugh N Learn Program
provides families with an option for weekend respite with added assurance that their child has expert care in a safe, fun, and loving environment.
The Saturday Teen Activities and Recreation (STAR) Program
provides teens with the opportunity to form social networks with peers and peer models (neuro-typical high school student volunteers) acquiring friendships and strengthening valuable social skills with the guidance and supervision of trained staff.
The Aftercare Program
provides individuals ages 5-22 years old after school care in a nurturing and stimulating environment with intensive 2:1 student-to-teacher ratios. Staff are trained to continue working on the students’ individualized communication and leisure goals. Available Monday through Friday, 2:30- 5:30 pm.
Saturday programs are offered 2-3 times per month, averaging 6 hours, and are open to all members of the community following a brief evaluation by a BCBA.
Join our growing team of ABA Teachers
Experience the satisfaction of knowing your work can help students with Autism & Related Disabilities gain functional and meaningful skills to achieve greater independence.
The Victory Center for Autism and Related Disabilities is proudly supported by the following generous and community-oriented partners. They support us, please support them.
Dr. Gutierrez received his Ph.D., in Psychology from the University of Florida (2004) in Behavior Analysis with a focus on individuals with disabilities and autism. Currently, Dr. Gutierrez is an Associate Research Professor and an Associate Director of UM-NSU CARD. Dr. Gutierrez is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) with experience in the assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior and in the development of adaptive skills for individuals with autism. Dr. Gutierrez’s current research interests focus on early intervention and variables related to treatment effectiveness for individuals with autism. Dr. Gutierrez is previously served as the site Co-PI for two federally-funded, multi-site study evaluating a school-based joint attention intervention for children with autism as well as the comparative efficacy of public preschool intervention models for students with autism spectrum disorders.
Dr. Kyle Bennett has worked with students with autism and other developmental disabilities for over 16 years. He is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and he has worked as a teacher, behavior analyst and program administrator. Dr. Bennett’s primary professional interests are transition and secondary programming and teaching safety skills to students with disabilities. Dr. Bennett has presented his work at national and international conferences and he has published his work in peer-reviewed journals.
Peter Gerhardt, Ed.D., is the Executive Director of the EPIC School in Paramus, NJ. Dr. Gerhardt has more than 35 years’ experience utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis in support of adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders in educational, employment, residential and community-based settings. He has authored and co-authored articles and book chapters on the needs of adolescents and adults with ASD and has presented nationally and internationally on this topic. Dr. Gerhardt is the Founding Chairman of the Scientific Council for the Organization for Autism Research and currently Co-Chairs the Council with Dr. Joanne Gerenser. He is on numerous professional advisory boards including the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies. Dr. Gerhardt received his doctorate from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey’s Graduate School of Education.
Dr. Paul Fass, M.D., a founding member of The Victory Center, is an American Board of Otolaryngology Certified ENT Otolaryngologist in Miami, Florida. As a native of New York, Dr. Fass’ professional career spans over 52 years, specializing in asthma and allergy. As a retired member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Board of Directors, recipient of the AAOA Presidential Award, and longtime supporter of The Victory Center, Dr. Paul Fass rejoins the Board of Directors once more.
PhD, Behavior Analysis, Florida Institute of Technology, 2012
M.A., Applied Behavior Analysis, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 2010
B.S., Psychology, University of Florida, 2007
Dr. Leon is an Assistant Professor in the School of Behavior Analysis at the Florida Institute of Technology. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with experience in the assessment and treatment of severe behavior disorders and in the development of adaptive skills for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dr. Leon received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Florida. She then went on to work at the Neurobehavioral Unit of the Kennedy Krieger Institute while working toward her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Dr. Leon earned her Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT). Dr. Leon’s research interests include functional analysis and treatment of problem behavior, reinforcer assessment, and conditioned and token reinforcement. Her work has been published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Analysis in Practice, Behavioral Interventions, and the Journal of Behavioral Education. Currently, Dr. Leon is the Site Director for FIT’s Hybrid Master’s Program in Applied Behavior Analysis in Miami, Florida.
Moshe Banin’s financial services career began in 1993 when he joined Bernstein Global Wealth Management, where he spent 19 years before joining UBS. Early in his career, he supported the development and distribution of services for high net worth investors. Over time, he rose to Director of International Strategy and helped launch Bernstein’s London-based private client practice. He then became a financial advisor focusing on high net worth clients, family offices and foundations. Moshe’s clients seek his advice on advanced asset allocation, retirement planning, wealth transfer and sales of businesses.
Moshe graduated from Yeshiva University with a degree in economics and later earned his M.B.A. at New York University. He is on the Board of Directors for both the Jewish Federation of Broward and the Palm Beach Habilitation Center – chairing the investment committee for both of these organizations. In addition, Moshe is the Co-Founder of Luria Academy, a Jewish Day School in Brooklyn, NY. He also holds Series 7, 31, 63 and 66 securities licenses. Moshe lives in Miami, Florida with his wife and three children.
Ana Morel Saruski has been practicing law for 25 years. She received her law degree from the University of Miami School of Law, JD in 1991. She is also a member of the United States District Court Southern District of Florida (2013), Middle District of Florida (2014) and a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator (2002).
Born in San Juan, P.R. Ana is currently residing in Miami Beach, FL with her husband of 26 years and her three children. She is also very active in raising awareness of Autism and CHARGE Syndrome, advocating for families of children with special needs. Ana is the mother of two adult sons on the autistic spectrum and is looking for volunteer opportunities to assist this population.
Marta has over 30 years of investment and wealth management experience, including 14 years at BNY Mellon. As a former director with Neuberger Berman, a New York Investment Management firm, Marta was in charge of implementing investment management strategies and advising clients on all aspects of their financial plans.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Florida with Honors and a law degree from South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas. Marta is a member of several charitable boards as well as professional associations.
Judi served as Judge of Compensation claims from December 1986 to March 2001. She retired from the bench to devote more time to the operations and fundraising of The Victory School which she co-founded with her husband Barry in June 2000. She continues her legal practice as a private mediator. Before her appointment to the judiciary, Judi was an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Miami. Judi graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor of Arts Degree and she received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Miami.
Robert Werner is a retiree of Werner Co. where he served as Senior Vice President and Director. Today he is involved with numerous charities. He is Treasurer, Past Chair, Director and Executive Committee Member of Alexander Muss Institute for Israel Education, Inc. (of which Alexander Muss High School in is a component), former Treasurer of Citizens Interested in the Arts, Inc.Past President and Director of Israel Children’s Centers and Director and Executive Committee Member of Israel Tennis Centers. He serves on the Board of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, is the Pledge Redemption Chair, a member of its Foundation’s Executive Committee and is a member of the GMJF Audit, Financial Management and Administrative Committees. He is a member of the Florida Executive Committee of American Friends of Bar Ilan University. He is also Past Florida Chair of American Friends of Beit Issie Shapiro. He served on the 3000 Island Boulevard Condominium Association, Inc. Board. He is a Past President of the Willie and Celia Trump synagogue. Formerly he was a Director of Exco Technologies, Ltd. and the Security Plastics Inc. Advisory Board.
Heath Eskalyo serves as both a Principal Partner and the Chief Financial Officer for the law firm Kelley Kronenberg. A Civil Trial Litigator, Heath works in the firm’s Fort Lauderdale office and focuses his practice on Workers’ Compensation, OSHA, Defense Base Act claims, Insurance Fraud, Civil Liability, Construction Law and Occupational Accident and Truckers Occupational Insurance claims. Heath is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, and has been recognized as a 2014 – 2016 Top Lawyer by the South Florida Legal Guide. Heath also plays a major role in the firm’s growth, business development and philanthropic efforts.
Barry Nelson, a co-founder of The Victory School, is a Florida Bar Board Certified Tax and Wills Trusts and Estates attorney in North Miami Beach, Florida . He is also an adjunct professor for the L.L.M. program in taxation at the University Of Miami School Of Law . Barry is active with the Florida Bar and for the past three years has chaired its Asset Preservation Sub-Committee. Barry previously served in leadership positions with the Weizmann Institute of Science and the Foundation of Jewish Philanthropies of the Greater Miami Jewish Foundation. He served as Mayor of the Town of Golden Beach, Florida for two years. Currently, he is a Trustee of Temple Sinai in North Miami Beach.
Kenneth Young is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Bentley`s Luggage and Gifts. Mr. Young currently sits on several philanthropic boards, as well as being a consultant and a board member of several local business enterprises.
Clifford Ain is a Certified Public Accountant in Aventura specializing in small to medium-sized businesses with special tax situations. Mr. Ain received his Bachelor`s in Accounting from the University of Florida in 1976 and a Masters in Taxation from Florida International University.
Louise Daniels has lived in Miami for more than 50 years and has always loved children’s causes. She attended both high school and college locally and has worked as a paralegal for several law firms. She has been a Guardian Ad Litem over 7 years for children in the foster care system. She currently volunteers for Voices for Children’s toy drive and has been a board member of The Victory School for ten years.
Michael S. Yavner is the owner and President of The Yavner Group.
Richard Shan is Manager of Grayline Construction, a custom home builder
Mr. Barnett is the founding and managing partner of Barnett, Lerner, Karsen & Frankel, P.A., which has offices in South Florida and Washington, D.C. The firm handles maritime injury claims nationwide. In his legal career of 25 years, David has significant experience litigating claims under The Longshore Act, The Defense Base Act and other maritime laws, assisting injured workers worldwide. He is a nationally-recognized standard bearer in the Defense Base Act community and has successfully litigated some of the seminal cases that are relied upon. He founded a national DOL/Joint Bar Association and was formerly on the Board of Directors for Florida Workers Advocates and a member of the Florida Admiralty Lawyer’s Association, Broward County Bar Association and American Bar Association.
Active in an array of charitable organizations throughout South Florida, he previously served on the Board of Directors for Easter Seals of South Florida. David is excited to bring together his legal expertise and passion for making a difference with the great work done by The Victory Center.