Elizabeth Gamil

I am Elizabeth Gamil, MS, BCBA, LBA, founder of Academy for Effective Behavior Intervention. My journey in supporting children and families began as a preschool teacher, where I witnessed firsthand the importance of early intervention, structure, and compassionate care. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, along with a second bachelor’s degree in Family Life Education and a minor in Gerontology, which gave me a strong foundation in human development across the lifespan. I went on to pursue my Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where I developed a deep commitment to combining evidence-based practice with respect for the individuality of every learner. These experiences have shaped my holistic perspective: children are not just students of skill, but whole individuals with unique strengths, emotions, and identities.

My approach to therapy is rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), with strong influences from relationship-based and developmental models. I believe therapy should honor each child’s individuality while supporting their growth in communication, independence, and emotional regulation. Guided by the philosophy adapted from RIE principles, I focus on respecting each child as a whole person and celebrating their unique abilities, building trust through consistency, predictability, and sensitive observation, and involving children meaningfully in daily routines that encourage choice-making, problem-solving, and independence. I emphasize teaching functional communication and self-advocacy while ensuring dignity in all interactions, and balancing structured skill-building with opportunities for exploration, creativity, and self-regulation. Therapy is collaborative and family centered, and I partner closely with caregivers to ensure strategies are practical, sustainable, and aligned with family values. Each session is designed to be purposeful, engaging, and supportive of long-term quality of life.

Families who join our center can expect a supportive, respectful, and highly individualized experience. We focus on the whole child, not just skills, ensuring therapy builds confidence, autonomy, and emotional well-being. We strive to minimize disruptions and cancellations to provide children with a secure and reliable learning environment. Caregivers are integral to the treatment process, and we offer coaching, feedback, and collaboration so strategies extend beyond therapy. All interventions are grounded in ABA research, guided by ongoing data collection and careful observation. Every child is treated with compassion, patience, and respect, ensuring therapy is a positive and affirming experience. We teach functional, lifelong skills that promote independence, problem-solving, and meaningful participation at home, school, and in the community. Academy for Effective Behavior Intervention is built on values of compassion, excellence, collaboration, and respect, with a mission to create lasting impact for children and families by blending science with humanity.